Christmas Activity Guide and Songbook 2025 by Lynden Tribune & Ferndale Record

Christmas Activity Guide and Songbook 2025

November 26 A Supplement of the

Celebrate the holidays in Whatcom County

LYNDEN

Dec. 6

Pictures with Santa Claus

From 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, have your photograph made with Santa 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. 6

Elf on the Shelf Celebrate Christmas in Lynden on Dec. 6 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. 6

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. 6. 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.

Dec. 13-14

NOEL: A Celtic Christmas

Celebrate the magic of the season surrounded by friends, family and the joyful sounds of Celtic Christmas music right here in Lynden.

The Jansen Art Center welcomes back the beloved holiday concert NOEL: A Celtic Christmas, an enchanting celebration of music, poetry and storytelling that has become a

treasured Whatcom County tradition. Due to overwhelming community response in past years, NOEL will feature performances at 3 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14.

Led by harpist Jill Whitman, the NOEL Ensemble brings the spirit of the holidays to life through the shimmering sound of concert and Celtic harps, joined by the warm tones of cello and flute. Flautist Kimberley Breilein and storyteller Rosemary Vohs complete the ensemble, blending music and word into a performance that is both heartfelt and inspiring. Listeners will be treated to traditional and contemporary carols from around the world, woven with readings that celebrate the wonder of the season.

What began as a single annual performance has grown into a full weekend of concerts, reflecting the community’s love for this timeless and uplifting program. NOEL: A Celtic Christmas continues to sell out year after year, early reservations are strongly encouraged.

Jansen Art Center is at 321 Front St., Lynden. More information at jansenartcenter.org or call 360-354-3600.

FERNDALE

Dec. 5

Ferndale tree lighting ceremony

Ferndale’s annual tree lighting ceremony will take place on Friday, Dec. 5 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. 5-6

Olde Fashioned Christmas

Star Light, Star Bright, Visit Pioneer Village Tonight. Ferndale’s annual Olde Fashioned Christmas is from 4-9 p.m. Dec. 5-6 at Pioneer Park in Ferndale, where the log cabins will again sparkle like stars in the sky.

This year’s theme is “Candy Cane Lane, Where Every Turn Is A Sweet Surprise.” 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 more than 90,000 lights that light your path. Volunteers of the Ferndale Heritage Society host the 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 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 of Pioneer Village. Tickets for the Olde Fashioned Christmas are $6 for adults, $3 for children. Under 1 are free. Pioneer Park is at 2000 Cherry St., Ferndale. For more information, call 360-3846461 or visit ferndaleheritagesociety.com.

Dec. 12-13, Dec. 19-20

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. 12-13 and Dec. 1920, from 5-8 p.m. Stroll around the outside of the cabins, see all the park lit up with more than 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 ferndaleheritagesociety.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 lean-to get those annual pictures. Santa hasn’t committed to making an appearance, but you just never know where he might hide. Kids of all ages can participate in the Scavenger Hunt, in hopes of finding all the special candy canes around the stroll. Look hard and earn that prize at the end of the stroll. 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 360384-6461 or visit ferndaleheritagesociety.com.

SUMAS

Dec. 1

Sumas Christmas in the Park

From 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 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.

Dec. 7

A Very Merry Loca Mocha Christmas

At 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, Loca Mocha presents free photos with Santa, 719 Cherry St., Sumas. Santa will be ready to meet with all the wonderful boys and girls in the community. Bring your cameras or phones for a festive photo opportunity. Free and open to all ages. Also, to help spread the Holiday

Magic and thanks to the online community, local small businesses, and donors, each child will receive a free warm beanie, gloves and a free book. Also, Loca Mocha’s free food pantry located in the lobby will be open and fully available during the entire event for anyone who needs it.

EVERSON

Dec. 5

Christmas in the Park

The City of Everson will host Christmas in the Park from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 at Everson City Park.

