34th Annual Holiday Port Festival Returns with Incredible Performances and the Gingerbread Contest
The Bellingham Cruise Terminal Dec. 6-7
Gingerbread Contest Entry Forms due Nov. 26, 2025
On Dec. 6-7, The Port of Bellingham celebrates another year of Holiday Port at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal with performances by over 30 local bands, orchestras, choirs and performance groups and includes more than 700 performers. The festival includes visits and photos with Santa Claus. Port Fairhaven Fish & Chips will be open with food for purchase. And the Sugar and Spice food truck will be parked outside the Terminal serving up their delicious mini donuts.
One of the most beloved aspects of the event is the annual gingerbread contest, with all entries on display at the festival. It’s not too late to enter – the deadline to turn in an entry form is Nov. 26th. Entries don’t have to be made out of gingerbread – just visibly edible. That means graham cracker walls, fences made of pretzel sticks, and other creative uses of food are acceptable – and encouraged! A complete list of contest dates and deadlines are listed below. Ribbons will be awarded to the top three in each category. The People’s Choice voting will be open throughout the festival, and the winner will get two whale watching cruise tickets from our sponsor, San Juan Cruises!
The contest is free, and open to bakers of all ages and abilities. Many entrants choose to enter their edible structures in a silent auction that will benefit a local charity. The contest has an optional themed category, “Holiday Bloopers” for a total of 10 divisions. More information and a link to the online entry form can be found at: www.portofbellingham.com/holidayport
34th Annual Gingerbread Contest Dates and Deadlines:
Deadline to Turn in Entry Form: Wednesday, Nov. 26th
Date to Deliver Your Edible Structure: Wednesday, Dec. 3
All Entries are on Display at Holiday Port Saturday-Sunday Dec. 6-7
34th Annual Holiday Port Festival Dates and Times:
Saturday Dec. 6: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday Dec. 7: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m
Holiday Port Festival Schedule:
Saturday, Dec.6
11:00am – 5:00pm Music & Dance Performances, Gingerbread House Display, Gingerbread Silent Auction
1:00pm - 4:00pm Visit and photos with Santa Claus
6:00 - 6:30pm* Lighted boat parade put on by the Bellingham Yacht Club. The boat parade route goes from Squalicum Harbor to the Bellingham Cruise Terminal.
*Times listed here are estimates only. Boats will leave Squalicum Harbor at 5:30pm. Bad weather will cancel the boat parade.
Performance Schedule TBD check website and FB event page
Sunday, Dec. 7
11:00am - 5:00pm Music & Dance Performances, Gingerbread House Display
1:00pm - 4:00pm Visit with Santa Claus
Gingerbread winners may pick up houses Sunday from 3-4pm and Monday, Dec.8th, 8am-5pm. Port staff will be on site to coordinate payment and pick up. All houses not picked up by 5:00pm on Tuesday, Dec. 9th will be discarded or donated.
Performance Schedule TBD check website and FB event page
