The Holidays Shine Brighter in the San Juan Islands

Tree lightings, artisan fairs, and an Island Nutcracker bring good cheer to the San Juan Holiday Season

Friday Harbor, WA… Son of a nutcracker! Take Buddy the Elf’s advice this holiday season, and don’t be a cotton-headed ninny-muggins. Instead, escape the mainland’s mad rush and discover island time with a winter forest hike or walk on a stormy beach, a great meal fireside, and holiday spirit with friends new and old. Small-town traditions, locals greeting each other on the street, and time to reflect on what really matters; a San Juan Islands holiday will make smiling your favorite, too.

Here, Santa arrives by ship and shopping is small, not mall. Holiday gifts mean so much more when they are made by someone you know. And in the San Juan Islands, it’s easy to meet the craftspeople who create the art, crafts, foods and more. Discover their work at holiday artisan fairs, farmers' markets, and in local shops. As a mecca for artists, local galleries on San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez Islands present an array of island-made jewelry, pottery, paintings, prints, and sculpture.

From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, a festive lineup of Holiday Events and Specials offer plenty of ways to keep friends and families busy, from holiday plays and concerts to wine tastings and dinners, special restaurant and lodging packages and more. Three tree lighting ceremonies in Eastsound Village Green, Lopez Village, and Friday Harbor will brighten up the chilly nights with carolers, cookies, hot cider, and good cheer.

Friday Harbor/San Juan Island Events:
November 23-24, San Juan Island Artisans Holiday Marketplace
December 1, Island Lights Festival
December 8, Brickworks Old-Fashioned Christmas Market
December 15-16, Salish Sea Ballet Presents Friday Harbor Nutcracker

Lopez Island Events:
November 23, Lopez Village Holiday Lighting & Gathering
November 24, Lopez Preschool Annual Holiday Bazaar
November 24, Annual Jingle Bell Dinner
December 15, Winter Solstice Concert with SeaMuse

Orcas Island Events:
November 23, Eastsound Art Walk|
November 23-24, The Olga Symphony|
December 1-2, Holiday Artisans Faire
December 7, Eastsound Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting

Additional holiday events and specials, as they are added, may be found at http://www.visitsanjuans.com/holiday. Find more suggestions for a Cozy Island Holiday on our San Juan Islands Experiences section at www.visitsanjuans.com. 

Holiday photos may be found in Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fjqg44t9efw6hb8/AAAyTN2xs56DhlxASf-VixHQa?dl=0

# # #

Follow the San Juan Islands:

Twitter: @visitSJIslands
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitSanJuans
Instagram: @VisitSanJuans

Media Contact:

Barbara Marrett
Communications Manager
San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau
(360) 378-6822, ext. 6
[email protected]