The Ultimate Weekend Kickoff: December 5–7, 2025 Events in Vancouver, WA & Portland, OR

The holiday season is heating up in Southwest Washington and Portland, Oregon, and December 2025 is packed with festive events you won’t want to miss. From downtown Camas lighting up with magical snow at Hometown Holidays to Vancouver’s Merry Glizzmas for pups and their people, the region is buzzing with seasonal cheer. Families can enjoy the sparkle of the Christmas Ships Parade along the Columbia River, explore charming vendor markets in Ridgefield, or sip craft brews beneath the towering holiday tree in Portland at the Holiday Brew Fest.

These events offer something for everyone — whether you’re hunting for unique holiday gifts, taking festive photos with Santa, or simply enjoying local food, drinks, and music. Bundle up and get ready to explore the best holiday happenings in Vancouver, WA, and Portland, OR this December.

Hometown Holidays 🎄

📅 Date: December 5, 2025
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Downtown Camas (NE 4th Ave, Camas, WA 98607)
💲 Price: Free
🔗 Visit Website

About the Event

Kick off the holiday season at the beloved Hometown Holidays in downtown Camas! This festive evening features the official tree lighting at 5:00 PM with magical “snow,” plus plenty of family-friendly activities to make memories. Enjoy crafts, live entertainment, and free hot cocoa while exploring local shops and holiday offerings.

What to Expect

🎄 Holiday tree lighting with magical snow
🎅 Meet Santa and take festive photos
🍪 Complimentary hot cocoa and treats
🎶 Live holiday music and entertainment
👨‍👩‍👧 Fun for all ages

Pro Tips

✔️ Arrive early to snag the best tree-lighting viewing spot
✔️ Bring your camera for Santa photos
✔️ Dress warmly — some activities are outdoors
✔️ Parking is available on-site; check local updates

Merry Glizzmas: A Yule Dog Festival 🐾

📅 Date: December 5–6, 2025
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Daily)
📍 Location: 108 E 7th St, Vancouver, WA 98660
💲 Price: Cost Varies (Entry generally free; food and drinks available for purchase)
🔗 Visit Website

About the Event

Celebrate the holidays with your favorite furry friends at Merry Glizzmas: A Yule Dog Festival in Vancouver! This festive event features gourmet hot dogs, custom beer sausages, and $5 beers. Meet the star attractions — Santa Dawgs and Brewdolph the Meat Hose Reinbeer! It’s a paw-some way to enjoy the season with family, friends, and pets.

What to Expect

🎅 Festive dog parade and meet & greet
🌭 Gourmet hot dogs and specialty sausages
🍺 Holiday-themed drinks and $5 beers
🎶 Fun holiday music and entertainment
👨‍👩‍👧 Family- and pet-friendly atmosphere

Pro Tips

✔️ Bring a leash for your dog if attending with pets
✔️ Cash or card may be needed for food and drinks
✔️ Dress warmly — much of the event is outdoors
✔️ Arrive early for the best viewing of dog activities

Christmas Ships Parade 2025 ⛴️

📅 Date: Select Nights in December (Dec 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 17, 19, 2025)
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Varies slightly based on the evening's route)
📍 Location: Columbia River (Best viewing from Vancouver Waterfront Park, Grant Street Pier, Camas, and Washougal)
💲 Price: Free
🔗 Visit Website

About the Event

A beloved Pacific Northwest tradition, the Christmas Ships Parade lights up the Columbia River with dozens of decorated boats sparkling with thousands of holiday lights. Families and friends gather along the shoreline to enjoy this magical maritime celebration, creating memories that last a lifetime.

What to Expect

🎄 Boats adorned with festive holiday lights
👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly viewing areas along the river
📸 Perfect photo opportunities at Vancouver Waterfront Park, Grant Street Pier, and Camas
🎶 Holiday music adding to the festive atmosphere
🌟 Free event for the entire community

Pro Tips

✔️ Arrive early for the best viewing spots
✔️ Dress warmly — evenings on the waterfront can be chilly
✔️ Bring a blanket or chairs for comfort
✔️ Check the official route and schedule for the night you plan to attend

Ridgefield Hometown Celebration 🎉

📅 Date: December 6, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Overlook Park, 113–131 S Main Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642
💲 Price: Free
🔗 Visit Website

About the Event

Experience classic small-town holiday magic at the Ridgefield Hometown Celebration! The day kicks off with a Holiday Food and Gift Vendor Marketplace, continues with live music and Santa visits, and culminates with the community tree lighting ceremony in the early evening. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Ridgefield’s festive charm with family and friends.

What to Expect

🎁 Holiday food and gift vendor marketplace (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
🎶 Live music throughout the day
🎅 Visit with Santa and take festive photos
🌟 Evening tree lighting ceremony at 4:30 PM
👨‍👩‍👧 Fun for all ages

Pro Tips

✔️ Arrive early to explore all the vendor booths
✔️ Bring cash — some vendors may not accept cards
✔️ Dress warmly — much of the celebration is outdoors
✔️ Parking is available nearby; check local updates

Portland Holiday Brew Fest 🍻

📅 Date: December 5–6, 2025
⏰ Time: Friday 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM | Saturday Noon – 10:00 PM
📍 Location: Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97204
💲 Price: Ticketed (21+ event)
🔗 Visit Website

About the Event

Get into the holiday spirit at the Portland Holiday Brew Fest, located beneath the city’s massive 75-foot holiday tree. This festive event features over 30 regional winter beers and ciders, vinyl DJs, and seasonal treats from local vendors. Perfect for friends looking to celebrate the season with craft beverages and a lively, festive atmosphere.

What to Expect

🍺 Sample 30+ winter beers and ciders from regional breweries
🎶 Enjoy live music with festive vibes
🍫 Indulge in seasonal treats like s’mores and German fare
🌟 Celebrate under the towering Pioneer Courthouse Square holiday tree
🥂 BYOG (Bring Your Own Glass) encouraged

Pro Tips

✔️ Must be 21+ to attend
✔️ Reserve tickets early — limited availability
✔️ Dress warmly — most of the event is outdoors
✔️ Bring friends for a full festive experience and great photos

This December, don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of the holidays across Vancouver, WA, and Portland, OR. From family-friendly festivities like Hometown Holidays and Ridgefield Hometown Celebration to unique seasonal experiences like Merry Glizzmas and the Portland Holiday Brew Fest, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate.

Bundle up, bring your loved ones (and pets!), and explore the best holiday markets, parades, and light shows in Southwest Washington and Portland. These events are perfect for making memories, supporting local vendors, and embracing the festive spirit of the season.

Stay tuned to local event updates, arrive early for popular activities, and capture every magical moment. Make this holiday season one to remember in the Pacific Northwest!

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Cassandra Marks (Realtor Cas)
REALTOR® · REAL Broker · Licensed in WA & OR
⭐ 5.0 Rating | 48 Google Reviews | 109 Homes Sold | $58.8M in Sales

Written by Cassandra Marks, known as Realtor Cas, is a top-rated real estate agent helping families and retirees relocate to Vancouver, WA, and Portland, OR. With over a decade of industry experience and a reputation for tough-but-kind negotiation, she makes moving organized, confident, and even fun.

📞 Contact Cassandra