HOLIDAY EVENTS
IN WHATCOM COUNTY
last updated 11/12/19
The 2019 Whatcom County Holiday and Christmas Events Guide includes the best places you can take pictures with Santa and where to see Christmas Tree Lightings, Holiday Parades & Holiday Performances.
We link you to our U-cut Christmas Tree Farm Directory and to all of the amazing holiday events around Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden and Blaine.
We even include Winter Break Camps to make it the most complete guide to holiday events in Whatcom County!
This guide will be updated on a daily basis, so remember to check back often
to find events that will become your family's traditions.
Happy Holidays! ~Megan
CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAYS
IN WHATCOM COUNTY
Cross Country Lights, Lynden
Lights at Stewart's Place, 1633 Eastwood Way Lynden
Pacific Northwest Christmas Lights - Find all the areas near you to find Christmas lights!
Reader Suggested Neighborhoods:
~James Street Estates, 3802 James Street, Bellingham
WHERE TO GET SANTA PHOTOS
IN WHATCOM COUNTY
Bellis Fair Mall, Bellingham: Daily November 17th through December 24th. You can make reservations too. Times vary so click the link.
Visit Santa at Yeager's: November 23rd to December 24th every afternoon. Bring your own camera for free pictures or choose one of their low cost options. Donations are appreciated and all proceeds go to local charities. Call for more info or click the link for exact times (they vary). 360-733-1080.
Photos with Santa at Mt. Baker: December 14th & 15th. This is a great opportunity for young, old, and everyone in between to have a unique photo with Santa - BAKER style. You'll have real mountains, real snow, real trees in the background! Save it for your own memories or send it out as a special Holiday card.
Petco, Bellingham: December 7th & 14th - 1pm-4pm - Watch your favorite Petco store partners transform into Santa - and strike a pose to receive a digital portrait to enjoy. 100% of your $9.95 donation benefits local homeless pets in your community, thru the Petco Foundation.
HOLIDAY EVENTS
week of November 18th-24th
Click on the links to take you to more detailed information on the Whatcom Kid Insider events calendar.
Wednesday, November 20th
Science Lab: Cranberry Decoding -10:30-11:30am - Cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving staple, but we take it off the plate into science by exploring the pigment, anthocyanin. Kids will experiment with acids and bases and discover secret messages left by Figlet the Piglet. Science Lab is at the Whatcom Museum. 
Thursday, November 21st
Paint Play: Dot Paint a Turkey - 10:30-11:30am - It’s turkey season and this pointillism inspired art technique has kids creating some cute and quirky turkeys. Paint Play is at the Whatcom Museum.
Friday, November 22nd
Holiday Festival of the Arts - 10am-7pm - Bellingham. FREE
Saturday, November 23rd
Turkey Trot - 9am - 5k Fun Run at Squalicum Creek Park.
Holiday Festival of the Arts - 10am-7pm - Bellingham. FREE
Salmon Sightings - 12-3pm - Celebrate the return of Pacific salmon by joining NSEA naturalists along local streams. FREE
Sunday, November 24th
Santa Cares Day - 8-9:30am - Children within all spectrums of special needs and their families are welcome to our sensory-friendly event to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit and photos with Santa at Bellis Fair.
Holiday Festival of the Arts - 10am-7pm - Bellingham. FREE
U-CUT CHRISTMAS TREES
IN WHATCOM COUNTY
Yeagar's Toyland
Yeagers’ Toyland has been an influential part of Bellingham’s history for many children and many generations as Whatcom County’s largest specialty toy store. It is of utmost importance to them that everything we stock is engaging, unique, and above all, safe. All items in Toyland have a Certificate of Conformity which meets or exceeds the recently updated toy safety code. The variety of toys and games you can find in Toyland ranges from the old fashioned tin wind-up toys and snuggly stuffed animals to the ever popular Lego and Playmobil building sets and everything in between. We do our best to showcase items that can’t be found in the usual big box stores and try to keep our stock as fresh and exciting as we can. The friendly, upbeat staff members will be ecstatic to tell you all about how a new game plays or how an unfamiliar toy works, and we will be happy to help you pick out the perfect, age appropriate gift. There’s likely to be something here that even the toughest to please kids are sure to love. They will also gift wrap! Perfect for the busy holiday season!
Click on the links to take you to more detailed information on the Whatcom Kid Insider events calendar.
