A Christmas theme carries through several events this month at Skagit County Historical Museum, in La Conner.

Jo Wolfe, the museum's fundraising and publicity coordinator, said displays in the museum's north wing - which features home life exhibits such as a parlor, kitchen and bedroom from the late 1800s and early 1900s - have been decorated with Christmas ornaments and lighting that reflect the period.

"It's a Skagit Christmas!" Wolfe said, adding that this is the first time the museum has attempted such a feat.

Wolfe said there are toys, including a dollhouse, a life-size sleigh, decorated Christmas trees, ornaments and lighting used in the era.

"It's just festive," she said. "It's a real transformation."

Hands-on events are featured daily, with age-appropriate activities for children such as holiday cards and gift tags, in partnership with the Children's Museum of Skagit County.

"Skagit Christmas Special" runs through Dec. 21, featuring exhibits that show how early Skagit County residents celebrated the holiday season.

Special events Saturday, Dec. 8, include "Story Time with Mrs. Claus" from 1 to 3 p.m. and a hands-on cookie-decorating craft from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"We'll have cookies and frosting and sprinkles and stuff," Wolfe said. "The term 'kid' will be a broad definition that day."

The museum, at 501 S. Fourth St. in La Conner, features historical displays, artifacts and life-size period dioramas with a stunning hilltop view of Skagit Valley, Mount Baker and the North Cascades.

A current exhibit, "The Murrow Brothers: At the Peak of Their Professions," focuses on celebrated journalist Edward R. Murrow and his siblings, who grew up in Skagit Valley.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and children ages 6 to 12, and free for 5 and younger. There's a special family rate of $8, which includes $8 admission for two adults and two children. Museum members are admitted free.

As part of a holiday special, Skagit County Historical Museum and the Children's Museum of Skagit County, at Cascade Mall in Burlington, are offering a two-museum pass for $15, which allows a single family admission to each museum. Passes are available at either museum.

For more information, call 360-466-3365 or go to skagitcounty.net/museum.

IMPROV EVENT

Local poets, dancers and musicians will perform their interpretation of works in the Whatcom Museum exhibition "California Impressionism: Selections from the Irvine Museum," during the monthly downtown Art Walk from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, in the Lightcatcher, 250 Flora St. Admission to the museum will be free during the special evening hours.

Featured are performances by dancers Gabriel Lukeris and Wyn Pottratz, musicians Burke Mulvaney and Ray Downey, and poets Jim Bertolino and Anita (Boyle) Bertolino.

Cheese Meat(s) Beer, the restaurant at the museum, will be open for the evening.

TREE LIGHTING

A special lighting ceremony for the city's Christmas tree will be at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at Depot Market Square, at the site of Bellingham Farmers Market, Railroad Avenue and Maple Street.

ROBERT MITTENDORF is a Herald copy editor and page designer. Suggest your ideas for local family-friendly events or day trips at 360-756-2805 or at robert.mittendorf@bellinghamherald.com.