The goblins and ghouls are being replaced by ornaments and wreaths, the brightly colored leaves will soon be replaced with brightly colored lights. And in the same spirit of seasonal changes, Port Gamble is putting away the scares in exchange for holiday cheer.

The Port Gamble General Store will kick off the holiday season with its eighth annual Holiday Open House from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 11. The historic general store will be turned into a wonderland of trees. Holiday merchandise will be unveiled, and there will be live music, cookies and coffee, giveaways, and a sale — 20 percent off all holiday merchandise and decor. As a benefit for the Kingston Food Bank, bring two nonperishable food items and get an extra 10 percent off the cost of an item … no limit.

Complimentary gift wrap will be provided for purchases. Come and see Kitsap’s holiday destination at the Port Gamble General Store & Café (www.portgamblegeneralstore.com).

A look ahead: Port Gamble Country Christmas

Coming up in December is perhaps our biggest event of the year: Port Gamble’s annual Country Christmas. Join us for a traditional holiday weekend from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 9 and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 10 and take in the sight of more than 100,000 Christmas lights.

Saturday is the main event, with Santa’s Workshop (10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $5 per child) hosted by the Girl Scouts of Western Washington, and tractor rides, lighting of the Post Office building, sidewalk sales, and a spectacular fireworks show provided by Boomtown Productions.

Be sure to join us on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Santa’s Workshop, continued specials and holiday cheer at the Port Gamble shops. Visit our website, www.portgamble.com (Events tab) for more details as we get closer to the event.

Sweet surprise to season’s end at Port Gamble Theater

The Port Gamble Theater is ready for the holiday season with a sweet and scrumptious production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” Dec. 1-17. A special matinee performance will be staged at 2 p.m. Dec. 9 in conjunction with the Port Gamble Country Christmas.

You have a “Golden Ticket” to this Roald Dahl family favorite.

Charlie Bucket lives in poverty in a tiny house with his parents and four grandparents. But his life is about to change when he is the winner of the fifth golden ticket and enters the magical world of the mysterious Willy Wonka! Get your tickets soon at www.portgambletheater.com; this is one of the theater’s most popular shows and is sure to sell out quickly.

Ghost Walk tour dates, special investigations filling up fast

The popular annual Ghost Walks, 7-10 p.m. October through March, typically sell out fast. Take a guided tour of Port Gamble, get to know the town’s history and experience the paranormal. The tour includes stops in the Walker-Ames House, Historic Museum, Post Office, old morgue and the Buena Vista Cemetery.

Here are the available dates: Nov. 4, Dec. 2, Jan. 6, Feb. 3, and March 3. Participants must be 16 or older. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased at www.portgambleparanormal.com.

Ever wondered what it’s like to take part in a paranormal investigation? Join me, a paranormal investigator, for an evening in the famed Walker-Ames House. You’ll get an in-depth look into the history and “long-term” residents while seeking to find out what goes bump in the night. The investigation will place from 7-10 p.m. Dress warm and bring a flashlight and equipment for ghost hunting. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at www.portgambleparanormal.com. Participants must be 16 or older.

Here are the investigation dates: Nov. 11, Dec. 16, Jan. 20, Feb. 17, March 10.

Have your event at the Port Gamble Museum

Make your next company retreat or party one for the history books in the Port Gamble Historic Museum. You’ll take a step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of one of Washington state’s oldest towns.

Built in 1916 as one of the mill site offices, the museum was designed in 1972 and opened in 1976. It houses historical items from Port Gamble and the sawmill which operated from 1853-1995.

This space is ideal for 25-30 people and is perfect for a cocktail reception or private tours and retreats in a colorful historic setting, amid amazing displays of territorial and state history. Give Port Gamble Weddings & Events a call at 360-297-8074 to book your next event.

Amenities: 6-foot banquet table, six bistro-style tables, Wi-Fi, chairs, ample free parking, and no gratuity or service fees. In addition, a museum attendant will be present to give a brief history and answer questions.

Catering options available: $300 for two hours, $100 for each additional hour.

Commuter parking spaces available

Did you know that Pope Resources/Olympic Property Group LLC has six parking space for rent, literally steps from the Kingston ferry landing? These prime parking spaces can be rented on a month-to-month basis for $65 per month, with no deposit, and are ACH capable. Contact Port Gamble Property Manager Tonya Caswell at 360-297-7251 to rent a no-hassle prime parking space.

Stay in touch

Stay up-to-date with activities and happenings at Port Gamble by subscribing to the monthly Port Gamble e-newsletter at www.portgamble.com. Call 360-297-8074 or email portgamble@orminc.com. View our Calendar of Events for 2017 at www.portgamble.com.

— Pete Orbea is events supervisor at Port Gamble. Contact him at porbea@orminc.com