Virtual and distanced, Holiday at the Bay is still happening

EVERETT — Christmas isn’t canceled, just modified. The annual Holiday on the Bay at the Port of Everett is happening Dec. 5 with a combination of virtual and socially distanced events.

A Christmas-lighted boat parade, holiday movie drive-ins, a virtual tree lighting, take-home craft kits and food and toy drives are all on the schedule.

“Folks have looked forward to this every year, it’s become a tradition for many families,” Port spokeswoman Catherine Soper said.

It’s a chance for free holiday fun that normally draws about 3,000 throughout a day filled with festive events.

This year, the port’s Christmas tree will be set up by the travel lift pier — you’ll see it if you’re looking toward the water from the back patio at Scuttlebutt Brewing.

The tree will be lit on a random day to keep folks from gathering, Soper said. But you can watch a video of the lighting at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 5.

There’s also two drive-in movies at Boxcar park with “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (G) at 5 p.m and “Elf” (PG) at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are already full, Soper said.

This past summer, reservations for the Port’s drive-in movie series filled up within days.

There’s a few key events missing this year — cookie decorating, fire truck rides, face painting and live music.

Instead, the port teamed up with Imagine Children’s Museum to offer free “DIY” holiday craft kits to complete at home. Curbside pick-up is available noon to 5 p.m. at Waterfront Center on Dec. 5. You can reserve a kit at www.portofeverett.com/crafts.

For the first time this year, the Everett Public Library is offering a virtual winter-themed book reading on the Port of Everett and Everett Public Library social media channels, with a new book launching every hour on the hour from noon to 6 p.m.

The toy and food drives are back this year with new, unwrapped toys for kids and nonperishable food donations accepted now through Dec. 5 to the drop boxes located in the Port’s Waterfront Center lobby near the Scuttlebutt entrance.

Anthony’s Restaurants food truck FINN and the Trophy Cupcakes food truck will set up at the waterfront with grab-and-go options with proceeds benefiting Mary’s Place, No Child Sleeps Outside effort. The time and location is to be determined.

The boat parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the north marina by Boxcar park and will sail past Lombardi’s and Anthony’s HomePort to guest dock one. Viewers are encouraged to maintain social distancing along the shore.

“It’s going to look different this year, but if we can still give an opportunity for families to get out for free fun, we will,” Soper said.

Learn more at www.portofeverett.com/holidayonthebay.

Julia-Grace Sanders: 425-339-3439; jgsanders@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @sanders_julia.