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BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – As 2024 comes to an end, businesses and individuals all over Whatcom County are ringing in the new year in style.
Whether you’re seeking change, continuity or nothing in particular, we invite you to share the New Year’s cheer with your community. Celebrate the arrival of 2025 with your family, friends, a significant other or complete strangers at one of these events in Bellingham and beyond.
New Years Eve
Dance the night away
Masquerade party at Galloway’s Cocktail Bar
Galloway’s Cocktail Bar in Fairhaven invites you to step into a world of glamour and mystery as an elegant celebration of the New Year takes place. Fancy attire and masks are not only encouraged but the ticket into joining the event. Those interested in attending can purchase VIP or porch seating tickets, both of which give individuals entry into exclusive raffle prizes. Walk-ins will also be allowed but served on a first-come first-serve basis. The event is 21+ will go from 10 p.m. until about 12:30 a.m.
80s Ballroom Bash at Chuckanut Bay Distillery
Tickets are still available for an 80’s themed party hosted in Chuckanut Bay Distillery’s Ballroom. With a ticket purchase attendees can expect appetizers from Penny Farthing, 80s themed hits, a photobooth, prizes for the best attire and free cocktail & champagne pour at midnight. The event is 21+ and will begin at 8 p.m. and end around 12:30 a.m.
1311 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham
Bellingham Firefighters Community Ball at Hotel Leo
Dance and mingle with Bellingham’s Firefighters at their Community Ball. The event is sporting a classic country theme and will feature live music from Country Rose. The night will begin at the historic Hotel Leo with snacks, light food and two drink tickets, followed by line dancing, live music and time for dancing and a champagne toast just as the ball drops. The event benefits the Bellingham/Whatcom Firefighters Benevolent Foundation, which raised $20,000 for local charities at last year’s ball.
1224 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham
Family Party at the Birch Bay Activity Center
Birch Bay is welcoming the new year with a family-friendly celebration at the Activity Center. A photo booth, dance party, snacks and soft drinks will be available to those who attend. The event is geared toward families who want to celebrate early and get their kids into bed at a reasonable time. Ring in the new year with your loved ones and “party like its midnight” from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
7511 Gemini St., Blaine
Jam to live music
The Whatcom Museum invites you to kick off New Year’s Eve at the Old City Hall. Live music from Baby Cakes, a complimentary drink ticket, appetizers and a free champagne toast at 9 p.m. will be provided for those who want to turn in early or keep the party going through the night. The event is 21+ and will begin at 6 p.m. and end around 9:30 p.m.
121 Prospect St., Bellingham
Located in the Arts District of downtown Bellingham, The Wild Buffalo is hosting a night of music from Queen Mother, the region’s leading Queen tribute band. This event is 21+, and music will take you and your group into the new year.
208 W. Holly St., Bellingham
The Shakedown is encouraging people to forget their worries and numb themselves with 90s punk rock nostalgia before the new year. Featured groups Green Daze and Warp Detour will be playing top hits from the era through the night. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their best 90s attire and will have a chance to win a prize for best costume. Drink specials and a champagne flavored Jello shots will be included with a ticket purchase. The event is 21+ and doors open at 8:30 p.m.
1220 N State St., Bellingham
Bar 211 guarantees an “unforgettable” time featuring live covers by local group SpaceBand. Hip-hop hits from the 90s to 2000s will play through the night. The event is 21+, tickets can be purchased online and doors open at 8 p.m.
211 E Chestnut St., Bellingham
Boundary Bay is celebrating one of its last new year’s parties before it closes in 2025. Whalien will be playing live music while craft beer and cocktails are served. Doors open at 9:45 p.m. and music will begin half an hour later. The event is 21+ and tickets are available for presale or at the door.
1107 Railroad Ave., Bellingham
Red Star Taco Bar is hosting it’s first annual New Years Eve Prohibition Party! Join us for a night of live music with DJ Bernee Luv, a polaroid photobooth, and drink and food specials. Cheers!
1327 N State St., Bellingham
Get down and groovy at Schweinhaus Biergarten, which will be transformed into Studio 54 for the night. You can plan to watch the ball drop at 9 p.m. and are encouraged to dress up in disco attire. The event will have a free photo booth, live music from DJ Cat Passidy, a champagne toast and two individuals will be named Disco King and Queen by the end of the night. The event is 21+ and music will begin at 8 p.m.
1330 N. State St., Bellingham
There will be back-to-back live music at Stone’s Throw Brewery featuring The Naughty Blokes from 7 to 9 p.m. and the Jill Newman Band from 9:30 to midnight. The brewery will be projecting both the 9 p.m. and 12 a.m. ball drops and beer, cider, house-made ginger ale, mulled wine and non-alcoholic beverages. The event is family friendly, pet friendly and free.
1009 Larrabee Ave., Bellingham
In Ferndale, Main Street Bar & Grill will feature live 80s hits through the decade by The Neon Shadows. Those attending are encouraged to come dressed in throwback outfits and shoes fit for dancing. The event is free, 21+ and begins at 8:30 p.m.
2005 Main St., Ferndale
New Years Day
Lake Padden Polar Dip & Resolution Walk/Run
Take the leap and start new year on the right foot with a stroll or jog around Lake Padden followed by a plunge into the water. Prepare your enthusiasm and resolutions before taking the chilly dive into the lake. Don’t forget to bring a towel and change of clothes that can get wet. The walk/run will take place at 11 a.m. and the polar plunge will follow at 12 p.m. sharp.
4882 Samish Way, Bellingham
Birch Bay invites seasoned polar plungers and first timers alike to kick off 2025 with a splash at the Birch Bay Beach Park. Participants can warm up after with some live music, a free cup of hot cocoa, bowl of chili or chowder and family-friendly activities. The Blaine Community Assistance Program (CAP) will also be accepting warm clothing donations in the form of gloves, hats, sweats etc. to support those in need.
7930 Birch Bay Dr., Blaine
In the spirit of transformation, start the new year at Barkley Yoga with a sound journey to restore the body and mind. The class is meant to take participants into a deep state of relaxation for 75 minutes through the use of singing bowls, gongs and other instruments. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blanket, eye mask or pillow for additional comfort. Those interested are encouraged to sign up for the 6 p.m. to 7:15 pm class through Barkley Yoga’s website.
3130 Howe Pl. Unit 102, Bellingham