Monday, November 25th
Holiday Festival of the Arts - 10am-7pm - Bellingham. FREE
Holiday Festival of the Arts - 10am-7pm - Bellingham. FREE
Wednesday, November 27th
Fig Studio: Gratitude Journals - 10:30am-4:30pm - In celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday, kids can reflect on all of the things they are thankful for by designing a journal to showcase their gratitude at the Whatcom Museum's Fig Studio.
Holiday Festival of the Arts - 10am-7pm - Bellingham. FREE
Science Lab: Dancing Corn - 10:30-11:30am - In this autumn experiment, kids will watch corn magically dance from basic chemical reactions at the Whatcom Museum's Science Lab.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, November 29th
Washington State Parks FREE Day - All Day- No Discover Pass Required.
Holiday Festival of the Arts - 10am-7pm - Bellingham. FREE
Deck the Old City Hall - 12-5pm - View decorated trees. FREE
Skate Your Turkey Off - 1-4pm - Lynden Skateway.
Visit with Father Christmas - 3-5pm - Bellingham. FREE
"Narnia" - 7:30-9pm - The Claire Theatre in Lynden presents "Narnia".
Saturday, November 30th
Fig Studio: Gratitude Journals - 10:30am-4:30pm - In celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday, kids can reflect on all of the things they are thankful for by designing a journal to showcase their gratitude at the Whatcom Museum's Fig Studio.
Holiday Festival of the Arts - 10am-7pm - Bellingham. FREE
Deck the Old City Hall - 12-5pm - View decorated trees. FREE
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides and Visit with Father Christmas - 12-5pm - Bellingham. FREE
Visit with Santa at Deck the Old City Hall - 12:30-2:30pm - Bellingham. FREE
"Narnia" - 2pm & 7:30 - The Claire Theatre in Lynden presents "Narnia".
Fairhaven Tree Lighting - 5-6pm - Village Green, Fairhaven. FREE
Sunday, December 1st
Holiday Festival of the Arts - 10am-7pm - Bellingham. FREE
Deck the Old City Hall - 12-5pm - View decorated trees. FREE
Visit with Santa at Deck the Old City Hall - 12:30-2:30pm - Bellingham. FREE
WINTER BREAK CAMPS
IN WHATCOM COUNTY
North Coast Gym Winter Break Camp
December 30th-January 2nd, 12-3pm
North Coast Gym is having their Winter Break Camp December 30th through January 2nd and the fun includes open gym, crafts, obstacle course and MORE! Drop-in will be available if the camp is not full. Ages 5 -11.
HOLIDAY EVENTS
week of December 2nd-8th
HOLIDAY PORT FESTIVAL
Friday, December 6th from 12-8pm
Saturday, December 7th from 11am-5pm
Sunday, December 8th from 11am-5pm
The Holiday Port Festival is a free, family-friendly event held the weekend of December 6, 7, and 8, 2019 at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. The fun includes Winter Princess visits, Kids Art Activities, Face painting, Horse-drawn and tractor wagon rides and visits with Santa. FREE
Honk!
Friday, December 6th & 13th, 7pm
Saturday, December 7th & 14th, 2pm & 7pm
Sunday, December 8th & 15th, 2pm
BAAY Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth presents "Honk! The Musical" on December 6-8 and 13-15 at the BAAY Theatre. An award-winning adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s "The Ugly Duckling," this show is a heartwarming tale for anyone who has ever felt like the “odd duck.” Performed by students ages 9-12, this warm and fuzzy musical will delight families and theatre lovers of all ages. Along the way, audiences will meet charming characters like a cunning cat, a sweet swan, an upbeat bullfrog, and many others. "Honk! The Musical" is a celebration of what makes us special.
Click on the links to take you to more detailed information on the Whatcom Kid Insider events calendar.
Monday, December 2nd
Holiday Festival of the Arts - 10am-7pm - Bellingham. FREE
Tuesday, December 3rd
Holiday Festival of the Arts - 10am-7pm - Bellingham. FREE
Wednesday, December 4th
Holiday Festival of the Arts - 10am-7pm - Bellingham. FREE
Fig Studio: Holiday Photo Frame - 10:30am-4:30pm - With access to a wide variety of materials, your kids will create a holiday-inspired photo frame at Fig Studio at the Whatcom Museum—a thoughtful gift for any loved one.
Science Lab: Peppermint Slime - 10:30am-11:30am - This ooey-gooey science activity will spark kids’ senses. Children will touch, smell, and squish this holiday-inspired slime experiment at Science Lab at the Whatcom Museum.
Deck the Old City Hall - 12-5pm - View decorated trees. FREE
Thursday, December 5th
Fig Studio: Holiday Photo Frame - 10:30am-4:30pm - With access to a wide variety of materials, your kids will create a holiday-inspired photo frame at Fig Studio at the Whatcom Museum—a thoughtful gift for any loved one.