Event will start with a 5 p.m. tree lighting, followed by free pictures with Santa Claus. Goodie bags available for kids. Also, cookies, free hot cocoa and hot dogs. See the Christmas lights, too.

BELLINGHAM

Nov. 21–Dec. 24

Holiday Festival of the Arts

A Whatcom County holiday tradition for 46 years, the Holiday Festival of the Arts is an indoor and online, five-week festival featuring more than 100 artisans from the region. Aside from vendors selling their wares, the festival boasts live music, workshops for children and artists demonstrating their craft. The two-fold purpose of this festivals is to encourage and support the creation and sale of locally produced fine art and craft while providing an opportunity to connect artists and craftspeople with the general public. Festival at 1225 E. Sunset Drive, Suite 110, Bellingham in the old Rite Aid space in Sunset Square near Safeway. From Nov. 21–Dec. 24 open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., closed Thanksgiving and at 3 p.m. on Dec. 24. Live music and free kids’ activities on Saturdays and Sundays. Shop the ongoing online market at market.alliedarts.org. More information at alliedarts.org.

Nov. 29

Shop Small Saturday

Shop Small Saturday on Nov. 29. Go big by shopping small this holiday season. Find unique and delightful gifts at Downtown Bellingham’s array of boutiques, shops and galleries stocked with special finds and one-of-a-kind items. Skip the craziness at big box stores and find the perfect items for your lists – or for yourself. Download a holiday retail guide or more information at downtownbellingham.com.

Nov. 29-Jan. 5

Deck the Old City Hall

Step into the holiday magic at Deck the Old City Hall. From Nov. 28, 2025, to Jan. 4, 2026, Whatcom Museum’s Old City Hall – also known as the Whatcom Museum -- transforms

into a dazzling holiday wonderland filled with twinkling trees, garlands, and wreaths that create a festive ambiance. Admission is by donation, with all proceeds supporting Museum programs and exhibitions.

Celebrate the season with free family festivities on the first three Sundays in December. Families can create a community craft together, attend a holiday performance, and join a behind-the-scenes docent tour. Offerings change weekly, so come back for more festive fun all month long. Deck the Old City Hall, noon-5 p.m, 121 Prospect St. Admission by donation. More information at whatcommuseum.org.

Dec. 6

Bellingham Lighted Boat Parade

The Bellingham Yacht Club celebrates the Holiday Season with its traditional Lighted Boat Parade at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 6, weather permitting. The theme this year is “Christmas Vacation.” The public is invited to view the boats showing off twinkling light displays with some broadcasting holiday music. The best viewing spots are Boulevard Park and the Fairhaven Cruise Terminal.

All boaters are invited to participate in the parade. You need not be a Bellingham Yacht Club Member, but must register with the Bellingham Yacht Club at byc.org/event/ HhRE6PtHl6. All event information is posted on this webpage, as well as registration information. Registration is free. Following the Parade the Bellingham Yacht Club will host

a holiday party with music, food and beverages. Members, guests and all registered parade participants are invited, and several awards will be handed out for decorating excellence. All information about the parade and registration is available at byc.org/event/HhRE6PtHl6

Want to come to the party but don’t have a boat to participate in the Lighted Boat Parade? It’s not too late to join the BYC. For more information about joining, go to https://byc. org/membership.

Dec. 6

Bellingham Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting

Embrace the magic of the holiday season and be part of the community tradition of lighting Downtown Bellingham’s tree. Join us at 5:30 p.m. for free cocoa and cookies. Then join the countdown to 6 p.m. when the tree comes to life in a burst of lights. Stay with us and continue enjoying the fun activities until 7 p.m., making your Saturday night in Downtown Bellingham a memorable night filled with festive joy. At 1100 Railroad Ave. More information at downtownbellingham.com.

