Getting into the Christmas Spirit on Whidbey
We thought it would be fun to share a few of our favorite ways to get in the holiday mood that are uniquely Whidbey. We can’t fit them all in every year, but a few are absolute musts for us to feel festive.
The Hastie Lake & West Beach Light Display
(a true love letter to the community)
Let’s start with the best, most magical, completely homegrown event on the island—the light display at the intersection of Hastie Lake Rd and West Beach Rd in Oak Harbor.
If you’re local, you probably guessed it immediately.
We live about half a mile up the road, so we’ve watched this display grow and grow over the years. When I first started managing Windermere Whidbey Island, I created a Christmas lights Google map to highlight the best private displays in the Oak Harbor area and asked the community to vote on their favorite.
Of course, the Hastie Lake display won.
I had the honor (and total delight) of knocking on their door one evening with our homemade “award cup” to thank them. The sweetest couple answered, invited me in, and gave me a little behind-the-scenes tour.
They shared that once LED lights came out and the electricity costs dropped, it was game on.
I got to see their unique, space-saving storage system, custom lighting designs, and the cool racks they slide the frames into for ultimate space efficiency.
I learned it’s tradition that they don’t turn the lights on until the day after Thanksgiving, and their family helps them take everything down the day after Christmas.
A few years ago, they even bought the vacant lot across the street, cleared the undergrowth, built a beautiful Christmas-inspired barn, and tripled the size of the display. Last year, they added Santa and live reindeer for a few nights.
Every year they add something new. As I’ve watched them setting up over the last couple of days, I’ve spotted a few clues—and I cannot WAIT to see it all lit up.
We drive down randomly on December evenings with:
Mugs of hot chocolate
Everyone in pajamas
Christmas music turned up way too loud
This is absolutely going down as a core childhood memory for our kids—and honestly, for us too.
The Greening of Coupeville Parade
(runner-up for Best Christmas Event on Whidbey, IMHO)
Second only to the Hastie Lake lights is the Greening of Coupeville Parade.
All the local clubs and organizations create little floats and parade down one of the cutest, quaintest streets on the island. It feels like walking into a storybook—only you keep recognizing people you know.
This year, Stephen will be in the fire engine, and D will be marching with the Cub Scouts, which makes it extra special.
After the parade, everyone gathers around the tiny town park across from the Anchorage Inn. Santa mingles in the crowd, carolers serenade us, and we all count down together to the big light display.
It’s small-town, heartfelt, genuinely charming holiday magic.
Other Whidbey Holiday Traditions We Love
In no particular order, here are a few more festive favorites that make the season feel like Whidbey.
1. The Nutcracker by Whidbey Island Dance Theater
The Nutcracker production by Whidbey Island Dance Theater is a seasonal classic.
Normally it’s held at the South Whidbey High School auditorium, but due to construction, this year it’s being presented in a more limited fashion at WICA in Langley.
Get your tickets early—they really do sell out.
2. A Christmas Carol at The Whidbey Playhouse
Another favorite: A Christmas Carol at The Whidbey Playhouse in Oak Harbor.
It’s cozy, local theater at its best, and it’s become a little tradition to bundle up, go to a show, and then drive around looking at lights afterward.
3. Holiday House at Bayview Garden & Brunch at The Flower House Cafe
Strolling through The Holiday House at Bayview Garden feels like stepping into a curated Christmas shop—twinkle lights, ornaments, decor, and little treasures everywhere you look.
Afterward, we love to grab brunch or lunch at The Flower House Cafe, which is one of my absolute favorite spots on the island.
4. Low-Tide Beach Walks… at Night
This one is a little unconventional and a lot magical.
In winter, the low tides tend to happen at night. If you bundle up and head out with REALLY good flashlights, you’ll find a surprising amount of marine life and treasures on the beach.
December 3–8 this year is a window for some super low tides—keep an eye on the tide charts.
I love the NOAA Tide Alert App for checking tides near me.
It’s cold, yes. Worth it? 100%.
5. The Santa Mobile (Central Whidbey)
If you live in Central Whidbey, chances are you already know about the Santa Mobile. If not, find a friend on one of the routes and tag along!
Santa teams up with the firefighters, and on eight nights, they travel through the neighborhoods:
Spreading Christmas cheer
Handing out candy
Collecting food donations for the local food drive
It’s a true local treasure.
You can find the schedule on the Central Whidbey Fire & Rescue website. The Stavros clan will definitely be out there one night!
6. Pop-Up Workshops & Wreath-Making
Keep an eye out for small, local events like the wreath-making class at Foggy Hill Farm (which sells out fast—often before we can even mention it!).
Other great places to look for pop-up events:
Facebook events
Eventbrite
Honestly, though? A lot of Whidbey events are only advertised with a flyer at the local coffee shop. You can choose to find that frustrating or quaint—in a world where everything is online, I secretly love this Whidbey quirk.
7. Cookie Exchanges
Cookie exchanges are very popular among friends and neighborhoods on the island.
It’s such a simple way to:
Try new recipes
See your people
Leave with a tin full of treats
If you don’t have one to go to, this is your sign: host one.
Off-Island Holiday Adventures
If you’re in the mood to hop off the island for a little extra sparkle, here are two of our favorite adventures.
1. The Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach
The Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach is a whole experience.
We like to:
Reserve our drive-through ticket (100% recommend, or you may not get in)
Grab burgers at Mammoth Burger Co. in Stanwood beforehand
Fill the car with friends, kids, snacks, and way too much laughter
The more people in the car, the more fun it is.
2. Christianson’s Nursery in Mount Vernon
Christianson’s Nursery in Mount Vernon is pure holiday charm.
They have:
A beautiful gift shop full of plants, decor, and gifts
Seasonal events like Tea with Father Christmas (Nov 29)
The Festive Holiday Market (Dec 13)
It’s an easy and very festive day trip from Whidbey.
Did I Miss One?
I know there are more little traditions and hidden gems out there.
If you have a favorite Whidbey holiday event I didn’t mention, I’d truly love to hear about it.
The easiest way?
Just text me: (360) 720-4271
Merry Whidbey Christmas!
~ Kristen & Stephen Stavros
Your real estate advisors for Whidbey Island
