Rockin' Around Edmonds This Holiday
You heard it here first: The holidays in Edmonds are going to be bigger and better than ever before.
We’re talking more family fun, more music, more shows, more Santa sightings, and more opportunities to gather. So, settle in for what’s in store as you read your November through December itinerary. Edmonds’s ho-ho-holiday happenings are back, and they’re merrier than ever.
And, pssst. Bookmark this extremely long list—you’ll be checking it more than twice.
Edmonds Holiday Market, Most Saturdays November-December
The Edmonds Holiday Market sets up in the same few blocks around 5th and Main downtown just a month or so after the Edmonds Historical Museum’s Summer Market wraps up for the season. Expect fragrant wreaths, handmade gifts, live music, and snacks to keep you fueled. Check out the dates here. This site also includes helpful guidance on getting to Edmonds, along with one of the hottest topics for busy events: parking.
Jake Shimabukuro's Holidays In Hawai'i, November 19th
Get into the holiday spirit with ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro! This acclaimed musician returns to the ECA stage with a special holiday show sure to delight audiences of all ages. Known for his innovative style and infectious energy, Jake will transport you to a magical world of music and holiday cheer. Grab your seats and kick off your holidays here.
Miracle on 34th Street, November 22nd-December 15th
Join the Edmonds Driftwood Players for their production of Miracle on 34th Street. Discover the joy of Christmas as Kris Kringle, an old man working as Santa at Macy's, spreads joy and goodwill throughout New York City. When his unwavering belief in Santa Claus is questioned, Kris finds himself in a court battle to prove his identity. Witness the heartwarming story of a little girl's faith and the power of Christmas magic right in Edmonds. More information and tickets here.
First Dibs, November 23rd
Kick off the season downtown with First Dibs, a warm and fuzzy shopping event that features exclusive discounts and, of course, wine! Write it on the calendar now: You’re busy from 5-8pm on Saturday, November 23. You’ll be strolling shops, sipping wine from a commemorative glass (or not! Wine sipping is not required), nomming on holiday-inspired nibbles, and taking advantage of specials you won’t see again until next year. If you’re sipping, wine tickets need to be pre-purchased, and all proceeds will go to Washington Kids in Transition. The festivities begin at Dusted Valley.
Buy your wine tickets here (not required).
The Night Before Christmas, November 29-December 22
Head to The Phoenix Theatre for a hilarious and heartwarming play that follows Lou as he tries to escape the chaos of the holidays with his family. When a freak snowstorm leaves them all stranded, Lou is forced to confront his true feelings about Christmas and the importance of family. The show plays Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm. Get your tickets—and plan to enjoy a good laugh with your people—here.
Tree Lighting, November 30th
Join us at Centennial Plaza (5th Avenue N & Bell Street) the Saturday after Thanksgiving for Edmonds Chamber of Commerce’s Tree Lighting Ceremony, sponsored by Comstock Jewelers. The fun kicks off at 2pm with live music, treats, warm beverages, a visit from Santa, and donation drives. Bonus: If your letters for Santa are ready, drop them in the red mailbox, which has a direct line to the elves in the North Pole, while you’re there.
Holiday Scavenger Hunt, December 7th-21st
New this year! Check out the decals on walls around Downtown trolley stops to join our Winter Wander, a fun activity for the whole family! Snap a selfie with the decal, tag #edmondsholidays, and post to Instagram. We’ll randomly choose a winner each week for their choice of gift card from one of our Downtown Edmonds businesses.
Michael Cavanaugh’s A Merry Rockin’ Christmas Show, December 4th
Get ready for a rockin' holiday concert with Grammy and Emmy-nominated artist Michael Cavanaugh! Hand-picked by Billy Joel himself, Michael brings his incredible talent to Edmonds. Enjoy a mix of modern Christmas classics and timeless pop hits, all performed with Michael's signature showmanship and powerful vocals. It's a festive evening for the whole family! Get your tickets here.
A Celtic Christmas with The Gothard Sisters, December 5th
This internationally acclaimed Celtic folk group will perform a special holiday concert filled with Christmas carols, traditional Celtic tunes, and lively Irish dancing. It's the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with your family and friends. Don't miss this unforgettable experience! Reserve your seats here.
Family Fun All Season Long, December Saturdays (7th, 14th, 21st), Various Times
Bring the whole crew and jump on and off the holiday trolly for free family activities at Ace Hardware, Musicology (karaoke), Main St Commons (live music), and Cascadia Art Museum. Keep edmondsholidays.com on refresh for all the details!
