November 2022
Nothing is more peaceful and fun than a zero-stress San Juan Island getaway for the Holidays. Go beachcombing, light house-hopping and wildlife watching on the isle’s serene beaches and prairies, before treating yourself to an array of heartwarming, small town holiday events. Find gifts for everyone on your list in the delightfully walkable Friday Harbor, twinkling with Holiday lights, and bring back what the season is really about.
Where to stay for the Holidays
The Earthbox Inn & Spa, 3 ½ blocks from the ferry dock, not only has an adorable day spa, indoor heated pool with sauna, hot tub and exercise room and the cutest gift shop, they also offer amazing Holiday Specials.
Insider Tip: Reserve a Sea Place by the pool; a roomy studio with full kitchen, sky-light, two comfy queen beds, sofa and dining room table.
Where to Dine
Downriggers
Treat yourself to authentic Pacific Northwest cuisine and fresh seafood at Downriggers on the waterfront. Downriggers is usually open from 11:00am to 9:00pm, except on: Thanksgiving 1:00pm to 7:00pm, Christmas Eve until 8:00pm, closed on Christmas Day, open on New Year’s Eve and Day.
Insider Tip: Start your feast with fresh, local Vodka Oyster Shooters and leave room for S’Mores Pot de Crème.
COHO
This quaint farm-to-table restaurant in downtown Friday Harbor is open on all holidays for delicious, themed, multi-course dinners. Reservations are a must.
Insider Tip: Start your experience with a Gin Cocktail and pair your dessert with an Apple Brandy from the local San Juan Distillery
Duck Soup
With its lodge feel and stone fireplace, Duck Soup, located in the woods by a lake, has been serving local, organic, seasonal and foraged fare long before “farm-to-table” was even a term. Open Friday to Sunday 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Their last day of the season is December 18, 2022. Don’t miss this total treat.
Insider Tip: Consider the Duck Leg Confit or the Lamb Rack as your entrees.
Holiday Markets in Friday Harbor and on San Juan Island
Island Artisan Holiday Market - November 25 & 26, 2022, at the Fairgrounds
This juried show and sale of our talented San Juan County artists wares is the place to find breathtakingly stunning, island-made jewelry, pottery, carvings, paintings and more. 10% of everything you spend will go directly to the Island Artists art scholarship program.
Holiday Art Making Bazaar – December 10, 2022, at the Alchemy Art Center
Visit the magical Alchemy Art Center in the heart of San Juan Island, browse local pottery, fabric prints and photography for sale in their fantastic geodesic dome and make holiday art at their studio with the entire family.
Old Fashioned Holiday Market – December 9-11, 2022, at Brickworks
Enjoy the indoor-outdoor holiday crafts market, island food vendors, local farm products, live music, and local libations in downtown Friday Harbor. Free activities for kids and grownups alike including hay and horse rides, kids crafts, marshmallows by the fire, and a visit from Santa, wohoo!