As Christmas preparations begin, you may find yourself wondering what you can do to entertain the whole family to get into the spirit of things. Luckily, there is no shortage of holiday entertainment happening in Skagit County this year.
Read on to find out about 6 Christmas events to attend that will keep everyone busy and ease the family into the holiday season:
Skagit County Christmas Events
Burlington Annual Tree Lighting and Community Caroling – Thursday, December 5th
Time: Show kicks off at 6:00 PM
Where: Alpha Park, Burlington
Entrance: Free
There’s nothing quite like the lighting of a tree to welcome in festive cheer and the season of merriment. Join in as the community begins the holiday season in a display of wonder and beauty for the lighting of the tree, an annual celebration and tradition enjoyed by many.
In keeping with the theme of festivities, you can head over to the post-celebrations at the Visitor Information Centre where there will be cookies, hot cocoa, coffee, and carols to enjoy. The man himself, Santa, will be arriving the next day on December 6th at the Outlet Shoppes in Burlington.
La Conner Tree Lighting and Santa Visit – Thursday, December 5th
Time: 5:30-6:30 PM
Where: Love La Conner, 413 Morris Street, La Conner, Washington, 98257
Entrance: Free
To get the celebrations started early, we would advise you to meander through to Gilkey Square where you can witness the lighting of the La Conner Christmas tree. In a display of enchanting lights and splendor, you will be taken on a journey back in time as Santa arrives on a vintage fire truck to signal the start of the Christmas festivities.
This is an evening not to be missed out on, featuring music from DJ Heidi, tasty cookie treats, cider, and delicious cocoa.
Anacortes Tree lighting – Friday, December 6th
Time: 6:00-7:00 PM
Where: Anacortes Chamber of Commerce parking lot
Entrance: Free
If you find yourself on holiday visiting the island of Anacortes, your holiday is surely not complete without a trip to see the annual lighting of the tree with your family and friends.
Expect a bit of singing from the likes of the talented local choirs, hot cocoa and, who knows, there may even be a visit from Santa himself.
La Conner Lighted Boat Parade – Saturday, December 7th
Time: 5:00-7:00 PM
Where: Swinomish Yacht Club, 310 North 1st Street, La Conner, Washington 98257
Entrance: Free
Are Christmas events complete without people donning their favorite Christmas sweaters? The La Conner Boat Parade ensures a full Christmas, complete with a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer theme, a visit from Santa for the kids, and festive season sweaters.
Head over to the Swinomish Yacht Club on Saturday, December 7th for an awe-inspiring, magical evening of twinkling lights and lit up boats. For the more eager and creative individuals, you can even go along the day before around noon to help decorate.
An array of delicious dishes will be served in the clubhouse after the parade should you decide to make it an excursion for the entire family.
Sedro-Whoolleyville Magic of Christmas – Saturday, December 7th
Time: 3:00-21:00
Where: Downtown Sedro-Woolley Metcalf Street
Entrance: Adults pay $10 for the Ugly Sweater Dash. $5 for military and minors. Free for children younger than 10.
Another idea is to register for the Sedro-Whoolleyville Magic of Christmas. This is a day of fun that kicks off with an Ugly Sweater or Christmas Outfit race for participants. Not only is this event open to the whole family, but you can also even bring along the dogs to enjoy the day.
The day consists of numerous activities to keep you busy. Enjoy a few carols from the high school students whilst moseying through their art installations. For the younger members of your family, you may prefer to bring them along later in the day where they can get their faces painted, enjoy pony and train rides, balloon art and crafts.
As if this all weren’t enough already, the day ends off with a sensational lighting of the tree and a parade thereafter. This is a Christmas event that promises to cater to all. If you’re the Grinch of the family, not to worry, he will be there too alongside Santa.
Old Fashioned Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting – Sunday, December 8th
Time: 5:00-6:30 PM
Where: Pine Square, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Entrance: Free
Calling local community members, visitors, and friends to the annual Christmas parade in downtown Mount Vernon. This event promises to be one filled with good cheer and laughs.
Why not finish off a winter Sunday afternoon with a trip to Pine Square to welcome in the season of cheer? There is a parade set to begin at 5:00 pm which anyone can sign up for. Just make sure you get your application in on time. Immediately after the parade, the tree will be lit up for all to gather and enjoy.
Check out all the events planned for Mount Vernon in 2020!