POULSBO — Little else signals the holiday spirit in the way of downtown Poulsbo. Draped in garland, bows and lights, historic downtown glows in the season, and offers no shortage of events to celebrate another year gone by.

Meet Father Christmas and take a ride

Father Christmas will collect nonperishable food for North Kitsap Fishline and gifts for local kids in need in the Havne Vei walkway, where his seasonal house sits ready to greet young visitors on Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. On Dec. 13 and 20 horse drawn carriage rides will take downtown patrons on a tour through town.

Additionally, Santa’s mailbox will be located in front of Hearts N’ Homespun. Kids can post letters until Dec. 20, and expect a note from the North Pole native in return.

A much beloved tradition, and a new one begins

Little Norway’s Yule Fest and Christmas Bazaar will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Sons of Norway lodge, which overlooks Liberty Bay and Waterfront Park. Handmade items, baked goodies, famous Norwegian lefse and more holiday treats for the taste buds will be up for grabs. At 2 p.m. the Poulsbo Elementary fifth grade chorus will perform.

At 4 p.m., the party moves to the park. Christmas music, including that from Poulsbo Elementary’s fifth-grade choir, games and rocking around the Christmas tree will take place.

The traditional Lucia Bride ceremony begins at 5 p.m., as the bride is escorted from a boat on the bay to the awaiting crowd by a garrison of historically dressed Vikings. The ceremony ends in the lighting of a bonfire for warmth; soon after Christmas tree lights are blazed in celebration as well.

Hot dogs, hot cider and hot chocolate will be available. (Call (360) 779-5209 for more information.)

Also, this year rings in the newest in Little Norway activities: A gingerbread house competition is in the making, allowing residents to put together their very own sweetened structures and display them in participating downtown shops. Judging will occur Dec. 5, and prizes given Dec. 6, at which time there will also be maps available to tour the mini housing displays. Call Marina Market at (360) 779-8430 for more information.

Sing a song and set sail

Downtown will come alive with the sound of caroling on Dec. 13, when choir groups and bands from throughout the county gather to “busk” for votes along Front Street.

Take a walking tour of the different sounds and sights, and join in a mass sing-a-long once the caroling competition is complete. The event also collects food for Fishline. Visit www.caroling4food.com to learn more.

Lastly, the Poulsbo Yacht Club’s lighted yacht parade will put an added sparkle on the bay on Dec. 13. Club boats set sail on two different routes, sending personalized messages from Santa to kids.

To set up a message for a family member or friend, call (360) 779-3116.