With COVID-19 restrictions easing, there’s no more “Bah, Humbug” so downtown Bainbridge Island is excited about holiday festivities returning.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors to share in Bainbridge Island’s warm community spirit this holiday season,” said Chris Mueller, executive director of Visit Bainbridge Island. “Whether you’re looking for the bright holiday lights of our historic downtown, sharing the warmth of a tree or Menorah lighting, engaging activities for little ones, or walking through hushed Evergreen hollows and taking in the crisp salt air of our beaches under starry nights, the opportunities to gather and make cherished memories are nearly limitless.”

The holidays kick off the weekend following Thanksgiving with a series of events.

The Annual Tree Lighting in downtown Winslow will take place Nov. 27. The historic downtown is lined with boutique retailers who dress up their storefronts for the traditional beginning of the holiday season. Santa has been known to arrive by fire truck in time to light the tree.

Chabad of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap joins the Downtown Association in celebrating the Festival of Lights with the lighting of the community menorah nightly, Nov. 28 to Dec. 6 at Winslow Green.

Bainbridge Island Kids’ Discovery Museum hosts the Holidays at KiDiMu for children through age 10 all month long.

Pleasant Beach Village in historic Lynwood Center offers a slate of holiday activities, including Gingerbread House parties, Saturday visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a new skating rink.

The annual Winter Studio Tour featuring crafts by BI artists will take place Dec. 3-5 in studios around the island.

Nature lovers are invited to celebrate the holidays at Winter in the Woods, an all-ages outdoor experience at Bloedel Reserve, Dec. 4 to Jan. 9, 2022. The 150-acre public garden and forest preserve invites guests to see the garden in its seasonal splendor with illuminated trails and imaginative woodland creatures.

For a truly magical holiday experience, several special Christmas light displays will be set up, including Bainbridge Island Parks’ drive-through display at Fay Bainbridge Park Dec. 9-12 and 16-19.

Several venues will host seasonal concerts, including a special reunion performance by Total Experience Gospel Choir alumni at The Manor House Dec. 23.

No island visit would be complete without visiting U-Cut Christmas Tree farms, Winter markets, breweries and artisan wineries.

For details go to VisitBainbridgeIsland.org/Holidays.