On Dec. 3-5, the Port celebrates another year of Holiday Port at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. This year’s festival will look a little different due to COVID-19, but will still offer fun and holiday spirit for the community.
This year, the Port is excited to announce our “Holiday Port Quest”. This quest will take place at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal on Saturday, December 4th from 2:00 – 6:00 pm (or until all prizes are found) In this quest, community members have the opportunity to search for small treasures, and a larger grand prize. During the quest, you may see carolers, food trucks, and possibly even Santa and Mrs. Claus! More details and instructions for the Quest shared on the Port’s Social Media channels, so make sure to follow on Facebook and Instagram!
Following the “Holiday Port Quest” on Saturday, Dec. 4th the Port invites the community to the Bellingham Cruise Terminal waterside patio to watch Bellingham Yacht Club’s annual Lighted Boat Parade. Port Fairhaven Café will be open and serving food throughout the parade, and it’s a great time to visit Santa in his workshop. The Parade will be starting near the Bellingham Cruise Terminal at 6:00 pm on the 4th.
The Port is also happy to welcome Santa Claus and his beautiful snow globe back to the Bellingham Cruise Terminal Dome Room this year. December 3-5th, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, you will be able to visit Santa through the domed windows on the waterside patio. It’s a great time to drop your letter and wish list in his mailbox right outside, and to get a picture with Santa safely through the glass.
One of the most beloved aspects of the event is the annual gingerbread contest. While this year’s creations will not be available to view in person, this year’s entries will be on display through the Port website and social media channels. It’s not too late to enter – the deadline to turn in an entry form is Nov. 22nd. Entries don’t have to be made out of gingerbread – just visibly edible. That means graham cracker walls, fences made of pretzel sticks, and other creative uses of food are acceptable – and encouraged! A complete list of contest dates and deadlines are listed below. Ribbons will be awarded to the top three in each category. Entries will be displayed online starting December 3rd. Online voting for the People’s Choice award will be open through an online poll December 3rd to December 5th.
The contest is free, and open to bakers of all ages and abilities. Many entrants choose to enter their edible structures in a silent auction that will benefit a local charity. The contest has an optional themed category, “Holiday Cabin” for a total of 10 divisions. More information and a link to the online entry form can be found at: www.portofbellingham.com/holidayport
31st Annual Gingerbread Contest Dates and Deadlines:
- Deadline to Turn in Entry Form: Monday, November 22nd.
- Date to Deliver Your Edible Structure: Monday, November 29th
- All Entries on Display through Port Website and Social Media: Starting December 3rd