Our first Christmas in Vancouver! I seriously can’t believe it’s Christmas time already-this year has simultaneously been so long and flown by. Being a newbie to the area, I’m super grateful to awesome friends (thanks Katie, Shirley, and Kristi!) for recommending some awesome things to do this holiday season.

1. Christmas Ships Parade

Boats strung with Christmas lights on the Columbia River? Ummm, yes please! This is such a unique spin on Christmas lights and parades and I seriously can’t wait to go and see this. We have multiple friends who want to go so we miiiight just end up going more than once. I’m not complaining.

When: Dec 5th, 10th, 13th, 17th for the Waterfront, more areas listed at their website
Where: We’re going to the waterfront, but there are other options too!
Cost: Free

2. Christmas Lights on Franklin St

I have seen multiple reels about this street on Instagram so I knew we had to check it out. We went yesterday (on the 1st) and it was so fun! It’s not the whole street, just a small portion, but there were some really cute setups and even a photo spot. I’m curious to know if more will be set up as time goes on-we might just have to head back there and see!

When: Dec 1st-31st
Where: 4616 NW Franklin St
Cost: Free

3. Parades & Tree Lightings

I’m not sure if we’re going to be able to make any of these this year since they’re early in the month, but I really hope we do! They all sound so fun, especially the parade. They each have their own activities, so make sure to checkout their website.

Washougal Lighted Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
When: Dec 6th, 5 pm
Where: Reflection Plaza, Pendleton Way, Washougal, WA 98671
Cost: Free

Hometown Holidays in Camas
When: Dec 6th, 5 pm-8 pm
Where: NE 4th Ave , Camas, WA 98607
Cost: Free

Ridgefield Hometown Celebration
When: Dec 7th, 9 am-7 pm
Where: Overlook Park (113-131 S Main Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642)
Cost: Free

4. The grotto’s Festival of Lights

This one is technically in Portland, but it looks so fun! There’s a little plaza area with lots of lights as well as caroling, puppet shows, and various musical entertainment. You can also go and sit inside the chapel and listen to different choirs. You’ll want to buy your tickets online for this one-at the door is a couple bucks more each ticket which can add up quick!

When: Nov 30th-Dec 30th, 5-9:30 pm
Where: NE 85th & Sandy Blvd. Portland, Oregon
Cost: Adults $16.50, Kids 3-11 $7.75, they have tickets cheaper on value nights

5. Winter Wonderland at the Portland International Raceway

Want to see a bunch of Christmas lights from the warmth and comfort of your car? Then this one’s for you! Sooo excited to have something like this close by in Portland because the last city we lived in did not have anything like this. The cheapest way to get tickets is to buy them from Albertsons or Safeway for $33. Takes a little bit of extra effort, but definitely worth it. They charge by the carload, so if you think about it, $33 for the whole family isn’t a bad price. Just thinking of ways to justify it to my husband ;)

When: Nov 29th-Dec 31st, 5-10 pm with extended hours on certain days
Where: 1940 N Victory Blvd Portland, OR 97217
Cost: $38-$51 *depends on the night

Those are the main ones we’re going to try and hit this season-is there anything you would add? Come find me on Instagram and we can chat!