Vancouver Portland Events Dec 19-21: Christmas Ships & More

The holiday spirit is in full swing this weekend! Whether you're looking for festive family fun, unique entertainment, or a chance to celebrate with friends, Vancouver and Portland have something special planned. Bundle up and explore these amazing events happening December 19-21, 2025!

🎄 Christmas Ships Parade 2025

Vancouver Waterfront & Columbia River

Each December, the Columbia River comes alive with twinkling lights and holiday magic as dozens of decorated boats glide past the Vancouver Waterfront. This beloved tradition has been bringing joy to our community for nearly 70 years, and it's completely free!

📅 Date: Multiple dates through December, including December 19
📍 Location: Vancouver Waterfront Park, Grant Street Pier & Waterfront Renaissance Trail
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
💲 Cost: FREE
🔗 Website: Christmas Ships Official Site

What to Expect: Watch as beautifully lit vessels parade along the Columbia River, creating stunning reflections on the water. The best viewing spots include Vancouver Waterfront Park, Grant Street Pier, and various points along the Waterfront Renaissance Trail. For a cozy experience with prime views, consider dining at waterfront restaurants like The Cove, WildFin American Grill, Twigs Bistro, 13 Coins, DOSALAS Latin Kitchen, Willamette Valley Vineyards, or McMenamins—where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks while watching the parade from the comfort of indoors!

Pro Tips:
✔️ Arrive early—parking fills up quickly at prime viewing locations
✔️ Dress warmly! Evening breezes can be chilly by the water
✔️ Bring blankets and hot cocoa for a comfortable viewing experience
✔️ Check the official website for the most current parade routes and times
✔️ Consider waterfront restaurant reservations well in advance

🩰 Sensory-Friendly Nutcracker

Columbia Dance Center at Skyview Concert Hall

Experience the magic of the holidays with Columbia Dance's Fort Vancouver Nutcracker—a unique production that blends traditional Nutcracker beauty with Pacific Northwest history! This special sensory-friendly performance is designed to welcome families with children who have sensory sensitivities.

📅 Date: Friday, December 19, 2025
📍 Location: Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St, Vancouver, WA
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
💲 Cost: Adults $27, Seniors/Youth $22
🔗 Website: Columbia Dance Nutcracker

What Makes This Special: This isn't your typical Nutcracker! Columbia Dance weaves Fort Vancouver history into the performance, featuring beavers, wapato plants, and Oregon Trail children alongside traditional snowflakes and dancers. The sensory-friendly performance includes lower music volume, soft lighting, buffer seating, and a relaxed environment where audience members can move freely or make noise—no shushing required!

Perfect For:
✔️ Families with children who have sensory processing needs
✔️ Anyone who appreciates a unique twist on a holiday classic
✔️ Supporting local arts and culture
✔️ Creating inclusive holiday memories

🎅 Ugly Sweater Felida Pub Crawl

Multiple Felida Locations

Get ready to show off your most gloriously hideous holiday sweater at the 2nd Annual Ugly Sweater Felida Pub Crawl! This festive event combines holiday spirit, community fun, and the chance to win prizes while supporting local Felida businesses.

📅 Date: Friday, December 20, 2025
📍 Locations: Farrar's Bistro, Mahoney's Public House, Señor Taps, Los Potrillos
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
💲 Cost: FREE
🔗 Website: Farrar's Bistro

Event Highlights:
🎄 Visit four participating Felida venues in one festive evening
🏆 Compete for "Ugliest Sweater" title and special prizes
🍹 Enjoy unique holiday-themed cocktails and drink specials at each location
📸 Share photos with #FelidaFrolic for a chance to win additional prizes
🎉 Experience the vibrant Felida community atmosphere

How It Works: Wear your most outrageous holiday sweater and hop between the four participating venues. Each location offers special drinks and festive atmosphere. Snap photos at each stop, post them with the official hashtag, and you could win even more prizes!

⛸️ OMSI On Ice

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Portland

Experience the joy of ice skating indoors on OMSI's unique synthetic ice rink! The museum's auditorium transforms into a winter wonderland, offering all the fun of ice skating without the cold weather worries.

📅 Dates: Through December 31, 2025
📍 Location: OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR
⏰ Times: Friday-Saturday 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM, Sunday-Wednesday 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
💲 Cost: Starting at $10
🔗 Website: OMSI On Ice

Why You'll Love It: This isn't traditional ice—it's a special synthetic surface that provides a real skating experience in the comfort of OMSI's indoor space. Perfect for families, beginners, and experienced skaters alike! The winter wonderland atmosphere makes it a magical holiday outing.

Perfect For:
✔️ Families with kids of all ages
✔️ Date nights with a unique twist
✔️ Anyone who wants to skate without braving the cold
✔️ Combining with OMSI's other amazing exhibits

Plan Your Visit: Hours vary by day, so check the website for the most current schedule. The rink is available through December 31st, giving you plenty of opportunities to glide into the holiday season!

🎅 Portland SantaCon

Downtown Portland & Ankeny Alley

Join 3,000+ Santa friends for Portland's largest SantaCon pub crawl and street party! This festive adult celebration brings together holiday spirit, costume creativity, and community fun across 20+ participating venues.

📅 Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
📍 Location: Ankeny Alley & Various Downtown Portland Venues
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM (venue hours vary)
💲 Cost: Wristband required (check website for pricing)
🔗 Website: Portland SantaCon

What's Included:
🎅 Access to 20+ participating venues
🎄 Costume contest with $500 grand prize
🎁 FREE professional photographer to capture memories
🎊 Pre-party at Dixie Tavern
💕 NEW: Mistletoe Mayhem singles speed mingling event
🛷 Santa's Sleigh Ride routes departing from the street party area

Important Details: Your wristband grants entry to most participating venues from 4 PM to 10 PM, though individual venue hours may vary. The main street party happens in Ankeny Alley. Come in your best Santa costume or holiday-themed outfit and join thousands of others for a memorable celebration!

21+ Event

Make Your Weekend Magical! ✨

From free waterfront holiday lights to unique performances, festive pub crawls, and special family activities, this weekend offers something for everyone in the Vancouver and Portland metro area. Whether you're a longtime resident or considering making this vibrant region your home, these events showcase what makes our community so special.

Planning Your Weekend?

• Check event websites for the latest updates and any weather-related changes
• Many events are outdoors or involve travel between locations—dress appropriately!
• Popular events can fill parking areas quickly, so arrive early
• Consider ride-sharing or carpooling, especially for evening events

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