10 Can’t-Miss Holiday Events in Vancouver

The holiday season will soon be upon us, and there are plenty of events where you can celebrate the season with your family and friends. Vancouver will have many opportunities – from music events and Christmas lights to gift exchanges and shopping opportunities – and there will be no shortage of fun things to do over the next two months.

Whether you are looking for a cozy event to hang out and spend time with others or a festive concert or a light-up event to spread the cheer, there will be something for you. You should check out these upcoming events to spend with your family and friends this holiday season. 

Vancouver Holiday Events and Light Displays

Holiday Lights in Vancouver

#1 Rotary Tree Lighting

#2 Christmas Ships Parade 

#3 Christmas Decorations On Franklin Street

Holiday Performances & Entertainment Events

#4 Christmas Belles

#5 Santa’s Posse 5K Walk/Run

#6 The Campers Christmas Show

#7 Chelatchie Prairie Railroad: Christmas Special

Holiday Shopping and Fairs

#8 Christmas on the Farm 

#9 Burton Holiday Market

#10 Scandinavian Christmas Bazaar 

Holiday Lights in Vancouver

Light-up events and illumination festivals are a staple of the holiday season. They are family-friendly and offer a hearty way to enjoy the season with your partner, family, and friends. Here are a few light-up events in Vancouver for you to check out this holiday season. 

#1 Rotary Tree Lighting

Presented by Waste Connections, Inc., the Rotary Tree Lighting ceremony will take place on November 25th at Esther Short Park to kick off the holidays in Vancouver. The downtown area will light up for 24 hours every day until January 1st, making this a great way to start and countdown the season. If you are just looking for a place to have a stroll or take your dog on a walk, there will be thousands of lights hung on the trees for you to walk by and enjoy!

When: November 25, 4:00 PM

Where: 605 Esther St, Vancouver, WA 98660

Cost: Free Admission

Website: https://rotarytreelighting.org/ 

#2 Christmas Ships Parade 

On select days between December 2nd and 21st, the annual Christmas Ships Parade will be taking place on the Vancouver Waterfront. Take a stroll with your family and friends along the Waterfront Renaissance Trail, or make a reservation at the restaurant and winery patio to enjoy the spectacle and spend an evening out with good food and views. For the best view of the ships participating in the parade, be sure to secure your seats at The Cove Restaurant, as that will be where everyone will try to view it from.

When: December 2 – 21, 7 PM – 9 PM

Where: Columbia River, Vancouver, WA

Cost: Free Admission

Website: https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/event/christmas-ships-parade/17940/ 

#3 Christmas Decorations On Franklin Street

“Holidays on Franklin” was founded by the Mains family to organize community-centric events and display seasonal decorations—with Halloween and Christmas being their biggest events of the year. Every holiday season, you can find over 150,000 lights spread over eight different properties to enjoy and admire with your family and friends. The light-up event will run from Thanksgiving through New Year’s and typically attracts thousands of people every year.

When: November 27 – January 1

Where: 4616 NW Franklin Street, Vancouver, WA

Cost: Free Admission

Website: https://www.facebook.com/HolidaysOnFranklin/ 

Holiday Performances & Entertainment Events

If you are looking for more festive events to spend your holiday season at, there are numerous performances and entertainment events taking place in Vancouver that you can enjoy. Check out these events with your family and friends and spread the holiday cheer together!

#4 Christmas Belles

Beginning on December 2nd and running through the 18th (weekdays only for night performances), you can enjoy a play by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten directed by Gina George. It is a story about a church Christmas program spiraling hilariously out of control in a drama about squabbling sisters, family secrets, a surly Santa Claus, and a reluctant Elvis impersonator that will make for a good bit of fun and laughter.  

