Break out the bubbly: 2024 is almost over, and there is no shortage of ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve around Bellingham. This year’s agenda includes everything from family events to live music, late-night parties and the requisite New Year’s Day polar plunge.
Since Dec. 31 falls on a Tuesday, some might prefer to celebrate early (or watch the ball drop from the comfort of their couches). Others will want to hit the town — but either way, you don’t have to party past midnight to send off 2024 in style.
Family-friendly events
Families with little ones can celebrate 2025 with dancing, soft drinks and snacks at the New Year’s Eve Family Party. The event takes place from 3:30–5 p.m. at the Birch Bay Activity Center, with a “midnight” countdown at 4 p.m. Pre-registration is required.
Multiple branches of the Whatcom County Library System also have a New Year’s Eve at Noon event for young children and their families. The festivities include stories, activities and a 12 p.m. balloon drop.
In Skagit County, the Anacortes Public Library will throw a “Noon Year’s Eve” event from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 31. Skagit Skate also has not one but three New Year’s parties: 1–4 p.m., 5–8 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. (though the latter might be best suited for grown-ups).
Later in the evening, the skies above Birch Bay come alight on New Year’s Eve for the annual Ring of Fire and Hope. At 7 p.m., Whatcom County families gather on the shores of Birch Bay State Park to launch red flares (a limited number of which can be picked up in advance on a first-come-first-serve basis).
Parties in Bellingham
December is a big month for the Whatcom Museum. After a month of Christmas celebrations, they’re switching gears with a New Year’s Eve Party from 6:30–9:30 p.m., featuring music by Baby Cakes. $50 gets you a free drink ticket (plus access to a cash bar), light appetizers and a champagne toast when the ball drops in Times Square.
The Upfront Theatre is recapping all its favorite moments from 2024 at “A Very Upfront New Year.” All-ages shows are at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., whereas the 11 p.m. event is 21-plus (and includes a midnight champagne toast).
For the 123rd (!) year in a row, the Bellingham Firefighters Community Ball is on New Year’s Eve, with proceeds benefiting the Bellingham/Whatcom Firefighters Benevolent Foundation. This year is a “high-class classic country” theme, so you can pair your champagne with a side of line dancing. Other dance-centric events include the Bellingham Contra Dance Society’s annual New Year’s Eve gala, happening this year at Norway Hall.
Tickets for the Midnight Masquerade at Galloway’s Cocktail Bar are going fast, with options ranging from porch seating ($25 per person) and a VIP experience at the main bar ($120 per table). The Four Points by Sheraton is also hosting a masquerade-themed party ($75) with music from The Chris Eger Band and Midlife Crisis & the Alimony Horns.
In the world of breweries and beer gardens, Boundary Bay Brewery has a New Year’s Eve party with Whalien from 9:45 p.m. to 1 a.m. Stones Throw is celebrating with two local favorites — the Naughty Blokes and the Jill Newman Band — plus two New York City ball drops (9 p.m. and midnight). Schweinhaus is celebrating the 9 p.m. ball drop this year with a “Studio 54 fever dream”; disco attire is highly encouraged.
Chuckanut Bay Distillery is throwing it back to the ‘80s with their New Year’s Eve Ballroom Bash, happening from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Expect cocktails, a photo booth, prizes for best ‘80s costume and appetizers from the Penny Farthing culinary team.
Several restaurants are also getting in on the NYE action. The Black Cat in Fairhaven is open until 1 a.m. on New Year’s Eve, and That’s What I Like! Island Grill has live music from the JP Falcon Band, ButtaMuzik and DJRoyBoy. Red Star Taco Bar is throwing their first-ever Prohibition Party, with food and drink specials, a Polaroid photo booth and music from DJ Bernee Luv.
For even more music info, check music contributor Jesse Stanton’s annual New Year’s Eve roundup.
Parties in Whatcom and Skagit counties
At Mount Vernon’s Lincoln Theatre, Dancers from Unique Technique Studios will perform a “high-energy, multi-genre dance extravaganza” to ring in the new year. Stick around after the performance for live music from funk fusion band Marty and the Boyz.
In Ferndale, Main Street Bar and Grill is celebrating 2025 ‘80s-style with music from The Neon Shadows. Katts Westside Stories in Mount Vernon has their annual Black and White Ball with a balloon drop at midnight. Also in Skagit County, partygoers can dance the night away with live music from Ron Bailey & the Tangents at The Old Edison.
Close to the Canadian border, Semiahmoo Resort’s New Year’s Eve gala includes dinner, late-night bites, a midnight champagne toast and music by The Shakedown. Venues including Northwood Casino (Lynden), Silver Reef Casino (Ferndale) and Swinomish Casino (Anacortes) also have events on Dec. 31; check online for details.
New Year’s Day plunges
Nothing says “happy new year” like a dip in freezing cold water. On that note, the Padden Polar Dip and Resolution Run/Walk is “back and cooler than ever (pun intended)” on Wednesday, Jan. 1. The run/walk begins at 11 a.m., and the plunge itself happens at noon.
Alternatively, the Birch Bay Polar Bear Plunge happens at noon on New Year’s Day in Birch Bay State Park. Plungers are rewarded with hot cocoa, games, music from JP Valentine and a complimentary bowl of chowder or chili.
Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.
