December Travel

in the Skagit Valley

Welcome to the holiday season in Skagit County – an escape from the big city into small-town charm and outdoor adventure. With birding season in full swing and endless holiday shopping opportunities, Skagit is the perfect place to embrace the magic of winter. Dine, Sip, Stay, and Discover a variety of unique experiences in the Skagit Valley this December.

Parades & Tree Lightings

Every community celebrates with their own unique parades and tree lightings to welcome the season. The waters of La Conner and Anacortes shimmer during their annual Lighted Boat Parades, where colorful, decorated vessels glide across the water.

The Mount Vernon Holiday Parade brings festive floats and music downtown, while Concrete charms with its Santa Parade and tree lighting. Burlington’s Merry & Bright Night offers a sparkling tree lighting and family fun, and La Conner adds cozy waterfront cheer with its Holiday Tree Lighting in Gilkey Square. Plus, Anacortes closes out the festivities with its Coastal Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony by the water. Bundle up and enjoy the holiday magic!

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Holiday Arts & Entertainment

No matter the time of year, Skagit’s arts scene is alive with creativity. Stroll through local galleries during La Conner’s Art Under the Stars every second Saturday, or explore Anacortes’ First Friday Artwalk for a fresh showcase of local talent. Celebrate the holidays with a Christmas concert or a performance of The Nutcracker at McIntyre Hall, or enjoy festive films and plays at the Anacortes Community Theatre, Lincoln Theatre, and Concrete Theatre.

Holiday Shopping and Festivals

in the Skagit Valley

For some family-friendly fun, head to the Winter Wonderland at the Children’s Museum of Skagit County. Sedro-Woolley’s Gingerbread Delight sweetens the season with face painting, hot cocoa and downtown shopping.

The Valley Made Market will be hosting a series of festive holiday markets throughout the month of December, featuring a wide variety of local vendors, handmade gifts and seasonal treats. Christianson’s Nursery’s Festive Holiday Market series also showcases handcrafted goods, small businesses and art, perfect for finding that special gift.

The Skagit County Fairgrounds turns festive each winter with the Candy Cane Lane Market, a lively holiday shopping event featuring local makers, treats, and pictures with Santa, followed by the cozy, artisan-focused Christmas in the Stable. Meanwhile, the Anacortes Farmers Market will be having a Holiday Market the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

Dine

Events

Stay

Outdoor Recreation

Looking for ways to stay active and outdoors this month? The No Fun Sun Run 2M celebrates the winter solstice with a scenic run along the Skagit River, and the Bulldog Sleigh Ride 5K takes participants along the Skagit Playfields. The Anacortes Santa Run takes a festive approach and encourages people to run in their Santa suits for a scenic 5K along the Cap Sante Marina.

Hiking isn’t a summer-only activity. Snow and winter weather can bring beautiful views and new perspectives on favorite hiking spots such as the Anacortes Community Forestlands and Padilla Bay Shore Trail.

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Birding Season

in the Skagit Valley

Peak season for birding in Skagit Valley is November and December, and the season continues through March.

Tundra and Trumpeter swans are among the most popular to watch around this time of year. There are about 10,000-12,000 swans in the valley in the winter, (one-third of them being tundra), making Skagit Valley home to the largest wintertime congregation of Trumpeter Swans anywhere.

The upper Skagit River always has chances of seeing bald eagles, and they can be seen much more frequently in the winter, as salmon runs bring higher concentrations to this area. To find them, be sure to check out bird-watching tours such as the winter eagle trip by Triad River Tours or Skagit River Eagle Tours and more!

As you watch these wonderful birds, be sure to respect the natural terrain and wildlife by following the Be Bird Wise code of conduct.

Find Your

Skagit Valley

Adventure

Not sure where to start when planning your Skagit County itinerary? With so many things to do, it can take time to decide! Explore itineraries, events, and things to do on your vacation. Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, visit Skagit Valley for a truly unforgettable trip.

Plan Your Trip

Sedro-Woolley

Community Spotlight

Sedro-Woolley’s rich history is closely tied to the timber and forestry industries, with beautiful art and wood carvings around town. Sedro-Woolley is known as the Gateway to the North Cascades, offering easy access to North Cascades National Park and numerous outdoor adventures.

Visit Sedro-Woolley Seasonal Travel

Sedro-Woolley

Community Spotlight

Sedro-Woolley’s rich history is closely tied to the timber and forestry industries, with beautiful art and wood carvings around town. Sedro-Woolley is known as the Gateway to the North Cascades, offering easy access to North Cascades National Park and numerous outdoor adventures.

Visit Sedro-Woolley Seasonal Travel

Mount Vernon

Community Spotlight

Nestled between the San Juan Islands to the West and the Cascade Mountains to the East, Mount Vernon is a great place to start your adventure in Skagit County. Thousands of people visit Mount Vernon each year for its memorable events, shopping, sips, and dining in its historic downtown area.

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Marblemount

Community Spotlight

The towns of Marblemount and Rockport are situated on the last large river plain in the Upper Skagit River Valley. Here, you will discover some of the most fascinating scenery and history in Washington State.

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La Conner

Community Spotlight

La Conner is a small town built on the banks of the Swinomish Channel, which leads to the Salish Sea. The channel gives La Conner much of its color and atmosphere. This distinct seaside ambiance comes from watching the fishing boats and wildlife navigate the channel while you enjoy one of the many local shops, museums, and eateries along the waterfront.

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Conway

Community Spotlight

When driving north toward Skagit County on Interstate 5, Conway will be the first community to greet you. Conway is a quaint, historic town worth the stop between Seattle and Vancouver. Come to a show at the Conway Muse for a night of live music entertainment.

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Concrete

Community Spotlight

Nestled near the North Cascades National Park, you’ll find several recreational activities in Concrete. From swimming in mountain lakes to hiking and mountain biking, you’ll find plenty to do during your stay. Watch a movie at the historic Concrete movie theater, then grab a slice of pizza, a scoop of ice cream, or the best gluten-free desserts in the county.

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Burlington

Community Spotlight

Burlington is known as the Hub City in Skagit Valley. Whether coming from the North, East, South, or West, you will find great shopping, services, restaurants, hotels, and recreational activities here.

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Bow-Edison

Community Spotlight

When you visit Skagit Valley, stop in Bow-Edison for cute shops, art galleries, and several hidden gem eateries. Take a scenic drive and discover a few unique treasures of the Valley.

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Anacortes

Community Spotlight

Anacortes is a stunning waterfront community with a beautiful marina, delicious restaurants, quirky shops, and luxurious places to stay. Whether it’s a stopover on the way to the islands or your weekend destination, Anacortes has something for everyone.

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Browse the Winter Blog Posts

Explore the picturesque destinations and unique experiences that create the magic of Skagit any season. Whether you’re seeking travel tips or exploring hidden gems, you can use the featured stories and itinerary suggestions as your Washington travel guide. Browse the selection of winter travel posts or view the full Visit Skagit Valley Blog for an expanded list of travel ideas.