A Winter Wonderland in the Magic Skagit

Parades, Tree Lightings and Family Events

In true Skagit style, holiday events take place in unique and picturesque locations, like the La Conner Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, where decorated boats float down the Swinomish Channel. There are several tree lightings across the county in communities including Mount Vernon, Concrete, Burlington and Sedro-Woolley. 

If you’re looking for a free, family-friendly activity, check out Winter Wonderland, hosted by the Children’s Museum of Skagit County at Burlington Plaza. On the first full weekend of December, the museum transforms into a playground of sledding, crafts, and plenty of indoor and outdoor fun.  

Be sure to check out their Community Access Day, too, held on the second Tuesday of each month with pay-as-you-can admission, including no charge. 

Towards the end of January, the Skagit Riverwalk in Mount Vernon lights up for the Illuminight Winter Walk – an annual tradition in which locals and visitors gather with lighted handmade lanterns. It celebrates community, creativity and connection, all backdropped by beautiful Skagit Valley scenery and live music.

Birdwatching

The snow geese migration in Skagit County is one of the region’s most spectacular wildlife displays. Skagit Valley sits along the Pacific Flyway, a major bird migration route, bringing thousands of geese here, gathering in the fields and marshes across the county. 

You can often see them without meaning to as you drive along country roads, or find them in parks and along trails through the valley. Some viewing spots include Fir Island Farm Reserve and Wiley Slough—Skagit Wildlife Area. Check the wildlife area’s access alerts before visiting Wiley Slough. 

Head to the North Cascades to see high concentrations of bald eagles in December. The peak viewing season is typically late November through January, when large concentrations of these eagles migrate to the Skagit River from as far as Alaska. See these tours that can lead you on guided adventures along the river.

Snowshoeing

The North Cascades rise along the eastern side of Skagit County, with communities such as Concrete, Rockport and Sedro-Woolley providing gateways to outdoor adventure. The foothills offer beautiful winter scenery, with opportunities for hiking or snowshoeing depending on snow conditions.  

Explore Horseshoe Cove, near Baker Lake, or Shadow of the Sentinels. Concrete makes a great basecamp for exploring the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, with access to the Baker Lake area via Highway 20 and Baker Lake Road. 

Be sure to check road conditions and see our travel advisory page for road closure updates this winter.

Arts and Culture

If you’re looking to explore art, head to one of many creative communities throughout the county. Known as a hub for creativity, La Conner’s streets are lined with local galleries. The town also hosts a monthly gallery walk each second Saturday, Art Under the Stars. 

Head to the Lincoln Theatre, Concrete Theatre or Anacortes Community Theatre for entertaining shows, movies and plays throughout the holiday season.  

The Museum of Northwest Art continues its exhibition, Surge: A Geography of Flow, through January 10, 2027 – a beautiful exhibit that bridges art and science.

Sports

Celebrate the season with two festive community runs! The Anacortes Santa Run takes place December 12, followed by the Bulldog Sleigh Ride 5K Fun Run/Walk on December 19. Add a little movement to your holiday plans and join the seasonal fun. 

Basketball fans can mark their calendars for the NWAC Crossover Women’s Basketball event December 11–13. Keep the excitement going into the new year with the Skagit Classic Women’s Basketball event January 1–3.

Extend your stay and turn a weekend getaway into a three-day adventure through Skagit County. From a cabin in the foothills of the North Cascades to a luxury stay on the shores of Anacortes, discover the magic of Skagit and all of its lodging options here.