Bellingham Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Bellingham and surrounding areas
Bellingham welcomes the Christmas season with luminous Christmas lights around Fairhaven and downtown Bellingham Bay, featuring performances such as The Nutcracker and the Holiday Port Festival. Festive events and holiday attractions make the waterfront especially inviting. Stroll lights displays, visit seasonal markets, and enjoy family activities near the railroad depot and marina while sampling local treats and watching holiday performances that fill the city with cheer.
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Christmas Markets
42 eventsOver 100 regional artisans in a festive holiday market.
Christmas Lights
27 eventsOver one million lights in a botanical garden setting
Christmas Shows
9 eventsThe Nutcracker ballet with live symphony orchestra
Other Christmas Activities
19 eventsAnnual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting ceremony
Editor's Picks (6)
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VanDusen Festival of Lights
(Vancouver)
Over one million lights in a botanical garden setting
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The Magic of Christmas at The Butchart Gardens
(Brentwood Bay)
Twelve Days of Christmas light displays
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Bellingham Holiday Festival of the Arts
Over 100 regional artisans in a festive holiday market.
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Lights of Wonder
(Victoria)
Thousands of dazzling holiday lights in Centennial Square.
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Santa Parade & Tree Lighting
(Oak Harbor)
Annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting ceremony
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IEOA Truck Parade & Food Drive
(Victoria)
Community food drive with decorated heavy equipment parade
This Week / Coming Up (6)
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The Downtown Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting, the Northwest Lighted Christmas Parade, and the Lighted Boat Parade are among the largest annual events, drawing crowds for festive lights, music, and community gatherings.
Bellingham is known for its neighborhood light displays, especially at James Street Estates, and community-driven events like the Holiday Bike Ride and winter solstice luminary crafting. The city’s blend of coastal charm and local creativity shines during the holidays.
James Street Estates is a top destination for holiday lights, with displays along every block, while neighborhoods near Rowan Lane and Amanda Lane also offer impressive light shows. Downtown Bellingham is another great spot for festive decor and walkable displays.
Downtown Bellingham hosts a variety of holiday markets, craft fairs, and artisan pop-ups throughout December, making it the best place to find local makers and unique gifts. Community centers and churches also often hold seasonal markets.
Enjoying neighborhood light displays, attending the Downtown Holiday Festival, and joining community events like the Holiday Bike Ride or craft parties at Old City Hall are all free or low-cost ways to celebrate in Bellingham.
Families will love the Downtown Holiday Festival with its free cocoa, cookies, and photo booth, as well as visits with Santa at the Sportsplex and holiday-themed storytimes at Village Books. The Lighted Boat Parade and craft activities are also kid-friendly highlights.