Paint Play: Christmas Ornaments - 10:30-11:30am - It’s gnome big mystery why making ornaments are a fun part of the holidays. We will use special fabric paint to make adorable bearded buddies. Paint Play is at the Whatcom Museum.
Holiday Festival of the Arts - 10am-7pm - Bellingham. FREE
Pay What You Can at the Lights of Christmas - 5-10pm - Stanwood, WA.
Walk Through Bethlehem - 6-8pm - Visitors will be guided on a free journey that follows the story of Jesus’ birth, from prophecy to the manger. FREE
Friday, December 6th
Fig Studio: Holiday Photo Frame - 10:30am-4:30pm - With access to a wide variety of materials, your kids will create a holiday-inspired photo frame at Fig Studio at the Whatcom Museum—a thoughtful gift for any loved one.
Holiday Festival of the Arts - 10am-7pm - Bellingham. FREE
Deck the Old City Hall - 12-5pm - View decorated trees. FREE
Holiday Port Festival & Gingerbread House Contest - 12-8pm - The Holiday Port Festival is a free, family-friendly event held the weekend of December 6, 7, and 8, 2019 at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. The fun includes Winter Princess visits, Kids Art Activities, Face painting, Horse-drawn and tractor wagon rides and visits with Santa. FREE
Winter Wonderland - 12-8pm - The Children's Museum of Skagit County is creating a WINTER WONDERLAND at the Outlet Shoppes at Burlington on December 6th, 7th & 8th! There will be activities for children, families, teens, and adults - indoor and outdoor fun for everyone! The entire event is FREE and they are encouraging local families as well as those from all over the Pacific Northwest to enjoy it with them. FREE
Downtown Ferndale Tree Lighting - 5-6pm - FREE
Olde Fashioned Christmas at Pioneer Park - 5-9pm - Ferndale.
Everson-Nooksack Winter Festival - 6pm - See Santa and the Grinch. FREE
Walk Through Bethlehem - 6-8pm - Visitors will be guided on a free journey that follows the story of Jesus’ birth, from prophecy to the manger. FREE
"Narnia" - 7:30-9pm - The Claire Theatre in Lynden presents "Narnia".
Saturday, December 7th
Holiday Festival of the Arts - 10am-7pm - Bellingham. FREE
Winter Wonderland - 10am-6pm - The Children's Museum of Skagit County is creating a WINTER WONDERLAND at the Outlet Shoppes at Burlington on December 6th, 7th & 8th! There will be activities for children, families, teens, and adults - indoor and outdoor fun for everyone! The entire event is FREE and they are encouraging local families as well as those from all over the Pacific Northwest to enjoy it with them. FREE
Fig Studio: Holiday Photo Frame - 10:30am-4:30pm - With access to a wide variety of materials, your kids will create a holiday-inspired photo frame at Fig Studio at the Whatcom Museum—a thoughtful gift for any loved one.
Holiday Port Festival & Gingerbread House Contest - 11am-5pm - The Holiday Port Festival is a free, family-friendly event held the weekend of December 6, 7, and 8, 2019 at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. The fun includes Winter Princess visits, Kids Art Activities, Face painting, Horse-drawn and tractor wagon rides and visits with Santa. FREE
Winter Wonderland - 11am-5pm - The Children's Museum of Skagit County is creating a WINTER WONDERLAND at the Outlet Shoppes at Burlington on December 6th, 7th & 8th! There will be activities for children, families, teens, and adults - indoor and outdoor fun for everyone! The entire event is FREE and they are encouraging local families as well as those from all over the Pacific Northwest to enjoy it with them. FREE
Paint Play: Christmas Ornaments - 11am-12pm - It’s gnome big mystery why making ornaments are a fun part of the holidays. We will use special fabric paint to make adorable bearded buddies. Paint Play is at the Whatcom Museum.
Holiday Cookie Decorating - 11am-4pm - During the annual Lynden Lighted Christmas event, Hats Off T-Shirts & Engraving will be offering FREE holiday sugar cookie decorating at our Lynden location! Fun for all ages. Come early - only available while cookies last. FREE
Deck the Old City Hall - 12-5pm - View decorated trees. FREE
Christmas at Bellewood - 12-5pm - Lynden.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides and Visit with Father Christmas - 12-5pm - Bellingham. FREE
Olde Fashioned Christmas at Pioneer Park - 1-9pm - Ferndale.
