Nothing lifts the spirits more on an inky black winter’s night, than light. Pure. Brilliant. Shimmering like the stars.

Kingston Cove flowers

And this month, the Kitsap Peninsula has two special displays that radiate the joy of the season.

Kingston Cove lighthouse

At the Port of Kingston, employees and a group of volunteers began planning the array in March.

Kingston Cove sea turtle

It took about six weeks and 400,000 lights to create the exuberant waterfront show at Mike Wallace Park next to the Kingston Ferry dock.

Kingston Cove floral close-up

The twinkling works of art include birds, butterflies, flowers and a sea serpent. A 33-foot tall tree anchors the display.

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Near Poulsbo, retired architect and model builder Ron Comin has created a 600-foot-long enchanted trail at his rural home.

Christmas on Big Valley

There’s a 1/25th scale garden railroad,

Big Valley RR

a North Pole village complete with Santa’s workshop

North Pole Village

and glittering woodland scenes.

Big Valley woodland

Starting in September, Ron placed about 72,000 lights by hand for an expected 1,500-2,000 visitors.

Big Valley delights kids

“The kids get all excited,” he said. “I do it for the kids.”

Big Valley kids 2

Like the holidays, the magical displays will be gone before you know it. Visit our website now to plan a light-filled family getaway before the exhibits go dark for the year. Here are lodging ideas and more family-friendly things to see and do on the Kitsap Peninsula.

Details:

The Port of Kingston’s display at Mike Wallace Park continues daily through Jan. 3 and is free to the public. The park is easily accessible via Washington State Ferries or by driving around via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

Christmas in Big Valley, 26730 Big Valley Road, Poulsbo, is open 4:30-9:30 p.m. daily through Jan. 1. Admission is $8. Children age 6 and younger are free. Click here for a map and visit our website for more things to do in Poulsbo.