Celebrate New Year’s on island

It’s almost 2023, and Whidbey residents are getting ready to ring in the new year.

It’s almost 2023, and Whidbey residents are getting ready to ring in the new year.

Oak Harbor will display its traditional fireworks show at 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. The fireworks will be launched at Windjammer Park, just in front of the lagoon, and should be visible throughout most of Oak Harbor’s city limits.

On New Year’s Day, begin 2023 on the right foot with a first day hike at Deception Pass State Park. The hike will take place at 10 a.m. Hikers will meet at Cornet Bay. There will be two two-mile hikes available: a more rigorous hike along the CCC Crossing Trail, and a stroller and ADA accessible hike along the old ferry terminal road. Dogs on leashes are allowed.

On the South End, the celebrations kick off Dec. 30 with “Solstice,” a New Year’s Concert with Celia Farran. The concert will take place at 6 p.m. at a private residence in Langley. The address will be provided upon registration. Purchase tickets for $20 at CeliaFarranSolstice.eventbrite.com. Email tasseff@whidbey.com with any questions.

On New Year’s Eve, the Wittlich-Chapman Quartet will play in the Ott & Hunter cabaret room at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for $30 at otthunter.orderport.net/wines/Events.

For those who’d rather do the singing themselves, try out karaoke with DJ Noah “Hard Orange” at Penn Cove Brewery in Freeland, beginning at 7 p.m. Dec. 31.

To ring in the new year with laughs, enjoy some stand-up by Seattle International Comedy at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. New Year’s Eve.

On New Year’s Day, South End residents can get 2023 off to a chilly start with the Whidbey Island Polar Bear Dive. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. with a noon dive at Double Bluff Beach in Freeland. The $10 cost includes snacks and a hot drink and benefits Island County 4-H teens.