Make a Holiday-Themed Trip to La Conner

Where lighted boats and prominent Northwest artists abound this holiday season.

By: Maysha Watson |   December 2011   |  FROM THE PRINT EDITION

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Swinomish Yacht Club

WHERE: La Conner, Washington, for Swinomish Yacht Club’s decades-old annual Lighted Boat Parade (12/10; 6:30 p.m.; free; swinomishyachtclub.org).

WHY: Stunning, hand-decorated yachts and boats illuminate the Swinomish channel for a “Christmas Island”-themed waterborne parade that travels from the La Conner Marina along the waterfront to Shelter Bay.

WHILE IN TOWN: Stop in to the Museum of Northwest Art (times vary; $2–$5; 121 S First St.; 360.466.4446; museumofnwart.org), celebrating its first 30 years with an extensive exhibit of work by prominent Northwest artists, including Paul Horiuchi, Clayton James and Mark Tobey.

GETTING THERE: From Seattle, take I-5 North to Exit 221 toward Lake McMurray. Turn left onto Pioneer Highway and then right onto Fir Island Road. Maysha Watson