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WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The holidays are here and with that means festive events for everyone who is ready spread festive cheer far and wide.
Residents all over Whatcom County are putting up decorations, stringing Christmas lights, buying gifts and taking part in themed events. Check out this comprehensive list of festivities near you to get in on the holiday fun in December.
Don’t see your event on the list? Submit a holiday event to news@mybellinghamnow.com to be featured.
Visit with Santa
Letters to Santa – Available every day until Dec. 15
Make sure to get your letters to Santa by Dec. 14—they have a long way to travel! Drop off your wish lists at the North Pole Mailbox on the stage at the Village Green in Fairhaven. Santa is guaranteed to write back via a personalized postcard.
1207 10th St., Bellingham
Santa’s Food Drive – Dec. 13, 14, 15
Santa will be at the Ferndale Food Bank teaming up with the Ferndale Firefighters to collect non-perishable and monetary donations through local neighborhoods. Keep an eye out for Santa in your Ferndale neighborhood or use a Santa Tracker to watch for he and his helpers along their route.
City of Ferndale
Father Christmas – Dec. 7, 14, 21
As a part of the Winterfest celebration, the Fairhaven Association has invited Father Christmas to spend time at the Village Inn with those attending the celebration. He will be there from 12 to 3 p.m. cozied up next to the fire on three different days through December.
1200 10th St., Bellingham
Christmas at Bellewood Farms – Available every Saturday & Sunday until Dec. 22
Free photos with Santa, Christmas Carolers and smores will be offered around the fire at Bellewood Acres. Attendees are invited to enjoy warm drinks, shop around and pick out a Christmas tree while taking in the holiday festivities.
6140 Guide Meridian Rd., Lynden
Skate with Santa – Dec. 21
Head to the rink and skate around with Santa at the Bellingham Sportsplex. Ice skating is open to the public, includes all ages and costs $10 per skater. Your admission includes a skate rental, hot cocoa and some time with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
1225 Civic Field Way, Bellingham
Lighted Christmas Events
Ferndale Holiday Tree Lighting – Dec. 6
The Ferndale Fire Department and Downtown Association are teaming up to host the annual tree lighting. This year’s tree is 30 feet tall and accompanied by festive downtown lights and a visit from Santa. The Downtown Association is also presenting music, warm treats and Christmas cheer for the lighting ceremony.
Main Street, Ferndale
Bellingham Tree Lighting Ceremony – Dec. 7
Head downtown in Bellingham for free cocoa and cookies at 5:30 p.m., followed by a countdown and tree lighting at 6 p.m. There will be a photobooth for pictures, craft table to create and treats from Ralph’s Pretzels. Take in the bright lights, buzz of people and holiday cheer until the event ends at 7:30p.m.
Christmas stroll through Pioneer Village – Dec. 13, 14, 20, 21
The Ferndale Heritage Society is inviting the community to join them for a lighted stroll through Pioneer Village. Attendees can walk through the cabin and park’s grounds while enjoying festive music and over 90,000 lights. There will also be warm beverages and a scavenger hunt for kids with a prize at the end.
2000 Cherry St., Ferndale
Fairhaven Lighted Bike Ride – Dec. 14
Light up your bikes and get ready to ride with Fairhaven’s family friendly “Night Light” bicycle parade. The journey begins at Hillcrest Church, stretches down to the Fairhaven waterfront, then circle back to end at the Village Green. Those who join can anticipate hot refreshments, live fire entertainment and caroling. There is also a contest for best light decor, which includes both kids and adults.
1400 Larrabee Ave., Bellingham
Festive Activities
Tea at Willowbrook Manor – Dec. 7, 14, 21
Enjoy a cup of holiday tea accompanied by sandwiches, salad, sweet cream scones and fresh-baked sweets at an English tea house and farm stay in Skagit County. The festive atmosphere and time with friends and family promises a memorable time.
27420 Minkler Rd., Sedro-Woolley
Holiday Port – Dec. 7, 8
The Port of Bellingham is throwing Holiday Port, a festival held at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. There will be live performances all day long, photos with Santa and a gingerbread house competition on display. The event is free, family friendly and runs from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
355 Harris Ave., Bellingham
Old Fashioned Carriage Rides – Dec. 7, 14, 21
Horse drawn carriages will guide people through the historic Fairhaven Village once every weekend in December. Rides last up to 15 minutes and are completely free—mind the carrot bucket for donations to the horses.
