Close out 2023 in style! Enjoy parties, galas, and fireworks across Bellingham and Whatcom County on New Year's Eve. 🎉 After a night of drinks and dancing, start out 2024 with a refreshing, invigorating cold plunge at Lake Padden or Birch Bay. There are plenty of ways to celebrate the old year and usher in the new one, but here are some ideas.
Dec. 31
Ring in the New Year with Bellingham's favorite SPACEBAND! Spaceband brings high-energy funk inspired rock to the stage known for their crowd-pleasing performances and eclectic mix of originals and covers. Bellingham's hottest New Years party .
Find a spot and light your flare right at 7:00 PM. It looks like a beautiful string of Christmas lights surrounding Birch Bay.
As always, a limited number of complimentary biodegradable flares will be available on a first come first serve basis.
December 31
The Black Cat in Fairhaven Village will be open on New Year's Eve until 1 a.m.! Ring in the new year with dinner, drinks, and good company.
December 31
Ring in the New Year at Galloway New Year's Eve party! Embrace the bar's Deco Era ambiance and dress in your best for an evening of bubbles, hand-crafted cocktails, and scrumptious bites! The bar will be open from 3 PM through the New Year, last call at 12:15 AM.
Kick off (or wrap up) your New Year’s Eve at the Whatcom Museum! Whether you’re a night owl just getting the party started or an early bird planning to turn in before midnight, swing by Old City Hall for an unforgettable evening.
Enjoy live music by BABY CAKES, a cash bar by Tito's Handmade Vodka (with one complimentary drink ticket provided), catered light appetizers, and a free Champagne toast at 9 pm as we count down to 2025 alongside Times Square.
This is a 21+ event; please bring your ID.
January 1
An annual Bellingham tradition! Celebrate the New Year in style with a walk-run around Lake Padden followed by a shockingly fun dip in the water. Yes, it's cold and yes you should do it! Bring your enthusiasm, towel, a change of clothes, and shoes that can get wet.
Walk/Run: 11 a.m.
Dip: Noon sharp!
January 1
Join the fun in Birch Bay and ring in the New Year at the 41st annual Polar Bear Plunge! It’s a festive, and chilly way to kick off the New Year.
This year the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce will be set up at Beach Cat Brewing Company (7876 Birch Bay Drive) in the warming tent sponsored by WECU starting at 10:00 AM with on-site registration, a costume contest and t-shirt sales! The plunge happens at 12 p.m. sharp across from Beach Cat Brewing Co.
