Winter 2024: Upcoming Events In Clark County, Washington
We can no longer hold back the holiday lights and jingle bells. It’s time for the Holiday Season here in Clark County!! We've rounded up some of the top local events in town that celebrate local businesses, community cheer, shopping, giving back, and more. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful season! We hope to see you out and about at these celebrations!
Rowena’s Picks
OPEN NOW - RETAILS HOLIDAY STORE
5000 E 4th Plain, Vancouver WA
Event Description:
”It's the most wonderful time of the year! The ReTails Holiday Store opens November 2. You'll find great prices on holiday decor, ornaments, vintage items, wreaths, trees, lights and so much more. New items are stocked throughout the day, so there's always something exciting waiting for you! As always, every purchase supports pets in our community. “
Don’t miss the pet portraits with Santa from December 14th - 15th!
DEC 14 - KIDS HOLIDAY MARKET
Esther Short Park
Event Description
"Join us for some holiday cheer! Shop for last-minute gifts from local businesses, and check out the Kids Holiday Market to find one-of-a-kind creations. After telling the big guy what you want for Christmas, complete a fun kids' craft and warm up with some cocoa before rushing home with your treasures.”
NOV 28 - TURKEY TROT
Klineline Pond & Salmon Creek Park
Event Description:
"This 5K run/walk and 10K run benefit people experiencing hunger in our community. 100% of the race proceeds are donated directly to Clark County Food Bank. Over the past years, Turkey Trotters have raised enough funds to provide hundreds of thousands of meals to food-insecure individuals in our community. We are so grateful for your support! ”
NOV 28 - LITTLE BOX FRIDAY
Down
Event Description
"Join us November 29th (the day after Thanksgiving) in Downtown Camas! In celebration of the joy of shopping locally (no “big boxes” here!), participating downtown merchants will each have a “little box” of coupons, specials, gifts, and other surprises for you to draw from. A little something extra for supporting local!
Also receive a free Golden Ticket in each location with any purchase to be entered to win a gorgeous holiday merchant basket!”
NOV 29 - COMMUNITY TREE LIGHTING
Esther Short Park
Event Description:
"A holiday parade of lighted vehicles transports Santa to Esther Short Park where crowds are waiting while they enjoy music, entertainment, and refreshments. Families and their holiday guests cheer as Santa helps to light the official Vancouver Community Tree and this year’s holiday season officially begins!.”
NOV 29 - HOLIDAY MAKERS MARKET
The Valiant Ballroom & Common Place
Event Description
”The Valiant Ballroom is excited to announce our 3rd annual Holidays Makers Market event, which celebrates the creativity and passion of Vancouver's small businesses and artisans. Over two exciting days, Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, visitors can explore a unique shopping experience that showcases a wide range of handmade crafts, artisanal foods, and one-of-a-kind products.”
NOV 30 - DEC 22 - CHELATCHIE PRAIRIE RAILROAD CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
Chelatchie Prairie Railroad
Event Description
"Along the trip, capture views of the Lewis River atop our hill-side vantage point, and then return to Moulton Station. At our station stop, enjoy warm cider cocoa and hot coffee. Santa has a gift for each child; bring your camera to capture this moment in time. This year, we are hosting a Ugly Sweater Contest. Dress in your most atrocious holiday attire. We, as a community, will judge the winner. Please keep the content appropriate for all ages.”
NOV 30 - DEC 1 - REINDEER MAGIC
Dennis’ 7 Dees Vancouver Garden Center
Event Description
"Bring the whole family to meet Santa and his Reindeer for a magical holiday experience! See real Reindeer, visit Santa Claus, and enjoy festive family activities at this community-favorite holiday event at both Lake Oswego and Vancouver! Additional vendor offerings include Santa photos, face painting, fresh food, sweet treats, warm beverages, and more.”
ALL OF DEC - CHRISTMAS ON FRANKLIN STREET
NW Franklin Street
Event Description
"If you're looking for a magical winter experience, you won't want to miss Christmas on Franklin Street! Witness the stunning display of 200,000 twinkling lights on 10 beautifully decorated properties located at 46th and Franklin. The main house at 4616 NW Franklin Street is a must-see! The lights will be on every evening, and there are live events, Santa visits, and even snowfall over the property during the month of December. For more information, be sure to visit their website and follow them on social media. Don't miss this holiday wonderland!”
