Celebrate the magic of the holiday season in Vancouver, WA, with a diverse array of festive events that cater to both locals and visitors. From the nostalgic charm of Christmas at the Fort, where history comes alive with costumed interpreters and traditional crafts, to the dazzling sight of the Christmas Ships Parade illuminating the Columbia River, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Immerse yourself in the luminous splendor of the Festival of Lights at The Grotto, and explore its beautifully decorated gardens and inspiring choral performances. Experience the heartfelt warmth and joy that Vancouver brings to the holidays, making it a perfect destination for unforgettable holiday memories.
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The Top Christmas Events in Vancouver
- Christmas at the Fort
- Vancouver Rotary Festival of Trees
- Winter Brewfest
- Santa’s Posse
- Christmas in Esther Short Park
Vancouver Holiday Giving Opportunities
Vancouver Rotary Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Professionally decorated trees for charity auction
Description:
The Vancouver Rotary Festival of Trees showcases an array of professionally decorated Christmas trees, each a unique work of art. This event combines creativity with philanthropy, as the trees are auctioned off to support local charities. Designers and businesses compete to create the most impressive displays, resulting in a diverse collection of themed trees. Visitors can admire the intricate decorations and vote for their favorites. The festival, organized by the Rotary Club of Vancouver, has been a cornerstone of the community's holiday giving for over three decades.
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Vancouver Rotary Festival of Trees
Santa’s Posse
What to Expect:
Community-driven gift delivery program for families in need
Description:
Santa's Posse mobilizes the community to bring holiday cheer to families facing hardship. This grassroots initiative, led by the Clark County Sheriff's Office, coordinates the collection and distribution of gifts and essential items. Volunteers, including local law enforcement officers, come together to sort, wrap, and deliver presents to hundreds of families. The program, which began in 1997, has grown into a major community effort, reflecting the strong spirit of giving in Clark County. Participants can experience the joy of making a direct impact on their neighbors' lives during the holiday season.
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Vancouver Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at the Fort
What to Expect:
Historical reenactments in a 19th-century fort setting
Description:
Step back in time at Fort Vancouver's Christmas celebration. This living history event transports visitors to the 1840s, when the Hudson's Bay Company operated the fort. Costumed interpreters bring the past to life, demonstrating traditional crafts and sharing stories of frontier Christmases. The aroma of freshly baked holiday treats wafts through the air as you explore the candlelit buildings. Learn about the cultural exchanges between European fur traders and local Native American tribes during this pivotal era in Pacific Northwest history.
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Winter Brewfest
What to Expect:
Seasonal craft beer tasting in a holiday setting
Description:
Winter Brew Fest celebrates the art of craft brewing with a holiday twist. This event brings together local and regional breweries to showcase their winter and holiday-themed brews. Attendees can sample a wide variety of seasonal ales, stouts, and lagers, each crafted to capture the flavors of the season. The festival space is adorned with subtle holiday decorations, creating a cozy atmosphere for beer enthusiasts. Learn about the brewing process and the history of winter beer styles from knowledgeable brewers. This event highlights the Pacific Northwest's rich brewing culture, which dates back to the mid-19th century.
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Christmas in Esther Short Park
What to Expect:
Historic park celebration with community tree lighting
Description:
Esther Short Park, the oldest public square in the Pacific Northwest, becomes the heart of Vancouver's holiday celebrations. This event centers around the lighting of a grand community Christmas tree, continuing a tradition that dates back generations. The park, established in 1853, provides a picturesque setting for holiday festivities, including live performances and seasonal vendors. Visitors can stroll through the historic grounds, admiring the Victorian-era architecture that surrounds the park. The celebration honors Esther Short, a pioneer woman who donated the land for the park, embodying the community spirit that still thrives in Vancouver today.
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Christmas in Esther Short Park
Nearby Events
Christmas Ships Parade (Portland)
What to Expect:
Flotilla of decorated boats on the Columbia River
Description:
The Columbia River comes alive with a dazzling procession of illuminated vessels during the Christmas Ships Parade. This beloved tradition, dating back to 1954, showcases the maritime heritage of the Pacific Northwest. Boats of all sizes, from small pleasure craft to large yachts, are adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and creative displays. Spectators line the shores to witness this floating spectacle, which reflects brilliantly on the river's surface. You can join the festivities by attending one of the many waterfront viewing parties along the parade route.
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Festival of Lights at The Grotto (Portland)
What to Expect:
Spiritual setting in a rock cave sanctuary
Description:
The Grotto's Festival of Lights transforms a serene Catholic shrine into a luminous celebration of faith and community. Set against the backdrop of a 110-foot cliff with its cave sanctuary, this event offers a unique blend of spirituality and holiday cheer. Choral performances echo through the grounds, creating an atmosphere of reverence and joy. Visitors can explore the beautifully lit gardens, marvel at the life-sized Nativity scene, and participate in candlelit processions. The Grotto has been a place of pilgrimage since 1924, adding depth to this annual tradition.
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Festival of Lights at The Grotto
ZooLights (Portland)
What to Expect:
Animal-themed light sculptures and conservation education
Description:
ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo illuminates the night with a menagerie of glowing animal sculptures. This event combines holiday cheer with wildlife conservation education, creating a unique experience for visitors of all ages. As you stroll through the zoo, encounter over 1.5 million LED lights forming intricate displays of both exotic and native species. Learn about the zoo's conservation efforts while enjoying the festive atmosphere. The event's roots trace back to 1988, evolving from a small community celebration to a beloved regional tradition that supports wildlife preservation.
