WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Like a beacon of hope shining through the dense Pacific Northwest fog, holiday lights warm our souls and guide even the weariest travelers toward the comfort of the Christmas season. After a week of cold, foggy weather here in Whatcom County, locals can finally rejoice because this weekend will be lit.

The Northwest Lighted Christmas Parade is Saturday, Dec. 7 on Front Street in Lynden. Head on up to check out all the lighted cars, trucks, floats and more. Farming equipment and wagons will also be lit up for the night. The parade starts at 6 p.m. at the Fairway Shopping Center and heads east on Front St. through downtown.

If you can’t make it up to Lynden for the Lighted Parade, check out the Lighted Boat Parade in Bellingham. The Bellingham Yacht Club will decorate various boats with lights, rendezvous at the Ferry Terminal in Fairhaven, then set sail for Squalicum Harbor at 6 p.m. on Saturday evening. Head down to the Ferry Terminal, Boulevard Park or Zuanich Park for the best viewing of the parade on the water.

There are a couple of Christmas tree lightings you can check out this weekend too. Ferndale’s Holiday Tree Lighting is Friday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. Head up to the Riverwalk on the banks of the mighty Nooksack River to watch them flip the switch on the lights. Santa Claus will be on the scene as well and there will be hot cocoa and cookies for all.

You can also embrace the spirit of the season in downtown Bellingham for the tree lighting at the Depot on Railroad Avenue at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. They’ll also have free hot cocoa and cookies for you while to take it all in. For more information, head to the Downtown Bellingham Partnership website.

If you’re looking to donate to a great cause this weekend, the sixth-annual Drive for Joy event will collect practical gifts for people who are homeless. This drive-through event is located at the parking lot at 839 W. Holly St. near the Lighthouse Mission’s new building.

The Drive for Joy event collects practical items for people in need in Whatcom County. Photo courtesy Lighthouse Mission Ministries.

You can drive through from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and drop off new coats, ponchos, non-knit hats and gloves, hand warmers and single-serving instant drink packets. They’re also looking for twin-size blankets and sheets, hooded zip-up sweatshirts, underwear, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant and towels. Staff will be there to guide you through the process.

Our featured live show this week is part of another holiday event. Boundary Bay Brewery is hosting their Krampus Holiday Fest on Saturday at 7 p.m. Then at 9 p.m., three local metal bands will take the stage for what’s sure to be an epic show. Mudbath (Friday Harbor), The Moon is Flat (Everett) and Monstress (Bellingham) will set the mood while you enjoy drink specials, food and a holiday market.

It’s an all-ages event but be advised because Krampus can be scary for the little ones. So, if an evil, horned creature sounds like too much for your child, you may want to pass. But if scaring your kids straight while taking a photo with Saint Nicholas’ demonic sidekick seems manageable, head on down to Boundary Bay and stick around for some good old-fashioned heavy metal rock and roll.

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!!!

Listen to this week’s Lifestyle Lookout segment below and every Friday on the KGMI Morning News: