The Vancouver, WA area has 15 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Santa Photos: An Elf Christmas Experience in Vancouver on November 13 to Columbia Dance presents a Nutcracker Rooted in 1840s Fort Vancouver in Vancouver, which runs through December 20. 10 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Washington, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 15 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Vancouver, WA for 2026, in Vancouver, Battle Ground, La Center, Ridgefield and Yacolt
- First: Santa Photos: An Elf Christmas Experience, Vancouver, November 13. Runs latest: Santa Photos: An Elf Christmas Experience, Vancouver, through December 24
- Free: Santa's Arrival Celebration Party, Christmas Ships Parade, Vancouver Community Tree Lighting 2026, Winter Craft: Felt Orange Wreaths, Kids Create: Winter Fun!, Hometown Ridgefield: Cookies & Hot Cider, Santa at the Marshall House, Winter Crafts: Gingerbread House, Winter Craft: Kids & Tweens Create and Winter Craft: Gingerbread House
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Washington Christmas train rides page.
Vancouver, WA Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 15 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Vancouver, Battle Ground, La Center, Ridgefield and Yacolt
- Season
- November 13 to December 24, 2026
- Free events
- 10
- Kinds of events
- holiday crafts, Santa visit, holiday parade and Santa and Mrs. Claus
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Vancouver, WA Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Santa Photos: An Elf Christmas Experience in Vancouver on November 13; the last runs to December 20. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Santa Photos: An Elf Christmas ExperienceVancouver · Nov 13 to Dec 24
- Santa's Arrival Celebration PartyVancouver · Nov 14
- Reindeer MagicVancouver · Nov 21
- Christmastime at the FarmYacolt · Nov 21 to Nov 22
- Vancouver Community Tree Lighting 2026Vancouver · Nov 27
- Vancouver Holiday MarketVancouver · Nov 27 to Nov 29
- Christmas Ships ParadeVancouver · Nov 27 to Dec 16
- Winter Craft: Felt Orange WreathsBattle Ground · Dec 1
- Kids Create: Winter Fun!La Center · Dec 2
- Hometown Ridgefield: Cookies & Hot CiderRidgefield · Dec 5
- Santa at the Marshall HouseVancouver · Dec 5
- Winter Crafts: Gingerbread HouseVancouver · Dec 5
- Winter Craft: Kids & Tweens CreateVancouver · Dec 8
- Winter Craft: Gingerbread HouseVancouver · Dec 17
- Columbia Dance presents a Nutcracker Rooted in 1840s Fort VancouverVancouver · Dec 18 to Dec 20
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Vancouver, WA? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Vancouver
11 confirmed events for kids in Vancouver, soonest first.
Vancouver: Santa Photos: An Elf Christmas Experience
Santa visitVancouver Mall · Vancouver
- Host
- Vancouver Mall (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Vancouver Mall, H&M Court (lower level), 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr, Vancouver, WA 98662
- When
- Friday, November 13, 2026 to Thursday, December 24, 2026 (daily, closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day)
- Cost
- Visit reservations online, photo packages sold separately
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Vancouver Mall sets up an Elf Christmas Experience with Santa in the lower-level H&M Court. The setting has festive decor, twinkling lights and Snoopy and friends, and families can capture holiday photos with Santa.
Santa is there daily from November 13 through December 24, 2026, except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The mall offers an online reservation link for a Santa visit. The page does not list prices, so check the reservation page for photo package costs before you go. The Santa set is in the lower-level H&M Court, and the mall is at 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Drive. The page includes a reservation link, so families can pick a time rather than wait in line. Mall hours vary by day, so check the mall's posted hours before you plan a late visit.
Parent tip: Reserve a Santa visit through the link on the mall page to avoid a long wait.
