The Holiday Port Festival looks a lot different this year with new procedures to protect public health from the Covid pandemic. The Dome Room upstairs at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal has been transformed into a wonderland Snow Globe which can be viewed from outside the building (waterside) at 355 Harris Ave in Fairhaven. The downstairs portion is Santa’s workshop, a live scene in a vibrant setting, with heartwarming firelight and a real-life Santa himself. Outside the workshop is the North Pole with one of Santa’s mailboxes: you can drop a letter to Santa from Dec 4 through Dec 14, and Santa will answer your letter—be sure to include your name and mailing address!
The only way to view the winter wonderland is from outside the building. The display will begin Dec 3 and run until Dec 17. Live Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in their workshop Dec 5th and 6th from 5 PM to 9 PM. It’s best to view the window decorations after dark.
In addition, we would like you to submit your gingerbread creation photos to events@portofbellingham.com. Our team of elves will put all the photos together and create a video to remember how we celebrated in 2020!
Don’t forget about the Bellingham Yacht Club’s lighted boat parade on Bellingham Bay, Saturday, December 5th beginning at 6pm. You’ll be able to view the cruising boats from the shore at Boulevard Park and the Bellingham Cruise Terminal.
All aspects of the interactive festival take place outside and include social distancing and face masks. There is plenty of free parking, the grounds are well lit and the Port looks forward to seeing you!