Looking for best holiday lights in Bellingham? Check out these festive events
Looking for some festive fun to brighten up those dark December nights?
The Bellingham Herald has put together a guide to the best holiday lights in Whatcom County, based on past coverage and information from local organizations.
From a lighted boat parade to a Christmas tree lighting, here’s a look at light-centered events in the Bellingham area this season:
Bellingham Annual Lighted Bike Parade
Where: South Bay Trail, Bellingham
When: 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
Bicyclists are invited to “deck the trails” and deck out their bikes for the lighted bike parade, organizers said in a Facebook post.
Costumes and lights are encouraged.
The free event, which is open to all, is hosted by Whatcom Transportation Authority, the city of Bellingham, Downtown Bellingham Partnership, Whatcom Smart Trips and Western Washington University.
Bellingham Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade
Where: Best spots to watch are Fairhaven Cruise Terminal and Boulevard Park
When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, weather permitting
The Bellingham Yacht Club’s Lighted Boat Parade features boats decked out in “twinkling light displays,” organizers said in a news release, noting some of the vessels also play holiday tunes.
The annual parade “is a Bellingham holiday tradition that families enjoy every year as our boats light up the Bay,” Pete Dworkin, yacht club fleet captain, said in the release. “Members of the boating community take great pride in being part of this event.”
Downtown Bellingham Tree Lighting
Where: Depot Market Square, Bellingham
When: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
This joyful holiday event starts with free treats, crafts and more, building toward the 6 p.m. ceremony when “the tree comes to life in a burst of lights,” the Downtown Bellingham Partnership said via Facebook.
The festive fun continues until 7 p.m.
Fairhaven Winterfest
Where: Historic Fairhaven Village, Bellingham
When: Daily through Saturday, Dec. 20, with many activities on Saturdays
The “month-long celebration of the holiday season” features “lights, music, carriage rides, Santa Claus and community warmth,” the Fairhaven Association website said.
Ferndale Downtown Holiday Tree Lighting
Where: Centennial Riverwalk Park, Ferndale
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5
Kick off the holiday season with free cocoa and cookies, a visit from Santa Claus and more, the city said on its website.
Ferndale’s holiday tree measures 30 feet tall, with a 4-foot star, according to the website.
Olde Fashioned Christmas in Pioneer Village
Where: Pioneer Park, Ferndale
When: 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, and Saturday, Dec. 6
Log cabins at the park “will be aglow like shimmery stars” and “costumed volunteers will open the log cabin doors to greet you, so you feel the holiday cheer as it drifts into the winter air,” the Ferndale Heritage Society said on its website.
You can stroll on sidewalks while “enjoying Christmas music and over 90,000 lights that light your path,” the group said.
Santa will be on hand, and crafts for kids are planned.
Admission costs $6 for adults and $3 for children. Kids under 1 get in free.
Free “lighted strolls” are offered from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12; Saturday, Dec. 13; Friday, Dec. 19, and Saturday, Dec. 20, according to the group’s website.
Northwest Lighted Christmas Parade
Where: Front Street, Lynden
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
The annual parade features “a lighted menagerie of cars, trucks, floats, wagons, farm equipment and more,” according to the Lynden Chamber of Commerce.
Pacificview Drive Home
Where: 740 E. Pacificview Drive, Bellingham
When: 24/7
The home on Pacificview Drive is decked out with lights and inflatables, including Santa, a snowman and a gingerbread man.
Submit your home to Bellingham Herald’s holiday lights guide
Decorating for the holidays? There’s still time to submit your Whatcom County home or business to the Bellingham Herald’s 2025 holiday lights guide.
Simply fill out this form to share a description and photos of your festive display:
Bellingham Herald’s Alyse Smith contributed to this report.
This story was originally published December 3, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
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