Join us in Port Gamble for our Christmas Lights Extravaganza — more than 100,000 lights will be shining here.

Get started on Christmas shopping and remember to shop local.

We are excited to have a full calendar for those looking for things to do this month and new businesses in Port Gamble — don’t forget to drive through at night and check out all the lights during the month.

Events for December
— Country Christmas: Dec. 10-11. It’s our favorite time of the year! This Country Christmas is kicking off 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 10, and continues from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec.11.  

Join us for the following family activities:

Fruitcake Contest. Have them turned in noon to 12:45 p.m. on Saturday at House 11 (the Wedding & Events office, across from the water towers). This is a closed, judged event.

Wagon Rides with Santa. All day on both days.

Photos with Santa. Throughout both days.

Santa’s Workshop. Inside the Walker Ames House on both days. Bring the kids for letter-writing to Santa, pictures, gingerbread house-making and decorating activities to boost the holiday cheer. There is a small fee required and the activities vary each day.

Tree lighting. On Saturday, 5 p.m., by the Community Hall.

Fireworks. Sponsored by FerrellGas, between 5:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Look for our VIP special through Facebook.

Other December events with our local businesses:
— Tea Cup Exchange, Dec. 3, 11 a.m., Tea Room at Port Gamble (360-297-4225).Enjoy the sixth annual Tea Cup Exchange at the Tea Room at Port Gamble.  Bring in a wrapped teacup to exchange and leave with a new one as your own. Tea and scones will be served during this event. A fun time will be had by all as the tea cups are opened, stolen, swapped, etc. with the other guests.

— Mrs. Claus for Kids, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Once again, the Tea Room at Port Gamble will invite the cheery Mrs. Claus to share her jolly stories of Santa, enjoy crafts, help write letters to Santa, and eat some yummy food.

— Reading of “The Night Before Christmas,” Dec. 18, 2 p.m. Re-live the magic of holidays past — enjoying holiday cookies and treats, hot cider, hot chocolate and tea while listening to a guest reader recite Clement Moore’s famed poem, as well as other Christmastime treasures. This is a great activity for both young and old.

At local businesses
— Port Gamble General Store has more than eight Christmas trees and is decked out for the holidays.  (360-297-7636)

— Dauntless Bookstore will host an “Envy” book signing with author Gregg Olsen. For time and more information, call 297-4043.

— Wise Oaks, a new business located within Dauntless Bookstore, will be offering deep tissue massage, Swedish relaxation massage, energetic modalities and MFR therapy.

— WISH, a mercantile has moved around the corner to House 10, next to the Wedding & Event office (360-930-8437. Winter hours are Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

— Look for a new business by Sharon Krepps in House 20, for therapeutic and Lomi Lomi massage and Hawaiian healing arts. Opening Dec. 1.

Here are the ways you can keep up with us in Port Gamble, and we look forward to seeing you this month and in 2012:

Follow us on Twitter at PortGamble or “Like” us on Facebook and receive daily updates on events in Port Gamble. You can find specials from our local businesses, news updates and even some special giveaways.

Follow our weddings on Twitter at PortGambleWed and Facebook us at Port Gamble or Port Gamble Weddings.

Check out our new updated wedding website, www.portgambleweddings.com. The main website, www.portgamble.com, has just gone live with a new look.

Planning a wedding? Even if you’re not, see the latest wedding commentary, photos and trends on our new wedding blog at gamblechapel.blogspot.com.