“The Magic of Christmas,” 2011, Butchart Gardens, Victoria B.C.

What: “The Magic of Christmas” – Tens of thousands of coloured lights combine with evergreen swags and wreaths of holly and winter berries to line walkways and festoon lamp posts. The ever popular Twelve Days of Christmas displays are tucked away about The Gardens…. [Website] When: December 1, 2011 — January 6, 2012 Where: 800 [...]

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14th Annual “Bright Nights,” Stanley Park, Vancouver B.C.

  What: In terms of what you get for your money (barring border delays and travel distance to Vancouver B.C.), Bright Nights is about the best regional bargain in the “Christmas lights/train ride” department.  Often called “the most spectacular lighting display in Canada,” the Christmas train winds through a display of  two-million Christmas lights, animated [...]

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How to photograph Christmas lights

Here are some excellent suggestions on how to take not only decent, but quite possibly fantastic, digital images of Christmas lights.

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REMINDER: Christmas in Bellingham

There’s more going on locally today, tomorrow, and Sunday, than on any other weekend in December, including the Port of Bellingham Holiday Festival (free), the Lighted Boat Parade on Bellingham Bay, and a free concert by the Bellingham Bagpipe Band at Whatcom Museum. For a complete listing of this weekend’s events,  see the Christmas Calendar.

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“Bright Nights” at Stanley Park, Vancouver B.C.

This would be an excellent opportunity to visit the absolutely fantastic Vancouver Aquarium at Stanley Park, as well. Where: Stanley Park, Vancouver, B.C. (map and directions) When: Now through Jan. 3, 3:00-10:00 PM, daily (closed Christmas Day) What: More than a million twinkling lights transform the forest, train and Children’s Farmyard. Explore the woodland paths [...]

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Lynden in Lights

Where: Lynden, Washington When: Now through Jan. 5 What: Lynden’s annual community Christmas lights The 2006 map is available online (.pdf file). Otherwise, it’s just a matter of driving around a small town looking at Christmas lights as you encounter them. In my experience, Lynden has a lot of Christmas spirit going on, so you [...]

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Bellingham: KGMI 790 AM Sponsoring Best Christmas Lighting Contest

With a sweet prize package worth $3500. For more information, see KGMI.com.

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Fairhaven Holiday Open House and Gallery Walk

If you’re on a quest for that old-fashioned Christmas feeling, visiting Fairhaven during the holidays is something I’d recommend. The combination of pre turn-of-the-century buildings, quaint shops, and a no-skimping approach to holiday lights can make for a memorable experience. And remember, it’s not about buying things, it’s about the experience. If you approach it [...]

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