Celebrate the season in Whatcom County

Blaine/Birch Bay Community Toy Store Registration:  Families who live in the Blaine school district and whose children qualify for free or reduced lunch may now register for the new holiday gift assistance program, the Blaine/Birch Bay Community Toy Store, sponsored by the Community Assistance Program. Info or registration, at blainecap.org or 360/332-0740. Registration deadline is November 26.

Spread the Warmth Whatcom County: Through Friday, November 30. Donate hats, scarves, gloves or socks to help those in need all throughout Whatcom County. Sponsored by Wild Bird Charity. Drop off locations are Peace Arch City Café, 658 Peace Portal Drive, The Vault Wine Bar, 277 G. Street, and Weichert Realtors, 2900 Meridian Street, Bellingham.

Scout Christmas Tree Sale: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. though December 9, Birch Bay Waterslides lot, 4874 Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Douglas and noble firs and wreaths. Info: blainecubscouts@gmail.com.

Semiahmoo Marina Food and Toy Drive: Through Saturday, December 15. The food will be donated to Blaine Food Bank and the toys will go to Blaine/Birch Bay Community Toy store. Info: blainecap.org or toystore@blainecap.org.

Allied Arts Festival of the Arts: Through December 24, 10 a.m.–7 p.m., 1418 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham. Five week-long festival featuring over 100 local artisans and craftspeople. The affordable, locally handmade products range from jewelry, paintings, wearable art, specialty foods, and repurposed art. Free event. Info: 360/676-8548 or alliedarts.org.

Elf on the Shelf: Saturday, November 24, 3–5 p.m., Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club. Create your very own “Elf on the Shelf” with your family. You’ll also take home a list of fun “prank” ideas that the elf might play around the house. $15 per family. Info: 360/318-2009.

3rd Annual Luncheon and Holiday Boutique: Thursday, November 29, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Semiahmoo Resort Ballroom, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway. Shopping boutique open to the public at no charge. Luncheon and entertainment at 11:45 a.m.: $30. Cash bar available. RSVP by November 24: young.drum@hotmail.com or 817/600-4192.

Christmas Bazaar: Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Info: 332-8040.

Messiah: Friday, November 30, 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 1, 2 p.m., Third Christian Reformed Church, 514 Liberty Street, Lynden. Featuring Katie Van Kooten, soprano. Accompanied by The Starry Night Orchestra. Presented by Lynden Choral Society. Suggested donation: $20 or $15 for students and seniors. Info: 360/354-2672 or lyndenchoral@gmail.com.

Olde Fashioned Christmas: Friday, November 30 – Sunday, December 2, Friday 5-9 p.m., Saturday, 1-9 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m., Pioneer Park Cherry Street and 2nd Ave, Ferndale. Sponsored by Ferndale Heritage Society. Enjoy holiday displays, costumed hosts, crafts, music, horse-drawn carriage rides, and treats. Bring your own camera for a visit with Santa. $4. Info: 360/384-6461.

Holiday Art Fair and History Museum: November 30 and December 1, December 7 and 8. Fridays 3-7 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.–7 p.m., 674 Peace Portal Drive. Info: 332-4544.

Christmas Market: Saturday, December 1, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., St. Anne Catholic Church, 604 H Street. Crafts, food, gifts, wreathes, raffles. Vendor tables available for $20. Info: call Eydie 360/371-4366.

Holiday Lights Dash: Saturday, December 1, 3 p.m. H Street Plaza. 1.5 mile obstacle course. Family run or walk. Registration: bbbparkandrec.org or 360/656-6416.

Holiday Harbor Lights: Saturday, December 1, 3:30–7 p.m., Blaine G Street Plaza. Performances by Blaine Community Theater, Blaine schools choir and band, tree lighting, visit with Santa, refreshments, petting zoo and horse-drawn trolley rides.

Photos with Santa: Saturday, December 1, 4:30–5:30 p.m., Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club. Bring your kiddos and get your holiday photos with Santa. We will have delicious treats as well. Info: 360/318-2009.

Lynden Lighted Parade: Saturday, December 1, 6–7 p.m., Front Street, Lynden. Visitors are treated to holiday carolers and a dazzling display of lighted trucks, cars, floats, farm equipment & more. The procession starts at Fairway Center and travels along Front Street through downtown.

