Making Holiday Memories in Clark County

Somewhere between taking out the gloves for the first time and convincing a child to wear a coat, the holiday anticipation begins to grow. Getting everyone out the door takes a little less time, especially when the promise of Santa, twinkling lights or a ballerina gracing the stage is on the line. The car ride to the event is full of energetic chatter as the night sky erases the last bit of sun; as cool air brushes exposed cheeks and noses for the first time, families huddle together excitedly, awaiting the holiday magic that awaits them at their destination.   

For families that attend these events, memories are made that will last a lifetime. Stories of the Rotary Community Tree Lighting will be passed down. Gifts will be given and purchased at the Vancouver Holiday Market; children will revel in the beauty of the ballerinas from Columbia Dance’s performance of The Nutcracker and wishes will be whispered into Santa’s ear at the Washougal lighted parade. 

But for the people who organize these events, a different kind of magic happens behind the scenes. These tireless joymakers get a front-row seat to children making art with their parents, grown adults waving to Santa and children’s eyes widening as they take in the beauty of live theater. What keeps families coming back also inspires those who put on these events to keep volunteering their time and resources. Read on for tips on making holiday memories in Clark County.

Rotary Community Tree Lighting  

For Karey Schoenfeld, co-chair of the Rotary Community Tree Lighting, all the hard work seems worth it when she sees the faces of children and adults seeing Santa for the first time during a holiday season.   

“Santa has a magical way of bringing out the kid in all of us, and rain or shine, everyone just enjoys the spirit of Christmas!” she says. 

The spirit of the holidays is central to Rotary’s approach to the event. According to Schoenfeld, keeping it free is a priority. 

“It is important to Rotary that families can attend for free, not only to see the tree when it lights up the night, but also to enjoy photos with Santa and other holiday characters, or take a ride on the Loci train engine,” she says. 

For a family watching its holiday budget, that matters. Making sure that an outing is accessible to all is crucial to the Rotary. It’s an event that families can look forward to year after year. It makes the tree lighting at Esther Short Park the perfect holiday tradition to experience again and again. Families are also encouraged to come down to the Vancouver Waterfront to see Santa arrive on a tugboat, where he joins a light parade up to the park to light the tree. Families can share the anticipation of the lights coming on and enjoy all of the activities without a required admission charge. 

Donations are requested for parking and some activities, but they are optional. 

The holiday magic starts way before the countdown. Schoenfeld says the Rotary Club begins planning early in the year. The City of Vancouver, community sponsors and volunteers help bring the celebration together. 

As attendance has grown, those extra hands have become especially valuable. Behind the photos and festivities are people giving their time to help the evening run smoothly. 

For families, that means an opportunity to be part of something larger than their own household celebration. Everyone watches the same tree. Everyone waits for the same moment. For a little while, a crowd of people had a reason to look up together. 

Washougal Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting 

In Washougal, Rose Jewell, the Community Engagement Manager for the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, says you can feel the excitement spread throughout the crowd as lighted entries pass by with music and dancers, Santa leads the countdown, the tree comes to life and Christmas carols follow. 

The parade gives families a chance to watch their community become part of the celebration. Businesses and organizations join neighbors in creating an evening that depends on local participation, both along the route and in the parade itself. 

“What makes the Washougal Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting so special is the way our community comes together to celebrate the holiday season,” Jewell says. “It’s a warm and joyful tradition that brings families, friends, businesses, organizations and neighbors together to share in the spirit of the season and create lasting memories.” 

This year’s plans include free cocoa and cookies, music from the Washougal High School Band and an opportunity to take a holiday selfie with Santa, according to Jewell. 

For families new to the area, the celebration also offers an introduction to Washougal through the people who show up. Returning visitors can look for familiar participants and enjoy the moment they have been waiting to see again. 

“It’s a cherished community tradition that brings people together and reminds us what makes Washougal such a special place to call home,” Jewell says. 

Vancouver Holiday Market 

Once the tree is lit and wishes have been made to Santa, it’s time to go shopping! For many families, finding the perfect gift at the Vancouver Holiday Market has become an annual event. You can find a special, one-of-a-kind gift and meet and greet the person who made it. For Kelsey Allan of the Vancouver Farmers Market, that is one of her favorite parts. 

