It’s that time of year again. Whatcom County’s many holiday celebrations and events are a great way to kick off the season and don’t forget to attend your local tree lighting ceremony. Or enjoy an evening out on the town with good company, art, food and drink. Whatcom County is saturated in holiday spirit and community. So drink it up and celebrate! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Fairhaven Winterfest and Holiday Art Walk
Fairhaven Village Green and throughout Fairhaven
Friday, November 24, 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday November 25, 12:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
Kickoff begins with Father Christmas visiting families at the Victorian-era Gazebo (10th and Harris). The art walk commences at 5:00 p.m. (look for candles in participating locations). More events are planned for December. Visit www.fairhaven.com for additional details.
Downtown Bellingham Art Walk
Various downtown venues, galleries, businesses and non-profits.
Friday, December 1, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
Come experience the work of talented artists from Whatcom County and beyond!
Visit www.downtownbellingham.com for more details.
The Holiday Port Festival
Bellingham Ferry Cruise Terminal (Fairhaven)
355 Harris Avenue, Bellingham
Friday, December 1, 12:00 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 2, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 3, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
This event will include a gingerbread house display and kids art activities. Entertainment and refreshments will be provided.
For all the details visit www.portofbellingham.com/141/Holiday-Port.
Blaine Holiday Harbor Lights Community Tree Lighting
“H” Street and Portal Drive
Saturday, December 2
The event kicks off at 4:30 p.m. with caroling. There will also be yummy refreshments.
Free and open to the public.
Additional information can be found at www.blainechamber.com
Downtown Bellingham Tree Lighting Ceremony
Depot Market Square
Saturday, December at 5:30 p.m.
Free admission, open to the public.
Come enjoy hot cocoa and caroling with the community.
Visit www.downtownbellingham.com for more information.
Ferndale 10th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Centennial Riverwalk Park, 1931 Main Street
Friday, December 1, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Free admission, refreshments and open to the public.
For details, visit www.discoverferndale.com.
Shop Small Saturday
This community-wide event is held the Saturday after Thanksgiving – a remedy, if you will, to Big Box Black Friday. Favorite destinations in Whatcom County include, but are not limited to:
- Bellingham Farmers Market – Runs every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Depot Market Square until Dec. 23, rain, shine or snow. Look for organic produce from local farmers, wreaths, pottery, crafts, jewelry, art, soap, ready to eat food and drinks, pastries, breads, pasta, entertainment and more. Bring your own shopping bags and dress warmly. Some vendors are inside and some are out. All are awesome.
- Bison Bookbinding & Letterpress – For folks like me with Papyrophobia. It’s a real condition. It can only be cured at Bison (112 Grand Avenue, Bellingham).
- ModSock – Socks for literally everybody you have ever met (1323 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham).
- Ideal – Smart gifts for smart and stylish people (1227 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham).
- Penny Lane Antique Mall – Filled with interesting treasures (427 West Holly, Old Town, Bellingham).
- Spotted Pig – Vintage and home décor (1941 Lake Whatcom Blvd, Sudden Valley, Bellingham).
- Village Books – Look for local authors like Clyde Ford (located in Fairhaven and Lynden).
- Avalon Records – I almost feel cool here. Part record/cd shop, part not with a great staff (1330 Railroad Avenue).
- Community Food Co-op – Epic cheese selection and gorgeous produce plus a nice isle of inspired gifts for all ages (located in Cordata and Bellingham).
- Fairhaven Toy Garden – This delightfully, happy place is for kids and adults alike (909 Harris Avenue).
Or if stuff isn’t on your list, you can always buy your loved one a membership to a local organization or nonprofit. A few suggestions…The aforementioned Community Food Co-op, Pickford Theatre, Allied Arts, a local museum or three.
Experiences can last a lifetime. Look into community education classes at Whatcom Community College for yourself, a loved one or both. (I took an amazing Ethiopian Cooking Class taught by local gem Mulu Belay of Ambo Ethiopian with my brother.) Buy tickets to a Mount Baker Theatre production. Buy a few passes to Mindport and save them for a rainy day. Take a day trip or overnighter. Lummi Island is quiet and lovely. Lynden is now bustling. Bow-Edison is busy on the weekends, better on weekdays if you’re not in a rush.
Volunteering as a family is a valuable experience. Just be sure to plan ahead as some organizations have age and other restrictions. Just remember, regardless of the holidaze, slow it down and enjoy the little moments of togetherness.
Give back. Pay a community members’ soon-to-be-shut-off utility bill. Simply make a phone call, ask for accounts payable and ask to pay off an account that is soon to be cut off. You can ask to remain anonymous, if need be. Pay it forward at your local cafe, bakery or coffee shop. Even the smallest gesture can make someone’s holiday season. So be grateful, shop local, think big and start small.