See dates and details from Vancouver Mall (opens in a new tab)Vancouver: Santa's Arrival Celebration Party
Santa visitFreeVancouver Mall · Vancouver
- Host
- Vancouver Mall (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Vancouver Mall, H&M Court (lower level), 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr, Vancouver, WA 98662
- When
- Saturday, November 14, 2026, 10 am to noon
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
On Saturday, November 14, 2026, Santa comes to Vancouver Mall at 10 am, in the H&M Court on the lower level. The no-cost party lasts until noon and offers cookie decorating while supplies last, seasonal crafts and games, a spot to pen notes to Santa, and activities themed after Buddy the Elf.
Once the fun settles, families can have professional pictures taken with Santa by Cherry Hill Photo. That day no photo reservations are necessary; visits go to whoever arrives first, and photo packages can be bought right there. All ages may attend. You will find the mall at 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Drive in east Vancouver, and the party is on the lower level close to the H&M entrance. Santa's entrance opens the morning, so families with small children might come slightly ahead of 10 am to snag a good view, and then head to the cookie decorating table.
Parent tip: Santa comes in at 10 am sharp, so come early for his entrance. Photo packages cost extra.
See dates and details from Vancouver Mall (opens in a new tab)Vancouver: Reindeer Magic
Santa visitDennis' 7 Dees Landscaping & Garden Centers · Vancouver
- Host
- Dennis' 7 Dees Landscaping & Garden Centers (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- 7 Dees Vancouver Garden Center, 10006 SE Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98664
- When
- Saturday, November 21, 2026
- Cost
- $11 per person, under 1 free
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
This outdoor garden center event brings a herd of domesticated reindeer from a local family farm, plus Santa. The ticket includes family activities such as a giant snow globe and a small garden train ride. Vendors sell face painting, balloon art, donuts, pizza, hot drinks and other winter treats, and live music plays during the day.
Tickets cost $11 per person, and children under one are free. Every other child needs a ticket. Professional Santa photos cost extra and can be added at checkout, though you can also take a free photo with your own phone. The event goes on in rain or snow, and the garden center suggests buying tickets ahead because it often sells out. Morning and afternoon sessions are offered, and tickets can be switched with 48 hours notice.
Parent tip: Dress for the weather since it is outdoors. Buy tickets ahead, because the event sells out and walk-up entry depends on capacity.
See dates and details from Dennis' 7 Dees Landscaping & Garden Centers (opens in a new tab)Vancouver: Christmas Ships Parade
Holiday paradeFreeVisit Vancouver WA (Christmas Ships Parade on the Columbia River) · Vancouver
- Host
- Visit Vancouver WA (Christmas Ships Parade on the Columbia River) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Vancouver Waterfront Park and Grant Street Pier, 695 Waterfront Way, Vancouver, WA 98660
- When
- Fri November 27 (4 pm), Thu December 3 (7 pm), Fri December 11 (7 pm) and Wed December 16 (7 pm), 2026
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Christmas Ships Parade is a nearly 70 year old tradition in which decorated, lighted boats sail along the Columbia River. Vancouver Waterfront Park, Grant Street Pier and the Waterfront Renaissance Trail are the best places to watch. Only certain nights of the fleet's schedule pass the Vancouver waterfront.
The listing shows Friday, November 27 at 4 pm, when the fleet escorts Santa to the waterfront for the tree lighting, plus December 3, 11 and 16 at about 7 pm. Other nights pass Camas, Washougal and other shores. Times are approximate and depend on river traffic and weather. Waterfront restaurants offer indoor viewing, and the viewing is free. Parade night viewing is also possible from Camas and Washougal on other dates in the schedule, with the same boats and lights. There is no ticket, so families can stay for as long as small children can handle the cold and leave early without missing anything important.
Parent tip: Arrive early, because parking and prime spots fill quickly, and bring layers or blankets for the cold river breeze.
See dates and details from Visit Vancouver WA (Christmas Ships Parade on the Columbia River) (opens in a new tab)Vancouver: Vancouver Community Tree Lighting 2026
Santa and Mrs. ClausFreeRotary Club of Vancouver · Vancouver
- Host
- Rotary Club of Vancouver (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Esther Short Park, 301 W 8th St, Vancouver, WA 98660
- When
- Friday, November 27, 2026, 4 to 7 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The evening starts at the Vancouver Waterfront, where Santa and Mrs. Claus sail in on a barge escorted by Columbia River Christmas ships. The arrival is listed around 5:45 pm, followed by a lighted vehicle parade that travels up to downtown and into Esther Short Park.
