Bellingham Alive

Shop Small Holiday Makers Market
2025-11-29 12:00 - 2025-11-30 18:00, 2025-12-20 10:00 - 2025-12-21 18:00 (America/Denver)
Get into the festive spirit and discover unique, locally made gifts while supporting talented artisans at our Shop Small Holiday Makers Market! Join us November 29–30 and December 20–21, 2025 at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal (355 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA).
Open Saturday from 12–6 PM and Sunday from 10 AM–5 PM, the market features 50 local makers offering everything from handcrafted soaps and sustainable goods to tasty treats, cozy textiles, candles, and jewelry.
Food trucks Dane Good and WTF will have hot beverages, baked goods and delicious dishes available to order.
Each weekend brings a new lineup of vendors, so stop by in both November and December for a fresh selection of gifts. Free and open to the public, this festive, holiday-decorated market is the perfect way to shop small and celebrate the season in the heart of Historic Fairhaven.

Giving Tuesday
2025-12-02 08:00 - 16:00
If you come in and bring an unwrapped, new toy worth $5 or more, you get a free pastry (while supplies last).

BMC Matinee Program: Romantic Cello and Piano
2025-12-03 10:30 - 11:30
Bellingham Music Club brings 2025 to a close with cellist Samantha Sinai and pianist Michelle Huang on Wednesday, December 3, 10:30am at Trinity Lutheran Church, 119 Texas St. in Bellingham.
Our guests are accomplished and versatile musicians. Samantha Sinai is a performer, composer, teacher and therapist who also serves as the Cello Principal with the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra. Seattle-based Michelle Huang has performed extensively in the U.S., Europe and Asia as a soloist and chamber musician. She is also an advocate for musicians’ wellness and health.
The ravishing Rachmaninoff’s Sonata in G minor for Cello and Piano anchors their program, with Clara Schumann’s Three Romances Op. 22 rounding up an exceptional collaboration.
To learn more about this concert, student awards and the rest of the BMC season, visit bellinghammusicclub.org

Birchwood Garden Club's December 3rd Meeting
2025-12-03 19:00 - 21:00
Birchwood Garden Club
Established 1931-Bellingham, Washington
Planting Seeds of Friendship throughout our Community
December Topic:
Attracting Hummingbirds
Speaker–Julie Whittaker, owner of The Wild Bird Chalet
The December 3, 2025 meeting of the Birchwood Garden Club will be held in the Rotunda Room of the Old City Hall Museum, 121 Prospect St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Doors open at 6:30PM.
The speaker for the evening will be Julie Whittaker, owner of the Wild Bird Chalet, 108 Ohio Street, Bellingham. Julie will speak on attracting hummingbirds. The Wild Bird Chalet is a local, independent vendor of wild bird food and feeders, hummingbird feeders, and other supplies, as well as items for squirrels, bats, and miscellaneous critters.
Julie has been a Whatcom Co. resident since 1990. She bought the business in 2019, and has fed birds for more than a dozen years. She has a degree in ecology, with a specialty in native plants, and is passionate about habitat for wildlife. Please join us!
The Birchwood Garden Club is accepting applications from non-profit organizations in Whatcom and Skagit counties to help support projects that are related to horticulture, agriculture or related fields. Applications for up to $500 can be found at birchwoodgardenclub.org and will be accepted until December 31 and awarded in February.
Birchwood Garden Club membership is open to anyone in Whatcom or Skagit Counties. You are invited to join us at our monthly meetings where we will have membership brochures to join. Check out our website, www.birchwoodgardenclub.org to see the fun activities and community services our club does!

The Light of Hope Returning
2025-12-05 19:00 - 2025-12-06 20:00, 2025-12-06 15:00 - 16:30
Join Vox Pacifica under conductor Wendy Bloom for a multimedia celebration of winter through Appalachia and gospel influenced carols on December 5th, 7 pm and December 6th, 3 pm at First Congregational Church on 2401 Cornwall Ave, $25 and youth 21 and under $15. View our website voxpacifica.org for more information.

