Orcas Today: December 5th-7th
GiveOrcas
December 2nd-11th
Make an impact in our community and support local nonprofits this holiday season with meaningful gifts of $10 or more. The Orcas Island Community Foundation hosts a collective giving campaign twice a year with GiveOrcas. During these campaigns, OICF solicits applications from local nonprofits to share specific funding needs and then helps the organization reach out to the community for funding. GiveOrcas grants are generously supplemented with funds from the OICF Community Endowment Fund and their Partners in Philanthropy. This holiday season, OICF is also teaming up with the Orcas Chamber of Commerce as part of the Holiday Shop Local Passport contest. If you donate to GiveOrcas, visit the OICF or Chamber offices and get a special stamp for your center square. Every completed passport gets an entry in the shop local raffle. If your center square is stamped indicating a donation to GiveOrcas, you’ll double your entry! It’s the perfect way to Give Local and Shop Local. For more info, visit giveorcas.org
Kids Storytime at the Orcas Island Library
December 5th from 11:00am-12:00pm
Join Jenny for storytime in our kids section!
First Friday Book Club
December 5th from 12:00-1:00pm at Orcas Library
Contact Andrea Reback for more information: areback@orcaslibrary.org.
Art with Carla at the Orcas Senior Center
Fridays from 1:00-3:00pm
Led by experienced artist Carla Stanley, this lighthearted class focuses on the creative process with a strong belief in your artistic potential, regardless of skill level. The class is $10 (or $8 for OSC members). Contact Carla at 360.317.5652 or onlyonorcas@gmail.com to secure your spot. Uncover your artistic potential and join creative Fridays at Orcas Senior Center!
Needlework Circle at The Orcas Senior Center
Fridays from 2:00-6:00pm
Join this weekly gathering for knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, and all needleworkers at Orcas Senior Center, every Friday at 2pm. Come hang out—no project required! Whether you haven’t knitted in years, want to learn to crochet, or just want to relax and chat, you’ll find a wonderful selection of donated yarn, needles, books, and plenty of friendly advice. For more information, contact Edy Hansen at edy@orcasseniors.org or 206.413.6167
Dobro Brian Show at Island Hoppin’ Brewery
December 5th from 5:00-7:00pm
The Dobro Brian Show brings back the country, bluegrass, folk, and country rock songs we grew up with in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Enjoy classics from Haggard, Cash, Hank, Lightfoot, Fogelberg, the Eagles, and more—performed on lap steel and dobro slide guitar. No cover!
On Screen at Seaview Theater: Wicked for Good
December 5th & 6th at 7:00pm
Rated PG.
Adult Ballet: Level 1 Barre & Stretch
Saturdays from 9:30-10:30am at the Orcas Center
Adults Ballet classes are a great way to learn basic ballet steps at the barre to help stretch and strengthen your body. Some ballet classes will learn short choreography in the middle of the floor and work on turns, leaps and jumps. Dancers of all levels are welcome to come give these classes a try. Ages 16+. Register here
Winter Artisan Market
December 6th from 10:00am-5:00pm & 7th from 11:00am-4:00pm at Odd Fellows Hall
Presented by the San Juan Makers Guild and benefiting Odd Fellows Hall, this festive market showcases the exceptional work of island artisans and offers a curated selection of handmade goods perfect for holiday gifting. Discover unique jewelry, handcrafted textiles, fine art, wellness gifts, and more. Throughout the weekend, Main Squeeze Mobile Bar will pour seasonal non-alcoholic selections made with local ingredients. The Kitchen Café will be serving their signature Asian-inspired farm-fresh menu on Saturday.
American Legion Holiday Bazaar
December 6th from 10:00am-3:00pm
Discover unique gifts from local vendors, explore festive decor in the Christmas Room, and enjoy sweet treats and savory soups. Don’t miss the raffle baskets and the chance to support our veterans through this fun, festive community event.
Moran State Park Holiday Swag Event & Open House
December 6th from 10:00am-3:00pm at the Camp Moran Lodge
Celebrate the season with Friends of Moran and Washington State Parks as you create holiday swag and enjoy an inside look at Camp Moran, the retreat center located at the south end of Cascade Lake. We’ll provide all the tools and materials you need to make decorations such as wreaths, mini wreaths, tree cookies, and more! Be sure to bring Warm clothes, snacks & water, and any art supplies you’d like to use (we’ll provide cocoa!) This event is free and open to everyone. Come get creative and enjoy a cozy day at the park!
Tara Plank’s Yoga Workshop
December 6th from 10:30:-11:45am at the Orcas Senior Center
This core-focused vinyasa practice, inspired by LYT Yoga and developed by a skilled physical therapist assistant, follows a specialized blueprint based on neurodevelopmental principles. The workshop is designed to correct postural imbalances and enhance movement efficiency. Then, from 12:30-1:15pm, unwind with chair yoga, a gentle practice ideal for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Attend one or both sessions—classes are by donation! Please bring a yoga mat (and blocks if available). For more information, visit www.alignmovementtherapy.com.
Flocking Swans Winter Mercantile
December 6th & 7th from 11:00am-5:00pm at Turtlehead Farm
Where winter meets wonder, Flocking Swans rises to honor the preservation of the handmade. Set within a heritage barn, this annual market invites guests into a world devoted to the beauty of artisanal craft. Now in its fifth year, the family-friendly celebration brings together artisans, dreamers, and makers from across the San Juan Islands.
Caroling with the Turtleback Brass Quintet
December 6th from 11:00am-12:30pm in Eastsound
Get in the holiday spirit and enjoy the Turtleback Brass Quintet as they carol through Eastsound! They’ll begin near the corner of Main and North Beach Road shortly after 11:00am and will make their way to various locations depending on the weather.
Orcas Project Christmas Tree Lighting Specials
December 6th from 12:00-8:00pm at the Orcas Project Tasting Room
Pop over to the Orcas Project before or after the Tree Lighting at the green to enjoy 10% off The Orcas Project Wines, Holiday Wine Bundles, Flights, and Glass Pours.
Orcas Island Library’s Holiday Tea
December 6th from 1:00-4:00pm
The Library’s Holiday Tea—an island tradition for over 60 years—serves as a warm thank-you to the community for its ongoing support. Enjoy festive treats, live music, a visit from Santa at 2pm, and a cozy celebration of the season.
Table of Content Book Club Meeting & Movie
December 6th from 3:00-5:00pm at the Orcas Library
Grab a free copy of A Christmas Carol, thanks to Friends of the Orcas Library, and join the middle (4-7th grade) Table of Content Book Club for an informal book discussion (3:00-3:15pm) before watching The Muppet’s Christmas Carol (3:30-5:00pm).
Village Green Tree Lighting Celebration
December 6th from 4:00-7:00pm
Join your neighbors and friends as the island gathers at Eastsound Village Green for the annual Holiday on the Green Tree Lighting! Music, food, vendors, Santa, beer & wine tent, bonfire, holiday cheer! Performances by the Community Band, Orcas Kids’ Chorus and Christian School Choir, Orcas Dance Collective, and Pedro Lopez De Victoria, plus special guests!
On Stage at Orcas Center: The Choral Society
December 6th at 7:00pm and 7th at 2:00pm
Artistic Director Bruce Langford leads the choir in Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s Midnight Mass for Christmas, a joyful 1694 composition based on ten French carols. The performance also features dancers from the Orcas Dance Collective, choreographed by Tiffany Loney. The second half includes familiar holiday favorites in creative new arrangements. Adult tickets range from $23–$68, youth (ages 12–18) are $5, and children under 12 attend free.
Children’s Holiday Craft Fair
December 7th from 12:00-2:00pm at the Orcas Library
Orcas Island children, ages 6 to 18 years, will be selling original, handmade items priced from 25 cents to $10. Past items included greeting cards, drawings, hand-carved wooden toys, felted soaps, beaded accessories, baked goods, painted rocks, seashell and beach glass art, sewn items, and other one-of-a kind treasures. Please bring cash and shop early as many items sell out quickly. Questions? Jdegroot@orcaslibrary.org
35+ Basketball
Sundays from 4:00-6:00pm at the Orcas Island High School Gym
Join other adult basketball players in pick-up basketball games on the full court in the gym. New and experienced players are invited to join a team. The gym opens at 4pm each Sunday, and play continues through 6pm. Indoor shoes are required. Balls and a first aid kit are provided. Pay $5 for a one-time drop-in, or pay $30 for a 6 month all-access pass that allows you to drop-in to any adult sport, including soccer, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee. Buy your Drop-in Pass Here.
16+ Volleyball
Wednesday/Sunday from 7:30-9:30pm at the Old Gym
Join adult volleyball players in the gym to learn volleyball and put your skills to the test in rounds of short games. New and experienced players are invited to join and play along. Several players are needed to help set-up and remove the net each time. Indoor shoes are required. Pay $5 for a one-time drop-in, or pay $30 for a 6 month all-access pass that allows you to drop-in to any adult sport, including soccer, basketball, and ultimate frisbee. Purchase your Drop-in Pass Here.
