Try This: Santa at the Marshall House; ‘Christmas Joy’; Hockinson tree lighting

Santa coming to town

The Historic Trust presents “Santa at the Marshall House,” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at 1301 Officers Row, Vancouver. Santa Claus will be at the beautifully decorated Marshall House to take photos and receive hand-delivered letters and wish lists. Guests can make crafts and listen to a story. All children will receive goodie bags. Reserve your spot at thehistorictrust.org. For more details, call 360-992-1800 or email marcom@thehistorictrust.org.

Claus, Comet and Cupid

Bring the kids to take professional photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Dennis’ 7 Dees Vancouver Garden Center (formerly Shorty’s) at 10006 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Choose a digital package or instant prints for $15 to $25. Come back between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday for Reindeer Magic. See live reindeer, get photos with Santa, buy food from local vendors and enjoy live music. Shop for holiday decor and gifts in the garden center shop. Tickets are $9 per person. Learn more at dennis7dees.com/vancouver-garden-center or call 360-892-7880.

Tidings of joy

The 90-voice Vancouver Master Chorale and a 19-member orchestra and harpsichord will perform highlights from Handel’s “Messiah” along with a variety of Christmas songs during “Christmas Joy” at 7 p.m. Saturday and at 3 p.m. Sunday at Vancouver First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St., Vancouver. The concert features holiday carols including the beloved Ukrainian “Carol of the Bells,” “Ding Dong Merrily on High” and “Breath of Heaven.” Tickets are $25 for adults, $5 for students and free for kids 12 and younger. Buy tickets at vancouvermasterchorale.org or at the door.

Fabulous fir

The Hockinson Community Tree Lighting is 6 p.m. Friday at Hockinson Community Church, 15918 N.E. 182nd Ave., Brush Prairie. The 20-foot grand fir from Thornton’s Tree Farm will be adorned with hundreds of lights. The Hockinson Middle School Band will perform and attendees can enjoy refreshments and warm drinks provided by Hearth Coffee, served by Fire District 3 cadets fundraising for personal protective equipment. Santa Claus will also make an appearance. Park at the Hockinson Community Center and Hockinson Middle School. Get details at facebook.com/HockinsonMainStreet/ or email info@hockmainstreet.com.

On their toes

Friends of Danceworks presents “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Fort Vancouver High School Auditorium, 5700 E. 18th St., Vancouver. This production of Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet features 75 dancers. Tickets are $25 per person and are available at danceworksperformingarts.com. Baked goods will be available for purchase and there will be a gift basket raffle. Proceeds benefit Friends of Danceworks, a nonprofit which provides scholarships for students at Danceworks Performing Arts.

… And more

For more details about these and other events — like Hockinson High School’s presentation of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Mountain View High School’s Jolly Jamboree and Burton Elementary School’s Holiday Market — see events.columbian.com.