We all have our favorites of the season – places to see, cookies to eat, people to visit. The following events have all the things we love and more, and we hope you enjoy them.

Port of Bellingham Holiday Festival and Gingerbread House Display: Held Friday through Sunday, Dec. 6-8, this annual festival offers the favorite gingerbread house contest, showing the creative gingerbread works of all skill levels and all ages across the county. After you take in the delicious sights of gingerbread, you can visit with Santa, enjoy music from local choirs, bands, and dancers, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, and eat delicious cookies and drink hot cider. Hours are Friday from noon to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, see the Facebook event page or www.portofbellingham.com/141/Holiday-Port.

Olde Fashioned Christmas at Pioneer Park in Ferndale is a wonderful time of cabin tours, horse drawn wagon rides and more Walk the grounds while volunteers are donned in Christmas 1880s style, and your family enjoys cookies, crafts, and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus (bring your own camera). Head inside the old church and hear carols, send a letter off to Santa at the old post office, and view amazing pieces of local history throughout the cabins. Tickets are $4 for adults and $3 for children.

Sedro-Whoolleyville presents the Magic of Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 7. Join the annual holiday Whobilation in Sedro-Whoolley with the Ugly Sweater Dash, caroling and artwork from Mary Purcell Elementary students, face painting, train rides, pony rides, balloon artists, crafts, and more. Enjoy the parade, tree lighting and a meet and greet with Santa. The Grinch will also be out and between 3-8 p.m. in downtown Sedro-Woolley. See the Facebook page for more information.

Fairhaven Winterfest, hosted by Historic Fairhaven Association, is a family-friendly celebration of winter and community. Held  Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 21, you can stroll among glimmering tree lights and holiday decorations, listen to music, enjoy a wagon ride,  and more. To donate, or to see the full activities, see fairhavenwinterfest.com.

Lynden’s annual holiday celebration, including the Lighted Christmas Parade will be Saturday, Dec. 7. Lighted trucks, cars, floats, wagons, farm equipment, and more start at 6 p.m. at Fairway Center and travel 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. Plus, Hats Off T-Shirts & Engraving will be offering free holiday sugar cookie decorating at  their Lynden location. See www.lynden.org for a complete schedule.

The Tour of Trees on Saturday, Dec. 7 is a free family friendly event featuring beautifully decorated one-of-a-kind Christmas trees, live music and cookies. Bring your camera and snap a photo between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bellingham Senior Activity Center, 315 Halleck Street, Bellingham. Later that evening, the annual Festival of Trees features a holiday themed cocktail party, silent auction, and auction of beautiful Christmas trees from 5:30-9 p.m. Winning bidders will have their tree delivered fully decorated to their home or business. New this year are one-of-a-kind wreaths for your door. The Festival of Trees benefits the Bellingham Senior Activity Center providing much needed social, recreation and wellness programs for older adults in Whatcom County. For tickets or information call 360-733-4030 ext 1020 or see whatcomcoa.org.

The Friends of the Everson Library invite you to Silver Tea on Sunday, Dec. 8 to enjoy refreshments and musical entertainment. Specialty teas are served by Laurie and Charles Dawson, founders of the Whatcom Tea Enthusiasts Association. There will be craft making for kids, cookies, and bring your camera to take a picture with Santa! It all happens 2-5 p.m. at the Everson Library.

The Whatcom Hills Waldorf School’s annual Winter Faire is a “wonder-full” way for families to enjoy the spirit of the holidays with live music, magical lands, delicious food, local craft vendors and hands-on workshops. Held Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. there will be crafting workshops featuring natural materials. Check out rolling beeswax candles, wooden ornaments, felt projects, and translucent paper stars to color your windows. Visit the Snow Queen in her castle, dig for crystals 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. All welcome. Prices of activities vary from $1 – $4. Free parking is available at The Firs at 4605 Cable St. A free shuttle brings people to and from the school. The school is located at 941 Austin Street, Bellingham.