Bellingham Farmers Market: Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Depot Market Square, through mid-December. See bellinghamfarmers.org.

 

Skagit Christmas 2017: Through Dec. 31. See the annual decorations of the North and South wings of the Museum and festive treasures from the collection. Skagit Museum, www.skagitcounty.net/museum.

 

Sleigh Bells Ring at Bellewood Acres: Weekends, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s family fun at Bellewood. Bonfire s’mores bar, fresh cut Christmas trees and wreaths, kids ornament making/cookie decorating, hot cider and pumpkin spice liquer sippers. Bellewood Acres, 6140 Guide Meridian Road, Lynden, www.bellewoodfarms.com.

 

Handmade Holiday Pop-up Shop at the Co-op: Saturdays in December. 1-4 p.m. Meet local artisans handmaking one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. Enter to win cool gifts.  And shop gifts from each maker at 25% off.  Dec. 2: Phoebe, owner of elSage in Mount Vernon will be hand carving block printing blocks she uses to print t-shirts, hoodies, and hats. Dec. 9: Simon, a 12-year-old from Mount Vernon, will be creating new pieces for his jewelry line: Simon Made. Dec. 16: Jessica, owner Otra Vez Ecotique will be designing jewelry. Dec. 23: Dyana, potter and owner of somegirls pottery in Bellingham, will be showcasing her mugs, perfect for a last-minute gift idea. Winter Citrus Tasting will be Dec, 16, 1-3 p.m. 4% Friday Community Shopping Day is Dec. 22, with 4% of Sales to Community Action’s Skagit Food Distribution Center.

 

Port of Bellingham Holiday Festival: Friday through Sunday, Dec. 1-3. Gingerbread house contest, visit with Santa, music, crafts, food, horse-drawn wagon rides and more. Free cookies, hot cider. Performances by local choirs, bands, and dancers. Friday from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gingerbread auction benefits Toys for Tots. www.portofbellingham.com/141/Holiday-Port.

 

Festival of Trees Tour of Trees: Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1-2. Kick off the holiday season during the Bellingham Senior Activity Center’s Winter Wonderland Walk in a Tour of Trees. Bring your family and friends and wander through the beautiful Leopold Crystal Ballroom to enjoy the sparkling trees and live entertainment (Friday only). This event is free and open to the public. Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  All ages. (360) 733-4030, www.wccoa.org

 

Olde Fashioned Christmas at Pioneer Park: Friday through Sunday, Dec. 1-3. Holiday fun for the whole family in Ferndale. Take cabin tours, horse drawn wagon rides, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus (bring your own cameras), arts and crafts and refreshments. Volunteers are donned in authentic pioneer attire, Christmas 1880s style. Children’s activities are offered in most cabins. Cookies and beverages offered at the end of the tour at the Tillicum House. Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for children. Friday 5-9 p.m., Saturday 1-9 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

Santa & Holiday Carriage Rides in Fairhaven: Saturdays in December. The Fairhaven Village Inn will continue its holiday tradition as host of Santa Claus and free horse-drawn carriage rides through historic downtown Fairhaven. They will begin and end the rides outside the front doors of the Inn at 1200 10th Street Bellingham. Warm up in the lobby and give holiday wish-lists to Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free.

 

Christmas Market: Craft & Vendor Boutique: Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1-2. Hosted by Essentially Loved. Enjoy shopping in a family friendly atmosphere. Fee admission. Bakerview Square 414 W. Bakerview Road, Bellingham, Suite 111. See the Facebook event for more information.

 

The Stocking Project: Saturday, Dec. 2. Bring material and sewing supplies to sew a stocking to be donated to a child or family in need. Patterns and assistance will be provided, though familiarity with a sewing machine is necessary. Stockings will be displayed at Ragfinery and the Firehouse Cafe in Fairhaven, then filled and donated to those in need by 0Northwest Youth Services, Interfaith Coalition and Opportunity Council. Please pre-register so we know to expect you. 2-4 p.m. Ragfinery.com

 

Winterfest Used Book Sale: Friday, Dec. 1. Browse children’s books while you enjoy the Winter Festival in the Everson Park (corner of Lincoln and Washington). This is a great opportunity for grandparents to find gifts! Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Everson Library. 6-7:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Everson Library, 104 Kirsch Drive, (360) 966-5100.

 

Festival of Tiny Trees: Friday, Dec. 1. La Conner Library, ​614 Morris St., La Conner. See http://www.lclib.lib.wa.us/.

 

Holiday Tea:  Saturday, Dec. 2. Enjoy delicious home baked treats and tea while being entertained by local performers at this annual holiday tea hosted by the Friends of the Deming Library, 1-5 p.m. Deming Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Highway, (360) 592-2422.

