Gig Harbor is famous for a lot of things — classic waterfront shopping and dining, an array of boats and marinas, fantastic views of the water, mountains and Mount Rainier — and gorgeous homes.

From Raft Island to Crescent Valley and the Narrows bridges to Purdy Spit, Gig Harborites and mainlanders alike love driving the twists and turns of area roads and imagining what the insides of these homes look like.

One weekend each year, some of Gig Harbor’s most interesting and festively decorated homes open their doors and invite guests inside to share their clever designs, creative holiday decorations and stunning views. It is a holiday tradition for many families in the region who regularly enjoy the special occasion.

This year’s 16th annual Holiday Tour of Homes, sponsored by Altrusa Foundation of Gig Harbor, will take place Saturday and feature seven homes. For a $20 advance ticket, $25 on the day of the event, the public is invited to visit the homes, their decorations and views.

The tour will start at The Boys & Girls Club, 8502 Skansie Ave. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., tour-goers can pick up their programs and maps to begin sightseeing.

This year, they also will have a chance to do some gift shopping at the on-site holiday gift bazaar, which will feature items created by local artisans.

Ron and Gayle Stewart’s home is an eclectic array of trees in every room, and unique decorations and ornaments that have special meaning because they are antiques as well as newly created treasures.

“I’m a Christmas freak,” Gayle said. “They are all my treasures, and sometimes I find them at Goodwill, at thrift stores, and at garage sales. That is what makes it possible for us to fill up the house with Christmas.”

The tinsel tree in the front room and the skinny tree in the dining room that Gayle and Ron flocked are new additions to the collection. But there also are ornaments and decorations from previous generations that are a part of the Stewarts’ family Christmas.

Funds raised by the tour are dedicated to Altrusa of Gig Harbor Foundation, which supports local programs and projects for children, including the community kitchen at the Boys & Girls Club, Peninsula Youth Orchestra, Altrusa Serving Kids, and The Mentor Project.

Advance tickets are available at www.altrusagigharborfoundation.org, and at outlets including Kitsap Credit Union North and Uptown, The Boys & Girls Club, Seasons on the Bay, the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce, Edge Pilates and Bella Kitchen Essentials.