The weather has cooled, the clocks have fallen back and any day now snow will blanket the foothills of Skagit County. Soon pumpkins will give way to wreaths and twinkle lights will replace falling foliage—all visual reminders that as the days grow shorter and the nights colder the most magical time of year is on the horizon.
From now through December 25, there are an abundance of activities to celebrate the holiday season. From Scandinavian smorgasbords to lighted boat parades and tree gazing to trolley rides, there are events sure to spark the joy of the season in every person in Skagit County.
Anacortes Coastal Christmas
November 17–December 24
The Anacortes chamber of commerce welcomes you to join an amazing month-long celebration of the holidays, the Anacortes Coastal Christmas. Enjoy free horse-drawn trolley rides throughout the season, a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, the annual Lion’s Club parade, music and theater events, and festive “Celebrate the Season” holiday activities at the Port of Anacortes Transit Shed Center.
Downtown Horse Trolley Rides
First Four Saturdays in December 1, 8, 15, 22, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Annual Anacortes Farmers Market Holiday Event
100 Commercial Ave. at the Port Event Center
November 17 & 18, 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Breakfast with Santa
Anacortes Senior Center
December 1, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Cost: $6
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
819 Commercial Avenue
December 7, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free (Free photos with Santa after the lighting!)
Holiday Art Walk
Downtown Anacortes
December 7, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Annual Lions Club Parade
Commercial Ave.
December 8, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
“Noel Noir”
Anacortes Community Theater
Thursday, Friday, Saturday Performances throughout the season
Click on this link for details
“Celebrate the Season”
Port of Anacortes Transit Shed Events Center, 100 Commercial Ave.
December 8- 9, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Celtic Christmas Concert
Port of Anacortes Transit Shed Events Center, 100 Commercial Ave.
December 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free with donation of a new unwrapped toy or nonperishable food item.
Turkey Trot participants pick up their bib numbers. Photo courtesy: Skagit Valley Running
La Conner Turkey Trot
La Conner High School
Thanksgiving Thursday, November 22, 8:00 a.m. Race Begins
Cost: Adults $15-$30 (depending on race), Kids Dash free
If you like to start Thanksgiving Day with some outdoor exercise, the 12th annual La Conner Turkey Trot is the perfect event for you. This hometown run is hosted by the La Conner Schools Booster Club with proceeds benefiting the La Conner Braves Track & Field Booster Club.
Festival of Trees
Skagit Center, 1000 Fountain St., Burlington
November 23, 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
November 25, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: $5/guest, kids under 2 Free
The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation presents the 30th annual Festival of Trees. Event proceeds will benefit the foundation’s Women’s Imaging Center Capital Campaign. During the Family Festival Days come and view the meticulously decorated trees and enjoy live entertainment, kids’ activities, “festive” Glassybaby sales, designer wreath sales and Christmas Tree raffle ticket sales.
Downtown Mount Vernon Small Business Saturday
Downtown Mount Vernon
November 24, All Day
Support our local businesses and experience great deals, giveaways, and a “festive spirit” while celebrating Small Business Saturday in downtown Mount Vernon.
McIntyre Hall Music and Dance Productions
Skagit Valley Community College, Mount Vernon
McIntyre Hall has an impressive lineup of holiday performances featuring the Skagit Symphony, Skagit Valley Academy of Dance, Skagit Community Band, Skagit Valley College Choirs and the Mount Vernon High School Choirs and Instrumental and Choral Music.
Deck the Halls & All That Jazz
November 27, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: General $12, Students and Seniors $10, SVC Students $5
Skagit Valley Academy of Dance presents The Nutcracker
November 30, 7:30 p.m.
December 1, 2:00 p.m.
Cost: reserved seating $20-$37
Heralding Christmas
December 7, 7:30 p.m.
December 9, 2:00 p.m.
Cost: reserved seating $16-25, seniors, students, military, groups $14, CYO
Holiday Concert
December 8, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: reserved seating $10-$45
Mount Vernon High School Holiday Concert
December 12,13, 7:00 p.m.
