Top December 12–14, 2025 Events in Vancouver, WA & Portland, OR
Top December 12–14, 2025 Events in Vancouver, WA & Portland, OR – Holiday Celebrations, Cultural Festivals & Festive Fun
Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration & Karamu
📅 Date: Saturday, December 14, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Doors lock 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM)
📍 Location: Clark County Fairgrounds, 17402 NE Delfel Road, Ridgefield, WA 98642 (Free shuttles available from Vancouver Mall Transit Center)
💲 Price: Free celebration; Kwanzaa Karamu tickets: $9.99 (children), $19.99 (adults), $39.99 (VIP seating). Children 3 and under eat free.
🔗 Website: pddbm.org
About the Event
Celebrate the vibrant spirit of Kwanzaa at the Annual PDDBM Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration! This in-person day of joy, unity, and cultural enrichment brings the community together for music, dance, art, and delicious cuisine. Kwanzaa honors African heritage and culture through seven core principles: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. Experience an unforgettable celebration for all ages at this free community event.
What to Expect
🎵 Live music and drumming performances
💃 Traditional African dance demonstrations
🎨 Art activities and cultural exhibits
🍛 Kwanzaa Karamu feast (traditional African American cuisine - ticketed)
👨👩👧 Family-friendly activities for all ages
🚌 Free C-Tran shuttle service from Vancouver Mall
Pro Tips
✔️ Arrive early as doors lock from 11:45 AM to 2:00 PM
✔️ Purchase Karamu tickets online in advance – no tickets available at the door
✔️ Take advantage of the free shuttle service from Vancouver Mall Transit Center
✔️ Bring the whole family – this is an enriching cultural experience for all ages
✔️ Plan to stay for the Kwanzaa Karamu communal feast to experience the full celebration
Tamales Cooking Class – All From Scratch!
📅 Date: Friday, December 13, 2025
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Class Cooking in Burnt Bridge Cellars, 110 E 15th St, Vancouver, WA 98663
💲 Price: Check website for ticket pricing
🔗 Website: Purchase tickets on Eventbrite
About the Event
Join Chef Fabi for an afternoon of hands-on tamale making – all from scratch! Learn everything you need to know to create these delicious Mexican treats from beginning to end. Chef Fabi, who was born in Mexico and learned to cook from her Mama Fabiola, brings over 12 years of teaching experience and a deep passion for authentic Mexican cuisine. You'll go home with tamales in hand and the skills to make them yourself for any gathering!
What to Expect
👩🍳 Hands-on instruction from experienced Chef Fabi
🌽 Making tamale dough (masa) from scratch
🥘 Preparing authentic fillings (chicken, pork, and corn)
📖 All ingredients, tools, recipes, and instruction included
🏠 Take your freshly made tamales home!
🍷 Located next to Burnt Bridge Cellars winery
Pro Tips
✔️ Bring Tupperware containers to take your tamales home
✔️ Wear comfortable clothes you don't mind getting a little messy
✔️ This class contains chicken, pork, and corn – consider dietary needs
✔️ Book early as Chef Fabi's classes are popular and fill up quickly
✔️ Arrive a few minutes early to settle in and meet fellow participants
Santa's Holiday Hustle 5K & Dirty Santa Trail Run 10K
📅 Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM start time
📍 Location: NE Everett St & Franklin St, Camas, WA 98607
💲 Price: Check registration website for current pricing
🔗 Website: Visit website
About the Event
Join the 6th Annual Santa's Holiday Hustle 5K Run/Walk or the 2nd Annual Dirty Santa Trail Run 10K! Celebrate the holidays in an active and festive way with this community favorite running event. All proceeds support XChange Recovery, a vital nonprofit offering long-term housing and behavioral health services to men and women overcoming addiction, with special focus on Fentanyl awareness. Race starts at 9:00 AM, followed by cookies, hot cocoa, and a visit with Santa!
