Wednesday, Dec. 28
Deck the Old City Hall
Noon to 5 p.m., 121 Prospect St.
Through Saturday, get into the holiday spirit by visiting this historic building, which will be decked out for the final week of the holiday season. View a variety of themed, decorated trees in the Rotunda Room and enjoy plenty of dazzling decor. Admission is by donation; proceeds support Whatcom Museum’s abundant offerings of exhibitions and programming. Info: whatcommuseum.org.
The Lights of Christmas
5–10 p.m., Warm Beach Camp, Stanwood
Nightly through New Year’s Eve, get an up-close look at more than 1 million lights in dazzling displays showcasing favorites such as the light tunnel, Cascade Splendor mountain scene, a larger-than-life Nativity, and Santa and his reindeer. This drive-thru event includes narration with radio host Bruce the Spruce, a concession booth, photo ops and more. Ticket prices vary per carload; advance purchase is required. Info: thelightsofchristmas.com.
Thursday, Dec. 29
GBU, Jingle Jam
7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., The Upfront Theatre, 207 Prospect St.
Bellingham’s longest-running improv show, “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly,” takes place every Thursday, featuring a rotating performance format as well as special guest players to make sure audiences get a show that can go anywhere. Tickets are $10–$15. Tonight at 9 p.m., stick around for the Jingle Jam — a holiday-themed improv open mic night. Sign up to perform when you arrive or simply come to enjoy the show. Tickets are pay-what-you-will. Info: theupfront.com.
Menace on the Mic
8:30 p.m., Menace Brewing, 2529 Meridian St.
Want to take a chance at performing standup comedy? Show up early to sign up for your spot, then stick around to see the action unfold. The free event takes place every other Thursday. Info: menacebrewing.com.
Friday, Dec. 30
White Elephant
7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., The Upfront Theatre, 207 Bay St.
Wrap up unwanted, funny and weird gifts from Christmas and bring them to these shows to exchange with an improviser (you’ll receive a gift, too). They’ll open it onstage, where you can see your offering inspire the scenes and become a part of the show. Tickets are $10–$13 (you’ll get a discount if you bring a gift). Info: theupfront.com.
Saturday, Dec. 31
NYE Skate
1 p.m., 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., Skagit Skate, 390 Cedar St., Burlington
Confetti celebrations, party hats, horns, lights and special countdowns on the big screen will be part of three separate New Year’s Eve parties happening throughout the day. This New Year’s roller-skating event will be a glow party, so don’t forget to wear your blacklight-reactive clothes. Pre-purchase your tickets for the three-hour slots in advance to avoid the lines. Entry is $13–$16 (includes skates). Info: skagitskate.com.
New Year’s Eve Party
7 p.m., BAAY Theatre, 1059 N. State St.
Join Bellingham Repertory Dance for the longtime collective’s New Year’s Eve fundraiser. The 21-and-older event will feature drinks, karaoke, hot raffle items, surprise performances, a photo booth, live music and dancing into 2023. Entry is $10 (includes one raffle ticket). Drinks and additional raffle tickets will be available on site. Info: bhamrep.org.
New Year’s Eve Gala
7 p.m. to 1 a.m., Semiahmoo Resort, Blaine
Head to 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway for a roaring ’20s-themed celebration featuring a grand buffet dinner, dancing, live music and a hosted champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight. Tickets start at $45. Info: semiahmoo.com.
A Very Upfront New Year
7 p.m., 9 p.m., 11 p.m., The Upfront Theatre
Improvisors will reminisce on the year past and revisit their best shows and memories from 2022 at three separate performances throughout the course of the night. All shows are 21-plus, and ID will be required. Tickets are $15–$25; the 11 p.m. show includes champagne or non-alcoholic bubbly for a midnight toast. Advance purchase is recommended. Info: theupfront.com.
NYE Block Party Bash
8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., The Liquor Cabinet, 211 W. Holly St.
Black Sheep Bar, Lorikeet Bar and Goat Mountain Pizza will take part in Meet Me at Midnight. The block party taking place in and between the venues will be hosted by Alecia Lily and include performances by Whorchata, Count Dykeula, Tia Rikki, Feather Fatale, Kayla Storm and more. The theme of the event is Y2K Barbie versus Punk Barbie, so dress accordingly. Tickets are $8 in advance and $12 at the door (includes a champagne toast at midnight). Half the proceeds will be donated to The Trevor Project. Info: brownpapertickets.com.
Brickhouse and Mr. Pink
9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Swinomish Casino, Anacortes
Make your way to the Wa Walton Event Center to hear an eclectic mix of high-energy disco, funk and top-40 hits from the 1970s through today. Ticket prices start at $35. Info: swintickets.com.
Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve
10 p.m., Galloway’s, 1200 10th St.
Embrace this cocktail bar’s Deco-era ambiance and dress in your best Gatsby-themed attire at this fifth-annual event. Reserve one of six VIP tables in the main bar for $120 (includes a bottle of bubbles, charcuterie plate and entries to raffle prizes), or sit in the bar or cocktail porch, which will both be open for walk-in seating. Info: gallowayscocktail.bar.
NYE Black Light Party
10 p.m. to midnight, Inner Child Studio, 715 W. Orchard Drive
Attend this sex- and body-positive event by wearing your best black light outfits, bringing lights and LEDs and lighting up the New Year night. Body painting starts at 9 p.m. Food, beverages and body paint will be provided at this alcohol-free event. (Please note that people might be wearing body paint and nothing else at this event.) Tickets are $15. Info: innerchildstudio.org.
Before heading out to attend in-person happenings, check with individual venues to make sure the event is still taking place as scheduled.
The A-List appears weekly on Wednesdays. To submit an event for consideration, email calendar@cascadiadaily.com.
