Save the date: Every single ever-lovin’ holiday thing to do in Clark County from Thanksgiving to Christmas

When the clock ticks past midnight on Thanksgiving, winter festivities will officially start. Pumpkins and colorful leaves will be whisked away, replaced by Santa Claus and evergreen wreaths. Of course, you might be one of those people who’ve had lights on your house and a tree in your window for a month. Whichever camp you’re in — either “Happy Fall, Y’all” or “Christmas Begins in September” — you’ll find something to celebrate among the following holiday events in Clark County.

Nov. 29: The Vancouver Community Tree Lighting starts at 4 p.m. at the Vancouver Waterfront. Santa will arrive on a Tidewater barge accompanied by a flotilla of Christmas ships. He’ll disembark at Terminal 1 and then join a holiday parade from the waterfront to Esther Short Park. The celebration at the park includes live music and entertainment, refreshments, photos with Santa and characters from “Frozen,” and carriage rides around the park. The tree lighting is at 6 p.m. Learn more at rotarytreelighting.org.

Nov. 29-30: The Valiant Ballroom will host a Holiday Makers Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days at 109 W. Ninth St., Vancouver. Shop for handmade crafts, artisanal foods, original artworks, home decor, fashion, accessories and one-of-a-kind products. Learn more at facebook.com/events/386669380560744.

Nov. 29-Dec. 1: The Vancouver Farmers Market is hosting a Holiday Market from 3 to 8 p.m. Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 30 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Hilton Hotel, 301 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Find arts, crafts, gifts and treats from local makers. For details, visit vancouverfarmersmarket.com or email info@vancouverfarmersmarket.com.

Nov. 29-Dec. 19: Catch holiday flicks at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. Films include “The Muppet Christmas Carol” on Dec. 8-10; “Elf” on Dec. 13-17; and “Miracle on 34th Street” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Dec. 20-24. Get showtimes and tickets at kigginstheatre.com.

Nov. 29-Jan. 3: Skamania Lodge, 1131 S.W. Skamania Lodge Way, will offer a Holiday Light Walk through the meadow and under the Douglas firs in Tree House Village from dusk until 9 p.m. every night from Nov. 29 to Jan. 3. Guests can enjoy hot cocoa around the fire pit at the end of their stroll. Get details at skamania.com.

Nov. 30: Shop small and local in downtown Camas for Small Business Saturday. Downtown businesses will offer discounts and free “Shop Small” bags. Elves will hand out goodies and coupons. Attend the Grinchmas Gift Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Donna Roberts Group, 403 N.E. Fifth Ave., featuring refreshments, local vendors and selfies with the Grinch. For more details, visit facebook.com/events/1884442692084737.

Nov. 30-Dec. 22: Take a train to visit Santa with the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad’s Christmas Specials. The 1941 ALCO S2 diesel locomotive departs at 9:30 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 30-31, Dec. 7-8, Dec. 14-15 and Dec. 21-22 from the station in Yacolt. See views of the Lewis River and then stop at Moulton Station for warm cider, cocoa and coffee. Santa will have a gift for each child. Ugly Christmas sweaters are encouraged. Get tickets ($16 to $22) at tickets.bycx.org.

Nov. 30-Dec. 1: Dennis 7 Dees Garden Center, 10006 Mill Plain Blvd. Vancouver, will host Reindeer Magic on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. See real Reindeer, visit Santa Claus and enjoy festive family activities. Additional vendor offerings include Santa photos, face painting, fresh food, sweet treats and warm drinks. Tickets are $9 per person at dennis7dees.com.

Nov. 30-Dec. 8: The Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Club Holiday Open House is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 7 and 8 at 2505 N. Vancouver Ave., Portland. Visitors can see an HO scale model of the Columbia Gorge and surrounding areas. VIP tours start at 8:30 a.m. Buy tickets ($5 to $25) and get more details at cgmrc.com.

Dec. 1-22: Smith-Reynolds American Legion Post No. 14, 4607 N.E. St. James Road, Vancouver, will host a Christmas Tree Sale with a variety of freshly cut trees. Sales support local veterans and their families. Weekday hours are 4 to 7 p.m. Weekend hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more details, call 360-696-2579.

Dec. 5: Washougal will host its annual Lighted Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting from 5 to 7 p.m. Get free cookies and hot cocoa during and after the parade. The parade begins at 6 p.m. Santa Claus will appear at the end of the parade, passing out candy canes and posing for photos. The tree-lighting ceremony in Reflection Plaza follows the parade. Get details at cityofwashougal.us.

