Holiday markets happening on Whidbey

There is ample opportunity to keep your holiday shopping local this year with a series of markets and bazaars taking place all over the island leading up to Christmas.

On the north end, Whidbey Farm and Market’s annual holiday market began on Nov. 17. It runs every Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., now through Dec. 18. Guests can purchase locally made holiday wares and enjoy lattes in seasonal flavors. Whidbey Farm and Market is located at 1422 Monroe Landing Road.

Nov 25. is Plaid Friday in downtown Oak Harbor. Everyone who wears plaid can save 10% shopping at participating shops in a fun alternative to the consumer frenzy surrounding Black Friday sales at big department stores.

The Center in Oak Harbor will also host a holiday market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. The Center is located at 51 SE Jerome Street.

On Central Whidbey, the Greenbank Farm Holiday Market will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3, 4, 10 and 11. Santa himself will be onsite from 1 to 3 p.m. each day, along with a number of his elves, who will be around during all hours. Over 40 local vendors will be selling their handmade goods, raffles tickets benefiting repair projects on the farm and the Greenbank Garden Club will be for sale, and guests can make their own tree ornaments. The farm is located at 765 Wonn Road.

The Greenbank Clubhouse is hosting a Maker’s Boutique, which began Friday and will continue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19 and Dec. 2 and 3. Handmade items for all ages, including cards, calendars, jewelry, quilts, wreaths, jams and more will be available at 3090 Firehouse Road.

In Coupeville, the “Made Right on Whidbey” holiday art market will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 10 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Coupeville Rec Hall at 901 N. Alexander St. Coupeville. This two-day event will feature eight local artists who work in a variety of media.

South Whidbey Tilth’s third annual winter holiday market happens from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays Nov. 27, Dec. 4 and Dec. 11. Enjoy hot food, live music and s’more roasting kits while shopping the wide variety of crafts and wares for sale by a number of vendors. The farmers market is located at 2812 Thompson Road and SR 525 in between Bayview and Freeland.

The Bayview Farmers Market will host its holiday market from 3 to 7 p.m. Nov. 25 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 26. Live music, a photo booth and kids tent will all be available, and 42 vendors are participating. The market is located at 5642 Bayview Road.

The Whidbey Island Fairgrounds in Langley will host Country Christmas at the Fair for two weekends: Nov. 25-27 and Dec. 2-4. The event takes place from noon to 7 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sunday. Admission is free for the country Christmas, which features a bazaar of handcrafted items, live music, kids’ activities and raffles, with proceeds benefiting the 4H scholarship fund. Fairgrounds are located at 819 Camano Avenue in Langley.

The Evergreen Shoppe Holiday Faire will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 in Huckleberry Hall at Whidbey Island Waldorf School. There will be face painting, local handmade crafts, food and a visit from the Snow Queen. Faire Day features include a holiday art class taught by second grade volunteers at 10 a.m., a visit from the Snow Queen at 11 a.m., lunch at 11:30 a.m. and a beeswax modeling class taught by third grade volunteers at 1 p.m.

Wreaths, greenery and Big Dipper Beeswax candles will be for sale at this free event, located at 6335 Old Pietila Road in Clinton.

Ritual Mischief and Silly Dog Studios will host its annual Winter Holidays Makers Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 19 and 20 at 4683 Tompkins Road in Langley. A dozen crafters from all over the island will sell their wares, including seasonal decorations and gifts such as holiday cards and Christmas stockings. Visitors can enter a drawing for a basket of locally made goods and enjoy holiday music and homemade cookies.

The Cultus Bay Gardens Winter Arts and Crafts Market will take place over two weekends, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 25-27 and Dec. 3 and 4. Located at 7568 Cultus Bay Road, the market will feature jewelry, ceramics, towels, body care products, jams, cookies, famous fruitcakes, woodwork, cards, garlands, honey, chocolate and more. At 11 a.m. Nov. 26, Tekla Cunningham of the Whidbey Island Music Festival will bring together musicians for caroling around the bonfire. Hot spiced cider will be served at this free event.

Twelves featured artists will offer work in a variety of media at the Whidbey Art Market in Freeland from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 25-27 at 1515 E Shoreview Drive. Chili and clam chowder will be served at this event.