The Downtown Bellingham Partnership (DBP) has announced today plans for the 2020 holiday season in Downtown Bellingham with activities ranging from an Online Marketplace, to new Destination Downtown itineraries, to Santa Sightings and more.
“This season it's more important than ever to shop local and support our independent businesses," Lindsey Payne Johnstone, Programming Director for the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, said. “We've been working to create opportunities for locals to do this online from the comfort of their home, or plan for safe-spaced traditional holiday experiences in the neighborhood."
Downtown Online Marketplace: A curated collection of online retail offerings. Peruse products from multiple Downtown businesses all in one place.
Destination Downtown Itineraries: Designed to support retailers through the holiday shopping season (and beyond!). Coming soon, the itineraries will feature retailers but will also highlight food & beverage businesses, public art, and Covid-safe activities to do Downtown. The itineraries will be available at downtownbellingham.com, with a limited print run to be distributed to select partners.
Shop Small (and Safe!) Saturday: The annual shopping tradition following Thanksgiving will take place on Saturday, November 28th. Clothing, comic books, plants, locally-made cards, prints and jewelry - there is something for everyone on the wish list. Shop Small (and safe!) every Saturday this holiday season.
Downtown shops have followed updated state guidelines and have been working hard to make in-person shopping experiences safe and enjoyable. From implementing extra cleaning and social distancing protocols to offering private shopping by appointment, businesses are ready to welcome customers.
Downtown Santa Sightings: Santa will be at two Downtown locations this holiday season. Kiddos are invited to bring their pre-written letters to add to Santa’s special mailbox while waving him a hello from a safe distance.
The first sighting is at Boundary Bay in their "Candy Cane Lane" on Saturday, November 28th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Families can get a glimpse of Santa again the following Saturday, on December 5th from 2:00-4:00 p.m., in the "Holly Jolly" Bay Street Village lobby.
Downtown's Holiday Tree, presented by the City of Bellingham, will shine bright at the Depot Market Square throughout November and December. The festive, annual December Art Walk will take place on Friday, December 4th from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Details coming soon.
All visitors, residents, and business owners are asked to be responsible for their own behavior and COVID-19 protocols to slow the spread of coronavirus: wear a mask; practice physical distancing and wash hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.
