Snow may rarely dust Friday Harbor, but that doesn’t stop the holiday spirit from taking over the island for the entire month of December. The Friday Harbor Winterfest isn’t just one day, or a long weekend, but an entire month of holiday cheer! From gift shopping events to musical nights and everything in between, San Juan Island has some of the most festive holiday events around.
San Juan Island Artisans Holiday Marketplace: November 29-30
Thanksgiving is over and if you don’t want to deal with the hectic Black Friday, but you can’t wait to get your house all dressed up and cozy for the holidays, then come to the San Juan Island Artisans Holiday Marketplace! There you’ll find local vendors from the island selling their holiday-themed crafts and gifts. You’ll find decorative pillows that will put the finishing touches on your couch, one-of-a-kind ornaments, photography, clothing items, and more.
Island Lights Festival: November 30
One of the most anticipated events of the holiday season is the Island Lights Festival. Nothing warms you up more than seeing a town glowing with thousands of Christmas lights. On November 30th, every person on San Juan Island makes their way to downtown Friday Harbor to witness the lighting of the town. You can enjoy the festival with a cup of hot cocoa or apple cider and continue the holiday festivities at Brickworks where you can find a jolly Santa and harvest-style spread of local soups and dishes.
Old-Fashioned Christmas Market at Brickworks: December 14
Don’t fret if you haven’t found the perfect gift for that special someone. The Old-Fashioned Christmas Market boasts an incredible collection of artisans selling unique gifts that will blow anyone away. This European-style market is decorated with lights and live music to give you a bustling, village experience to stock up on presents.
San Juan Singers Winter Concert: Dec 14-15
Feel shivers shimmy down your spine at the sound of the San Juan Singer’s community chorus. Every year, these singers delight audiences with their soulful renditions of holiday classics. Sing along and sway with your family and friends as this group of passionate musicians blend together to create the magical sounds of the holidays.
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: Dec 19-22
Follow the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. The San Juan Community Theater is performing this age-old take all over the San Juan Islands with the last 4 performances a the Whittier Theater in Friday Harbor. This annual tradition brings people from all over the state to cry, laugh, and cheer during this soulful production.
Resolution Run/Walk 5K & Splish Splash: Jan 1
Start your year off on the right foot with a Resolution Run 5K at Jackson Beach in Friday Harbor. With a community as fit and health-focused as the San Juan Island community, it only makes sense that the first activity of the new year is a 5K ending with an icy dip in the Salish Sea. Fires will be ready and warm post-dip and there will be hot drinks to warm you up after this exhilarating event!
The San Juan Islands are a holiday haven with events ringing through the town practically every weekend until the end of the year. Come for a little bit and embrace the magical feel of the islands or stay awhile and let the island bring out the holiday spirit in you. We’d love to host you for a few cozy days and nights of holiday season magic!
