Hold on to your Santa hats, because it’s time to get in the spirit of the season.
Community cheer
Starting the day after Thanksgiving and continuing Fridays through Sundays until Dec. 17, Skagit Acres will be hosting Santa Photos and a number of other festive events at their Mount Vernon acreage. Info: skagitacres.com.
From Nov. 24 to Dec. 31, Deck the Old City Hall will feature themed trees at Whatcom Museum’s Rotunda Room, as well as holiday decor placed throughout the historic building. Crafting events, carol singing, photos with Santa and other festive happenings take place throughout December. Info: whatcommuseum.org.
Winterfest begins Saturday, Nov. 25 and continues Saturdays through Dec. 16 in historic Fairhaven with art events, visits with Santa, carriage rides, firelight strolls, storytelling and more. Info: enjoyfairhaven.com.
There’s Snow Place Like Pioneer Village will be the theme of the 31st annual Olde Fashioned Christmas Dec. 1–2 at Pioneer Village in Ferndale. Decorated log cabins will be open to the public, and costumed volunteers will be on hand to greet visitors. Info: ferndaleheritagesociety.com.
Starting Saturday, Dec. 2, Christmastime at Bellewood will offer free Santa photos, caroling and bonfires each Saturday and Sunday through Christmas Eve at Bellewood Farms in Lynden. Attendees also may purchase warm cider, adult beverages and s’mores kits. Info: bellewoodfarms.com.
In La Conner, a Rotary Club Santa Breakfast will kick off a day of festivities at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at Maple Hall. The event will be followed by a craft fair at 9 a.m. and Christmas tree lighting at 5 p.m. in Gilkey Square. Info: lovelaconner.com.
From 1–6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, an Old Fashioned Christmas in Sedro-Woolley will include hay rides, a petting zoo, visits with Santa, a lighted Christmas parade, hot cocoa and more. Info: sedro-woolley.com.
Blaine’s Holiday Harbor Lights kicks off at 9 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 with a breakfast at the Senior Center. Highlights of the day include a Christmas play, two holiday craft bazaars, live music, a Holiday Lights Dash, beer garden, visits with Santa, free carriage and train rides, and a tree lighting. Info: blainebythesea.com.
The annual Holiday Port Festival happening from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 2–3 at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal includes the popular gingerbread house contest and display, photos and visits with Santa, performances by local music and dance groups, and food options. Info: portofbellingham.com.
A Holiday Parade begins at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 in downtown Mount Vernon. Enjoy glittering floats, music, and lights from local organizations, schools and businesses. downtownmountvernon.org.
Festive running gear is encouraged at the Arthritis Foundation’s annual Jingle Bell Run on Saturday, Dec. 9 starting at Bellingham High School. Choose from a 5K, dog trot, 1-mile walk or kids fun run. Info: events.arthritis.org.
The third annual Santa 5K begins at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 17 at Cordata and Julianna parks. Participants are welcome to run as fast as possible or sit and enjoy hot cider or cocoa. Costumes are encouraged. Info: cob.org.
At 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, Mount Vernon’s Lincoln Theatre will offer up free showings of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” with James Stewart as George Bailey, a down-on-his-luck man who has given up on his dreams. Info: lincolntheatre.org.
At 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, show up along the shores of Birch Bay for the annual Ring of Fire and Hope. Pick up a complimentary flare in advance. On New Year’s Day, the 41st annual Polar Bear Plunge will kick off at noon at 7876 Birch Bay Drive. Info: birchbaychamber.com.
A Resolution Walk/Run and Padden Polar Dip will also take place on Jan. 1, 2024 at Lake Padden. Costumes are encouraged — but only because they make for great pictures. No registration is required. Info: cob.org.
Merry markets
The 44th annual Holiday Festival of the Arts happens daily through Dec. 24 in downtown Bellingham, featuring more than 100 local and regional artists, food purveyors and crafters. Weekends feature live music, workshops and art demos. Info: alliedarts.org.
In Bellingham on Small Business Saturday — Saturday, Nov. 25 — attend a Holiday Pop-Up Market at Wander Brewing; a Holiday Bazaar at L&L Libations; a Holiday Market at Boundary Bay Brewery; and a Holiday Pop-Up Market at the FireHouse Arts and Events Center. Additionally, Downtown Bellingham Partnership will celebrate with special events at numerous shops in the urban core. Info: downtownbellingham.com.
A Shop Small Holiday Makers Market will take place Nov. 25–26 and Dec. 16–17 at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, where 50 local vendors will sell everything from hand-crafted soaps, sustainable goods and art, to food items, clothing, candles and jewelry. Info: bellinghammakersmarket.com.
