Holiday planner: Whatcom County events bring magic to the season
Now that Halloween is over, it’s time to get out your winter holiday planners. Here are some events that might not be on your radar yet. The events are free unless noted.
For more events, check http://calendar.bellinghamherald.com.
Fairhaven Holiday Festival
When: Nov. 27-28
Santa and Mrs. Claus greet visitors from 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 27 at the gazebo at Harris Avenue and 10th Street, followed by the official lighting of the trees at 5 p.m. at the Village Green. Holiday lights stay lit through the New Year.
Details: Fairhaven.com.
Deck the Old City Hall
When: Nov. 27-Dec. 27
More than 12 decorated trees will be on display and Old City Hall will be decorated inside and out. Visit Santa from noon to 2 p.m. on weekends. Kids’ activities, story time, and crafts also will be offered.
Details: 360-778-8930, whatcommuseum.org.
‘A Christmas Carol: The Musical’
When: Dec. 2-6
In the musical version of Charles Dickens’ classic, the popular story gets re-imagined at Western Washington University Performing Arts Center Mainstage Theatre.
Details: 360-650-6146, tickets.wwu.edu.
Holiday Port Festival
When: Dec. 4-6
The Holiday Port Festival at Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven features performances by local groups, family activities, horse-drawn wagon rides, children’s art activities, and complimentary gingerbread cookies and cider. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be around.
Details: portofbellingham.com/141/Holiday-Port, 360-676-2500.
Old-Fashioned Christmas
When: Dec. 4-6
Ferndale Heritage Society members decorate the historic log cabins at Pioneer Park and offer old-time activities. Kids can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. Admission: $4 adults, $3 children.
Details: ferndaleheritagesociety.com.
Downtown Lynden Lighted Christmas Parade
When: Dec. 5
Lyndens’ 25th annual holiday celebration begins at 6 p.m. at Fairway Center and travels along Front Street through downtown Lynden.
Details: lynden.org, 360-354-5995
Lighted Boat Parade
When: Dec. 5
Bellingham Yacht Club members light up the bay with their decorated vessels from Squalicum Harbor to Fairhaven starting at 5:30 p.m. Viewpoints include Boulevard Park and Bellingham Cruise Terminal.
Details: http://byc.org. 360-303-5465.
Holiday Harbor Lights & Christmas Tree Lighting
When: Dec. 5
Downtown Blaine’s holiday celebration features holiday decorations by local businesses and community groups in the “Winter Wonderland Holiday Display Contest.” Santa and Mrs. Claus show up for the kids, and boats in Blaine Harbor sail around the harbor with their holiday lights.
Details: Blaine Visitor Center, 360-332-4544, blaineholidayharborlights.com
Leanne Rimes Holiday Concert
When: Dec. 5
The youngest Grammy Award-winner in history performs songs from her Christmas album, including “Carol of the Bells,” “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” and “What a Wonderful World.” She performs at 7:30 p.m. at Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St. Guest singer is Ellen Duke.
Tickets range from $39 to $65.
Details: 360-734-6080, mountbakertheatre.com.
‘Ham for the Holidays’
When: Dec. 6
Bellingham Children’s Choir performs a concert of favorite orchestral and vocal holiday tunes with Whatcom Symphony Orchestra at 3 p.m. at Mount Baker Theatre. Tickets range from $14 to $39.
More on the program: whatcomsymphony.com, 360-756-6752.
Details: 360-734-6080, mountbakertheatre.com.
Northwest Ballet Theatre: ‘The Nutcracker’
When: Dec. 11 and 13
The students of Northwest Ballet Theatre perform at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and 2 p.m. Dec. 13 at Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and students.
Details: 360-734-6080, mountbakertheatre.com.
Holiday Faire
When: Dec. 12
Whatcom Hills Waldorf School’s annual Holiday Faire on Dec. 12 features live music, delicious food and low-cost, hands-on crafting workshops at the school, 941 Austin St. Free parking and shuttle service is available. Admission is free; most activities cost $3.
Details: 360-733-3164, whws.org.
‘A Feast of Songs’
When: Dec. 12
Kulshan Chorus presents a concert of seasonal, holiday and other festive songs sung in pop, jazz, and a cappella styles at 7:30 p.m. at Bellingham High School, 2020 Cornwall Ave. Dustin Willets directs the 90-member choir. The program includes “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Feliz Navidad.”
Tickets are $20 adults; $15 seniors, students and military; and $5 for people 13 and younger, at Village Books, Community Food Co-op, and online at Brown Paper Tickets.
Details: kulshanchorus.org.
‘Saving Christmas Town’
When: Dec. 18-20
The Dance Studio presents Brittany Setter’s original dance story about naughty elves from Oogie Boogie Land who try to capture Santa’s joyful and bright Christmastown, only to find they might be changed themselves. Performances are Dec. 18-20 at Bellingham High School, 2020 Cornwall Ave.
Details: 360-734-1595, tickets in person at Dance Studio, 1820 Cornwall Ave., thedancestudio.net.
‘We Danced Our Best for Him’
When: Dec. 19-20
Dancing For Joy presents the nativity story at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20 at Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St. Tickets are $15.
Details: 360-734-6080, mountbakertheatre.com.
Annual Ring of Fire & Hope
When: Dec. 31
The Annual Ring of Fire & Hope takes place at 7 p.m. on the beach at Birch Bay. The crescent-shaped shoreline of the bay is lit with hundreds of road flares to signify hope for the coming year.
Details: birchbaychamber.com, 360-371-5004.
Resolution Run and Polar Dip
When: Jan. 1
Celebrate New Year’s Day with a quick chilly dip in the swim area at Lake Padden, then enjoy coffee and hot cocoa to warm up. Before the dip, join the Resolution Run-Walk around the beautiful lake (2.6-mile loop). Registration starts at 10:45 a.m., followed by the walk or run at 11 a.m. and the quick swim at noon.
Details: cob.org (search “Polar Dip).
Birch Bay Polar Bear Swim
When: Jan. 1
Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. at the waterfront on Birch Bay Drive, with costume judging at 11:30 a.m. and the community plunge into the chilly waters at noon.
Details: birchbaychamber.com, 360-371-5004.
This story was originally published November 5, 2015 at 1:10 AM with the headline "Holiday planner: Whatcom County events bring magic to the season."