Holiday Trees Celebration & Giving Wreath Wall at Hotel Bellwether
2025-12-06 08:00 - 2025-12-31 00:00
Hotel Bellwether Hosts Holiday Trees Event through December Benefitting Skookum Kids
View and vote for the entire month of December to be entered to win an overnight stay in the Lighthouse Suite!
The annual Holiday Tree Lighting Event at Hotel Bellwether benefitting Skookum Kids kicks off Saturday, December 6th, 2025 and continues the entire month of December. Hotel Bellwether transforms into a festive holiday wonderland with more that 20 creatively themed trees on display throughout the lobby and halls, all decorated and sponsored by local businesses.
The event is open to the public and the community is encouraged to visit and vote on their favorite tree. Those who vote are entered to win an overnight stay in the iconic three-story Lighthouse Suite valued at $1,000. Voting ends December 31st with the winner announced in the new year.
Watch a video about the event at: https://fb.watch/7CBG_uu_Xn3/

Christmas at Bellewood
2025-12-06 09:00 - 2025-12-21 16:00
Whatcom County’s Bellewood Farms & Distillery is providing opportunities in December to take free photos of loved ones with Santa, ideal for cards and social media. Santa will be available at Bellewood Farms from noon-4 p.m. starting Dec. 6 and then each Saturday and Sunday in December leading up to Christmas Day.
“Santa photos with everyone from babies to grandparents are perfect for sharing the holiday season’s joy with family and friends,” said Eric Abel, president of Bellewood Farms & Distillery.
Caroling groups and musicians will perform periodically during store hours from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in December. Attendees also may enjoy warm cider and adult beverages like Caramel Apple Brandy around Bellewood’s bonfires.
Bellewood Farms also offers gifts, apples from the recent harvest and an expanded array of fresh-baked goods, including nine varieties of pies, cinnamon rolls, pecan rolls and more. Adults may head to the distillery’s tasting room and sample the distillery’s new spirits.
Bellewood Farms is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday at 6140 Guide Meridian, about 7 miles from Bellingham, Ferndale and Lynden. For more information about Bellewood Farms, call (360) 318-7720 or visit www.bellewoodfarms.com.

A Holiday Evening of Belly Dance
2025-12-06 18:30 - 20:00
An Evening of Belly Dance
December 6th, 2025
Doors open at 6pm, Show starts at 6:30pm
Firehouse Arts and Events Center
1314 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Come experience some of the fantastic, dramatic and breathtaking belly dance that Bellingham has to offer! Plus special guest, drummer David Metz who will be traveling from Seattle to perform for us this evening!
Come early to enjoy a beverage at the Firehouse Cafe before the doors open for the show at 6pm. The show will start at 6:30pm in the beautiful Firehouse Performing Arts Center – an old firehouse turned small theatre – a short walk from the Historic Fairhaven District.
This evening will be a sparkling evening of raqs sharqi (oriental dance), fusion, and middle eastern folk dance; while our guest Toastmaster Jeffrey Copeland, will share little bites of history and culture of the music and the dance.
Brown Paper Tickets – https://bellydances.brownpapertickets.com/
$20-30 per ticket ($30 adult, $20 child)
https://www.facebook.com/share/1A1rT1FRJV/

Coffee& Canvas
2025-12-07 11:00 - 13:00
Come paint and let the creativity flow while sipping on Bellingham’s finest coffee.

Happy Tails for the Holidays
2025-12-07 14:30 - 17:30
Our annual fundraising event will be LIVE and in-person at Lost Giants Cider Company in Bellingham. Our silent auction begins at 2:30pm, ends at 5:30pm, and features goods and services from tons of local businesses, including a vacation stay in Mazatlán!
We will also have live music by Original Jim and delicious food available.
Come out and support Happy Tails Happy Homes, honor Taylor’s Legacy, and enjoy a fun afternoon of food, drinks, and good music!
And if you can’t join us in person, auction items will be available to view (and bid on!) online starting November 29th. Check it out at https://givebutter.com/happytailsholidayauction