On Monday, Nov. 27 a Holiday Monday Night Makers Market at Farmstrong Brewing Company in Mount Vernon will highlight unique, small-batch gifts and artisanal beer. Info: farmstrongbrewing.com.
For the cutest shopping experience of the year, attend a Pawliday MarCat from 4–9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28 at Bellingham’s NEKO Cat Cafe. Sign up in advance for a 45-minute shopping session with five-plus local makers and 20-plus feline “purrsonal” shoppers. Info: nekocatcafe.com.
A Holiday Artwalk happening from 6–9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 in Anacortes will put the spotlight on paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, music, treats and other creations. Info: anacortesart.com.
Sustainable Connections will host a First Friday Makers Market from 6–10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 at Bellingham’s Creekside Building. Find handcrafted treasures and stop by Explorations Academy for goodies sold by students: Info: sustainableconnections.org.
The 27th annual Pacific Arts Market returns Dec. 1–3, 8–10, and 15–17 inside Bellis Fair mall (between JCPenney and the food court). Come out and meet the artists in their element. Info: pacificartsmarket.com.
From Dec. 1–10, Anacortes Arts Festival’s second annual Holiday Fine Arts Show will take up residence at Buxton’s. Art viewing and an auction will be part of the 10-day event. Info: anacortesartsfestival.com.
A Creative Avenue Holiday Market happens Dec. 2–3 at the Depot Art Center in Anacortes, with more than 30 local, small businesses showcasing art, photography and other handmade items. Info: creativeavenuenw.com.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, take a short ferry ride from Anacortes to check out the Guemes Island Art Studio Tour. The free, self-guided event gives more than 50 island artists an opportunity to feature their work at 16 studio locations. Info: guemesislandart.org.
More than 40 artists and crafters will showcase handmade gifts, baked goods and a used book sale at a Christmas Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 at the gym at Assumption Catholic School. From 1–3 p.m., Santa will pose for photos. Info: 360-733-6133.
Kulshan Brewery’s K2 locale will host a Holiday Makers Market from 4–9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. The market aims to support local creatives who strive to be sustainable and environmentally conscious. Ten percent of sales will go to the United Way of Whatcom County. Info: kulshanbrewing.com.
Handmade arts and crafts and live music can be found from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 as part of the Ferndale Creative Winter Festival at the city’s Pioneer Pavilion. Info: cityofferndale.org.
The Waterfront Artists Studio Collective in Bellingham’s Old Town will host a Holiday Art Mart from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 16–17. At least 10 of the resident artists will open their doors to share glasswork, jewelry, leather crafts, prints, cards, aromatherapy products and more. Info: 360-317-5807.
Sounds of the season
At 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25 at Swimomish Casino in Anacortes, an Elvis Family Christmas with Danny Vernon will see the impersonator singing classic hits and Christmas carols with his band. The shows are appropriate for all ages. Entry is $8–$15. Info: swinomishcasinoandlodge.com.
As a gift to the community, St. Brendan’s Anglican Church will present its 10th annual Advent Service of Lessons and Carols at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. A freewill offering will be taken. Info: stbrendansanglican.org.
At 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at McIntyre Hall in Mount Vernon, Fidalgo and Mount Baker youth symphonies will present Holiday Treasures. At 7:30 p.m., Skagit Symphony’s Once Upon a Time concert will include seasonal works and Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” Tickets are $15–$50. Info: mcintyrehall.org.
Guest conductor James Ray will join the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra for a Holiday Magic! concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 at the Mount Baker Theatre. Hear festive classics, like “Sleigh Ride” and “Silent Night.” Tickets are $15–$39. Info: mountbakertheatre.com.
Skagit Valley Chorale’s Heralding Christmas concerts can be attended Dec. 16–17 at McIntyre Hall. Returning guest musicians and music teacher Dana Brown’s singers from Madison Elementary School Choir will perform. Tickets are $20–$30. Info: mcintyrehall.org.
For year number 43, Magical Strings’ Celtic Yuletide returns to the stage at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17 at the Lincoln Theatre in Mount Vernon. The annual event features performances from the Boulding family and special guests. Tickets are $20–$29. Info: lincolntheatre.org.
Celebrate the Season: An Evening of Holiday Music happens at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Fairhaven. The concert consists of various vocal and instrumental groups in the Bellingham community. Info: oursavioursbham.org.
The Journey’s Christmas Concert returns to Mount Vernon for a 7:30 p.m. show Thursday, Dec. 21 at McIntyre Hall. Harpist Bronn Journey will be joined by a small ensemble featuring strings, flutes, clarinet, percussion and singers. Tickets are $26–$34. Info: mcintyrehall.org.
