The picturesque Skagit Valley, located between Seattle and Vancouver, BC, offers outdoor adventures, family-friendly entertainment, and culinary experiences this holiday season.
Whether capturing the magic with a visit to see Santa or enjoying an enchanting winter walk, the Skagit Tourism Bureau (STB) has curated a link to an array of experiences throughout the region.
“The holiday season and winter months in Skagit Valley are truly idyllic,” said Kristen Keltz, CEO of the Skagit Tourism Bureau. “Think Christmas tree farms blanketed in snow, the exhilaration of snowshoeing, cozying up fireside at a lakefront lodge, enjoying live holiday shows at a community theatre, and wandering through main streets adorned with festive wreaths on shop doors and signposts. The charm of the season can be found all throughout our valley.”
Lighted Boat Parades
The Skagit Valley’s lighted boat parades bring a unique touch to the season, showcasing local boats adorned in festive lights as they cruise through waterfront towns. These parades, held in the picturesque harbors of La Conner and Anacortes, offer visitors a truly unique holiday experience. Gather along the waterfront to watch as each boat, decked in twinkling lights and creative decor, glides by in celebration of the season.
Skagit County Children’s Museum Winter Wonderland
The Skagit County Children’s Museum’s Winter Wonderland is back this December 6–8, transforming Burlington Plaza into a holiday wonderland with both indoor and outdoor festivities. Free for all, the event offers live reindeer, sledding, snowshoe demos, snow science activities, and much more for families to enjoy. Kids will also love the snow play areas, face painting, and creative holiday crafts.
Don’t Miss: Meet the live reindeer and try snowshoeing for a one-of-a-kind winter experience!
Cozy Downtowns: Festive Decor and Local Shopping
Skagit Valley’s charming downtowns, from La Conner to Anacortes, are transformed each holiday season into festive destinations. These cozy streets, adorned with holiday lights, wreaths, and garlands, create the perfect setting for holiday shopping and strolls. Supporting local shops and artisan businesses not only brings unique, handmade finds but also uplifts the community. Each boutique, café, and storefront reflects the Valley’s warmth, making a visit to these holiday-decked downtowns a must for travelers and holiday enthusiasts alike.
Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing in the Skagit Valley
Winter in Skagit Valley offers incredible opportunities for hiking and snowshoeing through snow-covered landscapes, from forested paths to scenic overlooks of snow-capped mountains. Popular trails in the North Cascades become quiet, winter wonderlands perfect for snowshoeing, while lowland trails offer easier, scenic hikes through frost-touched forests. For adventurers of all levels, winter hiking here is an enchanting experience, where crisp air and serene surroundings capture the Valley’s natural beauty in its quietest season.
Winter Birding and the Arrival of the Snow Geese
Winter in the Skagit Valley also brings a spectacular natural phenomenon: the arrival of snow geese and other migratory birds. Each year, thousands of snow geese migrate from Siberia to the farmlands and estuaries of the Skagit Valley, blanketing fields in a sea of white as they feed and rest. Winter birding here is a highlight for enthusiasts and photographers alike, with opportunities to spot bald eagles, swans, and a variety of raptors in addition to the majestic snow geese.
