Vancouver’s not the only town boasting a gleaming tree and a visit from Santa. Clark County’s smaller cities are also getting ready to show off their merry-and-bright. Here’s the whole rundown of small-town holiday celebrations, first to last, throughout the month of December:
Ridgefield, Dec. 1
A full day of holiday fun that fits nicely into the monthly First Saturday celebration. The busy schedule begins at 9 a.m. with an Ugly Sweater Run; simultaneously, there’s an arts-and-crafts bazaar at Ridgefield Community Center, and kids’ crafts plus cookies and cider at Ridgefield Community Library. A holiday marketplace starts at 10 a.m. at Overlook Park, where there will also be live music from local school choirs and bands.
Note to kids: A children’s holiday bazaar is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Union Ridge Elementary School, while a Kids Activity Center is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ridgefield Art Space, upstairs at 208 Pioneer St. Note to grown-ups: A wine garden is set for 2 to 6 p.m. at Overlook Park.
Note to everyone: The tree lighting is set for 5 p.m. at Overlook Park. The day winds up with an Acoustic Guitar Summit, Holiday Music Edition, featuring fret wizards Terry Robb, Mark Hanson and Doug Smith, 7:30 p.m. at the Old Liberty Theater. Tickets are $20.
It’s a chockablock day in Ridgefield, so check the schedule at RidgefieldWA.us/Event/First-Saturday-HomeTown-Celebration.
Yacolt, Dec. 1
Starting at 4 p.m., enjoy a lot of celebration in a little town. Christmas carols by the Battle Ground School Choir, hot chocolate and cider, cookies, a live Nativity scene and special guest Curly the Camel. Santa will arrive at Yacolt Town Hall, 202 W. Cushman St., via fire truck. $5 photos with Santa help support this annual event.
Santa will light the town Christmas tree at 5:45 p.m. and the event wraps up at 6 p.m.
La Center, Dec. 1 and 2
On Saturday, more than 90 vendors with one-of-a-kind gifts will hold a holiday bazaar to support school music programs. It’s set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 1 at La Center High School, 745 N.E. Highland Road.
On Sunday night, downtown La Center hosts a Christmas Festival, featuring a tree lighting, laser light show, school bands and an interactive Nativity scene featuring Curly the Camel and his friends. Santa will be there, too, of course. It’s set for 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Fourth Street between Aspen and Birch.
Amboy, Starting Dec. 2
Light up Amboy Territorial Park during the 15th annual DIY Festival of Trees that’s way up near the tippy-top of Clark County. Starting Dec. 2, everyone is invited to put up a decorated tree at the town park, 21400 N.E. 399th St. Posts for trees are provided. Also, from 5 to 8:30 p.m., take a free train ride from the park to visit Santa at the Amboy Fire Hall.
Washougal, Dec. 6
Over in east county, it’s all about light. Lights on vehicles, lights on floats, lights on bands and equestrian teams — lights on everyone and everything marching in Washougal’s annual Lighted Christmas Parade.
“I’m not sure who has more fun, people in it or those watching,” said parade organizer Rose Jewell. You even still have time to register, with free parade applications due at City Hall by the end of the day Dec. 3.
Line-up starts at 5:30 p.m. and the parade starts at 6 p.m. along Main Street from 24th to Durgan, with Santa bringing up the rear and posing for free photos, courtesy Windows on Life Photography. The tree lighting is set for 6:30 p.m. at Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St., where you can enjoy complimentary cookies, hot cider, coffee and entertainment from school bands.
Camas, Dec. 7
Downtown Camas’ final First Friday of the year is its annual Hometown Holidays celebration, including photos with Santa, crafts, hay rides, school bands, hot cocoa, holiday shopping, art shows and more. Set for 5 to 9 p.m., with tree lighting at 6:30 p.m., followed by fireworks.
Battle Ground, Dec. 7
It’s the 29th annual town tree lighting, set for Friday night at Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E. Main St. Caroling by the Battle Ground High School Jazz Choir starts at 5:30 p.m.; Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 5:45 p.m. by Fire District 3 engine for the ceremonial tree lighting; at 6 p.m. the celebration moves indoors with music, visits and photos with Santa, free cookies and cocoa — and the opportunity to lavish yuletide generosity upon the North County Community Food Bank. Cash donations are especially welcome. Learn more at nccfoodbank.org.
