Whatcom County holiday events: Santa photos, New Year’s parties and Christmas festivals

Looking for some fun, festive events to celebrate the holidays? We’ve put together a guide of Whatcom County holiday events you won’t want to miss.

▪ Christmastime at Bellewood Farms is open from noon to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in December. Visitors can take free photos with Santa, listen to live music and carolers, cook s’mores around bonfires and enjoy drinks and food from the farm’s cafe. Bellewood Farms is at 6140 Guide Meridian Rd. in Lynden.

▪ Holiday Karaoke at Boundary Bay Brewery is a fun, free event for all ages. The karaoke machine will be running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 18 in the bistro. Boundary Bay Brewery is at 1107 Railroad Ave. in Bellingham.

▪ Holiday Sip & Paint at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 20 at Corner Taphouse provides all the painting materials and drinks, teaching you how to paint a festive painting in about two hours. Tickets are available online in advance and cost $35 per person.

▪ Holiday History Hi-Jinks, a Christmas party by the Good Time Girls will feature local holiday-themed history, photo booth, carols, treats and prizes from 7-10 p.m. on Dec. 22. The party is open for all ages but will have some mature content, and is at the Hotel Leo’s crystal ballroom. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the hotel’s Amendment 21 lounge. Tickets cost $30 each and can be purchased in advance. The Hotel Leo is at 1224 Cornwall Ave. in Bellingham.

▪ The Holiday Festival of the Arts, an online and in-person arts market is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Dec. 24. The free festival has over 100 artisan vendors as well as live music and workshops. The festival is at 1331 Commercial St. in Bellingham.

▪ Candlelight Christmas Eve services are happening across Whatcom County at various churches and organizations. Christ the King churches are having Christmas Eve services on Dec. 24 at it’s Bellingham, Blaine and Ferndale at multiple times.

▪ New Year’s Eve Gala-xy, a galaxy-themed New Year’s Eve party at Semiahmoo Resort will be from 6:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31. The party will include a buffet dinner, live music, dancing, glow in the dark mono golf, a champagne toast at midnight, and a cash bar with themed cocktails. Tickets cost $50 each and must be purchased online in advance. Semiahmoo Resort is at 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway in Blaine.