In the park, families can watch on-stage entertainment, ride the Loci rides at the west end of 6th Street, and visit family photo stations with Santa and the Grinch. Anna, Elsa and Olaf make character appearances for kids, and a food and drink market lines 6th Street. A holiday market runs inside the Hilton next door from 3 to 8 pm. The Rotary Club of Vancouver presents the event, and the tree lights up at 6:30 pm.
Parent tip: Arrive early because waterfront and park spots fill fast. The Santa photo booth runs until 7 pm, with a break at 5:30 pm until after the lighting.
See dates and details from Rotary Club of Vancouver (opens in a new tab)Vancouver: Vancouver Holiday Market
Holiday craftsVancouver Farmers Market · Vancouver
- Host
- Vancouver Farmers Market (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Hilton Vancouver Washington Convention Center, 301 W 6th St, Vancouver, WA 98660
- When
- Fri November 27 (3 to 8 pm), Sat November 28 (9 am to 4 pm) and Sun November 29 (9 am to 4 pm), 2026
- Cost
- Admission not listed on the page
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
More than 120 local artisans and small businesses sell handmade gifts at this three day market inside the downtown convention center. It runs Friday afternoon and all day Saturday and Sunday.
The market's FAQ says children can make their own holiday projects at crafting stations and take them home. Families can also pose together at the photo booths, and several vendors sell kid-friendly items and stocking stuffers.
Parking is donation based in the lot beside City Hall at 6th and Esther. A Terminal 1 garage offers a discounted daily rate, and street parking north of Evergreen Boulevard is free. The page also points visitors to the downtown tree lighting and the Christmas Ships on the waterfront that weekend.
Parent tip: Saturday and Sunday mornings are the easiest time to park near City Hall. Check the market page for any entry fee before you go.
See dates and details from Vancouver Farmers Market (opens in a new tab)Vancouver: Santa at the Marshall House
Story time with SantaFreeThe Historic Trust · Vancouver
- Host
- The Historic Trust (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- George C. Marshall House, 1301 Officers Row, Vancouver, WA 98661
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free, reservations required
- Ages
- Families with children
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa receives hand-delivered letters and wish lists at the historic Marshall House from 9 am to 3 pm. The house is decorated for the holidays and set up for family photos. Children can make holiday crafts, write a letter to Santa and listen to a holiday story, and each child takes home a snowman soup hot cocoa packet while supplies last.
Reservations are free and open Friday, November 6, 2026. The first hour, 9 to 10 am, is set aside for people with neurodiverse family members who need a quieter, less stimulating visit, with fewer reservations and softer sounds. Please reserve that hour only if someone in your group has sensory needs. The Historic Trust presents the event with sponsor Columbia Credit Union.
Parent tip: Reserve a time slot once booking opens on Nov 6. Choose the 9 to 10 am hour only if a family member needs a low-stimulation visit.
See dates and details from The Historic Trust (opens in a new tab)Vancouver: Winter Crafts: Gingerbread House
Holiday craftsFreeFort Vancouver Regional Libraries · Vancouver
- Host
- Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C NE Tenney Rd, Vancouver, WA 98685
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 3 to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Three Creeks Community Library serves the Salmon Creek and Hazel Dell neighborhoods, and this winter craft invites everyone to decorate a gingerbread house. The library provides all the supplies, so there is nothing to bring from home.
The program runs from 3 to 5 pm on Saturday, December 5, 2026. Supplies are available while they last, so arriving closer to the start gives the best chance to build a full house. The library lists no registration for this event. FVRL offers the same gingerbread craft at several of its branches in December, with other dates and locations on the library events calendar. The library is at 800-C NE Tenney Road, in the Salmon Creek and Hazel Dell area of north Vancouver, and its normal hours that day run from 10 am to 6 pm. Families who miss this date can look for the same craft at other FVRL branches later in December.
