Fairhaven Winterfest
Nov. 30–Dec. 21, Historic Fairhaven
From “Fearhaven” Halloween events to a Valentine’s Day chocolate walk, Fairhaven is known for its holiday celebrations — but the town especially doesn’t mess around when it comes to Christmas. Saturday, Nov. 30 marks the beginning of Winterfest, aka series of season-long festivities that kids and adults alike can enjoy.
Until Dec. 21, folks can enjoy everything from Santa visits to horse-drawn carriage rides, a luminary forest, Victorian carolers and more. There are also a few one-off events on Nov. 30, namely a holiday pop-up market at the FireHouse, a Winterfest art walk throughout downtown Fairhaven and, of course, the requisite tree lighting ceremony. (Note that downtown Bellingham’s tree lighting ceremony happens the following weekend, Dec. 7.) Info: members.enjoyfairhaven.com.
Blaine Holiday Harbor Lights
Saturday, Nov. 30, 701 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine
Fairhaven isn’t the only town in Whatcom County to celebrate Christmas the weekend after Thanksgiving. Blaine has its own holiday event on Nov. 30 — except with less red brick and 19th-century architecture and more bordertown harbor charm. Presented by the Blaine Chamber of Commerce, Blaine Holiday Harbor Lights promises to “bring holiday magic to life” with a day of activities both kids and the young at heart can enjoy.
The day begins with a craft market from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., followed by caroling with the Blaine Choir and Band in G Street Plaza from 3:30–4:30 p.m. All this leads up to the main attraction: a tree lighting ceremony in G Street Plaza at 4:45 p.m. Finally, once the sun dips below the horizon, families can admire the city’s Christmas lights from atop a horse-drawn carriage. Info: blainebythesea.com.
Shop Small Saturday
Saturday, Nov., 30, downtown Bellingham
Several years ago, in reaction to the corporate chaos of Black Friday, an alternative holiday — Shop Small Saturday — was born. Multiple businesses in downtown Bellingham (as well as neighboring cities like Mount Vernon) are offering promotions and sales in honor of the occasion. This year’s lineup includes Backcountry Essentials, Greenhouse Home + Life, Fringe Boutique, Third Planet and even Whatcom Museum.
The weekend after Thanksgiving also marks the premiere of downtown Bellingham’s Shine Bright Window Displays, wherein 40-plus local shops come to life with festive lighting and decor. Santa Claus himself will also be available for photo ops at The Greenhouse. Shoppers can find a detailed map of participating businesses on the Downtown Bellingham Partnership’s website. Info: downtownbellingham.com/shinebrightbham.
Small Business Saturday at Hela Provisions
Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, Hela Provisions, 2000 Franklin St., Unit 102
Hela Provisions is among Whatcom County’s best spots for artisan groceries: think locally made shrubs, natural wines, imported tinned fish and even European-style grab-and-go sandwiches. Pay them a visit if you’re looking for foodie-appropriate Christmas gifts (or want to treat yourself to artisanal chocolate).
For an entry fee of $5, attendees at Hela’s Small Business Saturday market can snack on my personal holy trinity: wine, cheese and carbs. Elliott Bay Distributing Co. is hosting a wine and cheese tasting (with non-alcoholic wines available). Guests can also enjoy breads, baked goods and a generous amount of samples from Guerilla Kitchen & Bakery. Finally, MK Reinvents will be on hand with home goods including soy candles and diffuser oils, and Olio Flowers rounds out the market with flower arrangements and wreaths. Info: helaprovisions.com.
Night Before Thanksgiving Celebration
6–9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 Railroad Ave.
I’m personally in favor of stretching holiday festivities to their fullest. The night before Christmas gets plenty of attention, so why shouldn’t we celebrate the night before Thanksgiving as well?
The folks at Boundary Bay seem to be in agreement, considering they’re throwing a big party the night before Nov. 28. Music by local grunge band PaperHeart is the night’s main event, but in typical Boundary Bay fashion, guests can also enjoy good food, prize giveaways and (obviously) pints of craft beer.
Note that Boundary Bay will close its Railroad Avenue location in 2025. This is your last chance to spend holidays at Bellingham’s oldest brewery — so why not make the most of it? Info: bbaybrewery.com.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
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Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.
