When the sun starts to set earlier, and the year starts to come to a close, Whatcom County lights up with Holiday Happenings. Spend this 2020 holiday season supporting the incredible local businesses we have in Whatcom County.
Due to COVID-19, holiday happenings will look a little different this year, please check with any events directly via their contact information before attending. Guidelines are also updated on our Travel Advisory page.
This list has been organized by date to allow for maximum exploring and we will continually review this blog and our Events Calendar to provide the most updated information as possible!
Whatcom Museum’s Holiday Store, November 18 – December 31, 2020
Stop by the Whatcom Museum’s Store and get everything you need this holiday season. The Museum has so much exciting merchandise coming in, you won’t want to miss it!
The Museum Store inside the Lightcatcher building will remain open Wednesday through Sunday from noon – 4 p.m. at 25% capacity. This weekend only (Nov. 27 – Nov. 29) the Museum Store will be offering 10-15% off all purchases,
They will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Fairhaven Winterfest: Holiday Art Walk, November 27, 2020
Head to Historic Fairhaven’s for their traditional Holiday Art Walk, which is kicking off this year’s Winterfest!
With social distancing, limited capacity, hand-sanitizer and masks – several of the Fairhaven business open their doors and share some new and inspiring art!
Fairhaven Winterfest: Holiday Cocktail Kits, November 27, 2020
Fairhaven Winterfest’s is bringing a holiday cocktail extravaganza right to you this year! Fairhaven bars and restaurants will be invited to design holiday-themed cocktails, including egg nog and peppermint flavors.
Fairhaven Winterfest: Window Display Contest, November 28 – December 19, 2020
Explore Historic Fairhaven District and enjoy holiday window displays! Stroll the Village, visit your favorite shops, discover new ones and vote for your winning Winterfest window.
Insider Tip: Check out our blog “Holiday Fun at Fairhaven Winterfest in Bellingham” for more information on this year’s Fairhaven Winterfest.
Downtown Santa Sightings, November 28, 2020
Santa will be at two Downtown locations this holiday season! Kiddos can bring their pre-written letters to Santa to drop in the “Gumdrop-Drop Box” and wave him a Ho-Ho-Ho Hello!
Candy Cane Lane Santa Sighting at Boundary Bay On Saturday, November 28th from 2-4 p.m., head to Boundary Bay to drop off your letter and take a walk down Candy Cane Lane!
Downtown Snowflake Scavenger Hunt, November 30 – December 14, 2020
Head to Downtown Bellingham and find out if it’s true what they say, that no two snowflakes look the same! Explore downtown and look for snowflakes in all the holiday windows. Take a selfie with each snowflake, submit your photos, and be entered to win festive holiday raffle full of gift cards, prizes, and holiday surprises!
Register for more details on how to submit photos and winners will pick up their prizes on Friday, December 18.
Holiday Market by the Sea, November 28 – December 5, 2020
Shop a variety of holiday arts and crafts in downtown Blaine every Saturday and Sunday! The Holiday Craft Market will feature fabric crafts, ornaments, baked goods, photography, pet products, jewelry, jam/jelly and more! It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts for yourself and friends and family!
The 41st Holiday Festival of the Arts, November 20 – December 24, 2020
Kick off this holiday season and get all your shopping done with with the 41st Annual Allied Arts Holiday Festival of the Arts. The Holiday Festival features over 100 local artisans and a variety of one-of-a-kind gifts like speciality foods, jerlery and paintings.
This year you can shop in two convenient ways: online and in-person.Customers can shop online beginning November 20 through December 23 via Allied Art’s Wired Market with curbside pick up.
On December 4 and through December 24, you can stop by Allied Art’s Gallery for the Lite Market, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. In compliance with State Guidelines, masks are required for entry to the Lite Market.
Bellewood Farms Christmas Tree Lot, December 2 – December 24, 2020
Plan on getting your tree from Bellewood Farms, grown and cut fresh locally by Alpine Meadows! Beautiful Firs, Nobles, Frasers and be sure to shop early for best selection!
Bellewood has worked hard to make the farm a safe place for you to enjoy with family and friends. Covid-19 policies include social distancing and face masks for all employees and customers.
Holiday Happenings at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, December 3 – December 25, 2020
The Bellingham Cruise Terminal will be celebrating the winter holidays with a stunning outdoor experience featuring lights, decorations, and a giant “snow globe” decorating the windows.
Lighted Boat Parade on Bellingham Bay, December 5, 2020
The Bellingham Yacht Club will be having their traditional lighted boat parade this year! The decorated boats will leave Squalicum Harbor at 6 p.m. and float by the Bellingham Cruise terminal around 6:15 p.m.
Northwest Lighted Christmas “Drive-by” Parade, December 5, 2020
The 2020 Northwest Christmas Lighted Parade in Lynden, presented by Edaleen Dairy, will include a lighted drive-by parade down Front Street from 5 – 8 p.m.
Sleigh Bells Ring at Bellewood Farms, December 5 – December 20, 2020
Enjoy a walk through the orchard, take a socially-distanced photo with the Santa, sit by the bonfire and enjoy a hot apple cider or a hot toddy, shop for gifts from local makers, and take home a homemade holiday pie!
Insider Tip: Bellewood is excited to announce they have won the GOLD for Best Distillery for Bellingham Alive’s 2020 Best of the Northwest!
Bellewood has worked hard to make the farm a safe place for you to enjoy with family and friends. Covid-19 policies include social distancing and face masks for all employees and customers. Bellewood’s Cafe will be closed for in-person dining the rest of 2020.
Home for the Holidays with the Bellingham Symphony, December 13, 2020
Enjoy festive classics, storytelling, sing-alongs in the comfort of your home with the Bellingham Symphony! Their holiday programs will bring season favorites from all around our region right to you.
Mount Baker Theatre’s Movie Palace Classics: It’s A Wonderful Life, December 18, 2020
Join the Mount Baker Theatre (MBT) for their Movie Palace Holiday Classic film series! On December 18, the theatre will be screening It’s A Wonderful Life.
All MBT Movie Palace showings will operate at less than the recommended 25% capacity (16.6% to be precise) to ensure social distancing, with extensive safety guidelines in place. Masks are required.