Holiday Trolley + Emily (and Scott!) The Elf, December 7th, 14th, 21st, 11am-6pm
Emily The Elf is back on the Holiday Trolley for its tenth year, with special guest Scott the Elf. They’ll be starting their loop around Downtown Edmonds at Ace Hardware on 5th Avenue South. Grab the kids, the relatives, and all of your out-of-town friends and guests to tour the town while humming your favorite carols. It’s FREE for all. Emily the Elf will spread cheer and fun tidbits about our historic seaside city while you take in the sights and sounds of the season. The trolley comes by every thirty minutes, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to catch it. Hop off and stroll, get back on, and spend the day playing in between shopping, eating, and sipping (reminder: no food or drink on the trolley, please!). You can find the trolley map and dates here.
SantaCon 2024, December 8th
Join us for An Edmonds Kind of SantaCon *all day* at pubs and family-friendly restaurants around Downtown! Don’t forget your bingo card so you can get alllll the stamps. This year’s event is kid-friendly and $1 from every featured drink you purchase will go toward the Edmonds Toy Shop. Put on your Santa hat, learn more, and RSVP here.
Kalani Pe'a's Hawaiian Christmas, December 8th
Bring your ohana to enjoy the magic of Christmas with Kalani Pe‘a! This three-time Grammy winner will enchant you with his soulful voice and captivating style. Join him for a celebration of the holiday season, featuring beloved songs from both Western and Hawaiian traditions. Tickets here.
Holiday Night at The Marina, December 12th
Head down to the marina for live music from One Love Bridge while you sip on hot apple cider, and munch delicious treats from local food trucks. You and yours will ooh and ahh over the beautifully decorated boats in the guest moorage and climb aboard the Puget Sound Express for a special open house with hot cocoa. Santa will also make a special appearance to spread holiday cheer and pose for photos. This FREE, fun-filled evening supports the Edmonds Food Bank, so bring some non-perishable items if you can.
CSO Happy Holidays!, December 15th and 16th
Head to Edmonds Center of The Arts for a joy-filled evening of music featuring Christmas carols, classical masterpieces, and contemporary compositions. Hear David Lovrien's unique "Christmas Through the Looking Glass" and performances by both a talented concertmaster and young musicians. This may just become your new holiday tradition. Pick your date and seats here.
The Nutcracker, December 19th-23rd
The Olympic Ballet Theatre's production of The Nutcracker is a beloved holiday tradition. This enchanting ballet features dazzling snowflakes, a thrilling battle scene, graceful waltzing flowers, and Tchaikovsky's iconic score. Choreographed by OBT's artistic directors, the production boasts stunning sets you’ll only once a year. Don't miss this magical experience! Pick your date and your seats here.
Festive Drink Bingo, All December
Say cheers to our fifth annual Festive Drink Bingo! Check 20+ participating bars and restaurants Downtown Edmonds and along the waterfront for everything from pumpkin-spiced cocktails to peppermint whipped cocoas—and oodles of libations in between. The rules are simple: Pick up a card from one of the participating bars or restaurants, purchase a drink (takeout counts), ask for a stamp, and enter to win prizes! Each bingo row gets you a limited edition sticker. Bring completed cards to Santa Fe Mexican Grill & Cantina any time before January 15th and you’ll be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a gift card to your favorite drink bingo location!
Holiday Movies, Fridays in December
Settle into a cushy seat at The Edmonds Theater for free holiday movies on Friday, December 13th (Polar Express) and Friday, December 20th (Elf). Holiday cartoons start at 3:30pm, and new and old classics start at 5pm.
Holiday On The Docks
Head down to The Port of Edmonds Marina (336 Admiral Way), warm drink in hand December 1st through January 3rd to point at boats donning their holiday best. Show us your favorites by adding #edmondsholidays to your social posts highlighting the beautiful vessels!
See Santa Claus
The big guy in the suit will be in a few places around town this season, so prep those lists and practice your smiles. You (and your kiddos or grandkiddos) can send your checked-twice lists off to Mr. Claus by Polar Express mail, too. Just slip them into the red mailbox outside of the Log Cabin Visitors Center at 5th & Bell. Expect a response from one of his elves if you get your requests written and sent by December 15.
You’re going to be pret-ty busy this holiday season, so we expect to see a lot of you and your family. Add #edmondsholidays to your posts on social media. We’ll double tap—and reshare—your cheer.