Ready for holiday fun in Vancouver? Let our guide show you the best festive events! For Vancouver natives and newcomers alike, our guide illuminates the best of the city's holiday offerings.
One highlight of the season is Zoo Lights, where the wildlife park transforms into a dazzling display of lights that enchants visitors of all ages. With beautiful light installations and a chance to see some nocturnal animals, it offers a unique festive vibe. Additionally, the Festival of Trees showcases beautifully decorated Christmas trees and supports local charities, adding a charitable spirit to the season. And the Christmas at The Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring spectacular decorations and family-friendly activities for all to enjoy. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Vancouver
- Zoo Lights (Portland)
- Festival of Trees (Portland)
- Community Tree Lighting
- Christmas at The Park
- Christmas Ships on the Columbia River
- It’s a Wonderful Life
- Christmas at The Fort
- The Grotto Christmas Festival of Lights (Portland)
- Winter Wonderland at PIR (Portland)
- Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Christmas Special Train Rides (Yacolt)
See these and even more events listed below!
Vancouver Holiday Light Displays
Zoo Lights
What to Expect:
Dazzling light displays and interactive exhibits.
Description:
At Zoo Lights, explore dazzling new light displays, including a rolling river light show and life-size animal lanterns. Walk through famous tunnels of sparkling lights and pose next to colorful animals to create lasting holiday memories.
Where: Portland | More Info: Zoo Lights
Christmas at The Park
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations and festive activities in a natural setting.
Description:
Explore the illuminated Capilano Suspension Bridge and rainforest, featuring a world-famous bridge lit end-to-end with a changing multi-colour display. Enjoy Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk while capturing Instagram-worthy photos and sipping decadent hot chocolate to live festive tunes. The event includes many kids' activities and supports the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
Where: Vancouver | More Info: Christmas at The Park
Community Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Santa's arrival by Christmas ships and festive family activities.
Description:
The Community Tree Lighting event features a festive celebration with Santa's arrival by Christmas ships, live music, carriage rides, and family activities at Esther Short Park and the Vancouver Waterfront.
Where: Vancouver | More Info: Community Tree Lighting
Christmas Ships on the Columbia River
What to Expect:
Unique holiday light display by privately owned boats.
Description:
The Christmas Ships on the Columbia River feature a fleet of festively decorated sailboats and yachts, ranging from 14 to 65 feet in length, parading along the waterfront with light displays and inflatable décor.
Where: Vancouver | More Info: Christmas Ships on the Columbia River
Vancouver Rotary Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Santa's arrival via a Christmas tugboat and escorted by Christmas Ships.
Description:
The Vancouver Rotary Festival of Trees is a community event featuring live music, carriage rides, and holiday treats. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive via a Christmas tugboat and are escorted by Christmas Ships. The event culminates with the lighting of the official Vancouver Community Tree, followed by family photos and entertainment.
Where: Vancouver | More Info: Vancouver Rotary Festival of Trees
Winter Wonderland at PIR
What to Expect:
Largest holiday light show in the Northwest.
Description:
At Portland International Raceway, Winter Wonderland features over 250 spectacular light pieces set up along the racetrack, creating one of the largest holiday light shows in the Northwest. The event includes a VIP Fast Lane for quicker access and is open from November 29 to December 31, 2024.
Where: Portland | More Info: Winter Wonderland at PIR
The Grotto Christmas Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Largest Christmas choral festival in the world with cathedral-like acoustics.
Description:
The Grotto Christmas Festival of Lights features over 500,000 lights, 150 indoor concerts, and continuous family entertainment including outdoor caroling, puppet shows, and live animals. The event is a walk-through experience with a variety of holiday activities and serene reflection.
Where: Portland | More Info: The Grotto Christmas Festival of Lights
Battle Ground Holiday Tree Lighting & Celebration
What to Expect:
Community tree lighting with caroling and holiday activities.
Description:
Join us at the Battle Ground Community Center for the lighting of the community tree, a traditional kick-off to the holiday season. The festivities will begin outdoors with caroling led by the Battle Ground High School Choir and continue indoors with hot cocoa, cookies, coloring sheets, and opportunities to get photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Where: Battle Ground | More Info: Battle Ground Holiday Tree Lighting & Celebration
Woodland Winterfest
What to Expect:
Jazz performances and Santa visits.
Description:
Woodland Winterfest features jazz performances, Santa visits, tree lighting, a food court, carols, gifts, and treats in Hoffman Plaza.
Where: Woodland | More Info: Woodland Winterfest
Washougal Lighted Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Holiday parade with live music and tree lighting ceremony.
Description:
The Washougal Lighted Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting features a festive parade with performances by the Washougal High School band and choir, followed by a tree lighting ceremony in Reflection Plaza. Complimentary cookies and hot cocoa are served, and Santa Claus passes out candy canes.
Where: Washougal | More Info: Washougal Lighted Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Silverton Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Immersive light displays and authentic German market.
Description:
The Silverton Christmas Market features over 1.5 million twinkling lights, an authentic German Christmas Market, snowless tubing, live music in the Biergarten, and visits with Santa. Explore immersive paths, enjoy festive food and drinks, and shop for handmade gifts.
Where: Silverton | More Info: Silverton Christmas Market
Vancouver Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Inclusive community celebration with sensory-friendly activities.
