“We all know Coupeville is a very unique and special place and the Greening of Coupeville events make it even more so,” said Lynda Eccles, executive director of the Coupeville Chamber of Commerce.

As in years past, a cheerful atmosphere will greet those who venture downtown for the two-day celebration that begins with a concert on Friday, Nov. 30 and wraps up with the annual Christmas parade and holiday tree lighting the evening of Saturday, Dec. 1.

The family-friendly celebration begins with a Celtic Yuletide performance by Magical Strings at the Camp Casey Conference Center.

The concert is sponsored by Concerts on the Cove.

In a performance similar to Riverdance, entertainment includes the Celtic harp and hammered dulcimer of Philip and Pam Boulding, plus some violin, cello, pennywhistle and percussion as well as singing and step dancing.

Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets are available in Coupeville at Linds Pharmacy, Bayleaf, Local Grown, Coupeville Auto Repair and the Coupeville Chamber of Commerce. Children 18 years old and younger are free, if accompanied by an adult for the Celtic Yuletide performance. For information, visit concertsonthecove.org.

Those who want to get a little exercise before indulging in holiday treats can take part in the Coupeville Chamber of Commerce’s fourth annual Jingle Trail 5K Fun Run and 2K Walk. The course takes runners and walkers through the scenic trails at Seattle Pacific University’s Camp Casey campus. The race begins at 10 a.m. Race-day registration is available starting at 8:30 a.m.

Entry forms are available at the Coupeville library, Whidbey Island Bank and the Coupeville Chamber of Commerce. Entry forms can also be requested at director@centralwhidbeychamber.com.

In between the race and Christmas parade later that afternoon, visitors can browse local shops or hit the two bazaars that take place that day.

The annual Christmas Bazaar at the Coupeville United Methodist Church at 608 N. Main Street is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair is at the Coupeville Recreation Hall at 901 N.W. Alexander St. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

At 4 p.m., crowds will line up along Main and Front streets to enjoy the Christmas pºarade. The parade, led by Frosty the Snowman (a.k.a. Mayor Nancy Conard) includes lighted floats, community groups and Santa Claus arriving on his sleigh.

Following the parade at around 5 p.m., people will gather at Cook’s Corner Park at the corner of Main and Ninth streets for the holiday tree lighting. Vern and Karl Olsen will lead the crowd in singing Christmas carols.

Favorable weather also brings decorated boats from the Oak Harbor Yacht Club at around 6 p.m. The colorful lighted boats will sail past Coupeville’s historic wharf.

Shops will stay open an extra few hours until 7 p.m. on Saturday so that visitors can shop for holiday gifts. Restaurants also will be open for business.

“Only in Coupeville do you experience this kind of magic,” Eccles said with a smile. “All that fun and entertainment in one neat Coupeville package!”