Dec. 6-7

Festival & Gingerbread House Contest Festival & Gingerbread House Contest, 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Dec. 6-7 at the at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. The Holiday Port Festival is a free, family-friendly event that includes

live performances, visits and photos with Santa from noon-3 p.m. The Holiday Port Gingerbread House Contest is one of the most popular events put on by the Port. Entries do not have to be houses - think of them as edible structures. Entries do not have to be made of gingerbread, but they must be visibly edible. This means that things like graham cracker walls or melted blue Jolly Rancher water are acceptable exteriors, and internal frames made of things like cardboard or wire coat hangers are also acceptable. More information at portofbellingham.com.

Sundays, Dec. 7, 14 and 21

Community Crafting

From noon-2 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 7, 14 and 21, Community Crafting in the Hall of Birds at the Whatcom Museum. 121 Prospect St. Admission by donation. Also a Holiday Performance in the Rotunda Room from 1-2 p.m., followed by a docent tour at 2 p.m. More information at whatcommuseum. org.

Dec. 13

Children’s Holiday Market

Children’s Holiday Market, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Bloedel Donovan Community Building, 2114 Electric Ave. Admission is free. Get ready for a whimsical winter wonderland at the Children’s Holiday Market. A day of festive fun and creativity as young artisans and entrepreneurs showcase their delightful gifts and goodies. This heartwarming event celebrates the joy of giving and the ingenuity of young minds and is sure to feature tons of unique gifts for your friends and family. More information at bellingham.org.

Dec. 20

Santa 5K

Santa 5K, 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 at Cordata Park, 4510 Cordata Parkway. Run, skip or walk this Santa-themed run at the fabulous Cordata and Julianna Parks. Participants are welcome to run as fast as humanly possible or take a stroll while enjoying a coffee or cocoa and chatting with friends and family. Costumes are not a requirement, but they do enhance the experience by 28.5%. All participants will receive

a one size fits most Santa hat. Encouraged but not required. Register by Dec. 17 at cob.org. No day-of registration.

Jan. 1

Resolution Run & Padden Polar Dip

Resolution Run & Padden Polar Dip, 11 a.m. at Lake Padden. Celebrate the New Year with a healthy walk or run around Lake Padden followed by a quick refreshing dip in the lake. We’ll bring popcorn, warm beverages, bubbles and smiles to celebrate the occasion. Costumes are encouraged, but only because they make for great pictures! Three things we do recommend are shoes that can get wet, a camera and a warm change of clothes. The locker rooms will be open for changing, but the showers are out of order. Parents with children under 10 years old should consult a physician before allowing them to enter the cold water, which is usually in the mid to low 30s (Fahrenheit). Free. More information at cob.org/ services/recreation/race/resolution.

2025

Christmas Events

8210 Portal Way, Blaine

Nov. 29 & Dec. 6, 11am 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. 1-6 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: Red Carpet. "Lights, Camera, Christmas!" 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 or wreath with your choice of sizing, greens, ribbon, embellishments and more! We will provide everything you need!

Most “red carpet ready” outfit of the night wins a $100 gift card! NO SIGNUP required.

See our website vwhomeandgarden.com

Coloring Page

Eggnog

• 4 cups whole milk • 1 cup heavy cream

• 6 large egg yolks (save the whites for another use)

• ½ cup granulated sugar • 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg, plus more for garnish • ¼ tsp salt

WHISK the egg yolks, sugar, and salt together in a heavy saucepan until the mixture is pale and creamy. SLOWLY pour the milk and heavy cream into the egg mixture while continuously whisking to ensure the ingredients are completely incorporated and the eggs do not curdle. COOK the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon and an instant-read thermometer reaches 160°F (71°C). This usually takes about 20-25 minutes. Don’t let it boil. REMOVE the pan from the heat immediately. Stir in the vanilla extract and nutmeg. STRAIN the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or pitcher to remove any possible bits of spice or egg. CHILL the eggnog in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to blend. Serve chilled in glasses, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh ground nutmeg on top.