The Beat Goes On, Jesse Stanton’s weekly music column, will feature additional holiday concerts online on Tuesday, Nov. 28, and in print Friday, Dec. 1.
Light up the night
In these dark days leading up to winter solstice, look for lights in a variety of ways, including Community Tree Lightings at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 in downtown Ferndale; 6 p.m. Dec. 1 in historic Anacortes; and 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Depot Market Square in downtown Bellingham. The latter event will feature sweet treats, a photo booth, craft tables and more. Info: downtownbellingham.com.
Bellingham Yacht Club’s Lighted Boat Parade, Candyland Christmas Cruise, begins at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Squalicum Harbor. The public is invited to view the boats showing off colorful lights and broadcasting holiday music. Primo viewing spots include Boulevard Park and Bellingham Cruise Terminal. Info: byc.org.
Also on Dec. 2, Lynden will kick off the season with a Northwest Lighted Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. on Front Street. Visitors will be treated to holiday carolers and a display of lighted trucks, cars, floats, wagons, farm equipment and more. Info: lynden.org.
In Anacortes, a Lighted Boat Parade starting at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2 can be viewed at spots including Seafarers’ Memorial Park, Rotary Park, Guemes Island and more. Info: anacortes.org.
The Ferndale Heritage Society will host a Lighted Christmas Stroll through Pioneer Village from 5–8 p.m. Dec. 8–9 and 15–16. Stroll among the log cabins, hear Christmas music and enjoy more than 90,000 lights. Info: ferndaleheritagesociety.com.
From 5–8 p.m. Dec. 8–9, enjoy the spirit of the holidays at the Wonderland Walk at Washington Park in Anacortes. The campground will be decorated with holiday cheer by local groups and organizations, and there will be live music, campfires and hot chocolate. Info: anacortes.org.
A Lighted Bike Parade starting at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at two locales — Depot Market Square and Fairhaven Hillcrest Church — will see Bellinghamsters decking out their rides (costumes are encouraged). Groups will gather at Boulevard Park for music and other entertainment. Info: downtownbellingham.com.
Staging the holidays
At noon on Saturday, Dec. 2, Bellingham Figure Skating Club presents Holiday Stories on Ice at the Bellingham Sportsplex. Tickets are $10 and are available for purchase in advance or on the day of the event. Info: Facebook.com/bellinghamfsc/.
A Holiday Evening of Belly Dance begins at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at the FireHouse Arts and Events Center. Drummer David Metz will be traveling from Seattle to join the retinue of belly dancers. Tickets are $15–$20. Info: firehouse-aec.com.
The Dance Studio presents its 12th annual production of “Saving ChristmasTown” at three showings happening Dec. 2–3 at the Mount Baker Theatre. The show features elves who must defend ChristmasTown from the residents of Oogie Boogie Land. Tickets are $16–$24. Info: mountbakertheatre.com.
Improvisers will create a holiday “movie” based on audience suggestions at Ha-Ha Holiday performances taking place Dec. 2–22 at The Upfront Theatre. On Dec 8, 15 and 22, Bellingham Buddies Save X-mas will highlight the first puppet improv shows at the space (suitable for ages 13 and older). Tickets are $10–$16. Info: theupfront.com.
Blaine Community Theater presents its “new old-fashioned” productions of “The Man Who Saved Christmas” Dec. 8–17 at Blaine High School’s Black Box Theater. The musical is loosely based on the true story of A.C. Gilbert — the inventor of The Erector Set. Tickets are $12.50–$17.70. Info: blainecommunitytheater.com.
James and Jamesy present O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13 at the Mount Baker Theatre, and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15 at McIntyre Hall in Mount Vernon. Tickets are $28–$70 for the former show, $35–$65 for the latter. Info: mountbakertheatre.com or mcintyrehall.org.
Opus Performing Arts brings back its celebrated rendition of “The Nutcracker” with four performances Dec. 15–17 at the Mount Baker Theatre. Step into the Stahlbaum family’s home, and watch as Clara enters a magical wonderland of toy soldiers, a blizzard of snowflakes, a flock of marshmallow sheep and other surprises. Tickets are $15–$25. Info: opusbellingham.com.
Dancing for Joy brings its winter production of “Nativity” to the stage Dec. 19–20 at the Mount Baker Theatre. See the Nativity story from an entirely different perspective. Dance styles include jazz, lyrical, modern and ballet. Tickets are $15–$21. Info: dancing4joy.org.