What to Expect
🎅 Optional Santa costumes (available in registration add-ons)
🏃 5K run/walk option or challenging 10K trail run
🍪 Post-race cookies and hot cocoa
🎅 Photos with Santa after the race
💪 Supporting a meaningful cause – addiction recovery and Fentanyl awareness
🏅 Festive holiday atmosphere with live entertainment
Pro Tips
✔️ Pick up your race packet on Friday, Dec 13, 10 AM–6 PM at Foot Traffic Vancouver
✔️ Saturday morning packet pickup available 7:00 AM–10:00 AM at the race site
✔️ Dress in layers – mornings can be chilly, but you'll warm up while running
✔️ Bring your camera for post-race photos with Santa
✔️ Consider the 10K trail run if you're up for a more challenging course through scenic trails
Grand Menorah Lighting & Community Chanukah Celebration
📅 Date: Saturday, December 14, 2025
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
📍 Location: Esther Short Park, 415 W 6th St, Vancouver, WA 98660
💲 Price: Free
📞 Contact: Tzivie Greenberg – (360) 993-5222 | tzivie@jewishclarkcounty.com
🔗 Website: Visit Website
About the Event
Join Chabad of Clark County as they mark the beginning of Chanukah with the Grand Menorah Lighting and Community Celebration in downtown Vancouver! This festive event brings the community together to celebrate the Festival of Lights with an 18-foot menorah that will remain on display in Esther Short Park through December 26th. Experience the magic of Chanukah with live entertainment, traditional treats, and family-friendly activities in the heart of Vancouver.
What to Expect
🕎 Lighting of the grand 18-foot menorah
🎵 Live music performances
🎪 LED circus show entertainment
🍩 Free donuts and hot cocoa
🎲 Dreidel drop and games
👨👩👧 Family-friendly celebration for all ages
📸 Photo opportunities with the towering menorah
Pro Tips
✔️ Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the lighting ceremony
✔️ Dress warmly – this is an outdoor evening event in December
✔️ Bring your camera to capture memories with the magnificent 18-foot menorah
✔️ The menorah remains on display through December 26th for additional photo opportunities
✔️ Free parking available in downtown Vancouver garages and street parking
Tuba Christmas Concert
📅 Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
⏰ Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97204
💲 Price: Free
🔗 Website: Visit Website
About the Event
Experience the 34th Annual Tuba Christmas Concert, an iconic, quirky, and heartwarming holiday musical tradition in Portland's living room! Nearly 300 tubas will play in harmony as thousands gather at Pioneer Courthouse Square to sing along to beloved holiday classics. This is one of the largest tuba concerts in the country, with participants traveling from all over Oregon to share their love of big brass music. This magical seasonal performance is completely free for the public to enjoy!
What to Expect
🎺 Nearly 300 tubas playing in harmony
🎵 Holiday classics performed by massive brass ensemble
🎤 Audience sing-along encouraged
📸 Unique photo opportunities with hundreds of tubas
👨👩👧 Family-friendly festive atmosphere
🎄 One of Portland's most beloved holiday traditions
Pro Tips
✔️ Arrive early to secure a good spot – this event draws thousands of spectators
✔️ Dress warmly in layers – it's an outdoor December event in Portland's downtown
✔️ Bring your singing voice – audience participation is encouraged!
✔️ If you play tuba, euphonium, or baritone, register online starting October 15, 2025
✔️ Use public transportation or MAX light rail – parking downtown can be challenging during holiday events
Make the Most of Your December Weekend in Vancouver, WA & Portland, OR
This December 12-14 weekend offers an incredible variety of events across Southwest Washington and the Portland metro area. From cultural celebrations honoring African heritage and Jewish traditions to hands-on culinary experiences and active outdoor adventures, there's truly something for every interest and age group.
Vancouver, WA residents can enjoy three major local events without traveling far: the Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration in nearby Ridgefield, the Grand Menorah Lighting at downtown Vancouver's Esther Short Park, and the tamales cooking class on East 15th Street. Camas residents have the perfect opportunity to participate in the Santa's Holiday Hustle 5K right in their hometown. Portland visitors shouldn't miss the iconic Tuba Christmas Concert at Pioneer Courthouse Square, a free event that's become a cherished Pacific Northwest tradition.
For those considering a move to Vancouver, Washington or exploring the Portland, Oregon area, these community events showcase the rich cultural diversity, strong sense of community, and vibrant arts scene that make this region special. From the Columbia River Gorge to the Willamette Valley, Southwest Washington and Oregon offer year-round activities that celebrate heritage, creativity, and togetherness.
Whether you're searching for "things to do in Vancouver, WA this weekend," "Portland holiday events December 2025," or "family-friendly activities in Clark County," this weekend delivers exceptional experiences. Many events are free or low-cost, making it easy for families to create lasting holiday memories without breaking the budget.
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Cassandra Marks
Realtor, Licensed in OR & WA | License ID: 201225764
Realtor, Licensed in OR & WA License ID: 201225764