You don’t need to leave Clark County to have a “White Christmas.” Journey Theater Arts Group presents the musical adaptation featuring 17 of Irving Berlin’s classic songs, as successful song-and-dance act Bob and Phil follow two beautiful sisters to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge. But the lodge is in danger of closing due to the lack of snow. The show begins at 7 tonight, 2 p.m. Sunday and continues Dec. 12-14 at the Washburn Performing Arts Center, 1201 39th St., Washougal. Admission for tonight’s show is $10 to $13; regular admission is $12 to $15, $10 to $13 for youth and seniors. Call 360-750-8550 or visit www.journeytheater.org
For families looking for a close-up view of the Christmas Ships Parade, the fleet will gather for a special performance in front of the Port of Camas-Washougal, 24 S. A St., Washougal. The port will be open to the public at 6 tonight, with cider and cookies for visitors. Admission is free. Visit www.christmasships.org
Celebrate with La Center during its 11th annual Christmas Festival, complete with Santa and fireworks from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Music by local ensembles opens the event, with the tree lighting at 6:15 p.m., followed by a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Fourth Street, between Aspen and Birch streets, La Center. Visit www.lacenterchristmasfestival.com
Handel’s “Messiah” is considered one of the masterpieces of choral music. Bravo! Vancouver Choral and the Washington Chamber Orchestra will perform with guest soloists Jocelyn Claire Thomas, Valery Saul, Scot Crandal and Douglas Webster at 3 p.m. Sunday at Crossroads Community Church, 7708 N.E. 78th St., Vancouver. Tickets are $25. Call 360-906-0441 or visit www.bravoconcerts.com
The town of Yacolt will celebrate its community Christmas Tree Lighting with a live Nativity scene and Santa arriving on a fire engine at Town Hall, 202 W. Cushman St., Yacolt. Admission is free, with $5 for Santa photos. Call 360-686-3922 or visit www.townofyacolt.com
The week ahead features local takes on seasonal sights.
Best seen in the winter skies, the constellation Orion contains a birthplace of stars. Astronomers Pat Hanrahan and Doug McCarthy will explore the planetary systems, stars and hydrogen clouds using the latest Hubble Space Telescope images. “The Secrets of Orion: The Birthplace of Stars” includes what you can see with the naked eye as part of Science on Tap Vancouver at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. Admission is $8 in advance, with $10 suggested cover at the door. Visit www.viaproductions.org
The third annual Vancouver Winter Brewfest will feature seasonal drinks from more than 30 local breweries, along with five beers from Belgium. The brewfest will run Dec. 12-14 in Esther Short Park, 415 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Tickets are $25 for 21 and older, $5 for designated driver or nondrinker. Visit www.vancouverwinterbrewfest.com
Vancouver School of Arts and Academics dancers and musicians will perform “Jazzy Nutcracker,” featuring Duke Ellington’s “Nutcracker Suite” performed in the spirit of the United Service Organization events. The dance begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 12-13 at Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, 3101 Main St., Vancouver. Admission is $4, $3 for seniors. Call 360-313-4600 or visit arts.vansd.org
Visitors can celebrate the 1840s way during Christmas at Fort Vancouver, with homemade decorations and gifts, games and caroling by the Madrigal Singers. There will be demonstrations of black powder weaponry, in the kitchen and blacksmith forge, along with a holiday photo station and holiday jigs. Events run 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 13 at Fort Vancouver, 1001 E. Fifth St., Vancouver. Admission is $3, free for ages 15 and younger. Call 360-816-6247 or visit go.usa.gov/HwTx
