Vancouver WA has a variety of events throughout November and December to put you in the holiday spirit. Enjoy twinkling holiday lights, Santa sightings, cultural celebrations, and so much more. This preview is just a selection—be sure to check events and search by dates on our Events Calendar.
Christmas Markets
Vancouver comes alive with festive charm during the holiday season, offering an array of local markets. From the Vancouver Farmers Market's winter edition showcasing seasonal produce and unique handcrafted goods to the Vancouver Holiday Market and Kids Holiday Market, where young entrepreneurs aged five to fifteen display their creative wares, there's something for everyone. Or indulge in the Downtown Camas Association's Holiday Sip & Shop event. Discover Pop-Local on the waterfront, a retail home for local makers and brands. Discover a selection of holiday decor and gifts at Christmas in Vantucky, or experience the charm of Christmas at the Farm at Pomeroy Living History Farm. Don't miss the Holiday Makers Market by Mosaic Arts Alliance, where you'll find plenty of unique art gifts by local artists! Local boutiques like The French Door, Persnickety, and Most Everything Vintage also offer a variety of festive items to buy. Head to our shopping page for a complete list of businesses.
Holiday Things to Do with Kids
Discover the holiday magic in and around Vancouver—it's the perfect spot for unforgettable family fun. Witness the dazzling tree lighting at Esther Short Park, kick-off Thanksgiving with the Turkey Trot along Salmon Creek Trail, or dare to take a Polar Bear Plunge in Klineline Pond. Hop aboard the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad's Santa Train. December brings the time-honored tradition of the Christmas Ships Parade along the Columbia River. Find your ideal Christmas tree at Klopman U-Cut Christmas Tree Farm, and don't miss the Lighted Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting in Washougal or the enchanting 150,000 Christmas lights at Holidays on Franklin. Explore Candy Cane Lane in Ridgefield, the festive streets of Downtown Camas, and the holiday celebrations in Ridgefield and Washougal, where hometown trees and lights transform Clark County into a winter wonderland of joy.
Christmas Concerts and Shows
Discover a delightful array of Christmas shows in Vancouver this season. Enjoy classic holiday movies at Kiggins Theatre, including 'Elf,' 'The Muppets Christmas Carol,' and 'White Christmas.' Dive into the magic of The Nutcracker with performances by the Friends of DanceWorks. Columbia Dance's The Nutcracker is inspired by Fort Vancouver and offers a Pacific Northwest-infused twist. For beautiful seasonal instrumentals, don't miss the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra's Back to the Movies Series or the classic sounds of the Vancouver Master Chorale. The Providence Academy Ballroom hosts the Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra every First Friday. Metropolitan Performing Arts presents "White Christmas," while Magenta Theater presents "Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story." Don't forget to catch the enchanting Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis at ilani Casino.
Santa Pictures and Sightings
Get ready to spot Santa throughout Vancouver this holiday season. Keep an eye out for Santa's usual appearances at The Marshall House for a special holiday experience (and enjoy some Holiday Tea)! Support the community during the Santa's Posse 5K Walk/Run, benefiting families in Clark County. For a family-friendly outing, head to the Dennis' 7 Dees Garden Center for Reindeer Magic with live reindeer, Santa, local food, face painting, and live music. Santa also visits the Vancouver Farmers Market during the Kids Holiday Market.