Parent tip: Come near the start time because supplies run out. Check the branch page for registration changes.
See dates and details from Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (opens in a new tab)Vancouver: Winter Craft: Kids & Tweens Create
Holiday craftsFreeFort Vancouver Regional Libraries · Vancouver
- Host
- Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St, Vancouver, WA 98660
- When
- Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 3:30 to 5:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages 5 to 12
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
This drop-in craft session at the Vancouver Community Library is for ages 5 to 12. Kids work on creative and interactive winter projects, using their imagination, stretching their creativity or practicing a new artistic skill.
It runs on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, from 3:30 to 5:30 pm, and the library lists no registration. Because it is a drop-in format, children can come and go during the two hours. The library is at 901 C Street in downtown Vancouver. The program is aimed at school-age children rather than toddlers, so younger siblings may enjoy a different activity. The library is at 901 C Street in downtown Vancouver, and the format is a drop-in session, so children can arrive and leave on their own schedule while they work on projects of their choosing.
Parent tip: No registration is listed, so you can drop in anytime during the two hours.
See dates and details from Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (opens in a new tab)Vancouver: Winter Craft: Gingerbread House
Holiday craftsFreeFort Vancouver Regional Libraries · Vancouver
- Host
- Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St, Vancouver, WA 98660
- When
- Thursday, December 17, 2026, 3:30 to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The downtown Vancouver Community Library hosts a gingerbread house decorating craft on Thursday afternoon, December 17, 2026, from 3:30 to 5 pm. Everything needed to decorate a house is provided, so families can simply show up and build.
Supplies are limited and available while they last. The library does not list a registration requirement, and the program fits a short after-school visit. The Vancouver Community Library is part of Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries, which runs similar winter crafts at many branches through December. The library sits at 901 C Street in downtown Vancouver. Because the craft is a drop-in activity with no sign-up listed, it works well for families who want a short, low-pressure holiday project on a weekday afternoon. Other Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries branches hold gingerbread sessions on different dates in December.
Parent tip: Come early in the time slot since supplies are limited.
See dates and details from Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (opens in a new tab)Vancouver: Columbia Dance presents a Nutcracker Rooted in 1840s Fort Vancouver
Holiday showColumbia Dance · Vancouver
- Host
- Columbia Dance (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St, Vancouver, WA 98685
- When
- Fri December 18 (6 pm), Sat December 19 (1 to 5 pm) and Sun December 20 (1 to 5 pm), 2026
- Cost
- Ticketed, see Columbia Dance
- Ages
- Family show
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Columbia Dance retells the holiday classic in 1840s Fort Vancouver, using Tchaikovsky's score and real Pacific Northwest history. Beavers, fur trappers, covered-wagon travelers, dancing wapato plants and a mystical moon appear in the story. The production was built with local historians and Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, and more than 100 student dancers and guest artists perform.
Shows run December 18 to 20, 2026 at Skyview Concert Hall. The Friday, December 18 performance at 6 pm is sensory-friendly, and Columbia Dance offers a pre-visit story to help children prepare. Saturday and Sunday each have 1 pm and 5 pm shows. Tickets went on sale in mid October through the Columbia Dance website. Skyview Concert Hall is at 1300 NW 139th Street in Vancouver. Columbia Dance is a nonprofit arts organization founded in 1989, and the production has drawn about 5,000 audience members each year since its 2021 debut.
Parent tip: Use the sensory-friendly Friday show and the pre-visit story if your child needs a calmer setting. Buy tickets ahead through Columbia Dance.
See dates and details from Columbia Dance (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Battle Ground
1 confirmed event for kids in Battle Ground, soonest first.
Battle Ground: Winter Craft: Felt Orange Wreaths
Holiday craftsFreeFort Vancouver Regional Libraries · Battle Ground
- Host
- Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Battle Ground Community Library, 1207 SE 8th Way, Battle Ground, WA 98604 (near Vancouver)
- When
- Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 4 to 7 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Battle Ground Community Library celebrates the winter season with a felt orange wreath craft and a hot cocoa bar. The library provides all supplies on a first come, first served basis, and guests are welcome to bring extra embellishments to personalize a wreath.
The program runs Tuesday, December 1, 2026, from 4 to 7 pm, a long window that suits families coming after school or work. No registration is listed on the library calendar. The library is at 1207 SE 8th Way in Battle Ground. A hot cocoa bar is part of the afternoon, which makes it a cozy stop for kids after school, and the long three hour window leaves room to come when it suits your schedule. Embellishments from home are welcome but not required.
Parent tip: Supplies are first come, first served, so come earlier if you want to make a wreath.
See dates and details from Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in La Center
1 confirmed event for kids in La Center, soonest first.
La Center: Kids Create: Winter Fun!
Holiday craftsFreeFort Vancouver Regional Libraries · La Center
- Host
- Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- La Center Community Library, 1411 NE Lockwood Creek Rd, La Center, WA 98629 (near Vancouver)
- When
- Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 4 to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
La Center Community Library hosts Kids Create: Winter Fun!, a drop-in program where children make their own winter decorations. It is a simple, hands-on hour of making, with no sign-up listed.
The program runs Wednesday, December 2, 2026, from 4 to 5 pm. La Center is a small town north of Vancouver in Clark County, so this is a quiet option if you are looking for a low-key craft close to home outside the city center. The library is at 1411 NE Lockwood Creek Road, and the program lasts a single hour. Kids can make more than one decoration if time allows, and families can take their creations home to hang up. The library lists no registration or fee for the program.
Parent tip: Plan for one hour and arrive at the start.
See dates and details from Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Ridgefield
1 confirmed event for kids in Ridgefield, soonest first.
Ridgefield: Hometown Ridgefield: Cookies & Hot Cider
Holiday eventFreeFort Vancouver Regional Libraries · Ridgefield
- Host
- Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Ridgefield Community Library, 210 N Main Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642 (near Vancouver)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to 2 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Friends of Ridgefield Community Library serve cookies and hot cider at the library during Hometown, the town's holiday celebration, on Saturday, December 5, 2026. The treats are available from 9 am to 2 pm, so families can warm up between downtown activities.
Historic downtown Ridgefield is decorated with lights during Hometown, and the library sits on North Main Avenue in the middle of it. The library calendar lists no registration for the cookies and cider. The library is at 210 N Main Avenue, close to the Overlook Park area where Hometown vendors and activities gather. Hometown is Ridgefield's yearly holiday celebration, so expect crowds, lights on the historic storefronts, and plenty of other things to do on Main Avenue before and after your cider.
Parent tip: Pair this with the rest of downtown Ridgefield's Hometown day, and expect Main Ave to be busy.
See dates and details from Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Yacolt
1 confirmed event for kids in Yacolt, soonest first.
Yacolt: Christmastime at the Farm
Santa visitPomeroy Living History Farm · Yacolt
- Host
- Pomeroy Living History Farm (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Pomeroy Living History Farm, 20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd, Yacolt, WA 98675 (near Vancouver)
- When
- Sat November 21 and Sun November 22, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm
- Cost
- $6 adults, $4 children ages 3 to 11, ages 2 and under free
- Ages
- Children 3 to 11 pay $4
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Pomeroy Living History Farm opens for a festive weekend on November 21 and 22, 2026. Families can meet Santa between 11 am and 3 pm both days, take Christmas card photos at several themed photo spots, and browse a holiday market. The event runs from 10 am to 4 pm each day.
Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children ages 3 to 11, and children 2 and under are free. Parking is free. There is no ATM on site and some vendors may take cash only. Only service animals are allowed. The farm is also collecting donations for the North County Community Food Bank during the weekend, so you may want to bring a few non-perishable items.
Parent tip: Bring cash in case a vendor does not take cards, and consider bringing food bank donations. Leave pets at home.
