WHATCOM COUNTY, WAMyBellinghamNow.com) – Like a beacon of hope shining through the dense fog of the Pacific Northwest, holiday lights warm our souls and guide even the most weary travelers to the comfort of the Christmas season. After a week of cold and foggy weather here in Whatcom County, residents can finally rejoice because this weekend will be lit up.
The North West Lighted Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 7 on Front Street in Lynden. Head over to see all the illuminated cars, trucks, tanks and more. Farm equipment and carts will also be lit at night. The parade begins at 6 p.m. at the Fairway Mall and heads east on Front Street through downtown.
If you can’t make it to Lynden for the lighted parade, check out the Bellingham Illuminated Boat Parade. The Bellingham Yacht Club will decorate various boats with lights, travel to the Fairhaven Ferry Terminal, then set sail for Squalicum Harbor at 6 p.m. Saturday evening. Head to the Ferry Terminal, Boulevard Park, or Zuanich Park for the best view of the parade on the water.
There are some Christmas tree lightings you can also experience this weekend. Ferndale Christmas Tree Lighting is Friday, December 6 at 6 p.m. Head to the Riverwalk, on the banks of the mighty Nooksack River, to watch them turn on the lights. Santa will also be on hand and there will be hot chocolate and cookies for everyone.
You can also enjoy the spirit of the season in downtown Bellingham for the tree lighting at the depot on Railroad Avenue at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. They will also give you free hot chocolate and cookies while you enjoy it all. For more information, visit the Downtown Bellingham Partnership Website.
If you would like to donate to a good cause this weekend, the sixth edition Drive for Joy event will collect practical gifts for homeless people. This drive-thru event takes place in the parking lot at 839 W. Holly St., near the new Lighthouse Mission building.
You can drive by on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and drop off new coats, ponchos, unknitted hats and gloves, hand warmers and single-serve instant drink pouches. They are also looking for blankets and double sheets, zip-up hooded sweatshirts, underwear, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant and towels. Staff will be there to guide you through the process.
Our featured live show this week is part of another holiday event. Boundary Bay Brewery is hosting its Krampus Holiday Party Saturday at 7 p.m. Then at 9 p.m., three local metal bands will take the stage for what is sure to be an epic show. Mudbath (Friday Harbor), The Moon is Flat (Everett), and Monstress (Bellingham) will set the mood while you enjoy drink specials, food, and a holiday market.
This is an event for all ages, but be warned as Krampus can be scary for little ones. So if an evil horned creature seems too much for your child, you may want to pass. But if scaring your kids while taking a photo with St. Nicholas’ demonic sidekick sounds manageable, head to Boundary Bay and stay for some good old heavy metal rock and roll.
Enjoy and happy holidays!!!
Listen to this week’s Lifestyle Lookout segment below and every Friday on the KGMI Morning News: