A Supplement of
Holiday Events
Recipes • Crafts • Songs
Celebrate the Holidays in Whatcom County
LYNDEN
Dec. 7 - Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus
From 2-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, have your photograph made with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Lynden Heritage Museum, 217 Front St. Bring the family and enjoy some Christmas cheer and take home a free photograph. This is a by donation event hosted by the Lynden Heritage Museum.
Dec. 7 - Elf on the Shelf Celebrate Christmas in Lynden on Dec. 7 with the Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt.
Join Downtown Lynden’s Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. for fun and prizes. The elves are back and running wild, visiting businesses all over Lynden. Can you find all of the elves?
Join in on the fun at the Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt and win one of three prizes valued at more than $300 each. First 500 participants get free antlers.
Pick up your card at Elf’s Headquarters, next to the big red mailbox at the corner of 5th and Front streets.
Dec. 7 - NW Lighted Christmas Parade
Come join us with for Lynden’s annual kick-off to Christmas holiday season celebration, the Northwest Lighted Christmas Parade, at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.
Visitors and locals will be treated to holiday carolers and a dazzling display of lighted trucks, cars, floats, wagons, farm equipment and more. The procession starts at the Fairway Center and travels along Front Street from 17th Street through downtown Lynden to 3rd Street, giving spectators an opportunity to enjoy an array of wonderful Christmas shopping experiences in the stores of Lynden before the parade.
Bring your lawn chairs, grab your blankets and mittens and dress for a cool winter’s evening chill while joining thousands of other families, friends, and soon-to-be friends in welcoming that most wonderful time of the year.
Just a reminder that our local restaurants can be very busy that evening, both before and after the event, so give a call a day or so before to see if they are taking reservations.
Front Street will be closed to traffic in downtown at 3rd Street starting at 4:30, and closing at 19th Street at 5 p.m.
On-street parking is best north of Grover Street, just please remember not to be a grinch and park in or block someone’s driveway and be generous with your patience as folks from near and far seek parking space.
Call the Lynden Chamber of Commerce at 360-354-5995 for more information.
FERNDALE
Dec. 6 - Ferndale tree lighting ceremony
Ferndale’s annual tree lighting ceremony will take place on Friday, Dec. 6 from 6-8 p.m. at the Riverwalk.
The Ferndale Downtown Association will debut a brand-new 30-foot Christmas tree adorned with a stunning, four-foot, crystal-topped star, which will illuminate the Riverwalk in festive light.
With expanded decorations and upgraded LED pole lights extending from 3rd Avenue to the Library, downtown Ferndale will truly be transformed into a holiday wonderland.
Santa Claus will make a special appearance.
Dec. 6-7: Olde Fashioned Christmas
Star Light, Star Bright, Visit Pioneer Village Tonight. Fern-
dale’s annual Olde Fashioned Christmas is from 4-9 p.m. Dec. 6-7 at Pioneer Park in Ferndale, where the log cabins will again sparkle like stars in the sky.
Costumed volunteers will open the log cabin doors to greet you, so you feel the holiday cheer as it drifts into the winter air. Guests stroll around the ADA compliant sidewalks while enjoying Christmas music and over 90,000 lights that light your path. Volunteers of the Ferndale Heritage Society host the 32nd annual Olde Fashioned Christmas celebration for the public.
After touring the cabins, visitors will venture into the Pioneer Pavilion where children can do hands-on crafts, and ice fishing. All visitors are served warm beverages, compliments of Whatcom Educational Credit Union, while they enjoy live music entertainment. Finish off the evening with a visit and a photo with Santa Claus, who will take those special Christmas time gift requests.
Pioneer Village is home to 15 historic log cabins. Children can visit the one-room schoolhouse to write a personalized letter to Santa or prewrite your letter on our template prior to attending the event. Deliver
those letters to the post office for mailing to the North Pole.
Shoppers of all ages find inexpensive trinkets for their loved ones at the Parker House cabin, which is now the general store. The Shields House has baking apple scents, and the Foster house will showcase a huge working model train display. The log church offers quiet reflection time. Gentle giants, known as the draft horses, greet visitors in the Barr Barn.