Photos with Santa at Petco - 1-4pm - Get pictures with the pooches and Santa.
"Narnia" - 2pm & 7:30pm - The Claire Theatre in Lynden presents "Narnia".
Holiday Lights Obstacle Dash - 2pm - Downtown Blaine.
Blaine's Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa Visit - 3-7pm - Downtown Blaine.
Lighted Boat Parade - 5:30-9pm - Each year boaters from all the area clubs decorate their boat to participate in the parade which follows a route from Squalicum Harbor to the Bellingham Cruise Terminal along Boulevard Park. FREE
Downtown Bellingham Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting - 6pm - FREE
Northwest Lighted Christmas Parade - 6pm - Downtown Lynden. FREE
Walk Through Bethlehem - 6-8pm - Visitors will be guided on a free journey that follows the story of Jesus’ birth, from prophecy to the manger. FREE
Swing Connection Christmas Concert - 7-9pm - Swing Connection, Bellingham’s community big band, will hold its annual Christmas concert. FREE
Sunday, December 8th
Holiday Festival of the Arts - 10am-7pm - Bellingham. FREE
Deck the Old City Hall - 12-5pm - View decorated trees. FREE
HOLIDAY EVENTS
week of December 9th-15th
Saturday, December 14th, 10am-3pm
Enjoy the spirit of the season with live music, magical lands, delicious food, local craft vendors and hands-on workshops. Come roll beeswax candles, make ornaments and translucent paper stars for your windows. Experience the Snow Queen and Gnome Village, and an enchanting puppet play. Everyone is welcomed!
Prices of activities vary from $1 - $4
Free parking and shuttle available at The Firs.
Click on the links to take you to more detailed information on the Whatcom Kid Insider events calendar.
Monday, December 9th
Tuesday, December 10th
Wednesday, December 11th
Thursday, December 12th
Friday, December 13th
Saturday, December 14th
Sunday, December 15th
HOLIDAY EVENTS
week of December 16th-22nd
Holiday Ice Skating
December 16th-31st, Times Vary
The Bellingham Sportsplex has their Holiday Ice Skating December 16th-31st. Times Vary. Rentals are $3 and admission is $6.
The Nutcracker
December 18th & 19th, 7pm
OPUS Performing Arts is proud to present The Nutcracker in collaboration with Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth (BAAY) on December 18-19. Audiences will enjoy this classic winter ballet with a unique theatrical twist. The Nutcracker features OPUS’ younger ballet students as cupcakes, peppermints, gingersnaps and other denizens of the Kingdom of Sweets, as well as their advanced dancers in the classic roles of Nutcracker Prince, Peacock and the Sugar Plum Fairy. BAAY performers ages 8-16 will be showcased as the infamous rat army and manipulators of large scale puppets. This exciting performance will include many new surprises in addition to the wonderful choreography, costumes, and sets from last year's premier. It is guaranteed to delight viewers of all ages!
Saving Christmas Town
Friday, December 20th, 7pm
Saturday, December 21st, 2pm & 7pm
The Dance Studio presents the 8th Annual production of Saving ChristmasTown - An original dance production!
Put on your elf caps, brush off your jingle bells and join the comical and quirky Elves as they defend ChristmasTown from the naughty and ominous characters of Oogie Boogie Land. This incredible production is filled with dancing, singing, acting and the sparkle of Christmas. It’s the perfect way to start off your holiday season with the hilarious and heartwarming story of ChristmasTown. See who will reign victorious in the epic battle between Nice and Naughty, take an inside peek into Santa’s Workshop, and watch the enchanting Christmas Fairies as they show us kindness and forgiveness in the true Christmas spirit. Saving ChristmasTown is a fun, family friendly show, with a touch of Sparkle-Jingle-Jolly, under an hour and bursting with delight from beginning to end!
Click on the links to take you to more detailed information on the Whatcom Kid Insider events calendar.
Monday, December 16th
Tuesday, December 17th
Wednesday, December 18th
Thursday, December 19th
Friday, December 20th
Saturday, December 21st
Sunday, December 22nd
HOLIDAY EVENTS
week of December 23rd-29th
Click on the links to take you to more detailed information on the Whatcom Kid Insider events calendar.
Monday, December 23rd
Tuesday, December 24th
Christmas Day
Thursday, December 26th
Friday, December 27th
Saturday, December 28th
Sunday, December 29th
HOLIDAY EVENTS
week of December 29th-January 1st
Click on the links to take you to more detailed information on the Whatcom Kid Insider events calendar.
Monday, December 30th
Tuesday, December 31st
New Years Day