Your Guide to Everything Happening in Downtown Edmonds This Holiday
The most wonderful time of the year has gotten an Edmonds kind of treatment again, and you’re going to love what we have in store Downtown!
This holiday season, Edmonds is pulling out all the (trolley) stops, with a packed lineup of festive events, seasonal celebrations, jolly clings with cute sayings in downtown business windows, and community traditions that'll have you bundled up and out on the town from Thanksgiving through New Year's and beyond.
Whether you're searching for the perfect handmade gift at one of our many holiday markets, enjoying a world-class performance at the Edmonds Center for the Arts, or hopping aboard the free holiday trolley, there's something magical happening on nearly every corner of Downtown.
Clear your calendar, charge your phone (you'll want that *content*), and get ready to make major memories because Edmonds is the holiday destination of all PNW holiday destinations.
Also, do yourself a favor and bookmark this extremely long list—you’ll be checking it more than twice, and we’ll be updating it as we have more to share.
Also also, check out the Downtown holiday light sponsors and give them some love when and where you can. It’s because of them that this season is so magical. Find them here.
First Dibs, November 21st
Kick off the season downtown with First Dibs, an annual Edmonds shopping event put on by the Edmonds Downtown Alliance that includes exclusive discounts and, importantly, wine! Write it on the calendar now: You’re busy from 5-8pm on Saturday, November 21st. You’ll be strolling shops, sipping vino 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 benefit Washington Kids. Check in at Ombu Salon to receive your wine glass, tickets, wristband, and list of participating shops. Learn more and plan your day here.
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 few weeks after the Edmonds Historical Museum’s Summer Market wraps up for the season. Expect lush wreaths, handmade gifts, crunchy toffee, live music, and warm snacks to keep you fueled for shopping cardio. Check out the dates here (all markets run 9am-2pm), and don’t forget to click around the site for guidance on getting to Edmonds and parking tips.
A Christmas Carol, The Musical, November 20th-December 19th
A holiday classic comes to Wade James Theater this holiday season! Broadway heavies Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens have breathed fresh life into the tale we all know and love, and you’ll get to experience it right in your backyard. As you may recall, Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!” Scrooge sums up his feelings about Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but three ghosts on Christmas Eve force him to face his selfish ways as they lead him through his Past, Present, and Future. These shows always sell out, so grab your tickets ASAP here.
Festive Drink Bingo, November 27th-December 31st
Say cheers to the Edmonds Downtown Alliance’s seventh annual Festive Drink Bingo! Check nearly 25 participating bars and restaurants Downtown Edmonds and at Salish Crossing 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 festive drink (takeout counts), ask for a stamp, and enter to win prizes! Each bingo row earns you a limited-edition “Cheers Club” sticker. Bring completed cards to Santa Fe Mexican Grill & Cantina 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! Winners will be notified by January 20th.
Tree Lighting + Luminaria Walk, November 28th
Join friends and neighbors at Centennial Plaza (5th Avenue N & Bell Street) on the Saturday after Thanksgiving for the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The fun kicks off at 2pm with vendors selling holiday treats, free warm beverages, kids' craft activities, and donation drives. Santa arrives at 3pm for photos, and the official program begins at 4:30pm as the tree lights up the Edmonds sky.
Stick around after the tree is aglow because Art Walk Edmonds (with help from Art for All, Spark! Creativity, Heart Art Studios, Graphite Art Center, Cascadia Art Museum, Edmonds Arts Commission, and the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce) is hosting our first annual Edmonds Luminaria Walk on Saturday, November 28th, from 5-8pm at Civic Park. Visitors can take a peaceful evening stroll through Civic Park, where hundreds of luminaria will light the way, creating a warm and magical start to the holiday season. And if we know anything, we know nothing says “holiday season” like lights do.
Bonus: If your letters for Santa are ready, drop them in the red mailbox—it has a direct line to the elves at the North Pole (thanks to some very generous volunteers!). Make a day of it—it's Shop Small Saturday, after all! More info and plan your day here.
Holiday On The Docks, Nightly in December
Head down to The Port of Edmonds Marina (336 Admiral Way), warm drink in hand, all season long, to point at boats donning their holiday best. Show us your favorites by adding #edmondsholidays to your social posts!
A Celtic Christmas with The Gothard Sisters, December 3rd
The internationally acclaimed Celtic folk group returns to 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.
Holiday Trolley + Emily The Elf, December 5th, 12th, 19th, 11am-6pm
Emily the Elf and Richard Taylor Junior are back on the Holiday Trolley for its twelfth year. They’ll be going all around Downtown Edmonds—there are stops at places from Ace Hardware on 5th Avenue South to Cascadia Art Museum at Salish Crossing. 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 thanks to our generous sponsors in partnership with the Edmonds Downtown Alliance.
Emily and Richard 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.
Artisan Alley PNW Handmade Holiday Market, December 5th & 6th
Head to the Masonic Lodge (515 Dayton St.) for a handmade shopping extravaganza featuring over 25 local vendors with handcrafted treasures. From hand-painted artwork and fresh-baked goods to hand-knit goodies, handmade jewelry, hand-poured candles, and handcrafted home decor, there's something for everyone on your list. Browse handmade soap, pottery, and more—all lovingly made by Pacific Northwest artisans. The market runs both days from 10am-4pm, and you can enter a gift basket raffle. It's your chance to check off names while supporting local makers. More details here.
Christmas Ship™ Festival, December 6th
The Christmas Ship™ Festival is departing from Edmonds! We couldn't be more excited to welcome these beautiful ships to our docks. Watch as the festive flotilla of illuminated boats cruises into Edmonds, bringing holiday magic to the waterfront. Argosy Cruises has sailings with onboard choirs. Whether you're watching from shore, the pier, or enjoying the festivities from the water, it's a spectacular celebration you won't want to miss. Check the full schedule and get your tickets here.
Voctave: We Need a Little Christmas, December 9th
Enjoy this dazzling holiday program from the highly celebrated 11-member a cappella ensemble known for its rich harmonies, impressive arrangements, and vocal artistry. You and yours will get to hear beloved holiday classics with the ensemble’s signature cinematic sound. Secure your seats for this stunning seasonal performance here.
Holiday Night at The Marina, December 10th
Pop over to the Port of Edmonds Marina (458 Admiral Way) for an annual Edmonds kind of holiday community celebration featuring music, food trucks, free hot bevvies and treats, and decorated boats. The plaza is ADA accessible, so bring everyone to celebrate the season!
Holiday POPs, December 13th & 14th
Celebrate the season with the Cascade Symphony Orchestra's collection of Christmas carols and classics! Soprano Kristin Vogel returns with her powerful lyric voice to perform inspiring holiday songs and famous operatic arias from Puccini, Bizet, Mozart, and more. Acclaimed for her dramatic passion and sensitive musicality, Kristin divides her time between Vienna and the Pacific Northwest, bringing world-class talent right to Edmonds. The program features festive favorites alongside works by Johann Strauss, Sousa, and a tribute to Henry Mancini. It's a joy-filled evening of music that might just become your new holiday tradition. Pick your date and seats here.
The Nutcracker, December 17th-22nd
The Olympic Ballet Theatre's production of The Nutcracker is a favorite 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 see once a year. Don't miss this magical experience! Pick your date and your seats here.
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 submit your requests in writing and send them by December 11th.
Plan to be very busy this holiday season. We expect to see a lot of you, your friends, and your family around town fully embracing the holiday spirit that Edmonds does so well. Add #edmondsholidays to your posts on social media. We’ll send all the hearts to your happy holidays.
