Fall and Christmas are probably my favorite times of year in Whatcom County.
October starts with pumpkin patches and changing leaves, and then somehow we are already into Thanksgiving, Christmas lights in Fairhaven and the lighted parade down Front Street in Lynden.
I have lived in Whatcom County most of my life, and some of these events have become traditions around here.
So I pulled together some of my favorites, along with a few things happening around Bellingham and Whatcom County this year.
October 2026
Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes
You know it is October around here when the pumpkin patches open.
We have several good ones within an easy drive of Bellingham.
Stoney Ridge Farm in Everson
Stoney Ridge Farm has been a Whatcom County fall tradition for years.
There is a corn maze, wagon rides, a kids’ train, farm animals and, of course, pumpkins.
I would also plan on getting the warm apple cider and pumpkin donuts while you are there.
Cramer’s Western Town in Lynden
Cramer’s is just off Hannegan Road and has horse drawn wagon rides to the pumpkin patch, a hay bale maze, pony rides and farm animals.
On a clear October day, you also get a beautiful view of Mount Baker on the drive out.
Bellewood Farms in Lynden
Bellewood Farms is an easy place to spend an afternoon during harvest season.
There are apples, pumpkins, a corn maze and orchard activities, along with the farm store and those apple cider donuts that seem to come home with everyone.
Downtown Bellingham Trick or Treat, October 31
Halloween afternoon brings families into downtown Bellingham for Downtown Trick or Treat.
More than 100 downtown businesses participate, so the sidewalks get busy pretty quickly with kids in costumes.
Fairhaven also celebrates Halloween with Brick or Treat throughout the village.
November 2026
Holiday Festival of the Arts, November 20 Through December 24
The Holiday Festival of the Arts is one of the better places to find locally made Christmas gifts.
The annual Allied Arts event brings together more than 100 artists from around the region, along with live music and children’s activities on weekends.
If you would rather give something made locally than order another gift online, this is worth a stop.
Shine Bright Bham, Thanksgiving Weekend Through December
Downtown Bellingham gets dressed up for Christmas with Shine Bright Bham.
Businesses decorate their windows, and you can vote for your favorites.
I like this one because you do not really have to make an event out of it. Have dinner downtown and walk around afterward to see the windows and lights.
Fairhaven Winterfest, Late November Through December
Fairhaven Winterfest is one of my favorite Bellingham Christmas traditions.
Fairhaven already has so much character with its old brick buildings, and it looks especially pretty once the holiday lights go up.
Winterfest usually brings a full schedule of activities to the village, including the popular horse drawn carriage rides.
It is also a good excuse to wander through the shops, stop for coffee and have dinner while you are there.
Blaine Holiday Harbor Lights, November 28
Blaine Holiday Harbor Lights brings Christmas to downtown Blaine with music, children’s activities, caroling and the annual tree lighting.
The tree lighting is scheduled for 4:45 p.m.
If you have not spent much time in Blaine beyond driving through, the holidays are a fun time to go up and look around.
We also have a guide to living in Blaine if you want to learn more about the community.
December 2026
Holiday Port Festival and Lighted Boat Parade
The Port of Bellingham’s Holiday Port Festival at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal has been a local December tradition for years.
There are performances by local bands, orchestras and choirs, visits with Santa and the annual gingerbread house contest.
The Bellingham Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade is another favorite.
Decorated boats leave Squalicum Harbor and make their way toward the Cruise Terminal. If the weather cooperates, it is one of those Bellingham Christmas events that is really worth seeing at least once.
Downtown Bellingham Tree Lighting
Downtown’s tree lighting is another part of the Shine Bright Bham season.
There is usually music, cocoa, cookies and activities leading up to the tree lighting.
Pacific Arts Market, December 4 Through 6, 11 Through 13 and 18 Through 20
The Pacific Arts Market brings together local artists and makers over several weekends in December.
Between this and the Holiday Festival of the Arts, there are plenty of places to find locally made gifts without leaving Bellingham.
Northwest Lighted Christmas Parade in Lynden, December 5
If you have never been to Lynden’s Christmas parade, put this one on your list.
The Northwest Lighted Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 5 at 6 p.m.
The parade travels along Front Street with lighted cars, trucks, floats and wagons.
And because this is Lynden, you can expect to see some pretty impressive decorated farm equipment too.
Downtown Lynden also has its Christmas lights scavenger hunt during the holiday season.
If you want to know more about the area itself, our Lynden guide covers homes, neighborhoods and what it is like to live there.
Deck the Old City Hall
The Whatcom Museum fills historic Old City Hall with decorated Christmas trees during December.
Even if you have lived here for years, it is worth going inside just to see the building.
Old City Hall is one of those Bellingham landmarks that I think we sometimes forget to appreciate because we see it all the time.
Bellingham Lighted Bike Parade
Yes, Bellingham has a Christmas parade on bicycles too.
The Lighted Bike Parade starts at Depot Market Square and heads along the South Bay Trail.
It is very Bellingham.
Go Look at Christmas Lights
This may be the least complicated thing on this list and still one of my favorites.
Get in the car, turn on Christmas music and drive around looking at lights.
Whatcom Kid Insider and Hey Bellingham usually put together lists of neighborhood displays, which makes it easy to plan a route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best pumpkin patches near Bellingham?
Stoney Ridge Farm in Everson, Cramer’s Western Town in Lynden and Bellewood Farms are three longtime local favorites.
Each is a little different, but between them you will find pumpkins, corn mazes, wagon rides, animals and plenty of fall treats.
When is the Lynden Lighted Christmas Parade in 2026?
The Northwest Lighted Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 6 p.m. along Front Street in Lynden.
When is Blaine Holiday Harbor Lights in 2026?
Blaine Holiday Harbor Lights is scheduled for Saturday, November 28, 2026, with the tree lighting at 4:45 p.m.
Where can I watch the Lighted Boat Parade in Bellingham?
The parade travels from Squalicum Harbor toward the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, so the waterfront around the Cruise Terminal is a popular place to watch.
Are there free holiday events around Bellingham?
Yes. Many community holiday events have free activities or are free to watch, including the Lynden Christmas parade, downtown festivities and the Lighted Boat Parade.
Check the individual event before you go since activities, schedules and costs can change.
Enjoy the Season
One of the things I love about Whatcom County is how quickly the seasons change around here.
One weekend you are picking pumpkins in Everson and not long after that you are walking through Fairhaven under Christmas lights or standing on Front Street watching tractors covered in lights drive through Lynden.
I have lived here most of my life, and I still look forward to this time of year.
If you are new to Whatcom County, pick a couple of these and go. And if you have lived here forever, maybe there is one you have not been to in a while.
Happy holidays from our family to yours.
