Finally! It’s time for my fa-la-la-la-la favorite season. The air is crisp, the cocoa is steaming, lights are twinkling, and holiday music is inescapable — just the way I like it.
Looking to add even more good cheer to this already-festive season? Take your pick of holiday concerts and performances taking place across Bellingham — from classic Christmas carols to the Nutcracker, Handel’s Messiah, and much more.
The Bellingham Theatre Guild’s ‘Tuna Christmas’
Running from November 27 through December 13, The Bellingham Theatre Guild celebrates the holiday season with its adaptation of “Tuna Christmas.” Written by Ed Howard, Joe Sears and Jaston Williams, and directed by Michelle Kriz, this hilarious comedy transports audience members to Tuna, Texas, and plunks them down amidst a zany cast of characters.
Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, and $8 for children. The ticket office is open from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays, or order by phone at 360-733-1811.
7:30 p.m. shows: November 27 and 28, December 3, 4, 5, and 10, 11, 12
2:00 p.m. matinees: November 29, December 6 and 13
Bellingham Theatre Guild
1600 H Street in Bellingham
Harper & I’s ‘The Nutcracker’
Harper and I Dance Center and Artistic Director Stephanie Harper present “The Nutcracker,” with two performances at the Mount Baker Theatre to help ring in the holiday season.
Tickets are $18 and can be purchased online, in person at the Mount Baker Theatre box office or by calling 360-734-6080.
Saturday, November 28 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 29 at 2:00 p.m.
Mount Baker Theatre
104 North Commercial in downtown Bellingham
WWU Department of Theatre & Dance Presents: ‘A Christmas Carol: The Musical’
Western’s Department of Theatre and Dance brings to the stage a tuneful take on Charles Dickens’ classic tale with “A Christmas Carol: The Musical.”
Tickets are $17 (adults) / $15.00 (faculty and staff) / $12 (students) and can be purchased online.
Wednesday, December 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, December 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 5 at 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 6 at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Ballet Bellingham Presents: ‘The Nutcracker’
Prepare to be transported by Ballet Bellingham on a magical journey with Clara and the Nutcracker Prince. Choreographed by Artistic Director Jessica Crook and married to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, the show is completed by gorgeous costumes and beautiful dancing. Ballet Bellingham students and local dancers share the stage in this delightful telling of a Christmas classic.
Continuing the tradition that Ballet Bellingham began with its very first performances of “The Nutcracker,” the company will donate over 200 tickets to local children’s charities.
“Ballet Bellingham offers a cultural opportunity that we want to share with those in our community who otherwise are not able to experience the magic and art of ballet,” says Crook.
Tickets are $24 for adults, $18 for seniors/students/youth, plus applicable fees. Buy tickets online or call the Mount Baker Theatre box office at 360-734-6080 for other options.
Friday, December 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Mount Baker Theatre
104 North Commercial Street in Bellingham
LeAnn Rimes: Today Is Christmas Tour
Mount Baker Theatre presents LeAnn Rimes: Today is Christmas Tour With Ellee Duke.
Tickets are $65, $59 $49, or $39, plus applicable fees. Buy tickets online or call the Mount Baker Theatre box office at 360-734-6080 for more options.
Saturday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Mount Baker Theatre
104 North Commercial Street in Bellingham
Bellingham Chamber Chorale: Cantatas for Advent
Join the Bellingham Chamber Chorale on December 5 as they celebrate the holidays with two cantatas and a motet from Johann Bach.
Tickets can be purchased online and are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $5 for students with ID, plus service fee.
Saturday, December 5 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
First Congregational Church
2401 Cornwall Avenue in Bellingham
Whatcom Symphony and the Bellingham Children’s Choir: ’Ham for the Holidays
The Whatcom Symphony Orchestra will be joined by The Bellingham Children’s Choir to perform seasonal music by local arranger Scott Henderson. Bring the entire family for a classic holiday experience.
Tickets are $39, $34, and $14 and can be purchased online here.
Sunday, December 6 at 3:00 p.m.
Mount Baker Theatre
104 North Commercial Street in Bellingham
Opus Performing Arts Presents: ‘Winter White’
Looking for a holiday ballet performance that’s accessible to the entire family? Opus Performing Arts presents a concert in “Winter White.”
Performed by Opus Performing Arts’ ballet students, “Winter White” combines scenes from classical ballets such as “Waltz of the Snowflakes” from the Nutcracker and variations from Giselle & La Bayadere.
This 60-minute show is just the right length for kids and adults alike.
Tickets are $5 (ages 7-12), $10 (over 12 and adult), and free for kids 6 and under. Tickets can be purchased in person at the MBT Ticket Office or by calling the ticket office at 360-734-6080; $10 tickets can be purchased online here.
Thursday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m.
Mount Baker Theatre
104 North Commercial Street in Bellingham
Northwest Ballet Theater Presents: ‘The Nutcracker’
The Northwest Ballet Theatre has been performing “The Nutcracker” since 1999 with an increasingly elaborate production. Beautiful scenic backdrops made in Russia, classical tutus made by professional New York seamstresses, and exciting set pieces and technical effects culminate in an unforgettable theater experience.
Tickets are $34, $30 $26, or $23, plus applicable fees. Buy tickets online or call the Mount Baker Theatre box office at 360-734-6080 for more options.
Friday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 13 at 2:00 p.m.
Mount Baker Theatre
104 North Commercial Street in Bellingham
Bellingham Figure Skating Club Presents: ‘The North Pole Express On Ice’
The Bellingham Figure Skating Club throws its largest annual fundraiser with its 17th Winter Show, sure to delight audiences young and old. This year’s performance is “The North Pole Express On Ice,” at the Bellingham Sportsplex.
Tickets are $8 in advance at the Sportsplex office, or $10 at the door on the day of the show.
Saturday, December 12 at 3:30 p.m.
Bellingham Sportsplex
1225 Civic Field Way in Bellingham
Kulshan Chorus Presents: ‘A Feast of Songs’
This family-friendly performance will mix classic and updated holiday favorites, with all proceeds benefitting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Whatcom County. Please bring a winter or basic-needs item to be distributed to area children.
Tickets are $20 (general), $15 (students), and $5 (youth), plus service fee, and can be purchased online, at Village Books, and at the Community Food Co-op.
Saturday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Bellingham High School
2020 Cornwall Avenue in Bellingham
Annual ‘Messiah’ Sing-Along
For 25 years, longtime Western Washington University music history professor and director of the Garden Street United Methodist choir Dr. Carla Rutschman has led a magnificent annual community performance of Handel’s “Messiah.”
This year’s performance, accompanied by an orchestra and organ, takes place at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 29 at the Garden Street United Methodist Church at 1326 North Garden Street. Music is provided for participants who do not have their own. The event is free and refreshments will be provided, but donations for the Bellingham Food Bank are appreciated. For more information, call 360-734-2604.
Sunday, November 29 at 2:30 p.m.
Garden Street United Methodist Church
1326 North Garden Street in Bellingham
Dancing For Joy Presents: ‘Nativity: We Danced Our Best For Him’
Dancing For Joy presents “Nativity: We Danced Our Best for Him,” the nativity story told through the language of dance. The true meaning of the season is born with this spirit-filled, local rendition of Christ’s birth. Come be reminded of the true reason for the season. Dance styles include jazz, lyrical, modern, and ballet.
Tickets are $15 and $12, plus applicable fees. Buy tickets online or call 360-734-6080 for more options.
Saturday, December 19 at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Mount Baker Theatre
104 North Commercial Street in Bellingham