Dec. 6: Camas Parks and Recreation and the Downtown Camas Association present Hometown Holidays from 5 to 8 p.m. along Fourth Avenue. The event includes photos with Santa, crafts, activities, entertainment, free hot cocoa, holiday shopping and art shows. The tree will be lit at 5 p.m. with “snow.” For more details, visit downtowncamas.com.

Dec. 6: The Battle Ground Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E. Main St. Festivities will begin outdoors with caroling by the Battle Ground High School Choir and continue indoors with hot cocoa and cookies, coloring sheets, letters to Santa, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Learn more at cityofbg.org.

Dec. 6: The Hockinson Community Tree Lighting is 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Hockinson Community Church, 15918 N.E. 182nd Ave., Brush Prairie, with parking at the Hockinson Community Center and Hockinson Middle School. A 20-foot noble fir will be lit at 6:30 p.m., and Santa will arrive by fire truck. Enjoy crafts, carolers, holiday treats and music by the Hockinson Middle School Band. Learn more at facebook.com/HockinsonMainStreet.

Dec. 6-7: The Ridgefield Winter Market is 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7, with vendors, food carts, a photo booth, raffles and Christmas shopping at Ridgefield Church of the Nazarene, 747 Pioneer St., Ridgefield. Get details at facebook.com/p/Winter-Market-Ridgefield-100086788043405.

Dec. 6-7: The Stocking Stuffer Holiday Market at the Valiant Ballroom, 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 7, features gifts priced at $30 or under. Shoppers will find handcrafted goods, treats and products created by local makers. Enter the ballroom at 111 W. Ninth St., Vancouver. Learn more at facebook.com/events/1779862699184418.

Dec. 6-7: The Washougal Festival of Trees is 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 7 at Hathaway Elementary, 630 24th St. Bid on dozens of Christmas trees decorated by school groups as well as gift baskets, gift cards and apparel. Winners take home fully decorated trees. Photos with Santa are from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 7. From 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 7, enjoy breakfast for $5 made by the Washougal High School Skills Culinary & Beyond Club. Learn more at hathawayboosters.com.

Dec. 6-8: The La Center Christmas Festival starts at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 6 with Santa Housecalls (within La Center city limits). From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7, browse the Holiday Bazaar featuring local artisans at La Center Middle School, 2001 N.E. Lockwood Creek Road. At noon Dec. 8, enjoy festive food, artisan vendors and live music in downtown La Center. The Santa Stride 5K Run/Walk starts at 1:30 p.m. At 3 p.m., get photos with Santa and pet llamas at the corner of Fourth and Birch streets. The tree lighting is at 4:45 p.m., followed by fireworks. Get details at lacenterchristmasfestival.com.

Dec. 6-15: Touch of Class Chorale presents “A Season of Hope,” featuring traditional carols and contemporary songs from Latvia, France, Spain, Italy, Poland and the United States. Concerts are 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at East Woods Presbyterian Church; 2 p.m. Dec. 7 at Mill Plain United Methodist Church; and 3 p.m. Dec. 15 at Unitarian Universalist Church of Vancouver. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for youth 6-17 and free for children under 6. Buy tickets at touchofclasschorale.com or at the door.

Dec. 6-8: Vancouver Dance Theatre presents “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m. Dec. 6-7 and 2 p.m. Dec. 7-8 at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E. 18th St., Vancouver. Tickets are $17 to $20 at www.vancouverdancetheatre.com.

Dec. 6-21: Metropolitan Performing Arts presents Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” at 6403 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. The score features standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and “White Christmas.” Showtimes are 7 p.m. Dec. 6, 12, 13 and 20; 6 p.m. Dec. 7 and 14; and 2 p.m. Dec. 8, 15 and 21. Admission is $25. Tickets for students, seniors and military members are $16. Get tickets at metropolitanperformingarts.org.

Dec. 6-22: Magenta Theater presents “Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story” at 1108 Main St., Vancouver. The play is an adaptation of the holiday classic, reimagined through theatrical storytelling. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21. Matinee shows are 2 p.m. Dec. 8, 15 and 22. Tickets are $25 at magentatheater.com or $28 at the door. Attendees should bring food for the FISH Westside Food Pantry.

Dec. 7: The Ridgefield Art Association will host the Chickadee Arts and Crafts Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center, 510 Pioneer St.. Attendees will find a dozen tables with gift items from local artists. Learn more at ridgefieldartassociation.com.

