From carriage rides to tree lighting, luminous walks through the forest, and more, check out a preview of some fantastical holiday events happening in Whatcom County this season.
Fairhaven Winterfest
November 29 – December 20
Historic Fairhaven Village
Join in for a month of the most festive fun you might find this side of the mountains. From photo contests to meeting Santa Claus, don’t miss this sparkling lineup of holiday-themed events throughout December.
November 29 – Light the Village
Winterfest kicks off with the beloved and annual lighting of the Village celebration from 4 to 7 p.m. From noon to 3 p.m., take a photo with Santa and the Elves or take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Village. Firehouse Arts and Event Center will have a Holiday pop-up market from 1-6 p.m., and the Winterfest Art Walk officially starts at 4 p.m. Don’t miss the live holiday music at 4 p.m., fire dancing at 5 p.m., and the Winterfest Warm-up in Village Books at 5:30 p.m.
December 6 – Fairhaven Flannel and Flame
- The Holiday Gingerbread Competition at the Bellingham Ferry goes from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Horse-drawn carriage rides continue through the Village from noon to 3 p.m.
- Santa Claus & Elves for photos from noon to 3 p.m.
- Firelit Stroll through the Woods on Lake Padden Trail, 5 to 8 p.m.
- Live holiday music – Holiday Brass 5 p.m.
- Light Boat Parade in Bellingham Bay 5 p.m.
December 13 – Spirits and Sweats Saturday
This weekend of Winterfest has a focus on adults.
- Santa Claus & Elves photos from noon to 3 p.m.
- Horse-drawn carriage rides from noon to 3 p.m.
- Live holiday music at Village Inn from 1 to 3 p.m.
- Make sure to visit local businesses for treats for adults and children
December 20 – Sweater Weather
Bring out the furbabies for a frolicking day in Fairhaven.
- Santa Claus & Elves photos from noon to 3 p.m. *dog-friendly Santa and treats will be available for photos.
- Horse-drawn carriage rides through the Village from noon to 3 p.m.
- Holiday Dog Parade and Funky Sweater Showdown featuring prizes starting at 4 p.m.
- Take part in a Winter Solstice reflection.
- Make sure to bring a nonperishable pet item to add to the Fairhaven Pet Drive.
- This weekend is the final Santa letter drop-off.
Holiday Harbor Lights
November 29
Blaine
The most wonderful time of the year comes to Blaine with the annual Holiday Harbor lights. Take the trip up to this quaint seaside town to enjoy a day filled with fun activities for the whole family.
Schedule:
- Holiday Craft Bazaar By The Sea – 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. – CTK Church, 674 Peace Portal Drive, Downtown Blaine.
- Live Music on G Street Plaza – 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Caroling with Blaine Choir & Band – 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on G Street Plaza.
- Tree Lighting on G Street Plaza at 4:45 p.m.
- Santa Comes to Blaine! Get the kids ready, Santa will be at the Welcome Center from 5 to 7 p.m.
- Free Horse-drawn carriage and Mini-Train Rides from G Street, 5 to 7 p.m.
For an extra dose of magic, don’t forget to attend the Night Market and Luminary Walk at the Blaine Public Library from 4:30-9:30 p.m.
Downtown Bellingham Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 6, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
1100 Railroad Avenue, Bellingham
This free event, produced by the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, features a variety of fun and festive activities for the whole family. At 5:30 p.m., join the community for free cocoa, cookies and other activities. Countdown and watch in awe as the tree illuminates at 6 p.m. and stay after for more seasonal fun until 7 p.m.
The Northwest Lighted Christmas Parade
December 6, 6 p.m.
Don’t miss out on a delightful holiday in the quaint and picturesque town of Lynden. Witness an illuminated wonder as trucks, cars, floats, wagons, farm equipment and more cruise down Front Street. The parade starts at Fairway Shopping Center and proceeds east toward Front Street, continuing to 3rd and Front Street downtown.
Olde Fashioned Christmas in Ferndale at Pioneer Village & Park
December 5 and 6
Adult tickets are $6, Child tickets are $3, and children one and under are free.
The theme of this year’s historic celebration is “Candy Cane Lane, Where Every Turn Is A Sweet Surprise.” The log cabins at Pioneer Park will be lit, and volunteers in full regalia will open their doors to greet guests. The sidewalks at this event are ADA-compliant, and there will be crafts for the kids, as well as refreshments available inside the pavilion with Santa.
Lighted Christmas Stroll Through Pioneer Village
This free event takes place on December 12 & 13, and 19 & 20 from 5 – 8 p.m. Kids can participate in a Scavenger Hunt for all the “Special Candy Canes” around the walk.
Mount Baker Ski Area Holiday Photos with Santa
December 13 & 14
Mt. Baker Ski Area
Calling all ski slope frequenters! Meet up with Santa on the mountainside in the Mt. Baker Ski Area and get a photo. Take the opportunity to turn in any last-minute Christmas lists, too!