 

Beautiful Holiday Wreaths: Saturday, Dec. 2. Leave class with a beautiful wreath to enjoy throughout the holiday season. Floral design instructor Cheryl Jackson asks that you bring a knife, pruners, and a few evergreen or holly clippings from your yard to share; all other materials provided.

$49, Whatcom Community College. Call (360) 383-3200 to register.

 

Lighted Christmas Parade: Saturday, Dec. 2. Lynden’s  annual holiday celebration begins at 6 p.m. with the Lighted Christmas Parade. Lighted trucks, cars, floats, wagons, farm equipment, and more. The procession starts at Fairway Center and travels along Front Street throughout downtown Lynden. In addition, take a tour of unique light displays and decorated storefronts throughout the city during Lynden in Lights. See www.lynden.org.

 

Marcy’s Grapevine Wreath Class: Saturday, Dec. 2. Join Marcy as she guides you in designing a European-style grapevine wreath. Tables filled with evergreens, berries, moss, and more for you to create your own unique wreath with French ribbon.  Workshop fee is $39 and includes all supplies.  Call, come in, or sign up on our website to register. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, garden-spot.com.

 

Downtown Bellingham Tree Lighting: Saturday, Dec. 2. The City’s Depot Market Square is hosting a tree-lighting ceremony as part of the Downtown Art Walk. Festivities start at 5 p.m. including the lighting of a majestic tree at 6 p.m., a visit from Santa, holiday carolers, refreshments and more. The event is at the Depot Market Street, 1100 Railroad Ave., Bellingham. Free.

 

Holiday Harbor Lights Boat Parade: Saturday, Dec. 2. Display of decorated boats which will sail through Drayton Harbor. Watch the parade from the Blaine Harbor Public Pier and visit the boats before the parade at the Blaine Harbor Visitor Dock. 6 p.m. Free.

 

Swans of the Skagit: Saturday, Dec. 2. Come hear wildlife biologist Martha Jordan discuss these amazing birds (the largest waterfowl in the world) and share Skagit Valley’s best places to view them. Jordan is the Executive Director of the Northwest Swan Conservation Association. Make your reservations early; this is always a wildly popular class! Reservations required, (360) 466-3821 or 800-585-8200; Class fee is $8. 1-2 p.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon, www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Silver Tea: Sunday, Dec. 3. Enjoy refreshments and musical entertainment at this annual event hosted by the Friends of the Everson Library. Craft making for kids. Bring your camera to take a picture with Santa! 2-5 p.m. Everson Library, 104 Kirsch Drive, (360) 966-5100.

 

Fermented Foods for Beginners: Tuesday, Dec. 5. Fermentation for Beginners.  Cover the basics of home production as well as present some of the nutritional science and history behind these ancient foods with library staffers Alisa Kester and Laura Schumacher. 6:30 p.m. Mount Vernon Library. Free. See www.mountvernonwa.gov.

 

Felted Poinsettias: Wednesday, Dec. 6. Make your own felted pointsetta with Instructor Natalia Robinson. Take felted sweaters and transform them into these festive flora with hand sewing and needle felting techniques. No experience necessary. (Ages 8+ ok). $24. 6-8 p.m. Ragfinery, Bellingham. See ragfinery.com.

 

Winter Interest in the Garden: Saturday, Dec. 9. A U.W. Graduate in Botany, local radio and television personality, business consultant and long-time nurseryman, Scott Conner teaches Winter Interest in the Garden at the Schoolhouse. Reservations required, (360) 466-3821 or 800-585-8200. Class fee is $8. 11 a.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Holiday Faire: Saturday, Dec. 9. Live music, magical lands, delicious food, local craft vendors and hands-on workshops so families can make simple, lovely crafts for others. Visit the Snow Queen in her castle, mine for treasures in Gnome Village, watch an enchanting puppet play or warm up with delicious homemade soup, baked goods and live music in the Wooden Spoon Cafe. Everyone welcome. Prices of activities varies from $1-$4. Parking is available at The Firs at 4605 Cable St. A free van shuttle brings people to and from the school. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Whatcom Hills Waldorf School, 941 Austin St, Bellingham. (360) 733-3164, www.whws.org.

 

Japanese String Garden Make It and Take It: Saturday, Dec. 9. Kokedama is the ancient Japanese art of the floating string garden. Make a suspended plant using clay, moss, and string. These elegant kokedama balls can be hung indoors or outdoors. Karyn will walk you through the care and planting. Class fee of $39.99 will cover the plant and all supplies. Call, come in, or sign up on our website to register.     Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, garden-spot.com.

