November Travel

in the Skagit Valley

November marks the start of the holiday season, and Skagit is bringing the festivities, from Thanksgiving traditions and early Christmas cheer to fun runs and art walks! There are many opportunities to Dine, Sip, Stay, and Discover unique experiences in the Skagit Valley this November.

Events & Activities

November is the month to shop local, with downtown shopping events popping up across communities. Gear up for the holidays and start crossing items off your shopping list with unique finds from Skagit Valley shops!

Head to Sedro-Woolley’s historic downtown for the Gingerbread Delight Sip and Stroll, which brings you through the small businesses as you sip hot cider, explore pop-up galleries, shop, and enjoy live music. Similarly, Anacortes hosts its annual Elves Night Out, starting at the Majestic Inn and Spa and trailing into the downtown storefronts of 30 participating local shops.

If you prefer your shopping paired with a glass of wine, head to downtown Mount Vernon for Ladies Night Out, to try wineries from across the state at 14 participating local businesses!

Browse the Valley Made Holiday Market, an indie-makers pop-up market in Mount Vernon, or visit the Skagit County Fairgrounds for the Holiday Craft Bazaar

Experience Skagit’s arts scene at a local gallery walk or a show at the historic Lincoln Theatre or Concrete Theatre. White Branches hosts several unique tea, music and theatre events, including their Victorian Holiday Tea and Christmas Carol Play! Visit our events calendar for more ideas!

View Events Calendar

Birding Season Begins

November marks the start of birding season, as snow geese and Tundra swans arrive to the Pacific Flyway, a major winter migratory route that the Skagit Valley sits directly within. Many birdwatchers will travel to popular spots such as Skagit Wildlife Area, Samish Flats or along the Skagit River. Be sure to practice responsible birdwatching as you explore – for guidelines on this, see the Be Bird Wise Code of Conduct.

November Birding

in the Skagit Valley

Snow geese and Tundra swans are among the first to arrive and typically stay around until March. The snow geese are an especially stunning sight, arriving in masses, as they migrate south into Skagit. You can also spot raptors as well as short-eared owls this time of year.

The best time to view bald eagles is late November and throughout December, along the upper Skagit River towards the North Cascades. Towns like Marblemount, Concrete and Sedro-Woolley are great stops to find those bald eagles but make sure to check out the Fir Island Farm Reserve in the Skagit Wildlife Area or Samish Flats as well.

Learn more about Birding in Skagit Valley, along with where, when and how to find them, on the blog.

Visit Skagit Valley Blog

Sports and Recreation

Mount Vernon gets moving with the Skagit Runners’ Fowl Fun Run 5K and 10K, and SparWarz 24, a martial arts and Muay Thai event comes to the Valley Dreams Sports Hub in Burlington.

Hit the trails on Thanksgiving by heading to Anacortes for a Turkey Trot 5K along the scenic Tommy Thompson Trail!

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Events

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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.

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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.

Visit Mount Vernon Seasonal Travel

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.

Visit Marblemount Seasonal Travel

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.

Visit La Conner Seasonal Travel

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.

Visit Conway Seasonal Travel

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.

Visit Concrete Seasonal Travel

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.

Visit Anacortes Seasonal Travel

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.