Bring the kids for a new picture with Santa to hang on the wall of your Lake Stevens property or to send out as Christmas cards to loved ones. Santa will be all set up for pictures in his sleigh at Frontier Village by the old Staples in Lake Stevens. Mrs. Claus will also be on site with freshly baked cookies. The pictures are available every day between December 17th and December 24th between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Designer Studios has been photographing Santa with the children of Lake Stevens since 1988 and many families have made a tradition of coming out for this fun event every December. It is a great way to capture the growth of your children each year, and to find out what they would like for Christmas!

The other perk of coming for these pictures is that you can take them back to your Lake Stevens property the same day. They are printed right on site and there are many package options to meet every need and budget. The smallest package is just $19.99 for one 5x7 and the largest is $44.99 for one ornament, four 5x7’s, eight 2x3’s, one 3.5x5, and all digital files. Christmas cards are also available as well as more digital options. Find more details as well as contact information at Designer Portrait Studio. 

There are so many wonderful community events available to all who live in Snohomish. This community truly enjoys coming together to celebrate the city and the holidays. A great chance to participate in an event takes place on Saturday, December 17th when the 5th annual Freestyle Christmas Lights Cruise takes over Snohomish. Come out to downtown Snohomish to 1st Street, Avenue D, 2nd Street, and Union Avenue to participate in this event, or just to watch. Anyone who wishes to may decorate their street legal vehicle with lights and show up between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. to take laps with the other lighted vehicles. There is no need to register or anything, just show up. Come to drive just a few times around or stay for the whole hour.

All who live in Snohomish are invited to come check out the spectacle. Make an evening of it and grab a bite to eat at one of the tasty restaurants downtown. Meet up with friends and perhaps even do a little shopping to scratch a few names off of your gift list. Don’t forget your camera to document the fun memories, especially the looks on all of the children’s faces. Find more information, as well as a map at the event Facebook page. 

Joy and laughter fill the halls on Monroe real estate at the East County Senior Center. Established in 1968 this worthwhile organization strives to assist older citizens living near Monroe homes to stay active in mind and body. The ECSC offers many activities each weekday as well as special events and trips.

Daily activities keeping seniors in the groove are enhanced fitness classes, gentle yoga and line dancing. Those wanting to play can get in on the game with bingo, canasta, poker, pinochle and more on. Quiet hobbies enjoyed include knitting, quilting, and crocheting together. Health screenings are important for those in their golden years. The ECSD provides regular preventative care for both hearing and blood pressure. Lunch is served on site on most days. Trips frequent the calendar with groups going out to eat and sometimes journeying to the Snoqualmie Casino.

Special events add to the excitement had by this lively group of people. Each third Saturday of the month a community breakfast is held. A mouthwatering spread is presented including pancakes, french toast, eggs, ham and sausage. Many are looking forward to getting shopping done at the Holiday Bazaar and Craft Fair December 10th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday strollers will find a variety of homemade gifts including jewelry, woodwork and crafts. Treats at the bake sale will tempt those with a sweet tooth.

With all the fun going on, seniors living in the Monroe real estate area should consider joining the East County Senior Center. Memberships are an affordable $25 for individuals or $40 for families. For more information please call 360.794.6359.

December is here, and that means it’s time to find a Christmas tree for your Lake Stevens home. There’s nothing more fun than heading out to the Christmas tree farm and choosing a tree yourself. Wintergreen Christmas Tree Farm is open for business. Round up some family or friends and get out the farm. You can either choose a tree out in the fields or browse the pre-cut trees. Find trees ranging in height from five to 15 feet. Whatever you choose, you’ll get a gorgeous tree to take home, as well as making great memories of holiday fun.

Once you have your tree, warm up with some hot apple cider. Get some kettle corn for a special treat. Don’t miss the gift shop to find more Christmas decorations for your Lake Stevens home or to give as gifts. You’ll also find find fresh wreaths and garlands. Check out the selection of beautiful ornaments. These make great gifts for coworkers, teachers, and others on your gift list.

The Wintergreen Tree Farm is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until December 11th. Plan to go this coming weekend to find a great tree close to home.

All who live in Monroe are invited to come get into the holiday spirit by attending the annual tree lighting ceremony, Light Up Monroe! This event will take place on Saturday, December 3rd in downtown Monroe. There will be activities for the whole family going on all day long, including live music, crafts, an indoor market, specials at local businesses, and Free pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The main event, the Tree Lighting Ceremony, will be at 5 p.m. at the corner of Lewis and Main, and much will be happening before and after this fun family event.

Start out your day by coming to a Saturday Sampler class at Ben Franklin Crafts and Frame Shop from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Next, fill your belly at the Santa Breakfast at Big Daddy John’s at 10 a.m. Return to Ben Franklin’s from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for a Make and Take class. Create a holiday ornament, angel earrings, or a directional sign. At some point in the afternoon, be sure to stop into the Visitor Information Center for free pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Don’t forget to bring your own camera. Drop in to listen to the carolers and musicians from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and join many others who live in Monroe at 5 p.m. for the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Continue the holiday cheer with cookies and cocoa with Santa at Olde St. Nick’s at 6:30 p.m. Throughout the day, stop in for specials at local merchants to cross gifts off of your list. Read more about Light Up Monroe and plan your day. 

A beloved Christmas show returns to Snohomish property on November 26th with the Tingstad And Rumbel Holiday Concert. Beginning at 7:30 p.m. the joyous sounds of festive music will fill the Tim Noah Thumbnail Theater. Located at 1211 4th Street, this venue is conveniently found at the corner of 4th Street and Avenue D.

Partnering together for over 25 years, Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel blend sweet sounds of double reeds, guitar and the ocarina. With 19 albums under their belts, this grammy award winning duo delights audience every time they perform on Snohomish property.

The magic of Tingstad and Rumbel has been raved about worldwide. Tours throughout the years have taken the team around the globe. Their musical style has been enhanced by the different cultural sounds they have encountered in their travels. Today’s tour is more enchanting because of the travels taken.

Those who live in Snohomish or nearby will find the Tingstad and Rumbel holiday concert a great way to start celebrating the season. Warm feelings and good cheer will resonate within the venue creating a light hearted atmosphere. As the music begins the merriment starts. Take part in this traditional performance and cherish the time spent and memories made. 

Lake Stevens real estate owners looking for a quiet retreat should check out Mill Cove Reserve. Located at 1812 Main Street, between 16th Place NE and 17 Place NE, just south of Main Street, the reserve is an island of tranquility in the bustle of downtown. The location was once the site of the Rucker Mill, which operated in the first half of the 20th century. The mill burned down in 1919 but was rebuilt. It burnt down again in 1925. At that point it was abandoned. The site was purchased in 1997 funds from from Snohomish County Conservation Futures.

The one-acre park has reverted to its original forested state. Wetlands, as well as the shoreline of Lake Stevens, form the rest of the habitats in the reserve. This is an ideal spot for observing wildlife. Bring a pair of binoculars to get a good look at the birds that nest in the reserve. Bring a picnic or just go for an easy ramble around the lake and enjoy the trees. It’s also a great place for collecting fall foliage for decorating Lake Stevens real estate for the holidays.

Mill Cove Reserve is open everyday from 5 a.m. to dusk. Find out more about this and other Lake Stevens parks at the city website. 

People living in Snohomish homes have the opportunity to support local businesses by going to the Snohomish Holiday Market. This annual event is eagerly anticipated by all who love to give hand-made gifts. GroWashington is hosting the event. The organization is dedicated to boosting Washington small business owners. Head to Thomas Family Farm on Saturday and Sunday, November 19th and 20th. The market will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. There is a $1 entrance fee. Take advantage of plenty of free parking.

Kids from Snohomish homes should bring their wish lists along to the market. Santa Claus will be there! Browse lots of local vendors. You’ll find a dizzying array of hand-made craft goods, as well as some truly stunning fine art. The market is true one-stop shopping. Find candles, toys and books for kids, quilts, jewelry, and much more. Don’t forget to bring you appetite, too. There will be delicious treats available for purchase, as well as filling meals and hot drinks. You’ll even be able to find treats for your favorite pooch.

Visit Snohomish Holiday Market to get more details about the event, including a full list of vendors in attendance.

Athletes who live in Monroe spend happy days at Blue Boy West Golf Course. A par 33 course with beautiful greens and shady trees, this place of play is a great fit for every level of golfer. Open every day from dusk to dawn there is plenty of time to get in a quick nine or fit in a full 18 holes.

A state of the art facility provides a place to practice the ancient sport of golf. The warm up area includes sections for chipping, putting and driving. Those looking to upgrade their equipment will find all they need in the clubhouse. And, after working up an appetite on the greens, players can relax with a beverage and a meal in Barry’s Cafe. From breakfast sandwiches to BLTs, there is plenty on the menu to satisfy.

Special events are often held at the Blue Boy West Golf Course. As a true community venue, golfing leagues are available for both men and women who live in Monroe or nearby. Local golf enthusiasts can play with like minds creating and cultivating friendships. With luscious landscapes as a backdrop, weddings regularly take place here. Area brides and grooms to be can call 360.793.2378 for more information about scheduling their big day.

Located in Monroe and less than a half hour away from Everett, Blue Boy West is convenient for just about everyone. 

Walk step by step into the past and explore the oldest of Monroe homes during the Monroe Historic Homes Tour.Taking place on Saturday, November 12th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. guests will explore 2 historic church buildings and 6 lovely homes. View restoration efforts made by homeowners who will be onsite to answer questions and provide insight.The tour begins at the Monroe Historical Museum located at 207 E. Main Street. As the first Monroe property traversed during the tour, visitors will inspect the 1908 City Hall Building.

Regular museum hours are Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 12 to 3 p.m. Locals should make a point to stop by and learn about their city’s history. Children living in the area will be most curious about the Pioneer School Display. Authentic desks are set up in re-creation of an old fashioned school complete with the actual Old Wagner School blackboard. Newly added in October, the museum now houses an upright Hamilton piano. Once filling the town theaters with music to accompany silent films, this classic instrument still sounds wonderful. A projector that displayed the moving pictures in the 1920’s is also part of the exhibit.

Tickets are on sale for Monroe’s Historical Home Tour online for $10. Proceeds benefit the Monroe Historical Society and their efforts to preserve the city’s past for future generations. Marvel at the similarities and differences of antique architecture and design. Be part of the Monroe Historic Homes Tour and get a glimpse of times gone by on Monroe property.