Join us for an Anacortes Coastal Christmas! Friends and families stroll through our illuminated downtown, gather around the Coastal Christmas Tree, and join together to sing carols. With music, parades, holiday fairs & markets, concerts, art shows, trolley rides, and more, Anacortes shines brightly all month long.
With dozens of local activities throughout the season, there is something for everyone. The holiday season is a magical time to visit, with the town lit up for the winter nights, amazing offers on local hotels and bed & breakfasts, and warm inviting eateries to welcome you in from your brisk hikes in local parks or strolls down Commercial Avenue.
For a complete list of local community events stay updated with our community events calendar!
2022 Coastal Christmas Events Flyer
Tree Lighting Celebration
December 2nd, 6:00pm, Anacortes Chamber of Commerce
Jingle all the way down to the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce for the Coastal Tree Lighting featuring music, guest appearances from Santa, hot cocoa, and festive cheer. Enjoy the Holiday Art Walk downtown after brought to you by the Anacortes Merchants and the Anacortes Chamber of commerce.
Holiday Parade
December 3rd, 11:00am, Downtown
Join us downtown for the Lions Club annual parade! Whether you want to participate or watch, for more information visit https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/anacortes/ then join us at Rosario Assisted Living for cookies and fun after the parade!
Creative Avenue Market
December 3rd, 10:00am-3:00pm, Buxton’s
Shop local this holiday season! Check out Creative Avenue NW’s special holiday market for an indoor market of handmade items & locally sourced goodies by local artists, makers, and more. https://www.creativeavenuenw.com/upcomingevents
Lighted Boat Parade
December 3rd, 6:30pm, starting at the Cap Sante Marina
Brought to you by the Anacortes Waterfront Alliance, the Port of Anacortes, San Juan Marine Freight & Service, and the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce! Bring flashlights so the boaters know you are watching! To participate please contact the Anacortes Chamber for more information.
Celebrate the Season Gala
December 3rd, 5:30pm-10:00pm, registration required
Support the 10th annual Fundraising Dinner Gala cause by participating in the online auction brought to you by the Anacortes Schools Foundation. https://event.auctria.com/7acb7bf7-04cf-4b81-8086-6315cfdd4332/a809178051b511ea91bae14d12592328
Horse Drawn Trolley Rides
December 3rd, 10th, 17th, 12:00pm-3:00pm, Downtown
Enjoy our seasonal traditions with a horse drawn trolley ride and stop at our local, festive shops and dining! Free for all ages brought to you by the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce.
Anacortes Charm Walk
December 3rd-10th, registration required, Downtown
Charmers can pick up their bracelets at the Chamber office during business hours or have them shipped to you before the event. Visit an eclectic mix of vintage shops, boutiques, coffee shops, eateries, and more to collect your charms. For more details and a list of participating businesses and hours, and to register, please visit https://anacortes.org/event/anacortes-charm-walk/2022-12-03 brought to you by the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce.
Wonderland Walk
December 9th & 10th, 5:00pm-8:00pm, Washington Park
Come enjoy the spirit of the holidays at the Wonderland Walk at Washington Park. This free festive, nature walk takes place outdoors so please dress accordingly. We recommend you bring a flashlight to guide yourself through the event.
The campground will be decorated with holiday cheer by local groups and organizations, and there will be live music, campfires, and hot chocolate.
For more information or if you would like to decorate a campsite for the event, please see the link below:
https://www.anacorteswa.gov/1002/Wonderland-Walk-At-Washington-Park
Fine Arts Show
December 9th-18th, The Depot Arts Center
Be sure to stop by the Fine Arts Show at the Arts Depot and see the Madrona Grove lit up brought to you by the Anacortes Arts Festival. More information: https://anacortesartsfestival.com/special-events/
Anacortes Santa Run
December 10th, 9:00am-10:00am, registration required
5k run around the Cap Sante Marina with other fellow Santas! Santa suit included with registration. Register and find more info here: https://runsignup.com/Race/WA/Anacortes/SantasEggnogJog
Celebrate the Season Holiday Fair
December 10th, 11:00am-4:00pm & December 11th, 11:30am-3:00pm, The Port of Anacortes Transit Shed
ASF presents the annual Holiday Fair! Family-friendly, FREE and once again featuring lots of fun activities! Free pictures with Santa, ornament, and cookie decorating, the Student Marketplace, and more! Follow ASF on Facebook or Instagram for the most current information. https://www.anacortesschoolsfoundation.org/programs/holiday-fair-2022/
Skagit Symphony: Feliz Navidad
December 10th, 7:30pm-9:30pm & December 11th, 3:00pm-5:00pm, tickets required
Skagit Symphony brings you premier performances by Canadian composer Michael Torke with his sonic portrait of “December,” followed by a seldom-heard fusion of jazz and classical traditions from America’s most prolific composer, Edward “Duke” Ellington. In collaboration with Mount Vernon High School’s nationally recognized Mariachi and Folklorico ensemble, we’ll send you home filled with the spirit of the holidays.
For more information, visit www.skagitsymphony.com or call 360-848-9336
For tickets, visit www.mcintyrehall.org or call 360-416-7727 Tuesday thru Thursday 10:00am-2:00pm
Gingerbread Contest
December 11th, 11:30am-3:00pm, registration required, The Port Transit Shed
Come enter the Gingerbread Decorating Contest at the Port Transit Shed with your family and friends! Hosted by the Fidalgo Island Rotary Club. To see more information please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/3193026730937928/
Visit the North Pole
December 13th & 14th, preregistration required, Senior Activity Center
Free visits and pictures with Santa at the Senior Activity Center for children! Brought to you by the City of Anacortes Parks & Recreation Department. https://www.anacorteswa.gov/1490/Visit-The-North-Pole
Goeffrey Castle’s Celtic Christmas Concert
December 14th, 6:30pm-9:00pm, The Port Transit Shed
This Annual Celtic Christmas Concert at the Port is an irresistible blend of uplifting music, holiday spirit, and community fellowship. Every year the crowd grows larger and comes from greater distances to experience acclaimed Celtic artist Geoffrey Castle. Geoffrey brings together a team of accomplished musicians to give a captivating and unique performance. We offer a limited number of reserved seats for this popular event however there is no charge for general admission; instead, attendees are encouraged to provide food, gift, or cash donations in support of local food banks and the Toys for Tots program to help local families throughout the holidays. Brought to you by the Port of Anacortes, event information here: https://www.portofanacortes.com/event/geoffrey-castles-celtic-christmas-concert-2/
Rockin’ Yule Bizarre
December 17th, 6:00pm, tickets required, Buxton’s
Holiday concert at Buxton’s brought to you by the Anacortes Music Project. Be sure to check out https://anacortesmusicproject.org/calendar/ for more information on ticketing and their other concerts and events!
Caroling on Commercial
December 21st, 5:00-6:00pm, meet at the Visitors Information Center
Spread the cheer! Join us for the 5th Annual Caroling on Commercial. We will meet at the Anacortes Visitor’s Center at 5pm. Wear your warmest coat, hat, gloves, and shoes and join us as we stroll down Commercial Avenue singing traditional Christmas Carols with our friends and neighbors. Songbooks will be provided.
Festive Displays
Take a stroll downtown to view a number of local shops and restaurants who are showing off their festive cheer all month long! Window displays and lights throughout Anacortes make it a joyful holiday destination! Jolly painted windows by local artists partnered with Anacortes High School students will be on display brought to you by the Anacortes Arts Festival.