Vancouver Community Tree Lighting
Visitors watch Santa and Mrs. Claus sail in by tugboat escorted by a flotilla of Christmas ships, followed by a parade of decorated vehicles traveling downtown. At the park, attendees enjoy live stage music, carriage rides, and family photo stations. The celebration culminates in a community gathering to count down and illuminate the holiday tree.
What to Expect
Features a tugboat arrival, lighted vehicle parade, and live entertainment.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Vancouver
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Visit Vancouver WA
Food & Drink
The adjacent Holiday Market offers treats.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and communal
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM; the tree lighting is at 6 p.m. The page also describes the waterfront arrival as in the late afternoon.
- Parking: City lots around Esther Short Park open at or before 3 p.m.; a $5 parking donation is requested in some lots. The page advises arriving early for the closest spaces or considering rideshare/transit due to downtown crowds.
Tips & Advice
- Get to the Vancouver Waterfront in the late afternoon to see Santa and Mrs. Claus sail in by tugboat before the parade heads up to the park.
- Go to the carriage rides along 6th Street early, because they're popular and lines build as the evening goes on.
- Arrive early to get the closest parking spaces near Esther Short Park, or use rideshare or transit to avoid the downtown holiday crowds.
- Stay after the tree lighting for Santa photos at the family photo stations, and catch Anna, Elsa and Olaf for pictures too.
- Dress for the weather, since the arrival, parade and tree lighting all happen outdoors at the waterfront and in the park.
Special Events & Promotions
- Holiday Market at the Hilton Vancouver, next to Esther Short Park, with local handmade gifts and treats.
- Frozen's Anna, Elsa and Olaf appear for kids and photos.
- Santa photos at the family photo stations after the tree lighting.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I go to see Santa arrive?
Head to the Vancouver Waterfront in the late afternoon. Santa and Mrs. Claus sail in by tugboat, escorted by a flotilla of Columbia River Christmas ships.
What is there to do at Esther Short Park?
There's live music and on-stage entertainment before the lighting, plus carriage rides along 6th Street and family photo stations. Anna, Elsa and Olaf from Frozen also appear for kids and photos.
Can kids get photos with Santa?
Yes. Santa photos start after the tree lighting at the family photo stations in Esther Short Park.
Where should I park?
City lots around Esther Short Park open before the event, and some lots ask for a parking donation. Arrive early for the closest spaces, or take rideshare or transit because of the downtown crowds.
Can I walk between the waterfront and the park?
Yes. The Vancouver Waterfront and Esther Short Park are both in downtown Vancouver and within walking distance of each other.
More Christmas Events Near Vancouver
More Christmas Events near Vancouver
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.