Celebrate the holidays in anacortes

Explore Anacortes during the fall and winter months for a variety of fun activities. With scenic hikes, trails, beaches, and parks, Anacortes is an outdoor destination you won't want to miss this season. Take in beautiful views of the Puget Sound from all over the island. After spending some time enjoying the beautiful scenery of Fidalgo Island, head downtown to grab a bite to eat, shop and enjoy the rich history of Anacortes. Enjoy the holiday cheer and festivities during the month of December!

Take a tour of Anacortes downtown and learn about the rich history of the city. Featuring the Anacortes Mural Project, downtown Anacortes has something eye catching for everyone. Anacortes native Bill Mitchell is the artist behind the more than 150 colorful outdoor murals adorning the walls of buildings up and down this island community's main street. Anacortes is full of rich history, art, and historical buildings with something to learn for everyone.

While admiring the murals, check out a number of brick-and-mortar stores and local businesses. From treasure hunting at antique stores, to a diverse selection of restaurants and bars, to clothing boutiques, paint your own pottery cafes, and more, Anacortes' downtown corridor has it all.

Coastal Christmas

©Rakan AlDuaij Photography 

Anacortes is full of festivities for the entire month of December. The Tree Lighting kicks off the Coastal Christmas events on December 2nd. At the stroke of 6:00pm the magic begins. Take in the festive lights while staying cozy and warm with a cup of hot cocoa, listen to cheerful choirs, and keep an eye out for Mr. and Mrs. Claus! Stroll the illuminated streets downtown after the lighting and enjoy the Art Walk brought to you by the Anacortes Merchants.

If you miss the Art Walk after the Tree Lighting, don’t forget to go to the Fine Arts Show hosted by the Anacortes Arts Festival at the Arts Depot. The Arts Show will be at the Depot from December 9th to December 18th.

For a whimsical and festive walk, you can also get that cozy and magical feel again of all the lights at Washington Park on December 9th and 10th at the Wonderland Walk coordinated by the City of Anacortes. The rest of the month has festivals, holiday markets & fairs, parades, live entertainment, horse drawn trolley rides, caroling and more! Check out anacortes.org/events for the most up to date list of holiday happenings.

Featured Fall hike

Enjoy a paved 2.3 mile loop at Washington Park, rain or shine! Washington Park is located on the city’s far west end on the Rosario Strait and has a wide range of amenities including a day-use facility, a boat launch, picnic shelters, restrooms, and an open play space with children’s play equipment. There are 68 campsites available for RVs and tents, with access to restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Only roughly 41 acres of the park’s 200 acres have been developed, but a 2.3-mile paved road runs through it for automobiles, runners, bikers, and walkers to enjoy. Please call 360-293-1918 for information on any park facilities.