“There’s a real demand for unique, in-person shopping experiences, and the Market provides an opportunity for the community to meet the people behind the products, discover something unique and support local businesses,” Allan says. 

The market’s recent growth suggests that neighbors are eager for that experience. Allan says the event operated for 15 years before COVID-19, then returned in 2024 after a hiatus. That year, it welcomed 77 small businesses and 10,200 shoppers. In 2025, those numbers climbed to 130 businesses and 22,095 shoppers. 

“It’s welcoming, festive and has something for everyone,” Allan says. “The energy from the customers and participating small businesses is what makes the event so special and more than just a place to shop.” 

This season, Allan says visitors can expect more than 125 local makers from across the region. The mix includes familiar Farmers Market businesses alongside new and emerging artists and makers, with handmade gifts, treats and other unique finds. The market will also feature crafting stations, photo booths, live music and performances, raffles and more. 

The activities give families reasons to linger beyond their shopping lists. Allan remembers families taking photos in photo booths created by local artists, shoppers singing along with live music and children collaborating on a holiday village mural at the crafting station. 

“Working behind the scenes on an event that creates those kinds of special core memories for the families in our community is incredibly rewarding,” she says. 

Columbia Dance’s The Nutcracker 

That’s also how it feels for Becky Moore, Director at Columbia Dance. One of the best parts of her job is watching a performance of The Nutcracker behind the scenes and seeing how the audience responds to all the wonders that happen during the show. 

“They laugh at the mischievous sibling in the party scene, ooh and aah when snow starts to fall, clap constantly and remind me just how magical live art is,” Moore says. “It is my most favorite day of the year.” 

Moore’s favorite day, though, is the one when she gets to experience it through children who have never seen anything like it. 

Each year, Columbia Dance hosts an entire grade level from Vancouver Public Schools for a school day field trip to the production. For many students, Moore says, it is their first live performance in a theater. 

She recalls a special time when a young audience member shared their review of the show, exclaiming, “That was the best movie ever!” 

Their reaction captures the pleasure of discovering a familiar holiday story in an unfamiliar way. For families considering a first ballet outing, Moore points to the production’s pacing as part of its appeal. 

Act I moves through the excitement of a party, the drama of a battle and the elegance of a snow scene. Act II offers short dances, each different from the one before. Tchaikovsky’s music gives audiences another point of connection, including melodies they may recognize before they know their names. 

“The warmth and holiday cheer that permeate the plot make for the perfect family outing in the winter months,” Moore says. 

At Columbia Dance, the experience extends beyond the stage. Moore says families can browse the Nutcracker boutique, take photos with life-sized character cutouts and enjoy a cookie, offered free this year. After the performance, audience members can meet principal dancers for pictures and autographs. 

Knowing the rhythm of the visit can help parents prepare. Moore describes two 45-minute acts separated by a 15-minute intermission, which includes a raffle. Talking through that plan beforehand gives children an idea of when they will have a break. 

Columbia Dance also offers a sensory-friendly performance for audience members who need a different theater environment. Moore describes modified lighting and sound, buffered seating and a welcoming environment for people who need to move or make noise. Preparation materials help families become familiar with what they will see and hear. 

Those accommodations give families more information and options when deciding how to attend. A holiday tradition is easier to begin when the experience makes room for the people coming through the door. 

Tips for Choosing Holiday Activities 

While Clark County offers plenty of holiday activities, don’t feel like you have to fill the entire calendar. Start with what your family enjoys. A child who loves making things might gravitate toward the market’s crafting activities. A kid who is fascinated with music and movement might be ready for ballet. A tree lighting or parade offers the pleasure of celebrating outdoors with neighbors. 

Before leaving home for any holiday event, check the organizer’s current schedule, location and any ticket requirements. Add time for parking and getting a great seat, and consider what you need for everyone to enjoy the experience, from warm layers to a conversation about what happens next. 

The best part of a holiday tradition is the new memories and surprises you can make along the way. The favorite part might be meeting a dancer, making something together or watching an adult get just as excited about Santa as a child does. On the ride home, ask what everyone liked best. The answer may spark next year’s plans. 

For more holiday events happening this year, check out our web exclusive article: https://vancouverfamilymagazine.com/ho-ho-holiday-events-in-vancouver-2026/ 

Read the November 2026 Issue