Happy Friday, Bellingham. In today’s edition: Skagit River flooding, a gingerbread house decorating social, a lighted bike parade, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Rivers rising across region: Washington has declared an emergency as historic Skagit River flooding puts up to 100,000 residents at risk of evacuation, with National Guard support underway and a request for federal assistance — read the full briefing.

Construction safety focus grows: Ferndale’s first-ever tower crane at the Civic Campus comes as new Washington rules take effect Jan. 1, 2026, requiring contractors to obtain permits, follow manufacturers’ instructions, and fix structural issues — get details on new crane rules.

New safeguards for farmland: Whatcom Land Trust has taken interim ownership of Cloud Mountain Farm Center, placing 20 acres under conservation easement while seeking an owner and keeping partners like Twin Sisters Mobile Market — get all the details.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Celebrate neighborhood songwriters, support nonprofits
• Shop local at Bellingham Farmer’s Market
• Create unique decor in this ornament making class
• Make bloom ornaments at this art fest activity
• Dress up for the Santa 5K
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A tiny hearing aid is taking the US by storm

🫶 We got your back

Insights on Birch Bay cityhood: Whatcom County is hosting a virtual info session on the Birch Bay incorporation study on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 6 to 7 p.m. The study examines the financial feasibility of Birch Bay becoming a city. Expect an overview, Q and A, and no recommendations for or against. Registration is on the county website. Get all the details.

Community mental health services: Starting January 2026, Western Washington University’s Counseling Training Clinic will offer free, faculty-supervised counseling by psychology grad students to community members. In-person is available for all ages, with telehealth for 13+. Sessions run January through June, Tuesday through Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m. Note: WWU students are referred to the Counseling and Wellness Center. Get all the details.

Hair refresh, handled: In a historic waterfront space with a hidden-clubhouse vibe, Honey Salon & The Hive delivers precision cuts and custom color, stays sustainable as a Green Circle member, and grows future stylists through its in-house hair design apprenticeship.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy for regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify who you are and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

📜 “Stills” Poetry Anthology Launch Party @ Aslan Depot | Friday (12/12) at 6:30pm – Skip the endless scroll and toast CASCADIA’s 10th year at a launch party where films become poems, and poems become your new dinner conversation. Ravenna Press and local poets read from STILLS, then music takes over. Smart company, zero pretense, very Bellingham.

🎄 Collide at Christmas: A Gala for Good @ Bellingham Cruise Terminal | Friday (12/12) at 7:00pm – Time to trade slippers for party shoes, and do some good while you’re at it. Expect live and silent auctions, music, entertainment, decadent dessert, and stories that might dust your eyes. Skipping the schmooze? Bid in the online silent auction while you shop.

This weekend

🧵 Intro to Sewing with Anna N.: Tote Bag @ Bellingham Makerspace | Saturday (12/13) at 1:00pm – Remember when buttons stayed on because someone knew what a bobbin was? Learn sewing basics with Anna N., from tools and notions to wrangling a sewing machine, and walk out with a handmade tote. Useful, relaxing, and far less scary than hemming pants.

🚲 Bellingham Annual Lighted Bike Parade @ Depot Market Square | Saturday (12/13) at 4:45pm – If your holiday spirit needs a tune-up, light up your bike and roll from Depot Market Square for an out-and-back on the South Bay Trail. Free, open to all, and yes, we ride in rain, because Bellingham. Warm up with free cocoa, snag GIRLnDOG cookies.

🍲 Seafood Super Series: Cioppino @ Barlean’s Fishery Inc. | Saturday (12/13) at 6:00pm – This hands-on supper walks you through making cioppino from scratch, then feeds you a four-course seafood feast for your trouble. Think simmering tomatoes, clams, and bragging rights. You leave with recipes, a full belly, and zero dishes to wash.

🎁 Creative Corner Holiday Market @ Center for Mindful Use | Sunday (12/14) at 2:00pm – Skip the mall parking lot jousting and wander this holiday market instead, full of unique hand-crafted gifts from local artists, live buskers, and actual cheer. Grab a drink, enter the raffle, support your neighbors, and call your shopping done in one cozy swoop.

🎬 Documenting Grace Film Series – Signs of Strength @ FireHouse Arts & Events Center | Sunday (12/14) at 3:00pm – Settle in for a powerful screening from Diavolo, where veterans and civilian dancers turn grit, resilience, and human connection into choreography that lands in your gut. Then Zoom with the artists and Bellingham’s Janet Ott, because sometimes the heaviest lifting is emotional, not on Galbraith.

🍬 Gingerbread House Decorating Social @ Next Chapter Cafe | Sunday (12/14) at 5:30pm – Trade screen time for frosting at a gingerbread house social in the cozy mezzanine nook at Next Chapter Cafe, inside Village Books. Sip wine or hot cocoa, come solo or share a house, and kids 8-plus can join an adult, drinks included, structural integrity optional.

Next week

✨ Miracle on Cornwall @ Hotel Leo | Monday (12/15) at 2:00pm – Skip the living room tinsel and let Miracle on Cornwall do the heavy lifting. Hotel Leo’s pop-up is all twinkle lights, seasonal cocktails, and actual seating, so you can toast, nibble, and quietly judge the playlist while your spirits and your glass stay full.

🎷 “Darkness and Light” – Connection Jazz Series Candlelight Jazz @ FireHouse Arts & Events Center | Monday (12/15) at 6:30pm – Settle in for candlelit jazz that drifts from lullaby to the subconscious, with PNW greats Mark Taylor, Bill Anschell, Jeff Johnson, and Christian Casolary. Real mood, zero fire hazard, all connection. Grab advance tickets or snag the door deal, $20 general, $10 students.

🧶 Kept in Stitches @ Everson Library | Tuesday (12/16) at 6:30pm – Bring your knitting, crochet, needlework, or whatever crafty chaos you’re into and settle in with a friendly crew that meets weekly. Expect plenty of laughter, shared tips, and a cozy space to unwind while your hands stay busy. A stitch-and-chat evening done right.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/12 Rebecca Porter @ Honey Moon – 7 pm
• 12/12 Aerial Ruin and more @ The Shakedown – 9 pm
• 12/13 A Subdued Holiday Special @ First Presbyterian Church – 7 pm
• 12/13 Mason Jennings @ Wild Buffalo – 6 pm
• 12/14 The Davanos @ The Old Edison – 5:30 pm
• 12/17 JP Falcon Grady Band @ Stones Throw Brewery – 6 pm
• 12/17 Eugenie Jones Quintet @ Firehouse Arts and Events Center – 6:30 pm
• 12/18 Jenny & Tyler Christmas Stories Tour @ Christ Church Bellingham – 7 pm
• 12/20 Casey Freedom @ Honey Moon – 8 pm

🏠️ Price is right – Bellingham edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Christopher Boyd (COMPASS)

A one-level Skeers build with forest vibes and a Hannah Creek backdrop, this spot nails privacy and polish. Vaulted great room, gas fireplace, hardwood underfoot, and granite where it counts. French doors spill to a secluded yard with curated landscaping and a custom stone patio, dialed for quiet mornings or full crew hangouts.

Three-bay garage for toys and gear. Primary suite adds a soaking tub, tiled shower, and walk-in closet. Minutes to Whatcom Falls, Lookout Mountain, and Galbraith, with that classic PNW calm.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →