As a Western Washington University student, it may be your first-holiday break away from home. The holiday season will look different this year, but you can still spend it exploring Bellingham and supporting the incredible local restaurant and shops we have in Whatcom County.
Due to COVID-19, please check with any activity or venue directly via their contact information before attending. Guidelines are also updated on our Travel Advisory page.
Holiday Happenings in Whatcom County
The holidays are different this year, but if you’re in Bellingham and Whatcom County you’ll find lots of fun, safe activities to celebrate the season. Most holiday happenings have been shifted to be outdoors to allow for a safe experience. Masks are required.
Start in Historic Fairhaven District and enjoy holiday window displays! Stroll the Village, visit the shops, maybe 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.
You can also head to Downtown Bellingham for their Snowflake Scavenger Hunt. 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 the festive holiday raffle full of gift cards, prizes, and holiday surprises!
Want more ideas on things to do? From coffee shops and crowd-free hikes to local art and the Modified Bellingham Farmer’s Market, we have a blog on it. Visit our blog page for the inside scoop on exploring Whatcom County.
Insider Tip: The South Bay Trail starts in Historic Fairhaven District, continues along Taylor Dock and the Bellingham Bay waterfront, and ends in Downtown Bellingham.
While you’re downtown, stop by Allied Arts of Whatcom County to shop and view the work of over 100 local artisans and craftspeople at this year’s 41st Annual Holiday Festival of Art!
For a full list of Holiday Happenings in Whatcom County, check out our 2020 Holiday blog!
Where to get take-out in Bellingham & Whatcom County
If there’s a whisk, there’s a way! We have put together a list of restaurants and breweries offering to-go and curbside pickup to help bring our local flavors right to you. Whatcom County is home to incredible local restaurants and no matter what you’re in the mood for, you will find it here.
Aslan 
La fiamma 
Horseshoe Cafe 
Camber 
Twin Sisters Brewing Co.
Winter Hikes in Whatcom
There’s nothing like the winter drive up the Mount Baker Highway. It’s full of breathtaking views and hikes like Mount Shuksan and Picture Lake, which are considered two of the most photogenic spots in Whatcom County.
Insider Tip: Visit our hiking page for more information on getting outside!
A few more miles up the road, Artist Point marks the end of the highway. From this mile-high parking lot, you’ll find views of Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan and Table Mountain. During winter, you can also snowshoe to Artist Point!
The Mt. Baker Ski Area is known for its legendary powder and for having the most snow and longest ski season.
Check the Mount Baker Ski Area Snow Report for current snowpack conditions. Nooksack Nordic Ski Club offers useful forecast links as well for anyone interested in snowshoeing.
