Holiday events this weekend

Holiday events kick off in earnest this weekend.

Kristmas Town Kiwanis and Peninsula Credit Union present the Holiday Magic Christmas Parade that begins at 5 p.m. Saturday on West Railroad Avenue in downtown Shelton.

The KMAS Holiday Christmas Party at Christmastown is hosted from 3-8 p.m. Friday in the Shelton Civic Center, 525 W. Cota St. Admission is free. Deejay Jeff Slakey will spin holiday favorites for dancing. Attendees can create crafts, win prizes and visit with Santa Claus.

Shelton Cinemas presents the holiday movie "The Muppet Christmas Carol" at 4 p.m. Friday. Admission is the donation of nonperishable food items for local food banks. Suggested donations include peanut butter, tuna, canned meats, beef stew, chili, soups, juice, macaroni and cheese, and canned beans. Lynch Creek Farms will give away humbug gnomes, batteries not included, while supplies last. The movie will end in time for people to watch the lighting of the downtown Christmas tree three blocks away at 6 p.m.

The Shelton Yacht Club hosts its annual Lighted Boat Parade starting at 4 p.m. Friday in Hammersly Inlet. The parade can be seen from waterfront locations, but the club notes visibility from the Shelton Yacht Club is limited.

Shelton Downtown Merchants and Kristmas Town Kiwanis host Holiday Magic events from 5-8 p.m. Friday. The community Christmas tree will be lit at 6 p.m. in Post Office Park. School choirs will perform and Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance.

Patrons can enjoy bonfires and marshmallow roasting, and wagon and kiddie train rides on West Railroad Avenue. Win prizes playing the Shelton Downtown Merchants' "Shop Shelton First" reward card. The shops will remain open until 8 p.m.

Hama Hama Oysters hosts a Holiday Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 35846 N. U.S. Highway 101 north of Lilliwaup. The offerings include live music, holiday caroling, food, an appearance by Santa Claus and products from local artisans.

Marmo Caffé & Gallery, 217 W. Cota St. in downtown Shelton hosts a Holiday Makers Market from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Artists, artisans and vendors will offer their products for sale.

The Grapeview Community Association sponsors a free Christmas party from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Horton Community Center at the Mason County Fire District No. 3 Hall on Grapeview Loop Road. Santa will arrive on a firetruck shortly after 10 a.m. Enjoy snacks, hot cocoa, juice, coffee, music and caroling for all ages.

The Hood Canal Improvement Club hosts a Holiday Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the New Community Church of Union, 951 E. Dalby Road in Union. More than 25 local artisans offer their goods, lunch specials with a variety of soups are available, and Chris Eakes entertains.

Gateway Christian Fellowship presents "A Community Christmas" from 7-9 p.m. Dec. 13 in the Shelton School District Performing Arts Center at Shelton High School. The event includes music, a moving drama by Seattle's Taproot Theatre, and a kids' party.

The Hood Canal Improvement Club and Friends of McCreavy House host a joint Old Fashioned Christmas Party open house from 1-4 p.m. Dec. 15 at the McCreavy House, 10 E. 2nd St., Union. The event includes a dessert potluck and refreshments, photo booth in the Senator's Room, music and Christmas carols led by Mick and Linda McCartney, Rhythm & Sass. The event is free and everyone is welcome.