See dates and details from Pomeroy Living History Farm (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our Washington Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma and Olympia. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonVancouver, WA Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Vancouver, WA in 2026?
We confirmed 15 Christmas events for kids in Vancouver, WA for 2026 on each host’s own page: Santa Photos: An Elf Christmas Experience in Vancouver (November 13), Santa's Arrival Celebration Party in Vancouver (November 14), Christmastime at the Farm in Yacolt (November 21), Reindeer Magic in Vancouver (November 21), Christmas Ships Parade in Vancouver (November 27), Vancouver Community Tree Lighting 2026 in Vancouver (November 27), Vancouver Holiday Market in Vancouver (November 27), Winter Craft: Felt Orange Wreaths in Battle Ground (December 1), Kids Create: Winter Fun! in La Center (December 2), Hometown Ridgefield: Cookies & Hot Cider in Ridgefield (December 5), Santa at the Marshall House in Vancouver (December 5), Winter Crafts: Gingerbread House in Vancouver (December 5), Winter Craft: Kids & Tweens Create in Vancouver (December 8), Winter Craft: Gingerbread House in Vancouver (December 17) and Columbia Dance presents a Nutcracker Rooted in 1840s Fort Vancouver in Vancouver (December 18). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Vancouver, Washington?
For families in and around Vancouver, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Santa Photos: An Elf Christmas Experience (Daily, Nov 13 to Dec 24 (closed Thanksgiving), visit reservations online, photo packages sold separately); Santa's Arrival Celebration Party (Sat, Nov 14, 10 am to noon, free); Reindeer Magic (Sat, Nov 21, morning and afternoon sessions, $11 per person, under 1 free); Christmas Ships Parade (Fri Nov 27 at 4 pm; Dec 3, 11 and 16 at about 7 pm, free); Vancouver Community Tree Lighting 2026 (Fri, Nov 27, 4 to 7 pm, tree lighting at 6:30 pm, free); Vancouver Holiday Market (Fri, Nov 27, 3 to 8 pm; Sat and Sun, Nov 28 and 29, 9 am to 4 pm, admission not listed on the page); Santa at the Marshall House (Sat, Dec 5, 9 am to 3 pm, free, reservations required); Winter Crafts: Gingerbread House (Sat, Dec 5, 3 to 5 pm, free); Winter Craft: Kids & Tweens Create (Tue, Dec 8, 3:30 to 5:30 pm, free); Winter Craft: Gingerbread House (Thu, Dec 17, 3:30 to 5 pm, free); Columbia Dance presents a Nutcracker Rooted in 1840s Fort Vancouver (Dec 18 to 20; Fri 6 pm sensory-friendly, Sat and Sun at 1 and 5 pm, ticketed, see columbia dance). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Vancouver section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Battle Ground, Washington?
For families in and around Battle Ground, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Winter Craft: Felt Orange Wreaths (Tue, Dec 1, 4 to 7 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Battle Ground section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in La Center, Washington?
For families in and around La Center, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Kids Create: Winter Fun! (Wed, Dec 2, 4 to 5 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the La Center section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Ridgefield, Washington?
For families in and around Ridgefield, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Hometown Ridgefield: Cookies & Hot Cider (Sat, Dec 5, 9 am to 2 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Ridgefield section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Yacolt, Washington?
For families in and around Yacolt, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Christmastime at the Farm (Sat and Sun, Nov 21 and 22, 10 am to 4 pm, $6 adults, $4 children ages 3 to 11, ages 2 and under free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Yacolt section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Vancouver, WA?
Yes. 10 of the 15 events here are free: Santa's Arrival Celebration Party in Vancouver, Christmas Ships Parade in Vancouver, Vancouver Community Tree Lighting 2026 in Vancouver, Winter Craft: Felt Orange Wreaths in Battle Ground, Kids Create: Winter Fun! in La Center, Hometown Ridgefield: Cookies & Hot Cider in Ridgefield, Santa at the Marshall House in Vancouver, Winter Crafts: Gingerbread House in Vancouver, Winter Craft: Kids & Tweens Create in Vancouver and Winter Craft: Gingerbread House in Vancouver. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Vancouver, WA this December?
Santa appears at Santa Photos: An Elf Christmas Experience in Vancouver (November 13), Santa's Arrival Celebration Party in Vancouver (November 14), Christmastime at the Farm in Yacolt (November 21), Reindeer Magic in Vancouver (November 21), Vancouver Community Tree Lighting 2026 in Vancouver (November 27) and Santa at the Marshall House in Vancouver (December 5). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Vancouver, WA?
Holiday story times on this page: Santa at the Marshall House in Vancouver. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Are there kids' Christmas events in Vancouver, WA on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: Santa Photos: An Elf Christmas Experience in Vancouver (through December 24).
How much is Santa Photos: An Elf Christmas Experience in Vancouver?
Visit reservations online, photo packages sold separately. Santa Photos: An Elf Christmas Experience is on Friday, November 13, 2026 to Thursday, December 24, 2026 (daily, closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day) at Vancouver Mall, H&M Court (lower level). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Santa's Arrival Celebration Party in Vancouver?
Free. Santa's Arrival Celebration Party is on Saturday, November 14, 2026, 10 am to noon at Vancouver Mall, H&M Court (lower level). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Christmastime at the Farm in Yacolt?
$6 adults, $4 children ages 3 to 11, ages 2 and under free. Christmastime at the Farm is on Sat November 21 and Sun November 22, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm at Pomeroy Living History Farm. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Reindeer Magic in Vancouver?
$11 per person, under 1 free. Reindeer Magic is on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 7 Dees Vancouver Garden Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Christmas Ships Parade in Vancouver?
Free. Christmas Ships Parade is on Fri November 27 (4 pm), Thu December 3 (7 pm), Fri December 11 (7 pm) and Wed December 16 (7 pm), 2026 at Vancouver Waterfront Park and Grant Street Pier. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Vancouver Community Tree Lighting 2026 in Vancouver?
Free. Vancouver Community Tree Lighting 2026 is on Friday, November 27, 2026, 4 to 7 pm at Esther Short Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Vancouver Holiday Market in Vancouver?
Admission not listed on the page. Vancouver Holiday Market is on Fri November 27 (3 to 8 pm), Sat November 28 (9 am to 4 pm) and Sun November 29 (9 am to 4 pm), 2026 at Hilton Vancouver Washington Convention Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Craft: Felt Orange Wreaths in Battle Ground?
Free. Winter Craft: Felt Orange Wreaths is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 4 to 7 pm at Battle Ground Community Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Kids Create: Winter Fun! in La Center?
Free. Kids Create: Winter Fun! is on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 4 to 5 pm at La Center Community Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Hometown Ridgefield: Cookies & Hot Cider in Ridgefield?
Free. Hometown Ridgefield: Cookies & Hot Cider is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to 2 pm at Ridgefield Community Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Santa at the Marshall House in Vancouver?
Free, reservations required. Santa at the Marshall House is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to 3 pm at George C. Marshall House. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Crafts: Gingerbread House in Vancouver?
Free. Winter Crafts: Gingerbread House is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 3 to 5 pm at Three Creeks Community Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Craft: Kids & Tweens Create in Vancouver?
Free. Winter Craft: Kids & Tweens Create is on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 3:30 to 5:30 pm at Vancouver Community Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Craft: Gingerbread House in Vancouver?
Free. Winter Craft: Gingerbread House is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 3:30 to 5 pm at Vancouver Community Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Columbia Dance presents a Nutcracker Rooted in 1840s Fort Vancouver in Vancouver?
Ticketed, see Columbia Dance. Columbia Dance presents a Nutcracker Rooted in 1840s Fort Vancouver is on Fri December 18 (6 pm), Sat December 19 (1 to 5 pm) and Sun December 20 (1 to 5 pm), 2026 at Skyview Concert Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Vancouver, WA?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Vancouver, WA Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