It’s a Wonderful Life: Saturday, December 1 through Sunday, December 2, and Thursday, December 6 through Sunday, December 9, Thursday and Friday, 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m., Claire vg Thomas Theatre, 655 Front Street, Lynden. Bringing the 1946 film classic starring Jimmy Stewart to life on the stage. $10-$14. Info: 360/354-4226.

Toys For Tots Drive: Through December 1, Birch Bay Square. Drop of new, unwrapped toys at participating merchants. Saturday, December 1, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., photos with Santa, tree forest and cooking decorating.

The Santa Train Ride: December 1-2, 7-9, 14-16 & 19-23, 5–9 p.m., Miniature World, 4620 Birch Bay-Lynden Rd, $9.95-$15.95. Every Train Ride comes with a free hot chocolate and a candy cane from Santa Claus. Seating is first come, first serve and trains leave every 20-30 minutes. Info: 360/371-7700.

Holiday Ornaments: Wednesday, December 5, 4–6 p.m., Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club Join us to create simple but wonderful ornaments. Some of the designs will include air dry clay with stamps and paint, and simple felting techniques. $20 per family. Info: 360/318-2009.

The Nutcracker: Wednesday, December 5, and Thursday, December 6, 7 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 North Commercial Street, Bellingham. The Nutcracker features OPUS’ younger ballet students as well as their advanced students. $12-$20. Info: 360/734-6080.

Holiday Port Festival & Gingerbread Houses: Friday, December 7, through Sunday, December 9, Friday, noon – 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Avenue. This annual event features horse and carriage rides, pictures with Santa, over 40 local performance groups, 100 gingerbread creations and free art activities. Info: 360/676-2500.

Angels Descending present Christmas Joy. Saturday, December 8, 6-8 p.m.  Blaine Senior Center, 763 G St. A holiday concert featuring vocalists Wendy Donaghy and Sharon Mayson. Refreshments. $25 per person, $40 per couple.

8th Annual Make.Sale: Friday December 7 through Saturday, December 8, Friday 6–10 p.m. and Saturday, noon–5 p.m. Locations are: Make.Shift Art Space, 306 Flora St.; Cafe Velo, 120 Prospect St. #2; Icing on the Cake, 201 Grand Ave.; Runaway Press, 205 Grand Ave. Featuring locally designed and handmade goods from dozens of vendors and Make.Shift tenants. The Annual Holiday Make.Sale will also feature music, refreshments, and activities for children and adults.

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Friday, December 7 through Sunday, December 9 and Wednesday December 14 through Sunday, December 16, Fridays, 7 p.m., Saturdays, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth, 1059 N State St., Bellingham. Info: 360/676-2500.

Sleigh bells Ring – BelleWood’s Holiday Festival: December 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, and 23, noon–5 p.m., BelleWood Acres, 6140 Guide Meridian, Lynden. Santa, live caroling, horse drawn trolley rides, cookie crafting for kids and fresh cut wreathes and trees. Info: Bellwoodfarms.com

O Christmas Tea: A Brittish Comedy: Wednesday, December 12, at the Mount Baker Theater, 4408, 104 N Commercial St, Bellingham. Canadian comedy award winners James & Jamesy are dashing through the snow on their way to delight audiences of all ages with their holiday-themed comedy. A rollicking Christmas romp through a world steeped in tea.

Gingerbread Houses: Saturday, December 15, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and Saturday, December 22, 1–3 p.m.

Semiahmoo Resort. Show off your artistic side and get creative when building and decorating your own mini gingerbread house. Graham crackers, frosting, and candy will be provided. $30 per gingerbread house. Info: 360/318-2009.

Mostly Magic with John Walton: A Holiday Tradition: Saturday, December 15 at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Mount Baker Theater, 104 N. Commercial Street. A unique blend of magic and humor with something for everyone. Tickets are $7. Info: mountbakertheatre.com.

A Holiday Wish for Paco: December 15, 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Blaine Performing Arts Center, 975 H Street. Presented by Day-to-Day dance. Info: daytodaydance.com or email daytodaydance@gmail.com.

Mostly Magic Comedy Cabaret Featuring Kerry Pollock: Saturday, December 15 at 7:30 p.m., Mount Baker Theater, 104 N. Commercial Street. An evening performance of magic and comedy for more mature audiences. Tickets are $29.50. Info: mountbakertheatre.com.