The road to Artist Point (the final section of SR 542) and Highway 20 (starting at Ross Dam Trailhead) are both closed for the season.
| 11/15/2024 | Updated | Attend, Holiday, Nightlife |   

New Year's Parties & Events in Bellingham & Whatcom County - 2024

Close out 2024 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 2025 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 .

December 31

Join the fun in Birch Bay and plan to ring in the New Year with the annual Ring of Fire & Hope!

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's Midnight Masquerade! 🎭

Step into a world of glamour, mystery, and celebration at Galloway’s Cocktail Bar this New Year’s Eve! We're transforming the night into an unforgettable Masquerade Ball—where fancy attire and masks aren't just encouraged, they’re your ticket to an evening of elegance and intrigue.

Event Details

  • Event Hours: 10:30 PM - 12:30 AM (last call right after the ball drops!)
  • Regular Walk-in hours: 3 PM- 10 PM (open with regular offerings)
  • Theme: Masquerade Ball – dress to impress and embrace the mystique with your favorite mask.

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 annual Polar Bear Plunge! It’s a festive and chilly way to kick off the New Year. 

The plunge happens at 12 p.m. sharp!

        We acknowledge that Whatcom County is located on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples. They cared for the lands that included what we’d call the Puget Sound region, Vancouver Island and British Columbia since time immemorial. This gives us the great obligation and opportunity to learn how to care for our surrounding areas and all the natural and human resources we require to live. We express our deepest respect and gratitude for our indigenous neighbors, the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe, for their enduring care and protection of our shared lands and waterways.
Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
Visitor Center Located at I-5 Exit 253 - Check Hours
904 Potter Street, Bellingham, WA 98229
Phone: 360-671-3990
Visiting?

Places to Stay
Itineraries
Getting Here
Sightsee
Read Blogs
Engage!

Events
Photo Contest
Communities
Attend
Contact Us
Tourism Talk

Industry Resources
Join as a Partner
Media Inquiries
Sports
About Us
Site by Drozian Webworks
©2024 Visit Bellingham Whatcom County