With music, tree lighting, markets and more there is something for everyone this holiday season!
Dec. 4
Chardonnay Shopping
Varied locations. Brunch at the Friday Harbor House begins at 8 a.m.
Chardonnay Shopping is an annual event where islanders shop locally on a specific day to support local businesses and restaurants. Most of the businesses and restaurants entice shoppers with special discounts and/or extended hours, or drawings with purchase. This year, not only is the event supporting local businesses, but plans are afoot to raise funds and collect non-perishable food items to donate to the Friday Harbor Food Bank. Roche Harbor has already donated $500, and Friday Harbor House plans to donate 20% of its revenue from the shoppers’ breakfast. More information can be found on the Facebook page.
Dec. 5
Art Walk
4-7 p.m.; varied locations.
Every first Friday of the month, local galleries and shops will stay open late for an Art Walk! Look out for the window decals and the list of participating venues at https://www.facebook.com/groups/702378975337096/.
Tree Lighting and Santa’s Workshop
Gathering at 6 p.m.; the original Christmas Tree at the corner of Argyle Avenue and Spring Street.
The San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce is excited to share that there will be additions to the tree this year from the Town. There will be caroling while sipping some hot chocolate and cookies from Riptide Café. On the schedule will be the Treblemakers Choir of the Elementary School! Santa will light the tree, then all will proceed to the Grange for pictures with Santa and crafts with Island Rec!
Dec. 6
Winter Flea Market
Dec. 6 and Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Fairgrounds.
The Annual Winter Flea & Craft Market returns to the San Juan County Fairgrounds with a wide range of giftable items that can be found at this two-day event, making it the perfect place to find the perfect gift!
San Juan Community Theatre’s Holiday Festival
5 p.m.; San Juan Community Theatre.
San Juan Community Theatre’s annual Holiday celebration and fundraiser!
Dec. 10
Twelve Days of Christmas
10 a.m.; San Juan Island Sculpture Park.
The San Juan Island Sculpture Park is sponsoring a winter celebration of the wonderful art our High School seniors created under the guidance of Andy Anderson. The art opening, Dec. 10 at 10 am, will be brimming with holiday spirit as the elementary school choir, directed by Shannon Daskine, will regale us with songs for the season.
Twenty of our best and brightest have created a sculptural installation reflecting the holiday song we all know: “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Each student chose a day from the song and created a sculpture to represent their vision.
Dec. 12
Old Fashion Holiday Market
Dec. 12, 3-7 p.m.
Dec. 13 and 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Brickworks
Friday: Adult beverages in a wine garden, and hot food, live music and, of course, Santa!
Over the weekend: Wine garden, and plenty for the whole family, including hay rides, a petting zoo, a fire pit to roast marshmallows, live music, more fun food! And of course, Santa!
Here We Come A-Caroling with the San Juan Singers
Dec.12, 7:30 p.m.; San Juan Community Theatre.
Dec. 13, 2 p.m.; San Juan Community Theatre.
Admission: $25/adult, $10/student, $5 student rush.
San Juan Singers, in collaboration with Sound Vibrations and Island Chordsmen, take the stage to present all your favorite carols in one place. Once again, under the direction of Angel Michaels, carols old and new, silly and sublime, in perfect harmony, will ring the rafters and sing in the Christmas season.
Markers Art Market
1-4 p.m.; Grange.
Come support local artists! Please share and bring your friends, acquaintances, enemies, etc.!
Dec. 16
San Juan Master Chorale presents Handel’s “Messiah”
San Juan Master Chorale offers a wonderful opportunity to enhance your holiday joy! Join us for our 4th annual presentation of G. F. Handel’s “Messiah”. Two mid-week performances of this much-loved masterwork will be sung by the 50-plus voices of the Chorale, accompanied by chamber orchestra, and the additional voices of NovaStella youth singers for the famous “Hallelujah”. A perfect way to warm up these chilly winter days!
Performances will be presented at Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, Dec. 16, and Wednesday, December 17, both at 7 pm. Doors open at 6:20 p.m. Admission is free; donate as you can. For more information, see sanjuanmasterchorale.org
Dec. 22
Omnium Gatherum with Island Stage Left
Dec. 22 at 7 p.m.
Dec. 23 at 4 and 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 24 at 4 and 6:30 p.m.
Brickworks
From the ridiculous to the sublime, this annual celebration warms the heart and tickles the funny bone.
Admission is free, donations appreciated. No reservations needed.
Dec. 31
Noon Year’s Eve with Island Rec
11 a.m. to 12:30 pm.; Brickworks.
Ring in the New Year with the SJI Library and Island Rec! Skip the late night and enjoy crafts, sensory play, dancing and a balloon drop at noon. This fun-filled event is designed for toddlers, preschoolers and their families.
Jan. 1
Resolution Run 5K & Salish Splash
10 a.m.; Jackson Beach.
$15 for ages 11 and older. Ages 10 and under are free.
Start the year off right by sprinting into the New Year at Island Rec’s annual Resolution Run/Walk 5K! The route starts and ends at Jackson Beach, so you can enjoy the optional polar dip in the Salish Sea after your run. Fires will be lit, and snacks will be available. Please make sure to bring a warm change of clothes if you plan on splashing with us. Beanies available for the first 80 registered!