1200 10th St., Bellingham
Holiday Film Series at the Pickford Film Center
Enjoy some movie magic at the Pickford Film Center with festive movies featured weekly. The rotating films all incorporate some holiday spirit and will help get you geared up for Christmas. The list is as follows:
Home Alone – Dec. 7, 8
Die Hard – Dec. 12
Sleepless in Seattle – Dec. 15, 19
The Muppet Christmas Carol – Dec. 21, 22
It’s A Wonderful Life – Dec. 24
1318 Bay St., Bellingham
Santa 5K – Dec. 21
A holiday themed 5K is taking place at Cordata Park at 11 a.m. Participants are invited run, walk or skip while enjoying coffee, friends and being outdoors. Costumes are not required but encouraged and Santa hats will be distributed at the event.
4510 Cordata Pkwy, Bellingham
Victorian Carolers – Dec. 21
Enjoy listening to your favorite holiday classics live through Fairhaven’s Victorian Carolers. The carolers will be perusing the Village Inn area from 1 to 2 p.m.
1200 10th St., Bellingham
Intergalactic Holiday – Dec. 21, 22
Blaine’s performing arts center is celebrating the holidays through an otherworldly adventure. A show featuring an extraterrestrial on a mission to find Santa will grace the stage, and the curious Alien will try to find its way to the North Pole. Tickets to the show are $15 online or at the door.
975 H St., Blaine
Deck the Old City Hall – Dec. 7, 8, 11-13, 14, 15, 18-22, 25-29
Every week the Whatcom Museum is holding “Deck the Old City Hall,” with rotating events in the transformed festive wonderland that is Whatcom Museum’s Old City Hall. Live performances, music, decorated galleries and craft events will be on going through the month of December. Admission is through donation, and all proceeds go to the museum’s programs and exhibits.
121 Prospect St., Bellingham
Holiday Markets
Holiday Lights Market – Dec. 7
Explore different local vendors and a festive pop-up store at Semiahmoo Resort. Shopping will be followed by a musical, carol sing-along, letter-writing, a visit from Santa and warm food and drinks.
9565 Semiahmoo Pkwy, Blaine
Children’s Holiday Market – Dec. 14
A whimsical winter wonderland is promised at the Children’s Holiday Market in Bellingham. Young artisans and entrepreneurs will have their creations on display for shoppers to purchase. The unique vendors market is open to the public and will run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
2214 Electric Ave., Bellingham
The 3rd annual Holiday Market will be happening at Dockside in Bellingham. From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. seafood, snacks, craft vendors, free cookies and a live show from Bellingham’s Youth Jazz Band will be running at the market.
2599 S. Harbor Loop Dr., Bellingham
Holiday Makers Market – Dec. 14
Kulshan will be donating $1 per pint during their 4th annual Holiday Makers Market from 4 to 8 p.m. The market will benefit the United Way of Whatcom County and supports local creatives who aim to create sustainable and environmentally friendly crafts. All participating makers will donate 10% of sales rather than a vending fee to the United Way of Whatcom County as well.
1538 Kentucky St., Bellingham
Lummi Holiday Bazaar – Dec. 19
The Lummi Holiday Bazaar will be at the Silver Reef Casino Resort, showcasing creativity, talent and entrepreneurial creations from local artisans in the community. Vendors from the Lummi Nation plan to gather and celebrate the holiday through art, culture and commerce. Holiday decor, cultural items, handmade crafts and edible items will be found at the event.
4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale
Gift Giving
Let’s Make Presents – Dates vary based on location
The Blaine Library is holding “Let’s Make Presents” all over Whatcom for teens and kids who want to craft and wrap gifts for loved ones this year. They are planning on traveling all over the county, including Ferndale, Deming, Everson, Point Roberts, Sumas and more. To see where they will be on different dates check out their calendar.
Locations vary by date
Free Gift Wrapping at Village Books
Free gift wrapping will take place at Village Books in the reading gallery downstairs. Bring your holiday presents and make them festive before Christmas day at no cost.
1200 11th St., Bellingham