🐹 Knight Before Christmas ⚔️⚔️

Good morning, Bellingham. This is your Monday update from The Hamster Wheel.

Have fun, and stay safe out there!

~ Evan

Nature, Community, Sasquatch, UAP

Photos From the Hoods

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Whatcom Weather

The Raindrop Report

Events, Updates & News Around Town

Get off the Hamster Wheel

Birch Bay Seeks Record With This Year’s Polar Dip

Birch Bay is going big this New Year’s Day with an attempt to break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the largest Polar Bear Dip. 🥶 The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce, along with Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, hope to lead thousands of plungers into the Salish Sea at noon on January 1, 2026. The goal: to outdo Norway’s newly set record of 3,134 participants, each required to brave waist-deep water for 60 seconds.

Now in its 43rd year, Birch Bay’s annual Polar Bear Plunge has evolved from a handful of friends daring each other into the bay to a full-fledged community tradition. Organizers hope this year’s record attempt will not only make history but also highlight Birch Bay as a winter destination that thrives on enthusiasm, grit, and a sense of humor. “We’re doing this to show that we can have some fun when the weather’s cloudy and gloomy as well,” event coordinator Sacha Sanguinetti told The Front.

Registration opens at 8 am on January 1, at Birch Bay Beach Park, with the plunge scheduled for noon sharp. Participants must follow official Guinness rules — swimsuits only, no costumes or wetsuits — and stay waist-deep for one minute. Register to plunge.

With the Sunday reopening of the Mount Baker Highway east of Glacier and a recent increase in snowpack on the mountain, the Mount Baker Ski Area’s opening day has arrived!

The latest snow report indicates that over 90% of the named routes are open, and additional openings will be announced as snowfall continues early this week and over next weekend. With all those kiddos on winter break, a trip to the mountain might be just the ticket! ⛷️ 

Local Reads: Two noteworthy articles were released in Whatcom publications in the last few days highlighting challenges facing our region’s environment and governance. A Salish Current feature by Sydnee Chapman explains how historical land use decisions combined with climate change are intensifying flooding in Northwest Washington and British Columbia. While the Northern Light continues it’s Behind Closed Doors investigation revealing how the Port relies on expensive outside consultants to train staff on work it has self-performed for decades. Both are worth a read!

• Two-headed hydra’ worsens regional flooding, Salish Current

• Behind closed doors part III, The Northern Light 

Local Business Updates

Haggling With Local Folk

Holiday Group Show at Meloy Gallery

Are you looking for a special gift to round out your holiday shopping? Head downtown to Meloy Gallery, Studio & Salon, where you’ll find a group exhibition of original paintings, prints, and creations from local artists like Rachel Foreman, Lonnie Schang, Rebecca Meloy, Richard Longstreet, Lisa Sheets, and John A Taylor.

The exhibit runs through Wednesday, with the gallery open from noon to 5:30 pm. Plus, there’s a 15% off sale running on art cards, journals, books, and stickers, along with a 5% discount for clients over age 65.

I’ve heard from several downtown business owners, including Rebecca Meloy, that traffic through downtown’s boutique shops has seen a downturn this holiday season. Shopping local helps sustain the makers, artists, and entrepreneurs who give our city its character. Shops like Rebecca’s are the best of Bellingham!

Find the Meloy Gallery at 301 West Holly in the Bay Street Village.

Food & Drink

Hamsters Gotta Eat

Performance Arts This Week

Dance of The Hamsters

LIVE ARTS & FILM

Uisce Irish Pub
Guffawingham (comedy) | Mon 9:00 pm

Mount Baker Theatre
The Nutcracker (dance) | Mon

The Upfront Theatre
Various performances

PARTICIPATORY DANCE

Salsa & Bachata - Viking Union - Mon 7 pm
Bellingham Embodiment Collective - Majestic Ballroom - Mon 6:30 pm
Contact Improv - Aikido Peace Education Center - Mon 7 pm
Beginning Cuban Salsa - Cof& - Tues 6 pm
B’ham Hop - Crystal Ballroom - Tues 8 pm
Taster Tuesdays (hip hop) - Lost Giants Cider Co - Tues 6 pm
Int. Cuban Salsa - Cof& - Tues 7:15 pm
Tango Practica - The Majestic - Wed 6:30 pm
Flow Fusion - Karate Church - Thurs 7 pm
Sunset Silent Disco - Zuanich - Sat 4:00 pm
Salsa Collective - The Majestic - Sun 5:30 pm

Events & Nightlife

Spinning Into The Night

FEATURED

Pianist and composer Cindy Minkler (Lakota Sioux) brings her expressive works to the FireHouse Arts & Events Center tomorrow, December 23, from 6 to 8 pm A Seattle Pacific University graduate and award-winning performer, Minkler has shared her compositions from San Francisco’s American Indian Film Festival to the West Coast American Indian Music Awards. Donations accepted in place of tickets.

Overflow Taps hosts Trivia Knight Before Christmas Holiday Spectacular tonight, December 22, at its West Lynden location, a festive evening of trivia, prizes, and holiday sweaters. Hosted by Will and MJ, the event features themed questions and a fully decorated atmosphere. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with trivia running from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Join Robert Sarazin Blake for the annual A Very Subdued Christmas show at New Prospect Theatre tomorrow night, December 23, at 7 pm. Featuring special guests Fl!p & Zeke! All ages | $20 adults, $10 kids.

MONDAY

Trivia Night, Zeeks Pizza - Hosted by Justin Smith! Teams of 1-6 people, $2 buy in per person, prizes for top 3 teams and group with best team name! 6 to 8 pm.

Monday Music & Trivia →

TUESDAY

Jazz Night, Aslan Depot - Free live jazz at the Aslan Depot! Enjoy pizza, wings, craft cocktails, and more all while listening to local musicians play lively jazz music! 8 to10 pm.

Charlie Partin, Beach Cat Brewing (North Paw) – Local favorite Charlie Partin brings his signature country-tinged sound to Beach Cat Brewing’s Birch Bay location for an evening of live music, craft brews, and relaxed vibes starting at 6 p.m. Dogs and good company welcome.

Tuesday Music & Trivia →

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Hakuna matata

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