 

Jingle Bell Run: Saturday, Dec. 9. Fun and festive way to kick off your holidays by helping others. Wear a holiday themed costume and tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Bring your dog dressed up, too. Join us for the 5k Run/Walk with your team members and celebrate with us. Tis the season for giving. 8 a.m. Bellingham High School.

 

Holiday Craft Bazaar: Saturday, Dec. 9. Buy or sell homemade crafts and treats made by kids and teens at this exciting event. Everything priced $5 or less. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kids ages 5-18 may sell; everyone can shop. Space is limited; registration required. Deming Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Highway, (360) 592-2422.

 

Block Printing for the Holidays With Natalie Niblack: Saturday, Dec. 9. In this workshop, we will carve linoleum to create images to make cards, wrapping paper, or transfer to fabric. 10:30 a.m. $45; 10% discount for Museum members. (360) 466-4446. See http://www.monamuseum.org/event/block-printing-holidays-dec-9.

 

Let’s Make Presents: Saturday, Dec. 9. Kids, make great gifts for family and friends at the library. Everything you need will be provided. For grades K-5. 10:30 a.m. Everson Library, 104 Kirsch Drive, (360) 966-5100.

 

Snow Geese of the Skagit: Saturday, Dec. 9. Snow geese migrate to Skagit Valley farmlands from Alaska and Wrangell Island, Russia. Come learn more about their fascinating life history and challenges with wildlife biologist Martha Jordan, Executive Director of the Northwest Swan Conservation Association. 1-2 p.m. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Reservations required, (360) 466-3821 or 800-585-8200. Class fee is $8. www.ChristiansonsNursery.com.

 

Coiled Fabric Baskets: Saturday, Dec. 9.  Make sturdy baskets from almost any kind of scrap fabric. Thick strips of fabric are twisted and bound together with yarn, strong cotton string, or thin strips of more fabric.  Instructor: Aurora Lindquist. Cost: $22. 10 a.m. Ragfinery, Bellingham. ragfinery.com.

 

La Conner Lighted Boat Parade: Saturday, Dec. 9. Watch on the Boardwalk along the Swinomish Channel, La Conner. 6 p.m.  See www.lovelaconner.com.

 

Needle Felted Gnome Ornament: Wednesday, Dec. 13. In this workshop you will sculpt wool roving into charming gnome ornaments to adorn your Christmas tree or mantle, or give as one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts. Instructor: Natalia Robinson. Cost: $26. 6-8 p.m. Raginfery, Bellingham. See ragfinery.com.

 

Gifts from Our Gardens: Thursday, Dec. 14. A panel of Whatcom County Master Gardeners will share how they use their personal gardens to make unique and attractive gifts for family, friends, and the holidays. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Healthy Connections Room, 405 E. Holly, Bellingham. Brown bags encouraged.

 

Happy Healthy Horses: Whatcom Conservation District Farm Speaker Series: Thursday, Dec. 14. Join the Whatcom CD Research Team to learn ways to keep your horses happy and healthy this winter. 6-8 p.m. Bellewood Acres, Lynden. To RSVP and for more information, see www.whatcomcd.org.

 

Edison Holiday Makers Market: Friday and Saturday, Dec. 15-16. Friday 5-9 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All sorts of hometown delights. Edison Granary, 14136 Gilmore Ave., Bow. (360) 328-9458, www.edisonfarmersmarket.org.

 

Gift Wrapping with Textiles: Saturday, Dec. 16. Bring your gift-giving to a new level with the art of wrapping with cloth. Not only is this method beautiful but it is also reusable! We will have a selection of fabrics and embellishments on hand for purchase, along with someone to teach you techniques for success. Unique card-making supplies will also be on hand so you can present your Christmas gifts in complete upcycled style. Just drop in with your already-boxed gifts and be ready to wrap. Free. 10 a.m. to noon. Ragfinery, Bellingham. www.ragfinfery.com.

 

Living Glass Ornament Make It and Take It: Saturday, Dec. 16. Delicate glass balls showcasing tiny lichens, mosses, twigs, and other forest trimming, these lovely living ornaments are sure to become a favorite addition to your holiday decor. All ages welcome. Class fee is $15/ball or $13 ea for three or more and includes all supplies. Call, come in, or sign up on our website to register. Garden Spot Nursery, Bellingham. 360-676-5480, garden-spot.com.

 

Let’s Make Presents: Saturday, Dec. 16. Kids, make great gifts for family and friends at the library. Everything you need will be provided. For grades K-5. 11 a.m. to noon. Deming Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Highway, (360) 592-2422.

 

Holiday Celebration! Wednesday, Dec. 20. Get into the community and holiday spirit with your neighbors in Sumas. Enjoy a festive holiday soup potluck, listen to the Sumas Girl Scouts and other groups sing holiday favorites, and receive books and gifts for the season. There will also be cookie and gingerbread house decorating! This program held in conjunction with the Sumas Community/Senior Center. 6-8 p.m. Sumas Library, 461 2nd St., (360) 988-2501.

 

 

 

JANUARY

Anacortes Farmers Market Monthly Winter Market: Saturday, Jan. 13. Local crafts, foods, products and more. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Historic Depot, 7th Street and R Avenue, Anacortes. See anacortesfarmersmarket.org.

 

Bellingham Farmers Market Monthly Winter Market: Saturday, Jan. 20. Local crafts, foods, products and more. Depot Market Square, 1100 Railroad Avenue, Bellingham. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. See Bellinghamfarmers.org.

 

2018 Cattlemen’s Winterschool and Country Living Expo: Saturday, Jan. 27. Check out 180 classes to choose from focused on skills and practical living, including 60 new classes this year. Featured keynote speaker is Trent Loos. Check out the Chicken and Duck Egg Weigh Off sponsored by Conway Feed, and the Fiber Palooza, with awards given in all fiber categories. Registration costs $75 (early bird special $70) for adults and $40 for youth (discounted rate of $10 for youth ages 12-18 needing scholarship help). Registration includes six workshops per person, large trade show to meet with local and regional agricultural and business vendors, prime rib or vegetarian lunch, and snacks. The Expo is hosted by Stanwood FFA, and presented by WSU Livestock Master Foundation, WSU Extension and the Cattlemen’s Association. To register and view classes, visit http://skagit.wsu.edu/CountryLivingExpo. For more information, call Skagit County Extension at (360) 428-4270 ext 0.

 

Growing Groceries Education Series: Vegetables A-Z #1 – Wednesday, Jan. 17. Learn about onion, broccoli, and beet families; how to grow, varieties. 7–9:30 p.m. at WSU Snohomish County Extension’s Cougar Auditorium, 600 128th St SE Everett, inside McCollum Park. Register online at GrowingGroceries.Eventbrite.com. For more information about all classes in the series or download a form for mail-in registration, visit snohomish.wsu.edu/growing-gr.

 

 

 

February

Resilient Gardening in Western Washington: Thursday, Feb. 8. 22nd annual Whatcom Gardening Conference brought to you by WSU Master Gardeners. A full day garden conference focusing on food gardening, sustainability, community connections, native pollinators and habitat, gardening in small spaces, youth gardening, storage crops. Community garden panel of experts and more. Bellingham Technical College Settlemyer Hall, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open to the Public – student scholarships available upon request. Keynote Speaker Gail Langellotto presents “How Gardening Will Save the World.”  Raffle, vendors and lunch included. Contact beth.chisholm@wsu.edu. Registration and event details will be posted at www.whatcom.wsu.edu.

 

Anacortes Farmers Market Monthly Winter Market: Saturday, Feb. 10. Local crafts, foods, products and more. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Historic Depot, 7th Street and R Avenue, Anacortes. See anacortesfarmersmarket.org.

 

Bellingham Farmers Market Monthly Winter Market: Saturday, Feb. 17. Local crafts, foods, products and more. Depot Market Square, 1100 Railroad Avenue, Bellingham. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. See Bellinghamfarmers.org.

 

Farm-to-Table Trade Meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 20. A one-day conference for food and  farming businesses of all kinds, held at Bellingham Technical College. This is the third year to partner with the BTC Culinary Arts program for lunch. Registration and information coming to sustainableconnections.org.

 

Growing Groceries Education Series: Good Bugs, Bad Bugs, & Pollinators: Wednesday, Feb. 21. Learn who’s who and how to attract the good guys. 7-9:30 p.m. at WSU Snohomish County Extension’s Cougar Auditorium, 600 128th St SE Everett, inside McCollum Park. Register online at GrowingGroceries.Eventbrite.com. For more information or to download a form for mail-in registration, visit snohomish.wsu.edu/growing-gr

 

3rd annual Whatcom County Small Farm Expo: Saturday, Feb. 24. The goal of this event is to bring farmers and industry experts together to facilitate learning, skill sharing, networking and to connect rural landowners with the resources they need to be successful. Presented by the Whatcom Conservation District and Whatcom County Public Works. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds, Lynden. See the Facebook event for more information.

 

To submit events and information, contact editor@grownorthwest.com. The deadline for the February issue is Jan. 20.