Holidays are happening on Whidbey

With the days getting increasingly colder and shorter, it’s time to spread some good cheer and makes plans to attend the upcoming holiday events on South Whidbey.

The season officially kicks off with the Lighting of Langley at 4 p.m. on Nov. 30. This year, the tree has moved to the plaza on Second Street, across from the firehouse due to construction in the park, said Inge Morascini, executive director of the Langley Chamber of Commerce.

Live music will include the Island Jazz Collective and caroling, customarily led by brothers Vern and Carl Olson and Deb Lund. Local resident Jill Johnson will tell a holiday story, and Mayor Tim Callison will be arriving by motorcycle with elves.

Small Business Saturday also takes place on Nov. 30. Morascini invites shoppers to support local businesses, artisans and their families and the greater community on Whidbey Island.

In addition, Island Senior Resources is hosting the Twelve Days of Christmas. Raffle tickets are available now for $5 at Senior Thrift in Freeland and Island Senior Resources in Bayview. Several themed prize packages can be won. The drawings take place during the first 12 days of December at Island Senior Resources. Winners need not be present to win.

The annual Holly Jolly Holiday Parade will make its rounds at 1 p.m. on Dec. 7. In keeping with tradition, the decked-out mayor will be one of the entries in the parade. Island County Commissioner Helen Price-Johnson will be the grand marshal of this year’s festivities, Morascini said.

Other events on the South End include County Christmas at the Fair, with proceeds supporting local youth scholarships. The craft fair runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 26, 27 and 30 and Dec. 1. It will run a few hours later until 7 p.m. on Nov. 29.

Clinton will having its own tree-lighting at 6-7:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 outside the community hall, with caroling led by Mel Birch. The Clinton Winter Market runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 8. Santa pictures will be taken from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Inge Morascini                                A snowy street in downtown Langley.

Photo courtesy of Inge Morascini A snowy street in downtown Langley.