Holiday Magic Shines Bright Downtown
Gather your crew and soak in the festive vibes with sparkling lights, stunning decor, and over a dozen magical events. From cozy window displays to unforgettable memories, we've got the ultimate holiday experience waiting for you!
Shine Bright 2026 is made possible by our title sponsor, Chuckanut Health Foundation, which believes community health begins with human connection, in sponsoring these holiday season festivities.
They are joined by the organizations below who share this belief and share their financial support to make Downtown Bellingham Shine Bright all season long!
Shop Small Saturday
November 28th
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 yourself!).
Lighted Bike Parade
December 12th
#ShineBrightBham rides on with a Downtown Lighted Bike Parade on Saturday, December 12th starting at Depot Market Square (1100 Railroad Ave) at 4:45 pm. Riders will depart for loop trail down to the Bellweather Hotel at 5:00 and end at Maritime Heritage Park for free hot cocoa and cookies for purchase around 5:30.
Thanks to our partners - WTA, Western Washington University, SMART TRIPS, and the City of Bellingham!
Shine Bright Window Displays
Starting Thanksgiving weekend, storefront windows throughout Downtown will be shining bright with festive lighting and creative décor, illuminating street level spaces and brightening the city center.
100+ Monthly Events
Discover the lively scene of Downtown Bellingham, your go-to spot for a wide variety of events: trivia, game nights, drag shows, art exhibitions, performances, or educational activities, Downtown has it all. Whether you're with your squad or flying solo, you’re in for good vibes, great times, and a whole lot of laughs.
Tree Lighting Ceremony December 5th
Embrace the magic of the holiday season and be part of the community tradition of lighting Downtown's tree!
NEW in 2026 - the tree is moving to “Merrytime” Heritage Park!
Join us at 5:00 PM for free cocoa and delicious cookies, free photo booth, Santa sightings, stilt walkers, glow jugglers, face painting, & more. Then join the countdown to 6 PM when the tree comes to life in a burst of lights!
Stay with us and continue enjoying the fun activities until 7 PM.
Santa Sightings
Experience the magic of the holidays with many opportunities to visit Santa in Downtown Bellingham this season! Don’t miss the chance to snap a photo and share your wish list with the jolly man himself.
Sustainable Connections’ Holiday Passport
Local lovers all over are invited to visit numerous locally owned businesses around Whatcom County with the Think Local First Passport. At each stop, simply check in using your digital passport, collect points, and earn prizes. This passport not only helps you experience the finest local retailers, but also offers many opportunities earn points and win prizes. By supporting your favorite local businesses, we all win!
Signing up is easy! Just click the sign-up button on your phone. Each time you check into a location on the digital passport, you’ll earn points that can be redeemed for Think Local First swag. There are no paper passports to keep track of and you don’t have to bug a cashier for a stamp! It’s all available on your smartphone.
Shop Local.
Do your holiday shopping in Downtown Bellingham! Check everything off your list between 50+ local retailers with something for everyone.
Make Your Downtown Bellingham Experience Even Better
Whether it’s your first or fiftieth trip Downtown, make your next experience better by being in the know. Plan your route, take advantage of hassle-free parking by downloading the Pay by Phone app, save by becoming an INSIDER, and find new (or new to you) restaurants, bars, shops, and experiences to enjoy during your visit. The more you know about Downtown, the more you’ll want to be Downtown.
Follow Along On Social Media
More Downtown Essentials
Food & Drink
Whether it's date night, lunch meeting, after-school-snack or late night snacking, reimagine dining out dining Downtown and rediscover all Downtown eateries have to offer.
Can’t skip: Storia Cucina
New Experiences
Grab a workout at our yoga studios, stimulate your mind with a documentary at our independent theaters, discover new wonders at our electric museums, or try something completely new.
Local Legend: Pickford Film Center
Live Music
Bellingham has a deeply talented local music scene. From local favorites to nationally touring acts, catch your next show Downtown.