Merry and Bright Christmas Lights
When it comes to Christmas lights, it doesn’t get more classic than the Fairhaven Winterfest. From carriage rides to window displays, caroling, and even a lighted bike parade, this well-loved event is a festive feast for the senses.
You also don’t want to miss the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Bellingham’s Depot Market Square. Beyond the glitz of the main event, guests can look forward to treats, artisan goods, and even appearances by a few “Bellebrities.” You can also catch a tree lighting ceremony on San Juan Island by attending the annual Island Lights Festival.
Father Christmas on the green in Fairhaven, photo provided by Fairhaven Winterfest
When it comes to residential displays, take a drive through James Street Estates in Bellingham. Farther out in the county, Lynden residents Ryan and Megan Mitchell bring the sparkle with their annual animated light show, Emerald Way Lights, whereas Cross Country Lights is another stellar Lynden light show. More info on both locations can be found on Facebook (@EmeraldWayLights and @CrossCountryLights, respectively).
If you’re planning a pilgrimage to Lynden, you could even time your visit around the Lynden Lighted Christmas Parade. This annual tradition takes place in early December and features a promenade of floats, cars, tractors, and other vehicles decked out in their holiday best.
Deck the Old City Hall, photo provided by the Whatcom Museum
Five Spots for Santa Sightings
- Santa might not seem like the sportiest fellow (maybe blame the Christmas cookies?), but you’d be surprised at the athleticism it takes to scale so many chimneys in one night. Maybe that’s why he stops by Yeager’s Sporting Goods for family photo-ops all throughout the holiday season. If your little ones want to meet Mr. Claus live and in person, check their social media (@yeagerssportinggoods) for dates and times.
- The Ferndale Heritage Society’s 29th annual Olde Fashioned Christmas event will take place Dec. 2-3 at Pioneer Village, where the park’s 15 historic log cabins will be lit up in full holiday splendor. Visitors can expect entertainment, food, crafts, the opportunity to write letters to Santa, and visits with the jolly old man himself.
- If you can’t make it all the way to the North Pole, Mount Baker is probably the next best thing– which is why Santa will be stopping by the Mount Baker Ski Area Dec. 11-12 for a photo-op. The meet-and-greet is open to all ages, but access is via ski and snowboard only.
- Every year, the Whatcom Museum pulls out all the stops for Deck the Old City Hall, and of course Santa will be in attendance. The program also features decorated themed trees for viewing, plus arts and crafts for the kiddos.
- In Skagit County, the Children’s Museum of Skagit County brings the concept of Winter Wonderland to life at The Shops at Burlington. In addition to a meet-and-greet with Santa, previous year’s events have included everything from outdoor activities to entertainment and plenty of festive food and drink.
Olde Fashioned Christmas, photo provided by The Ferndale Heritage Society
This is an excerpt from our November/December feature, Classic Christmas. See the previously posted excerpt here.