Change a life. Give today.

Your Gift, Your Choice

Salt Dough Ornaments

Mix ingredients in a bowl. Slowly add between 1/2 to 2/3 cup water while mixing. Knead the dough until it is soft and smooth. Add food coloring. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Punch a hole in the decoration. Bake in oven at 250 degrees for about 2 hours until dry and hard. Once cool you can add a bow or a ribbon to make an ornament or a decoration for gift boxes.

Photos/write-up courtesy of Linda

OldeFashioned OldeChristmasFashioned Christmas Friday & Saturday, December 5 & 6 4pm-9pm

Pioneer Park, Ferndale

Harkleroad

It began on November 1st this year, the day Ferndale Heritage Volunteers showed up at Pioneer Village, in the pouring rain to start unloading storage trailers. The anticipation and excitement of another year for the most festive event in the park, the Olde Fashioned Christmas. Volunteers clocked in over 1580 hours last year setting up, hosting and take down.

This year’s theme is “Candy Cane Lane, Where Every Turn Is a Sweet Surprise.”

You will be surprised as volunteers welcome visitors to come and enjoy the 15 decorated authentic cedar slab log cabins. Inside, costumed volunteers will 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 95,000 lights that illuminate your path.

Every cabin offers something unique. Foster house showcases a working model train, Shields makes mini apple pies, and the Parker house general store offers merchandise like Olde English Crackers. We have two schoolhouses on site; Mt. View offers hands-on old-fashioned toys to play with while the Holeman cabin is where to write your letter to Santa. After mailing your letter in the Barrett Post Office special red box, Santa tries his hardest to answer those letters. We know how busy he is this time of year. The log church offers some quiet reflection time when musicians aren’t entertaining you. Rumor has it that there is a suspicious character hiding in the outhouse and another poor soul sleeping in the Lynden Jail.

You won’t find reindeer in the Barr Barn, but you will find a couple of friendly draft horses waiting for a friendly pat on the nose.

The fun doesn’t end after your venture around the village. Fun continues into the Pioneer Pavillion where there is live entertainment by local musicians, hands on crafts for kids and hot beverages (donated in part by Whatcom Educational Credit Union) and cookies. While you’re in the pavilion,

kids can stop by and try their luck at the ice fishing booth; you just never know what you might catch. No Christmas event would be complete until you make your last stop with a visit to the man in a red suit donning a beard and a joyous “ho ho ho”. Tell Santa what’s on your list, have a picture taken, and enjoy the sweet treat he’s giving out.

“Each year visitors come out to share in this annual tradition”, explains event organizer Linda Harkleroad. “It’s truly a step back in time as we help you begin your holiday season.” “We look forward to seeing you”.

Olde Fashioned Christmas is open Friday, Dec. 5 from 4 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 6 from 4 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children. Cash and credit cards are welcome.

The Ferndale Heritage Society also invites you to “Lighted Christmas Stroll Through Pioneer Village” event. This FREE event is a “giving back to our community” labor of love. The second and third weekends in December, Pioneer Village will be open Friday and Saturday evenings, December 12, 13, and 19, 20, 2025, 5 – 8pm. “Every year the park just gets better as we add more lighted outside decorations. During these Lighted Stroll weekends there is no access into any of the cabins”, explains event organizer Tom Brand.

Hot beverages will also be provided onsite, compliments of Whatcom Educational Credit Union, to keep you warm as you stroll. A photo booth will be at the Barr Barn to get those annual pictures. This year, there will be a “seek and find the big candy canes” scavenger hunt challenge. Kids can try their luck to locate the candy canes and get a prize for finding them.

Only certified service animals are allowed within all the fenced areas (Pioneer Village), per City Municipal Code 12.26.010 C. 3.

Pioneer Park is located at 2000 Cherry Street in Ferndale. For more information, please call (360) 384-6461 or visit www.ferndaleheritagesociety.com.

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,