Celebrate the Season: An Evening of Holiday Music
2025-12-07 18:30 - 19:30
For Immediate Release – October 27, 2025
Bellingham, WA–The third annual FREE community concert CELEBRATE THE SEASON: An Evening of Holiday Music will be held on Sunday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 1720 Harris Avenue & 18th Street in Bellingham’s historic Fairhaven district.
The planning committee is pleased to offer a free, one-hour holiday event as a community service. The concert will be a fun, musical program to kick-off the season that is appropriate for children and people of all ages.
The program will feature a variety of vocal and instrumental holiday music volunteered by noted local performing groups, many returning for the second and third time. These include the renowned Vox Pacifica women’s choir; Bellingham High School’s talented Showstoppers; One Accord, Bellingham’s melodious a capella group; Bellingham High School’s striking String Ensemble (returning with audience-favorite Edelweiss); and a special dramatic reading of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” The audience is encouraged to join in singing many favorite seasonal songs.
Holiday cookies and hot cider/coffee will follow the hour-long program in the community room. Financial support is provided by Thrivent.
More Celebrate the Season concert information is available at www.oursavioursbham.org (that’s with a u) or (360) 733-6749.

Open Jam!
2025-12-10 19:00 - 23:00
We are so back!!
Formerly known as Jam:30, Blue Room’s open mic style jam session returns
Additional information:
Open Jam is a free form instrumental/vocal jam session with signups by instrument. It is a casual environment to practice your skills and meet new people. If you don’t play an instrument – simply sit back and enjoy the show!
Blue Room provides a drumset, piano, electric guitar, and various auxiliary percussion instruments. We encourage everyone to bring an instrument of their own!
Admission is free! Signups begin at 7pm and jamming starts closer to 8pm

Christmas Wine Tasting @ GLM Winery
2025-12-12 18:00 - 21:00
Join us in holiday cheer to taste our full line up of wines, sing carols and Christmas shop for the wine-lovers in our lives! We will have snacks and the musical vocalist Shanna of the Shannanigans for our listening pleasure! No cost.

Family Ornament Making
2025-12-12 18:30 - 20:30
Your holiday favorite returns! Kick off the season with this fun community-oriented night as you create eight different projects while enjoying festive snacks and seasonal tunes. Registration is per family (up to 4 members) and includes all the supplies to create up to eight different ornaments or holiday decorations. $30 per family. https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/bellingham/activity/search/detail/40316?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

“STILLS” Poetry Book Launch Party
2025-12-12 18:30 - 22:00
To kick off the year-long celebration, CASCADIA will host a launch party for a collaborative book project, “STILLS,” a poetry anthology inspired by the films of the 2025 festival, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, December 12 at Aslan Depot (1322 N. State St., Bellingham). The event will open with readings by a number of poets featured in the book, followed by live jazz music from 8 to 10 p.m. A special cider created for the event by Greenwood Cider of Seattle will be available on tap. Admission to the all ages event is free and open to the public.
With an introduction by Stefania Heim, poet and Associate Professor of Literature and Director of Graduate Studies in English at Western Washington University, this anthology connects the work of international film directors who presented at the 2025 festival to poetry, prose and art by noted poets from the Pacific Northwest and across the country, including Tobey Hiller, Julie Gard, Luther Allen, Arlene Naganawa, Jed Myers, Jeff Alessandrelli and J. I. Kleinberg.
Books will be available for purchase for $18 at the event from co-host Village Books. The books may also be purchased through CASCADIA’s website. Books purchased directly from CASCADIA through December will also receive a discount code to watch online free short films featured in the book during the month of January.

Shining Night
2025-12-12 19:00 - 20:40
Bellingham Community Chorus presents Shining Night, Moments of Peace and Wonder. This is a family-friendly event. Tickets are $20; children 12 and under free.
Tickets online at www.bellinghamcommunitychorus.org
Or at the door

Children's Holiday Market
2025-12-13 10:00 - 14:00
Get ready for a whimsical winter wonderland at the Children’s Holiday Market! Join us for a day of festive fun and creativity as little artisans and entrepreneurs showcase their delightful gifts and goodies. This heartwarming event celebrates the joy of giving and the ingenuity of young minds and is sure to feature tons of unique gifts for your friends and family.
Vendor booth space is available for $10 and intended for youth only (no commercial vendors.) Reserve your spot today before it sells out!
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/bellingham/activity/search/detail/40301?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

Winter Faire
2025-12-13 10:00 - 15:00
Come one, come all to Whatcom Hills Waldorf School’s Winter Faire! Saturday, December 13th, 2025 from 10am-3pm. Visit the Snow Queen, dig for treasure in Gnome Village, enjoy puppet plays and all-ages craft workshops, shop our holiday vendor market, and warm up with food, hot beverages, and delicious baked goods in the Wooden Spoon Cafe! We hope you’ll join us for this beloved seasonal event! Entry is free; punch cards can be purchased for crafts & activities and cash will be accepted for food & beverages. Puppet Play tickets also sold separately. Visit whws.org/winter-faire for tickets and more information.
***Come one, come all to Whatcom Hills Waldorf School’s Winter Faire! Magic for the whole family!*** Saturday, December 13th, 2025 from 10am-3pm Visit the Snow Queen, dig for treasure in Gnome Village, enjoy puppet plays and all-ages craft workshops, shop our holiday vendor market, and warm up with food, hot beverages, and delicious baked goods in the Wooden Spoon Cafe! WHWS graduates and families are invited to stop by our alumni table for a special gift. We hope you’ll join us for this beloved seasonal event! Entry is free; punch cards can be purchased for crafts & activities and cash will be accepted for food & beverages. Puppet Play tickets also sold separately. Event location: 941 Austin St, Bellingham WA, 98229.

Live Music for "Deck the Halls Festival"
2025-12-13 13:00 - 2025-12-20 15:00
Elea Plotkin will be playing piano in Whatcom Museum’s Old City Hall Rotunda Room on Dec. 13th and 20th, from 1 -3 pm. for their ‘Deck the Halls Festival.’ Stop by and enjoy viewing their decorated trees while listening to her enchanting traditional Carols, classical favorites, and light jazz.
Legacy pianist, singer-songwriter, composer, recording artist, Elea Plotkin grew up with deep roots in Whatcom County’s South Fork Valley, where she attended Mt Baker High School, parents owned the Everybody’s Store. Elea will take you on a musical odyssey that soulfully weaves together the artists who influenced her music, including Carole King, Billie Holliday, George Gershwin, and the ground-breaking jazz improviser, Keith Jarrett. With a passion for classic composers that shaped her technique as well, she’ll often sprinkle in lovely pieces by Chopin and Debussy, giving listeners a lovely mix to tickle any ear.

Shining Night, Moments of Peace and Wonder
2025-12-13 15:00 - 16:30
Family-friendly event. 70-member, non-audition chorus is performing seasonal music. The audience will have a chance to join in.

Funk The Halls: A Holiday Sould Session ft. North Sound Soul
2025-12-13 19:00 - 23:00
Event Page: https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/funk-the-halls-a-holiday-soul-session-2025-12-13-the-blue-room-bellingham-042311
Get ready to move your feet and feel the funk as the Blue Room presents ‘Funk the Halls: A Holiday Soul Session’ featuring the Bellingham-based band North Sound Soul. This high energy performance will put a horn-driven, soulful spin on holiday music by blending festive favorites with the classic signature songs that make up the band’s own unique sound. Come celebrate community, togetherness and holiday spirit by grabbing your friends/family and find your rhythm this holiday season with a heartwarming evening of soulful classics and funky, holiday favorites.
Featuring:
Established in 2021, North Sound Soul is a 9-piece soul/funk/rock band comprised of savvy veterans of the Bellingham music scene. The band features a high-energy horn section, dynamic rhythm section and is fronted by a tag-team duo of powerhouse vocalists.
In addition to private shows and events, North Sound Soul has been a featured performer at numerous festivals and venues including Downtown Sounds in Bellingham, Fairhaven Ski-to-Sea Festival, Boundary Bay Brewery, Boulevard Park Summer Concert Series, Brews Blues and BBQ, The Blue Room and April Brews Day, to name a few.
Their material will take you on a journey from early soul standards by Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett and Sam & Dave thru 70’s funk cuts by Aretha Franklin, Al Green and Stevie Wonder culminating in the classic horn-focused tracks by Chicago and Tower of Power.