When: December 2- 18, Evening Performances at 7:30 PM, Matinees at 2 PM 

Where: 1108 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660

Cost: Tickets: $20 in advance and $22 at the door

Website: https://www.magentatheater.com/christmas-belles-2022

#5 Santa’s Posse 5K Walk/Run

Are you looking for some exercise between all the festivities and fun? Join the community for Santa’s Posse 5K Walk/Run event on December 19th at Downtown Camas on 4th Street beginning at 9:00 a.m. All proceeds from the event will go to charities that help make the holiday season special for the less fortunate families in Clark County. Joining the race is a wonderful way to share the holiday cheer, so consider signing up if you would like to do your part in helping others in your community! 

When: December 17, 9 AM

Where: 625 NE 4th Ave, Camas, WA 98607

Cost: Single Ticket: $50

Website: https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/event/santas-posse-5k-walk-run/26498/

#6 The Campers Christmas Show

Following their 50th-anniversary celebration, The Campers are back in town this holiday season for another performance featuring their unique brand of comedy and fun. They have performed dozens of times in Los Angeles and are coming to the Pacific Northwest for the first time, so don’t hesitate to buy tickets and bring a friend along for a fun afternoon.

When: December 4, 12 PM

Where: UnderBar, 1701 1/2 Broadway Street, Vancouver, WA

Cost: Single Ticket: $10

Website: https://allevents.in/vancouver/the-campers-christmas-show/10000444402719497

#7 Chelatchie Prairie Railroad: Christmas Special

If you fancy a ride on the Prairie Railroad to capture gorgeous views of the Lewis River, this event is for you. You can enjoy some warm cider and cocoa, while Santa will be present with a gift for each child. Don’t forget to bring your camera along to capture the gorgeous vistas while you enjoy the ride! 

When: November 26 – December 11, 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Where: 207 N Railroad Avenue, Yacolt, WA 98675

Cost: $12-$18

Website: https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/event/chelatchie-prairie-railroad:-christmas-special/16126/

Holiday Shopping and Fairs

In addition to festivals and performances, the holiday season is a great time to take advantage of shopping events and deals. Check out these events taking place in Vancouver this holiday season.

#8 Christmas on the Farm 

Christmas on the Farm at the Scented Acres Lavender Farm is back again this year, featuring many amazing vendors and their wares. You can find everything from beautiful woodwork and glasswork to jewelry and leather goods. Many local artisans will be present with handcrafted items that will make perfect holiday gifts, so stop by, grab a bowl of homemade chili or stew (courtesy of the farm) and enjoy some holiday-themed shopping. 

When: December 3, 10 AM

Where: 13804 NE 117th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98662

Cost: Free Admission

Website: https://www.facebook.com/scentedacres

#9 Burton Holiday Market

Join the community of Burton Elementary School on December 10th for a fun holiday market. They will have over 40 vendors bringing in homemade crafts and items, in addition to stations where kids can participate in crafting and even selling whatever they make. Don’t miss this family-centric event that is a fun opportunity to spend time together, be creative, and peruse some holiday-themed goods! 

When: December 10, 10 AM – 4 PM

Where: 14015 NE 28th St, Vancouver, WA

Cost: Free Admission

Website: https://www.facebook.com/burtonpto

#10 Scandinavian Christmas Bazaar 

Scandinavian Christmas Bazaar presented by the Sons of Norway Vancouver is a holiday market featuring local vendors and their handcrafted arts, gift items, and collectibles. If shopping for exotic goods and wares interests you this holiday season, head to the Sons of Norway Lodge to see what they have for you!

When: December 3, 9 AM – 4 PM

Where: 2400 Grant Street, Vancouver, WA 98660

Cost: Free Admission

Website: https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/event/scandinavian-christmas-bazaar/27097/

These are just a few events taking place in Vancouver this holiday season. Join your family and friends for some fun activities and events, and don’t forget to grab your tickets for seats at music festivals and plays. Whether you are looking to do gift shopping or enjoy a night out with your loved ones, Vancouver has no shortage of fun this holiday season!

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