After 25 years as a local tradition, Port Orchard’s Festival of Chimes & Lights has been reimagined and renamed “Holiday on the Bay.”

The event, set for Dec. 7 from 3 to 8 p.m., will feature new holiday activities downtown.

Festivities will include a Holiday Market, an Elf Expedition Scavenger Hunt, a Pet Parade and Character Costume Contest, and a Santa Village. A main stage will provide live entertainment, and Port Orchard Ford will operate a shuttle service for access to downtown.

The event will also feature 54 Christmas trees decorated by community members, lining the sidewalks to add to the festive atmosphere.

Earlier in the day, the South Kitsap Rotary will host the “Santa Sleighs 5K” at McCormick Woods, replacing the previous Jingle Bell Run. Proceeds will benefit local organizations.

Samantha Rolstad, owner of Josephine’s Mercantile and Revival and the primary coordinator for Holiday on the Bay, highlighted the community collaboration that went into reimagining the event. She noted that last year’s festival faced challenges due to ongoing construction, which affected decorations and tree placement.

“Last year’s event had some unforeseen variables, but this year we’re working with multiple community partners,” Rolstad said. “It’s like baking a big pie, with each partner taking a slice.”

Shane Wood, general manager at Port Orchard Ford, emphasized the community-driven approach to this year’s event. “This event is truly reimagined through community support, with some funding from the city,” Wood said. “Sam [Rolstad] has done an amazing job bringing this vision to life. We’re setting high standards, and when the event takes place, people will see the effort that’s gone into it.”

The Port Orchard Bay Street Association and the city partnered to form a Christmas Coalition, with contributions from community groups and businesses such as the South Kitsap chamber, Port Orchard marina, Fathoms O’ Fun, New Life Church and Port Orchard Ford.