Save the Date: Holiday fun abounds in the county

Dream Big Community Center will host a free family fun night for all ages, with free admission and skate rental from 1 to 4 p.m. today at the Mountain View Ice Arena, 14313 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Visit www.dreambigcc.org.

Greet Santa at the Vancouver Depot Amtrak Station, 1301 W. 11th St., as he rides in on the SP&S 700 steam locomotive from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today. While admission is free, toy donations for Toys for Tots is encouraged. Visit www.sps700.org.

Travel to the Kingdom of Sweets with Columbia Dance. The story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince will be brought to life by 90 local dancers and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. “The Nutcracker” is at 2 and 7 p.m. today, 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday and 1 p.m. Monday at the Royal Durst Theatre, 3101 Main St., Vancouver. Tickets are $20, $15 for seniors, $10 for ages 12 and younger. Call 360-737-1922 or visit www.columbiadance.org.

It’s time to look forward to the end of the year. Vancouver will celebrate with its New Year’s Eve Party at the Hilton Vancouver Washington on Dec. 31. The Nu Wavers, Beat Frequency and the Aerial Muse Collective will perform, with proceeds benefiting the Fort Vancouver National Trust. Tickets range from $125 for a VIP dinner package to $30 for admission after 10 p.m., for those enjoy being fashionably late. Call 503-432-9477 or visit http://bit.ly/13zkgiu.

There’s also the sixth annual Swinging in the New Year’s Eve Dance from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Dec. 31. Dance the night away with live music by Beacock Dance Band, light refreshments, party favors and sparkling cider at the Marshall Center. Tickets are $15 to $18. Call 360-487-7050 or visit www.cityofvancouver.us/parksrec

Or get 2015 off to a running start. On Jan. 4, the Resolution Run features 10K and 5K routes that both start from Battle Ground Village, along with a 1K run for children. After the run, brave participants can take their chances on the Polar Bear slip-n-slide, or enjoy a pancake breakfast at Northwood Public House and Brewery. Run registration is $42 to $45, $15 to $20 for children. Visit http://bit.ly/13iqVwz.

For more inspiration, the community is welcome to watch elite athletes compete in the CrossFit Fort Vancouver Invitation on Jan. 10 and 11. Thirty-two pairs of men and women will compete at the Clark County Event Center for cash in a bevy of competitive workouts. Tickets are $33 for a two-day pass, free admission for age 17 and younger. Visit cfvinvitational2015.ezevent.com.