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Peacock Lane (Portland)
What to Expect:
Historic neighborhood with coordinated decorations
Description:
Peacock Lane, a charming street in Portland, transforms into a coordinated holiday spectacle each December. This tradition, dating back to the 1920s, showcases the collaborative spirit of the neighborhood's residents. Tudor-style homes lining the street are adorned with elaborate decorations, each contributing to a cohesive theme. The twinkling lights and intricate displays create a captivating scene that draws visitors from across the region. As you stroll down the lane, observe the architectural details of these historic homes, which have been carefully preserved over the decades.
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Pittock Mansion Christmas (Portland)
What to Expect:
Period-specific decorations in a historic mansion
Description:
Pittock Mansion, a symbol of Portland's gilded age, dons its holiday finest with period-specific decorations. This annual event showcases the opulence of early 20th-century celebrations within the 16,000-square-foot French Renaissance-style château. Each room is meticulously adorned to reflect a different historical theme, offering glimpses into past holiday traditions. Visitors can explore the lavishly decorated halls while learning about the Pittock family's influence on Portland's development. The mansion's hilltop location provides stunning views of the city skyline, adding to the grandeur of the experience.
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Portland Winter Wonderland (Portland)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light show at a racetrack
Description:
Portland International Raceway transforms into a dazzling drive-through light show during Winter Wonderland. This unique event allows visitors to experience holiday lights from the comfort of their own vehicles. The 2-mile course winds through over 250 colorful light displays, turning the racetrack into a festive circuit. As you cruise along, tune your radio to a special station playing synchronized holiday music. The event, which began in 1993, has become the largest holiday light show in the Northwest, combining the thrill of the racetrack with the joy of the season.
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Portland's Singing Christmas Tree (Portland)
What to Expect:
Choir arranged in the shape of a giant Christmas tree
Description:
Portland's Singing Christmas Tree presents a unique choral spectacle, featuring hundreds of voices arranged in a towering tree-shaped formation. This visually striking performance combines traditional carols with contemporary holiday music, creating a powerful auditory experience. The event, which has been a Portland tradition for over half a century, showcases local talent and brings the community together through song. As the choir performs, intricate lighting effects enhance the tree-like structure, creating a mesmerizing visual display that complements the music.
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Portland's Singing Christmas Tree
Ridgefield Hometown Celebration (Ridgefield)
What to Expect:
Small-town charm with a tractor parade
Description:
Ridgefield's Hometown Celebration captures the essence of small-town holiday spirit with its unique tractor parade. This event transforms the quaint downtown into a festive hub, where local businesses and residents come together to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The highlight is the procession of decorated tractors, a nod to the area's agricultural heritage. Visitors can explore the charming shops, enjoy live performances, and participate in old-fashioned holiday activities. The celebration reflects Ridgefield's history as a farming community, which dates back to the mid-1800s.
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Ridgefield Hometown Celebration
Christmas Fantasy Trail (Oregon City)
What to Expect:
Illuminated forest walk with interactive elements
Description:
The Christmas Fantasy Trail offers an immersive journey through a beautifully lit forest. This outdoor adventure transforms a wooded area into a twinkling wonderland, with interactive elements hidden along the path. Visitors can explore secret passages, discover hidden treasures, and activate light displays as they wind their way through the trees. The trail incorporates natural elements of the Pacific Northwest landscape, creating a unique blend of nature and holiday magic. This event encourages exploration and imagination, making it a favorite for families and nature enthusiasts alike.
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Festival of the Last Minute (Portland)
What to Expect:
Last-minute shopping event with local artisans
Description:
The Festival of the Last Minute caters to procrastinators and spontaneous shoppers alike. This lively event brings together local artisans and craftspeople for a final holiday market before Christmas. The festival celebrates the creative spirit of the Pacific Northwest, offering a wide array of unique, handcrafted gifts. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of various crafts, from glassblowing to woodworking. The event's origins lie in Portland's vibrant maker culture, which has flourished since the city's early days as a hub for artisans and craftspeople.
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Alpenrose Dairy Christmas Village (Portland)
What to Expect:
Holiday village at a historic dairy
Description:
Alpenrose Dairy, a Portland institution since 1916, transforms into a charming Christmas Village during the holiday season. This unique event combines the dairy's rich history with festive cheer, creating a nostalgic experience for visitors. The village features miniature storefronts, a model train display, and live performances in the dairy's vintage opera house. Children can visit with Santa in a setting that harkens back to simpler times. The event showcases the dairy's longstanding commitment to community engagement, which has been a hallmark of Alpenrose since its founding over a century ago.
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Alpenrose Dairy Christmas Village
Woodland Planters Days Holiday Parade (Woodland)
What to Expect:
Agricultural-themed holiday parade
Description:
Woodland's Planters Days Holiday Parade celebrates the town's agricultural roots with a festive twist. This unique event combines traditional holiday elements with tributes to the region's farming heritage. Floats adorned with both Christmas lights and farm equipment roll down the streets, accompanied by marching bands and community groups. The parade, which evolved from the town's summer Planters Days festival, reflects Woodland's history as a key agricultural center in Southwest Washington. Spectators can enjoy the sights and sounds of this small-town celebration while learning about local farming traditions.
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Woodland Planters Days Holiday Parade
Holiday Express Train (Portland)
What to Expect:
Vintage train ride with Santa along the Willamette River
Description:
The Holiday Express Train offers a journey back in time aboard beautifully restored vintage rail cars. This excursion along the Willamette River combines the nostalgia of rail travel with the spirit of the season. Passengers can enjoy the scenic route while sipping hot cocoa and listening to carolers. The train, operated by the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation, features locomotives and cars from the early 20th century, providing a glimpse into the region's rich railroad history. As you travel, learn about the important role railways played in the development of the Pacific Northwest.