Cost: general admission, pay what you can.
Northwest Ballet presents The Nutcracker
December 14, 7:30 p.m.
December 15, 2:00 p.m.
December 16, 2:00 p.m.
Cost: reserved seating $15-$40
The Journey’s Christmas Concert
December 20, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: reserved seating $20-$24
Breakfast with Santa and Children’s Shopping Extravaganza
Hillcrest Park, Mount Vernon
December 1, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Cost: Breakfast, $5 Shopping Extravaganza, free admission
Breakfast with Santa is one of Mount Vernon’s most popular and beloved family traditions. After a hearty pancake breakfast and a visit with Santa at Hillcrest Lodge, head next door to the Hillcrest Park Recreation Building for the Children’s Shopping Extravaganza, where every item is priced $5 or under.
Christmas in Concrete
Concrete Town Center and Concrete Theater
December 1, 6:00 p.m.
Concrete will host a celebration that includes a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a Christmas tree lighting, community carol singing and a special movie showing at the Concrete Theater.
Smorgasbord at the Farmhouse Restaurant
December 2, 9
Cost: $36.95-39.95
Eager to try Lutefisk? The only place offering an authentic Scandinavian smorgasbord is Skagit Valley’s Farmhouse Restaurant. On the first two Sundays of December, the restaurant will offer a Nordic feast of lutefisk, fish balls, fish cakes, Swedish meatballs, ham, kumla, pickled herring, cold poached salmon, potatoes, lefse, krumkakke, puddings and more. People come all the way from Poulsbo for this spectacular spread. Make reservations well in advance for reserved seating or come the day of for dining room seating.
Sedro Whoolleyville the Holiday Whobilation with Lighted Parade
December 2, 5:00 p.m.
December 9, 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
It is a Seussian Christmas in Sedro Woolley with a Sedro Whoolleyville-themed “joyful celebration of all that makes our town special and unique.” There are many activities for the whole family including a Christmas tree lighting, parade and Santa breakfast, face painting, pony rides and train rides, all free. Come one, come all and join in the Whobilation.
Downtown Mount Vernon Association Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony
Downtown Mt. Vernon
December 2, 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Hundreds of people don their warmest winter wear and line 1st Street to gaze at the lighted floats of the Old Fashioned Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony in Mount Vernon. annual parade that ends with an appearance by Santa. Directly following the parade, stroll over to Pine Square for the lighting of the community Christmas tree.
La Conner Community Tree Lighting
December 2, 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Gather at Gilkey Square for the annual La Conner Christmas Tree Lighting and then stroll around the beautifully decorated village and grab dinner at one of the many restaurants.
Burlington Annual Tree Lighting and Santa’s Arrival
Alpha Park
December 6, 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Witness Santa’s arrival by fire truck and view the tree lighting at Alpha Park in Burlingon. Directly after, join Santa at the visitor’s center for hot cocoa and photos. Don’t forget your camera!
“Winter Wonderland” at the Children’s Museum of Skagit County
The Outlet Shoppes at Burlington, 448 Fashion Way
December 7, 8, 9
Cost: Free
Bring your entire family to the Children’s Museum of Skagit County’s “Winter Wonderland” for games, activities, food vendors and real mountain snow. Kids will find bouncy houses, slides, a climbing wall and many other exciting activities.
La Conner Lighted Boat Parade
Swinomish Channel
December 9, 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Bundle up your family and find a spot along La Conner’s boardwalk overlooking the Swinomish channel for the area’s only Lighted Boat Parade. Fantastically lighted boats start at La Conner Marina and travel under Rainbow Bridge.
Littlefield Celtic Center Holiday Open House
Littlefield Celtic Center, Cleveland Ave., Mount Vernon
December 10, 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Spend the afternoon exploring the Littlefield Celtic Center’s Holiday Open House. Tour the facility, listen to Celtic music and learn about all the center has to offer. Homemade cookies with edible sugar kilts, hot cider, cocoa, coffee and tea, and a festive social atmosphere will be provided.