Many local entertainers and musicians volunteer their talents for your enjoyment. Only certified service animals allowed within all the fenced areas (Pioneer Village), per City Municipal Code 12.26.010 C. 3.
Tickets for the Olde Fashioned Christmas are $5 for adults, $3 for children. Pioneer Park is at 2000 Cherry St., Ferndale. For more information, call 360-384-6461 or visit ferndaleheritagesociety.com.
Dec. 13-14, 20-21: Lighted Christmas Stroll
Ferndale Heritage Society will again host the annual Lighted Christmas Stroll Through Pioneer Village event. The second and third weekends in December, Pioneer Village will be open Friday and Saturday evenings, Dec. 13-14 and Dec. 20-21, from 5-8 p.m. Stroll around the outside of the cabins, see all the park lit up with over 90,000 lights, hear Christmas music and see costumed volunteers greet you from the porches.
Young guests are encouraged to prewrite their letters to Santa Claus and mail them in the Santa mailbox that will be located by the Barrett Post Office. Letter template is available at ferndaleheritagesoci-
ety.com. Letters need to have their names and a legible mailing address to help Santa return them.
Hot beverages will be provided onsite to keep you warm as you stroll. A photo booth will be at the Barr Barn leanto get those annual pictures. Santa hasn’t committed to making an appearance, but you just never know where he might hide. This year, there will be a scavenger hunt challenge to seek and find the gold stars.
Pioneer Village is home to 15 historic log cabins. Only certified service animals are allowed within all the fenced areas (Pioneer Village), per City Municipal Code 12.26.010 C. 3.
Free admission. Donations gladly accepted. Pioneer Park is at 2000 Cherry St., Ferndale. For more information, call 360-384-6461 or visit ferndaleheritagesociety.com.
EVERSON
Christmas in the park Dec. 6
The City of Everson will host Christmas in the Park from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 at Everson City Park.
Event will start with a 5 p.m. tree lighting, followed by free pictures with Santa Claus. The first 200 kids will receive a goodie bag.
Also, horse drawn wagon rides, free hot cocoa and hot dogs with proceeds going to the Everson Lions Club. See the Christmas lights, too.
SUMAS
Dec. 2 - Sumas Christmas in the Park
From 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, the City of Sumas will
hold its annual Sumas Christmas in the Park.
The event will be held at Sumas City Park, 135 3rd St., off Cherry Street.
Sumas City Park will be decorated with lights, and folks in attendance will be able to ride in horse-drawn carriages.
Santa Claus will also be on hand to pose for photographs, and the Nooksack Valley High School choir will sing carols.
Also there will be free pictures with Santa, hot chocolate and cider, as well as goodie bags.
Also join with Sumas businesses and bring out the Christmas Spirit this year by lighting up the city with holiday lights and decorations outside your homes. Let’s create a festive show throughout town for spectators to view as they drive or walk around.
Photos with Santa at Loca Mocha
Dec. 14
From 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, Loca Mocha presents free photos with Santa. Richard Baxter, who will be Santa Claus at the Dec. 2 Sumas Christmas in the park, will again be Santa at Loca Mocha, 719 Cherry St., Sumas.
BELLINGHAM
Nov. 22–Dec. 24: Holiday Festival of the Arts, 1331 Commercial St. alliedarts.org. A Whatcom County holiday tradition for 43 years. The Holiday Festival of the Arts is an indoor and online, five-week festival featuring over 100 artisans from the region. Aside from vendors selling their wares, the festival boasts live music, workshops for children and artists demonstrating
their craft.
Nov. 29-Jan. 5: Deck the Old City Hall, noon-5 p.m, 121 Prospect St. Get into the holiday spirit by visiting historic Old City Hall, all decked out for the season. View a variety of themed, decorated holiday trees in the Rotunda Room, participate in weekly holiday craft making, and enjoy the dazzling décor. Admission is by donation with proceeds going to support Museum exhibitions and programming.
