From holiday markets and shopping events to concerts, tree lightings, fundraisers and New Year’s polar bear swims, here are a few of the events islanders may not want to miss!
Chardonnay Shopping
Local businesses
Dec. 5 during business hours
Chardonnay Shopping is an annual tradition to support local businesses by shopping on a specific day to support local businesses and restaurants. Most locations offer discounts or extended hours, treats, beverages or raffles. You can visit the Facebook page “Chardonnay Shopping SJI” for updates! Don a holiday hat, make plans with your friends and shop/eat in town that day.
Celebrate St. Nicholas at Christmas Spoken Here
Christmas Spoken Here, 1021 Guard Street
Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Dec. 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
St. Nicholas Day, a day celebrated in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and other European countries, lands on Dec. 6 this year. It’s derived from Nicholas of Myra, who was a bishop in fourth-century Greece known for selling off his own items and giving the money to the poor. He would commonly leave coins in people’s shoes – which is in part the inspiration for the gifts and stockings of Christmas traditions today. Join the celebration at Christmas Spoken Here where you’ll find unique and specialized candies and ornaments from all over the world.
A Waterworks Gallery Grand Reopening and Holiday Show
232 A Street #4
Dec. 6, 4-8 p.m.
In conjunction with First Friday Art Walk, A Waterworks Gallery will be hosting a reopening in their new space on A Street featuring a group holiday show, reduced prices, new pieces and a live jazz trio.
Holiday tree lighting
Wells Fargo Parking lot and Brickworks
Dec. 6, 6 p.m.
Meet at the corner of Argyle Avenue and Spring Street for the annual tree lighting, cookies and cocoa from Riptide Cafe. The Troublemakers Choir will be there for caroling, and later Santa will arrive to lead us to Brickworks for crafts and photos. This event is sponsored by the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce and hosted by Island Rec.
Holiday Barter Fair
The Grange
Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
This holiday market is barter, trade or gift only – no money exchanged. Come set up at 9 a.m. if you would like a space; there will be tables provided. Bring your arts, crafts, food or gift certificates for services. Everyone has a gift, come share yours with the community! Contact rosecarmenblair@gmail.com for more information.
Winter Flea and Craft Market
SJI Fairgrounds
Dec. 7 and 8, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
This annual event features vendors and crafters from around the islands. Sign up at www.sjcfair.org to reserve a vendor spot, call 360-378-8420 for questions, or show up at the fairgrounds to peruse and purchase your holiday gifts!
2024 Holiday Festival: A Christmas Spectacular!
San Juan Community Theatre
Dec. 7 at 5 p.m.
SJCT will be celebrating 35 years of theater in a “spectacular showcase,” auction and event. There will be a live auction, food from Market Chef, desserts from Natalia Swan and signature cocktails from Executive Artistic Director Nathan Kessley-Jeffrey. Tickets can be purchased for $150 at www.sjctheatre.org and benefit the theater.
Winter Wonderland at Friday Harbor Suites
Friday Harbor Suites
Dec. 13, 6 p.m.
Celebrate the season at Winter Wonderland! In partnership with the Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center and Friday Harbor Suites, this family-friendly evening is full of holiday magic. Attendees can look forward to a visit from Santa, hot cocoa, fun holiday crafts for kids, a special holiday movie screening and even a magical appearance by Anna and Elsa from Frozen. Free admission; everyone is welcome. For more information contact Friday Harbor Suites at 360-378-3031.
Old Fashioned Holiday Market
Brickworks
Dec. 13, 3-7 p.m.; Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Dec. 15; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Artists, island crafts and local food can be found at the Old Fashioned Holiday Market at Brickworks. This annual event will feature free kids’ activities, live music and even Santa Claus himself! (Saturday is the day to hear the Troublemakers and see the big man in red.) Visit www.fhbrickworks.com for more information. Events at Brickworks benefit the San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild’s programs to foster a vibrant, resilient and sustainable food system in San Juan County.
Whale Museum Holiday Ball
Saltwater Farm, 176 Seabreeze Lane
Dec. 14, 7-11 p.m.
Mark your calendars for The Whale Museum’s Holiday Ball! Join your friends and community for a fun, elegant night of dancing at Saltwater Farm to benefit The Whale Museum. Featuring dancing and dance lessons, appetizers, a closed bar and an auction with unique art, gift cards and experiences!
San Juan Singers: “A Winter Serenade”
San Juan Community Theatre
Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 15, 2 p.m.
The San Juan Singers are voices from all walks of life that create music to uplift, inspire and connect the island community. “A Winter Serenade” will include holiday music with a focus on repertoire by contemporary composers. The concert will have classic carols and some newer works by Ola Gjielo, Shawn Kirchner, Emily Crocker and Jan Wilke. Tickets can be purchased for $25 for adults, $15 for students and $5 student rush at www.sjctheatre.org.
San Juan Master Chorale: Handel’s “Messiah”
Presbyterian Church
Dec. 18, 7 p.m.
Amber Lauridsen will conduct the SJ Master Chorale in its third annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah” with a live orchestra and choir. The last two years have been standing-room only – get there early! Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Donations are accepted.
Holiday Jammie Jam: Floating Ukulele Jam
Interisland Ferry
Dec. 19: Friday Harbor 5:45 p.m. departure, Orcas 6:45 p.m. departure, Shaw 7 p.m. departure
Bring your ukulele (or just your voice/ears!) and wear your pajamas for the Holiday Jammie Jam. Come play, sing and listen on our interisland ferry to celebrate the holidays together. If the boat is canceled, we will try for a repeat the next night. For more info, contact Anita Orne on Facebook.
Making Spirits Bright: Cabaret Corner
Studio Jamm
Dec. 20, 21, 22 at 7:30 p.m., doors open 7 p.m.
Relive the magic of Christmas past with timeless songs and charming moments that will warm your heart and light up your smile. Cabaret Corner has been wowing audiences for three years and is thrilled to host a group of talented local performers that will transport you to an unforgettable evening in this unique and intimate cabaret atmosphere. Purchase tickets and find more information at www.studiojamm.com.
“Omnium Gatherum” by Island Stage Left
Brickworks
Dec. 22, 7 p.m.; Dec. 23, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 24, 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Island Stage Left’s winter show “Omnium Gatherum,” described as a “perennially popular potpourri,” will feature songs, stories and poems. “Omnium Gatherum” translates to “a miscellaneous collection of things or people,” and the annual winter gathering has become a favorite holiday tradition of many islanders. It will be a splendid celebration to warm the heart, tickle the funny bone and kindle the spirit of the season. While donations are always appreciated, admission is free.
Island Rec’s Noon New Year’s Eve Party
Brickworks
Dec. 31, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This free event, hosted by the SJI Library and Island Rec, is a way to skip the late night while still letting island toddlers and preschoolers party with their families. Drop by Brickworks for crafts, sensory play, dancing, and — of course — a balloon drop at noon.
Resolution Run/Walk 5K and Salish Splash
Jackson Beach
Jan. 1, 10 a.m.
Start your 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 available. Please make sure to bring a warm change of clothes if you plan on splashing. Beanies are available for the first 80 registered! The cost is $15 for ages 11-plus; ages 10 and under are free.
For those looking for opportunities to give:
Giving trees
Farmers Market
St. David’s
Julie’s Nursery
Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor
Treasure Hounds
Food/Goods drives
Banner Bank
Savi Bank
Drugstore
Frontier Building Supply
Family Resource Center
Friday Harbor Food Bank
