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 November 28 – December 31, 2020
Explore Historic Fairhaven District and enjoy holiday window displays! Stroll the Village and visit your favorite shops. Maybe you’ll discover a new favorite spot!
On December 31, 2020 head to Fairhaven for the Fairhaven Firelight Stroll. Grab a hot cocoa or spiced cider at the entry tent and stroll the wooded path lined with luminaria. Masks are required. Please stick with your group, and observe the one-way walkthrough.
Insider Tip: Check out our blog “Holiday Fun at Fairhaven Winterfest in Bellingham” for more information on this year’s Fairhaven Winterfest.
Holiday Market by the Sea, November 28 – December 25, 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, jewlery 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.
Hotel Bellwether Tree Lighting, December 5 – December 31, 2020
Hotel Bellwether will be hosting their 9th annual Holiday Tree Festival Benefiting Skookum Kids this year! Hotel Bellwether transforms into a Holiday Wonderland with festive trees decorated by local businesses on display during the whole month of December. Help kick-off the Holiday Tree Lighting and vote for your favorite tree!
#BeGingerFestive, December 7 – January 8, 2021
Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism invites you to take a picture or short video of your creation and post it to Instagram or Facebook with the tag #BeGingerFestive. Share your inspiring (or frustrating) bake—and also the warmth of your home and the love of the people who made it!
Anyone who posts will be entered into a contest to win one of three, $100 ThinkLocalFirst Gift Cards—redeemable at local businesses across the county. There will be one random draw from all entries, and some surprise judges for Facebook and Instagram.
Don’t have a handle on hashtags? Email a picture and description to media@bellingham.org. Whether you email or post, get us your entry before 2021 arrives.
Winners will be announced Friday, January 8, 2021. #BEGingerFestive Gingerbread Creation Content Rules: Click HERE for Full Contest Rules.
Fairhaven Firelight Stroll, December 31, 2020
Now in it’s second year, Fairhaven Firelight Stroll has quickly become one of our favorite holiday happenings! Grab a hot cocoa or spiced cider at the entry tent and stroll the wooded path lined with luminaria. We ask that you wear a mask, stick with your group, and observe the one-way walkthrough.
The stroll starts at 8th & Harris. It’s a half mile of holiday magic!