DEC 5 - 20 - CHRISTMAS SHIPS PARADE
Columbia River
Event Description
"The Christmas Ship Parade started in 1954 with one lone sailboat from Portland Yacht Club. Bows of green with some ribbon where tied along the rails and it paraded on the rivers. The next year the parade started to grow. Today, The Christmas Ship Fleet averages about 55 to 60 boats between the Columbia and Willamette River fleets. Things have changed from the first lone ship. Now the displays are brightly lit and can be seen from bank to bank on each river.“
DEC 5 - LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE AND TREE LIGHTING
Reflection Plaza, Washougal, WA
Event Description
"The City of Washougal kicks off the holiday season with the Lighted Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting! During and after the parade, the City is serving complimentary cookies and hot cocoa. Entertainment will include performances from the Washougal High School band and choir. Santa Claus is always the very special guest and will bring up the end of the parade. He will be passing out candy canes and will be available for photos with kids of all ages.”
DEC 6 - HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS
Downtown Camas
Event Description
"Hosted and organized by the City of Camas Parks & Rec, and promoted and supported by the Downtown Camas Association, this will be a spectacular holiday evening! This event will include photos with Santa, crafts & activities, entertainment, free hot cocoa sponsored by Journey Church, holiday shopping, art shows, and more! The tree will be lit for the evening festivities, and snow will fall! The DCA participates in this event by sponsoring the “snow,” bringing friendly elves to town who hand out festive goodies to the kiddos from their Holiday Swag Wagon, and promoting the event and all the amazing local shopping for the holidays!“
DEC 7 - RIDEFIELD HOMETOWN CELEBRATION
Overlook Park
Event Description:
”Celebrate the Holiday season in the Ridgefield tradition with Hometown Celebration! Enjoy the hometown holiday spirit of historic Downtown Ridgefield on Saturday, December 7, 2024. There, you will find twinkling lights, decorated businesses, gifts, food, and holiday specials. Shop from over 60 local vendors at Overlook Park, S Main Avenue, and N Main Avenue from 9 AM to 2 PM to pick up holiday food and gifts galore. We'll also have the Circle of Trees, visits with Santa, live music performances on the Overlook Park stage, the highly anticipated Tree Lighting Ceremony, and many other activities around downtown.”
DEC 12 - DECEMBER HOLIDAY SIP & SHOP
Downtown Camas
Event Description:
”Festive holiday shopping, good friends, cocktail sips, and holiday music – so much fun during the Holiday Sip & Shop in Downtown Camas! We are so excited to host another enjoyable DCA event with shopping specials, delicious cocktail and holiday drink tastings, carolers, giveaways, a holiday photo op, raffle prizes and other fun holiday activities! Stop by the North Pole and get some treats and swag from our local elves!”
*This event sells out in advance, so be sure to buy tickets as soon as you can!
DEC 14 - SANTA’S HOLIDAY HUSTLE 5K
Camas Library
Event Description
"Join us for the 4th Annual Santa’s Holiday Hustle Run/Walk on Saturday, December 16th to celebrate the holidays in an active and festive way while raising funds for Kindness 911. Instead of race shirts, you will get a costume. Will it be a Santa costume? Elf costume? Something else? Come out and enjoy the fun!”
DEC 26 - COMMUNITY MENORAH LIGHTING
Esther Short Park
Event Description
"The Chabad Jewish Center invites you to celebrate the start of Chanukah with the lighting of their 19-foot community menorah. Free donuts will be served, as foods fried in oil symbolize the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days instead of one in the Chanukah story. The celebration will also include music, an LED dance presentation, a gelt drop of chocolate coins and the Grand Menorah Lighting in Propstra Square. Everyone is welcome to this free event. Spread light to others in the community by bringing canned food to help build a “Canorah,” a giant menorah made of cans that will be donated to Clark County Food Bank.”