Description:
The Safeway | Providence Festival of Trees is a Portland holiday tradition featuring elegant gala events and inclusive community celebrations at the Oregon Convention Center. It includes a sensory-friendly public show and a gala dinner auction, benefiting Providence Children's Health.
Where: Portland | More Info: Festival of Trees
It’s a Wonderful Life
What to Expect:
Radio studio setting with period jingles and old-fashioned commercials.
Description:
It's a Wonderful Life: On the Air is a heartwarming stage adaptation of the classic tale, set in a radio studio with songs, old-fashioned commercials, and period jingles. George Bailey, a small-town Building and Loan clerk, grapples with the idea that the world would be better without him, until salvation comes in the form of a dotty angel-in-waiting.
Where: Vancouver | More Info: It’s a Wonderful Life
Camas Hometown Holidays
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with Santa, crafts, and entertainment.
Description:
Camas Hometown Holidays is a festive event in historic Downtown Camas, featuring Santa, holiday crafts, entertainment, and food vendors. It is a family-friendly celebration coordinated by Camas Parks & Recreation in conjunction with Camas Downtown First Friday.
Where: Camas | More Info: Camas Hometown Holidays
Vancouver Holiday Giving Opportunities
Turkey Trot
What to Expect:
Fundraising event for Clark County Food Bank.
Description:
The Turkey Trot is a family-friendly 5K run/walk and 10K run benefiting Clark County Food Bank, promoting community health and supporting those experiencing hunger.
Where: Vancouver | More Info: Turkey Trot
Santa’s Posse Toy and Food Drive
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday assistance program.
Description:
Santa's Posse is a nonprofit organization that partners with the Clark County Sheriff's Office to collect and distribute toys and food to less fortunate families in the community, making the holiday season special for over 1,500 families.
Where: Vancouver | More Info: Santa’s Posse Toy and Food Drive
Vancouver Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at The Fort
What to Expect:
Historical reenactments and festive activities in a historic setting.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site with festive activities and historical reenactments, immersing visitors in the traditions of the past.
Where: Vancouver | More Info: Christmas at The Fort
Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Christmas Special Train Rides
What to Expect:
Themed holiday train rides through scenic landscapes.
Description:
Join Chelatchie Prairie Railroad for a festive holiday experience aboard their Christmas Special Trains. Enjoy themed rides through the picturesque landscapes of North Clark County, Washington, as you celebrate the season with family and friends.
Where: Yacolt | More Info: Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Christmas Special Train Rides
Christmas Tea at Pomeroy Farm
What to Expect:
Historic log house tour included
Description:
Join Pomeroy Farm for a Christmas Tea featuring assorted savory sandwiches, various desserts, scones, and tea. The event includes a tour of the historic log house and is a fundraiser for Pomeroy Living History Farm.
Where: Yacolt | More Info: Christmas Tea at Pomeroy Farm
La Center Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Community-driven celebration with local artisans and vendors.
Description:
La Center Christmas Festival brings the community together with activities, entertainment, and local vendors, fostering a sense of belonging and unity.
Where: La Center | More Info: La Center Christmas Festival
Ridgefield Hometown Celebration
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with local vendors and activities.
Description:
Ridgefield Hometown Celebration is a holiday event featuring twinkling lights, decorated businesses, local vendors, and festive activities like visits with Santa, live music, and a tree lighting ceremony.
Where: Ridgefield | More Info: Ridgefield Hometown Celebration
Ugly Holiday Sweater Pub Crawl
What to Expect:
Unique blend of fashion and socializing.
Description:
Join in the fun of the Ugly Holiday Sweater Pub Crawl, where participants don their most outrageous holiday attire for a night of camaraderie and merriment.
Where: Vancouver | More Info: Ugly Holiday Sweater Pub Crawl
Christmas at Pomeroy Farms
What to Expect:
Historic log house tour included with tea experience.
Description:
Join us for a Christmas-themed tea at Pomeroy Farm, featuring assorted savory sandwiches, various desserts, scones, and tea. The event includes a tour of the historic log house and is a fundraiser for Pomeroy Living History Farm.
Where: Yacolt | More Info: Christmas at Pomeroy Farms
Pittock Mansion Christmas
What to Expect:
Unique holiday celebration with volunteer-decorated rooms and an art exhibition.
Description:
Pittock Mansion transforms into a holiday spectacle with over 75 volunteer decorators creating festive and fantastical displays. The event features snow angels, ice skating, elves, snowmen, hot chocolate, and gingerbread, among other holiday elements. Visitors can also explore the stunning art exhibition "Eliza Barchus: A Woman of Resilience" and the recently re-opened Gate Lodge.
Where: Portland | More Info: Pittock Mansion Christmas
Kalama Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Holiday boat parade with festive activities.
Description:
The Kalama Boat Parade is a holiday celebration featuring a stunning lighted boat parade, music, caroling, festive food and drink, and Santa photos. Families can enjoy the event at Port Kalama's Marine Park, showcasing the community's best traits and beautiful waterfront.
Where: Kalama | More Info: Kalama Boat Parade
Heritage Holidays at Fort Vancouver
What to Expect:
Historical reenactments and archaeological explorations.
Description:
Heritage Holidays at Fort Vancouver offers a variety of activities and events that delve into the rich history of the site. Visitors can explore the reconstructed stockade and bastion, watch costumed performances, and participate in interpretive talks. The event also features archaeological explorations and cooking demonstrations from the 1840s.