WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The first weekend of December is loaded with fun events across Whatcom County. Lighted parades, Santa Claus, beer and cider tastings, and some great live music are all on the docket. We have you covered in this week’s Lifestyle Lookout.
The Bellingham Yacht Club’s Lighted Boat Parade is Saturday, Dec. 6 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Bellingham Bay.
This year’s theme is Christmas Vacation, based on the beloved holiday film. Awards will be presented in categories like Best Theme Match, BYC Spirit Award and the Clark Griswold Award for most outrageous design.
There will be a post-parade party and soup contest for Yacht Club members and everyone participating in the parade. For those who are not, pick a spot on Bellingham’s waterfront and enjoy the spectacular lights.
The Lighted Boat Parade runs between the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven and Squalicum Harbor. For all the details, go to byc.org.
It is time for the Northwest Lighted Christmas Parade in Lynden. Bundle up the family and grab a spot this Saturday, Dec. 6 to watch all the holiday glory of lighted cars, trucks, floats, wagons, farm equipment and more.
The parade starts at 6 p.m. at the Fairway Shopping Center and runs east on Front St. through downtown. For all the details, go to lynden.org.
And not to be outdone by Lynden, the Ferndale Heritage Society is hosting a Christmas celebration this weekend.
The Olde Fashioned Christmas in Pioneer Village will see the iconic old cabins decorated with over 90,000 holiday lights. Attendees can stroll along the ADA compliant pathway and take it all in before visiting the Pioneer Pavilion for a visit with Santa Claus.
Admission to the Olde Fashioned Christmas is $6 for adults and $3 for children. It will be open to the public on Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. For all the details, go to ferndaleheritagesociety.org.
If you would rather stay cozy indoors and enjoy some local beer and cider this weekend, we have two events for you.
First up, the Arts and Ales Holiday Market is on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at both Aslan Brewing locations in Bellingham. Start at their main location (1330 N. Forest St.) and stroll down to the Aslan Depot two blocks away. Check out local artists, live music, drink specials and more.
Admission is free. For all the details, go to aslanbrewing.com.
If you would like to taste beer and cider and help raise money for a great cause, head down to the Fisherman’s Pavilion (2599 S. Harbor Loop Dr.) on Saturday.
Winter BrewFest 2025 will feature 13 different breweries and cideries, food trucks, live music and photos with Santa Claus.
Admission is $40 and includes a souvenir tasting glass and five tasting tickets. Proceeds benefit The Zoe Fund, a local charity that helps low-income residents pay for their pet’s emergency medical care. For all the details and to buy tickets, go to shadowsforeverfriends.org.
Our featured live show this week is also a fundraiser. Four bands will play Shakedown on Friday night to raise money to help high school students pursue their musical dreams.
I Will Fight With Lions, The Sheen, Frozen Cloak and YELLOW will perform. It will be a night of pure, unadulterated art-rock bliss. Fans of Explosions in the Sky, Sunny Day Real Estate and Idiot Pilot don’t want to miss this one.
The show will also include visuals by BLabotz, live vinyl and a record raffle.
For tickets, go to shakedownbellingham.com.
