Find Winter Cheer - And Set a World Record - in Bellingham, Washington

For an extra-festive winter vacation, plan a visit to Bellingham, Washington, a vibrant college town located along the Salish Sea halfway between Seattle, WA and Vancouver, BC. The area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts but also offers plenty of indoor activities and free holiday events.  

Plan your visit during Fairhaven Winterfest, an annual holiday festival running from November 29 to December 20 in historic Fairhaven Village. Meet Santa, enjoy an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage ride, shop holiday makers markets, take a firelit stroll through the forest, warm up by a bonfire at Stones Throw Brewery, or just enjoy the Victorian-era charm of this beloved Bellingham neighborhood. Stay the night at Fairhaven Village Inn to be within walking distance of all the festivities as well as trails, water views, incredible restaurants, and shopping. 

For a record-breaking New Year, sign up to participate in the Birch Bay Polar Plunge on New Years Day. This year, the event in Birch Bay offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of history; the community is attempting to set a world record for the largest polar bear dip! If dipping isn’t your thing, the event also needs volunteers. 

Learn more at bellingham.org.  

Photo Credit: Visit Bellingham