Festive Fun Alert: Discover Christmas Parades and Holiday Events This Weekend in Whatcom County | PRIMENEWSNOW

Exciting December Events in Whatcom County

WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The first weekend of December is packed with exciting activities throughout Whatcom County. From illuminated parades and Santa sightings to beer and cider tastings and live music, there’s something for everyone. Check out this week’s Lifestyle Lookout for all the details.

Bellingham Yacht Club’s Festive Boat Parade

Join the Bellingham Yacht Club’s Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Bellingham Bay.

This year’s theme, inspired by the classic holiday movie “Christmas Vacation,” promises a night of creativity. Awards will be given for Best Theme Match, BYC Spirit, and the Clark Griswold Award for the most extravagant design.

After the parade, Yacht Club members and participants can enjoy a post-parade party and soup contest. If you’re not participating, find a spot along Bellingham’s waterfront to enjoy the dazzling display.

The parade route stretches from the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven to Squalicum Harbor. For more information, visit byc.org.

Northwest Lighted Christmas Parade in Lynden

Don’t miss the Northwest Lighted Christmas Parade in Lynden. Gather your family and find a spot this Saturday, Dec. 6, to witness a parade of illuminated cars, trucks, floats, wagons, and farm equipment.

The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. from the Fairway Shopping Center and travels east on Front St. through downtown. For more details, visit lynden.org.

Olde Fashioned Christmas in Ferndale

Meanwhile, the Ferndale Heritage Society is hosting a charming Christmas celebration this weekend.

The Olde Fashioned Christmas in Pioneer Village features historic cabins adorned with over 90,000 holiday lights. Visitors can enjoy a stroll along the accessible pathway before meeting Santa Claus at the Pioneer Pavilion.

Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children. The event is open Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit ferndaleheritagesociety.org.

Indoor Fun with Beer and Cider

If you prefer staying warm indoors, there are two events featuring local beer and cider this weekend.

First, the Arts and Ales Holiday Market takes place on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at both Aslan Brewing locations in Bellingham. Start at their main site (1330 N. Forest St.) and head to the Aslan Depot nearby. Enjoy local art, live music, and drink specials.

Admission is free. For more details, visit aslanbrewing.com.

Winter BrewFest 2025

For those interested in sampling beer and cider while supporting a good cause, head to the Fisherman’s Pavilion (2599 S. Harbor Loop Dr.) on Saturday.

Winter BrewFest 2025 features 13 breweries and cideries, food trucks, live music, and photos with Santa Claus.

Admission is $40, which includes a souvenir tasting glass and five tasting tickets. Proceeds benefit The Zoe Fund, aiding low-income residents with pet emergency medical care. For more information and tickets, visit shadowsforeverfriends.org.

Live Music for a Cause

This week’s featured live show is a fundraiser. Four bands will perform at Shakedown on Friday night to support high school students in their musical pursuits.

Enjoy performances by I Will Fight With Lions, The Sheen, Frozen Cloak, and YELLOW. It’s a night of art-rock bliss for fans of Explosions in the Sky, Sunny Day Real Estate, and Idiot Pilot.

The event also includes visuals by BLabotz, live vinyl, and a record raffle.

For tickets, visit shakedownbellingham.com.