Start your holidays in the historic district during the Thanksgiving weekend with the annual Holiday Festival Opening Celebrations! (And then keep on enjoying until Christmas Eve!)

Experience Black Friday 1890's style amidst Fairhaven's 100-year-old buildings and streets, all decorated for the weekend and the entire holiday season.

The month-long festivities begin Friday with...

Santa and Mrs. Claus greeting visitors in a Victorian-era gazebo at the corner of Harris Avenue and 10^th Street from 3 to 4:45 p.m.

The annual Lighting of the Trees follows at 5:00 at the Fairhaven Village Green, accompanied by a performance by the Bellingham High School “Showstoppers” choir, and the Lighting of the entire District. 

From 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., enjoy the Fairhaven Holiday Art Walk (Friday and Saturday) that features more than 20 locations with special exhibits and unique events. Watch for the special candle at the front door of participating businesses (complete list below).

And Saturday... Families may enjoy visits with Santa and horse-drawn carriage rides, both featured at the Fairhaven Village Inn from noon – 3 p.m. After, the Holiday Art Walk continues--from 5-8 p.m.

After the Thanksgiving weekend and through December, The Fairhaven Holiday Festival continues each weekend until Christmas, with lights throughout the district to warm the winter darkness nightly, and late shopping hours at most businesses on Fridays.

Each Saturday, the Fairhaven Village Inn will host Santa and horse-drawn carriage rides from noon to 3 p.m.  The carriage rides by Cramer Classics are sponsored by the Fairhaven Village Inn, Bellingham Tennis & Fairhaven Fitness, Renaissance Celebration and Peoples Bank

Experience the full holiday season amidst the festive atmosphere of Historic Fairhaven—shop, dine, wonder, meander, enjoy!

Participants in the Annual Holiday Art Walk (November 23 & 24, 5-8 p.m.):

12th Street Shoes: “The Greatest Shoe Collection Ever” - a collage of pictures of many, many customers and their very favorite shoes! The winner of the People???s Choice award will receive a gift certificate to the store.

Fairhaven Pharmacy: Jody Bergsma products and assorted giftware

Three French Hens: “Blink A Blue Stone” tile art by Lynnette Joy DeLeMare, and Lotus Moon Jewelry by Shayala Diamond

Renaissance Celebration: A glittery display entitled “Local Glass Art On Parade” by many local glass artists

Bay to Baker: Watercolor artist Beth Roberson who will be teaching a watercolor class and have items for sale

Silvery Moon: Lapidary artist Wave Redfish; he specializes in custom inlay jewelry and can repair semi precious jewelry as well

The Garden Room: beautiful and functional handmade metal objects d’arte of Michael Aram

Bead Bazaar: Clay Genie beading contest winners in the window

Good Earth Pottery: The 2010 Mayor’s Arts Award winners Ene’ and Eugene Lewis and their colorful functional-ware

Artwood Gallery: ???New Work by Members.??? with desks, bar stools, tables and wide variety of wood art

Whatcom Art Market: 50 local artists and demonstrations by weavers, spinners, acrylic and watercolor artists.

Skylark???s Hidden Cafe: holiday jazz with the Sonja Lee Band.

The Colophon Cafe: mixed media artists Lori Hill and Shannon Spears.

Magdalena’s Creperie:  paintings by German artist Stefan Ringeling and Bells by Mike Theisen.

Drizzle Olive Oil &Vinegar: Catherine Harris Designs, photo notecards, gift enclosures and notepads. Taste testing is also encouraged. 

Village Books Readings Gallery: Local photographer Mark Turner slide show and a signing of his book ???Bellingham Impressions???

Book Fare Cafe (at Village Books): Skagit photographer John Scurlock will be showing his photos and signing copies of his book “Snow & Spire”

Paper Dreams: a local greeting card artist.

Fairhaven Toy Garden: ???Felting Items??? will be the focus at the andwill highlighted at

Arabella: ???Cozy Winter Clothes???

A Lot of Flowers: acrylics of Ben Mann

Paws Awhile: ???Christmas Preview???

Whimsey: Kim Gardner photography

Event Photos