Dec. 7: The Sons of Norway Christmas Market is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Columbia Lodge, 2400 Grant St., Vancouver. Browse artisan holiday wares like jewelry, ornaments, handcrafted items, woodworking pieces and leather goods. Pastries and cookies will be available to buy. For details, visit sons-of-norway.square.site.

Dec. 7: Women of Warrior Strength will host a Winter Market from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Living Hope XChange Church, 2711 N.E. Andresen Road, Vancouver. Admission is free. Shop from local vendors, artisans and crafters. Santa Claus will be available for photos. Raffle tickets for gift baskets are $5 each or $20 for five tickets.

Dec. 7: Get To-Gather Farm, 1913 S.E. 303rd Ave., Washougal, will host Winter Fest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy hayrides to see Santa Claus for photographs, chestnuts roasted on an open fire, s’mores, hot cocoa and other sweet treats. Photo packages begin at $21. Reserve a time slot at forms.gle/WGS9bHJE8Jo9vCgH6.

Dec. 7-8: Virtuosity Dance presents “The Nutcracker,” with performances from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and 1 to 3 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Joyce Garver Theater, 1500 N.E. Garfield St., Camas. Tickets are $21 to $26 at vegagym.com/virtuosity-dance.

Dec. 7: The Yacolt Tree Lighting and Vendor Market is 4 to 7 p.m. at Yacolt Town Square, 102 E. Yacolt Road. Santa will arrive with sirens and lights at 5 p.m. The tree lighting is at 6 p.m. Attendees can meet Curly the Camel, enjoy hot drinks and treats in Santa’s Workshop, and hear the Amboy Middle School Band. Learn more at townofyacolt.com.

Dec. 7: The Festival of Wreaths and Wine is 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E. Main St., Battle Ground. Attendees can bid on 12 handcrafted wreaths. The evening also includes a silent auction and a spaghetti dinner with wine from local wineries. Tickets are $25-$280; RSVP at www.battlegroundrotary.org.

Dec. 7: The Port of Camas-Washougal will host the annual Christmas Ships viewing party at 6 p.m. at 24 S. A St., Washougal. A fleet of light-bedecked ships will parade down the Columbia River in front of Parker’s Landing Marina. See the fleet’s full schedule at christmasships.org.

Dec. 7-8: The Vancouver Master Chorale will present “Christmas Joy,” a Christmas concert featuring two versions of the Magnificat by the British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams and American composer Taylor Scott Davis. Performances are 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 3 p.m. Dec. 8 at First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St., Vancouver. The evening includes holiday tunes, the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s “Messiah” and a Christmas carol sing-along. Tickets are $30 for adults, $10 for students and free for children 12 and under. Buy tickets at vancouvermasterchorale.org.

Dec. 8: Enjoy a holiday chamber concert featuring Daniel Dickson and Colleen Adent from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Camas United Methodist Church, 706 N.E. 14th Ave. Selections include Beethoven’s “Bagatelles,” Mozart’s “12 Variations,” Scriabin’s “Preludes for Left Hand,” Brahms’ “Intermezzo in A Major,” Liszt’s “Mephistopheles Waltz,” Liszt’s “Liebeslied von Robert Schumann” and Brahms’ “Hungarian Rhapsody.” Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors 60 and older, and free for children 10 and under. Free refreshments will be offered during intermission.

Dec. 8: The Vancouver West Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Northwest Symphonic Pops Orchestra present Handel’s “Messiah” Sing Along and Christmas Concert from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 9729 N.E. 50th Ave., Vancouver. Join in singing selections from the oratorio as well as other Christmas songs and hymns.

Dec. 13: Activate Church will host Christmas at the Park from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Esther Short Park. The event, which is open to everyone, includes free pictures with Santa Claus, free toys for kids and free Christmas trees, as well as hot cocoa, cookie decorating and Christmas carols. Get details at facebook.com/events/3896462197289479.

Dec. 13-15: Friends of DanceWorks present “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m. Dec. 13, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 14, and 1 p.m. Dec. 15 at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E. 18th St., Vancouver. The show features more than 100 students and pre-professional dancers. Tickets are $25 to $40 at danceworksperformingarts.com.