Dec. 7: Downtown Bellingham Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting. Join us at 5:30 p.m. for free cocoa and cookies, free photo booth, craft tables where you can create your own masterpieces to take home, treats and more. Then, join the countdown to 6 p.m. when the tree comes to life in a burst of lights.
Dec. 7-8: Holiday Port Festival & Gingerbread House Contest, 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. The Holiday Port Festival is a free, familyfriendly event that includes live performances, visits and photos with Santa, gingerbread house displays and more.
Dec. 14: Children’s Holiday Market, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Bloedel Donovan Community Building, 2114 Electric Ave. Join us for a day of festive fun and creativity as little artisans and entrepreneurs show-case their delightful gifts and goodies. This heartwarming event celebrates the joy of giving and the ingenuity of young minds while featuring tons of unique gifts for friends and family. Free to browse.
R D A Y S
Cranberry Popcorn Garland
Strong thread, such as nylon or waxed cotton; needle
1 cup popped popcorn per 3 to 4 feet of thread
3/4 cup fresh cranberries per 3 to 4 feet of thread
Place the popcorn in one bowl and the fresh cranberries in another for easy access.
Thread the needle and make a large knot about 6 inches from the end of the thread.
Sew a garland of popcorn and cranberries, in any pattern you like. Place a knot after the last piece.
Deck The Halls
Pizzas! Pastas! Fresh Salads! Grinders! Desserts! And More!
Kids! Make sure to fill out your letter to Santa; there will be a special mailbox by the Barrett Post Office to drop them off during your Lighted Christmas Stroll Through Pioneer Village.
Dear Santa,
Away In A Manger
Angels We Have Heard on High
We Wish You A Merry Christmas
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Silent Night
Look There Is The Steamer (Zie ginds komt de stoomboot...
O, Come Have A Look At... (O, kom er eens kijken...)
Coloring Page
Spritz Cookies
Pair a small tin of these with a nice box of tea for another great gift idea.
1 cup salted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 egg
½ teaspoon vanilla
2 1/3 cup sifted flour
¼ teaspoon salt
colored sugar crystals or sprinkles
Preheat oven to 400ºF, set cookie sheet in a cool area or in fridge while preparing dough.
Cream together butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla, mix until fluffy. In a separate bowl, mix salt and flour. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix just until blended. Place dough in a cookie press and press onto chilled cookie sheet. Add sprinkles or colored sugar crystals. Bake for 6-8 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer from cookie sheet immediately. Makes 4 dozen.
Classic Candied Pecans
Fill a mason jar with these for a great gift.
1 Tablespoon water
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 egg white
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
8 oz pecan halves
Preheat oven to 250°F
Whisk together water, egg white and vanilla. Add pecans and toss to coat. In a separate bowl, mix sugars, salt and cinnamon until thoroughly combined. Add coated pecans to dry mixture and toss to coat. Spread nuts onto a cookie sheet and bake until sugar has dried, approximately 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
2024 Christmas Events
8210 Portal Way, Blaine
Nov. 30 & Dec. 7 Poinsettia Tours
Join us for a walk through the winter wonderland of poinsettias! Enjoy learning all about the process of growing this special Christmas plant from start to finish as your eyes feast on acres of holiday color! You do not want to miss this opportunity!
Nov. 28, 9am-5pm Black Friday Shopping at VW's
Get a jump start on Christmas with the freshest poinsettias and the sparkliest sales! Sign up for our email via our website to get up-to-the-date info on our Black Friday Sale!
Dec. 2-7 Christmas Open House
It's the most wonderful week of the year! We have goody bags for every customer (including a surprise coupon and other goodies!), cookies and cider, daily deals and so much more! We can't wait to celebrate with you!
Dec. 5, 5-8pm Ladies Night: Christmas Edition
Theme: Sparkle. Come get your sparkle on! This one-night event is one of the most festive nights of the year. We will have all the twinkle lights ablaze while you shop a special sale sipping on holiday delights and snacking on delicious treats! Create your very own indoor or outdoor fresh greens centerpiece with your choice of container, greens, ribbon, embellishments and more! We will provide everything you need! Sparkliest outfit of the night wins a $100 gift card! NO SIGNUP required.