Skagit Symphony presents- Winter Is Coming
2025-12-13 19:30 - 21:30
7:30pm, Saturday, Dec 13, 2025
McIntyre Hall
2501 E College Way, Mount Vernon WA 98273
“Winter is Coming,” and we are ready to welcome the season with the holiday classic, “Twas the Night Before Christmas” with an orchestral twist, a Christmas sing-along, and many other delights of the season. Sophia Chou returns to the Skagit Valley to perform Scriabin’s undeniably passionate concerto for piano and orchestra.
For Tickets visit mcintyrehall.org or call the box office at 360-416-7727
For more info, visit skagitsymphony.com , email info@skagitsymphony.com or call the symphony office at 360-848-9336

SOS - Signs of Strength
2025-12-14 15:00 - 16:30
“SOS – SIGNS OF STRENGTH”
A film by The Diavolo Veterans Project:
Signs of Strength emerge through acts of resilience, courage, and human connection in the context of a moving and emotionally gripping performance by military veterans and civilian dancers. The choreography explores the journey of soldiers facing adversity, highlighting their ability to find unity and meaning through individual feats and collective support. The “signs” are not physical objects but rather the embodiment of these qualities in the performance, as the dancers navigate a dynamic set and physical challenges.
*POST SCREENING CONVERSATION*
Bellingham’s very own Janet Ott will be leading a zoom conversation with with Christopher Loverro, member of Diavolo’s Veterans Project and France Nguyen Vincent, dramaturg for Diavolo’s Veteran’s project.
Firehouse Arts and Events Center
1314 Harris Avenue
December 14th @ 3:00
kuntzandco.org for tix

Holiday History Hi-Jinks with The Good Time Girls
2025-12-17 18:00 - 21:00
It’s time once again for “Holiday History Hi-jinks” our annual celebration of holiday-themed Bellinghistory! Party Edition!
We’re staying cozy inside this year at the Ranch Room in the Horseshoe Cafe in Bellingham, Washington! Yeehaw!
Trivia, caroling, treats, booze and good times.
Festive dress encouraged!
Wed., December 17, 2025 6-9 pm
The Ranch Room in the Horseshoe Cafe
113 E Holly Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
$25 21+ with valid ID
Doors at 6:00. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Reserve a ticket as space is limited!
https://bellinghistory.com/holidayhistoryhi-jinks

Wine Dinner with Caymus Vineyards
2025-12-20 18:00 - 20:00
Join us on Saturday, December 20 at 6:00 PM in the Stars Room for a memorable five-course dinner celebrating the wines of Caymus Vineyards.
Enjoy thoughtfully paired seasonal dishes, connect over stories of the vineyard, and experience the winemakers’ craftsmanship. Guests will also receive exclusive savings on Caymus wines with their ticket purchase.

DIY Gift Making
2025-12-21 10:00 - 12:00
What’s better than a homemade gift? Making one of course! At the end of the class, everyone will leave with three
handmade gifts.
DAY/DATE: Sunday / December 21
TIME: 10:00 am–12:00 pm
AGES: 7-12 years
LOCATION: Bloedel Donovan Community Building
COST: $40
Link:
http://apm.activecommunities.com/bellingham/Activity_Search/40260

Winter Mini Camp
2025-12-22 09:00 - 2025-12-30 15:00
It’s Winter Break and the kids are out of school! Sign up for one or all three days! Kids will have fun throughout the day as we play games, do crafts & enjoy our time off!
Session 1: Monday / December 22
Session 2: Monday / December 29
Session 3: Tuesday / December 30
TIME: 9:00 am–3:00 pm
AGES: 7-12 years
LOCATION: Bloedel Donovan Community Building
COST: $35 each day
Link: http://apm.activecommunities.com/bellingham/Activity_Search/40256

'No School' Day Trips: Snow Much Fun!
2025-12-23 09:00 - 15:30
We’re heading to the hills in search of the white and fluffy stuff! Grab your sleds (we’ll bring some extra too) for a day of fun as we go sledding, build snow forts, and make snow angels! We’ll take a mid-day break for lunch and warm up with a cup of delicious hot cocoa. Final destination will depend upon recent snowfall. This fun excursion is for ages 7-12 years. https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/bellingham/activity/search/detail/40300?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true