Dec. 13-22: Ekklesia Theatre presents “Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Vancouver Christmas Show” at North Creek Church, aka The Coffee Church, at 10311 N.E. Highway 99, Vancouver. This retelling of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” features five actors playing over 30 characters. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Dec. 13, 14, 20 and 21 with a 5 p.m. show on Dec. 15. Get tickets ($15) at ekklesiatheatre.com/tickets.

Dec. 14: Join the Kwanzaa celebration from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, 17402 N.E. Delfel Road, Ridgefield, with music, dance, art and food. The holiday market opens at 9 a.m., and a fashion show begins at 11:45 a.m. Admission is free, but tickets for the Karamu, a feast of traditional African American food, are $9.99 to $39.99. Children 3 and under eat for free. Get tickets at pddbm.org.

Dec. 14: The Junior Symphony of Vancouver’s holiday concert is 7:30 p.m. at Cascades Presbyterian Church, 9503 N.E. 86th St., Vancouver, featuring music by J.S. Bach and Tchaikovsky, plus sing-alongs. Tickets are $15 at the door. A reception follows the concert. For details, call 360-696-4084 or visit oregonchamberplayers.org/junior-symphony-of-vancouver.

Dec. 14-15: The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents its Holiday Pops concert from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 14 and 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 15 at Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 N.W. 139th St., Vancouver. The concert includes an overture by Suppé, a performance by Columbia Dance to Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake,” works by Eldar Hudiyev and John Williams, and Michele Mangani’s Blues from “An American in Paris” as well as holiday tunes. Get tickets ($42-$55) at vancouversymphony.org.

Dec. 16: Re-Imagined Radio presents “A Radio Christmas Sampler, Vol. 4” at 1 p.m. on KXRW-FM (99.9), Vancouver. Hear samples from “This Is Your FBI,” Lux Radio Theatre’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed, and “A Christmas Carol” with Dick Powell as “Richard Diamond, Private Detective.” Learn more at reimaginedradio.fm.

Dec. 20-22: Columbia Dance presents its local history-inspired “Nutcracker,” with beavers fighting fur trappers, dancing wapato plants and Oregon Trail children arriving via covered wagon. Showtimes are 6 p.m. Dec. 20 (sensory-friendly with softer music, more lights and buffer seats) and 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 21 and 22. Get tickets ($20 to $25) at box-office@columbiadance.org or call 360-737-1922. Learn more at columbiadance.org.

Dec. 20-22: See a live re-enactment of the Christmas Nativity, including narration, from the comfort of your car. View the scene from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 20-22 in the rear parking lot at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 11101 N.E. 119th St., Vancouver.

Dec. 21: The Clark County Historical Museum will host the Winter Native Art Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1511 Main St., Vancouver, featuring 16 Indigenous artists and vendors. Attendees can shop for arts, crafts, jewelry and other Indigenous-made goods. Native American flutist Sherrie Davis Morningstar will perform. The museum will be open with free admission during the event. Learn more at www.cchmuseum.org or call 360-993-5679.

Dec. 21: Salmon Creek United Methodist Church, 12217 N.E. Highway 99, Vancouver, will host Bells of the Cascades for the handbell choir’s “The Spirit of the Season” concert from 7 to 9 p.m. Hear new arrangements of familiar Christmas songs and other inspiring pieces. Adult tickets are $20 and student tickets $5 at the door, with children under 7 admitted free. Learn more at bellsofthecascades.org.

Dec. 21: The Watershed Alliance of Southwest Washington will lead a Winter Solstice Walk from 10 a.m. to noon starting at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 S.E. Columbia Way, Vancouver. Plan to walk 2 miles on uneven trails, sandy and muddy pathways and beaches, and some paved surfaces. Register at cityofvancouver.us/events/winter-solstice-walk. For more details, email vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us or call 360-487-7111.

Dec. 21: Northwest Performing Arts Alliance and Riverside Performing Arts present “A Tale of the Nutcracker” at noon and 5 p.m. at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E. 18th St., Vancouver. This 1950s-themed production blends acrobatics, classical ballet, jazz and tap with music by Tchaikovsky and Duke Ellington. Tickets are $27.85 to $37.85 at northwestpaa.org.

Dec. 26: Chabad Jewish Center will celebrate the start of Hanukkah with the lighting of the 19-foot Grand Menorah in Esther Short Park’s Propstra Square at 5:30 p.m. Free donuts will be served, and attendees can enjoy music, an LED dance presentation and chocolate coins. Bring canned food to build a “Canorah,” a giant menorah made of cans that will be donated to Clark County Food Bank. Learn more at jewishvancouverwa.com.