1. Holiday fun
Ridgefield’s holiday spirit will begin with an Ugly Christmas Sweater Fun Run at 9 a.m., as participants race Santa with 5K and 10K routes through the rural hills, with cocoa and cookies at the end. The holiday run is part of the daylong Hometown Celebration on Dec. 6 in downtown Ridgefield, 203 Pioneer St. The community celebration includes holiday crafts at the Church of the Nazarene, 747 Pioneer St., caroling and music performances 1 to 3 p.m. at Overlook Park, holiday trailer rides and a living Nativity scene from noon to 3 p.m. at the Old Liberty Theater, 115 N. Main Ave. The community tree lighting takes place at 5 p.m. in Overlook Park, with a community sing-along. Events are free, with $20 to $35 and canned food donations for the holiday run. Call 360-887-3557, and visit www.ci.ridgefield.wa.us or www.runridgefield.com
2. Renewed hope
Told as a radio drama, the production “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus” is the story behind a famous editorial. Young Virginia O’Hanlon writes a letter to the editor of the New York Sun with a simple question: does Santa Claus exist? The response falls to reporter Frank Church, whose belief also is shaken after the death of his wife and daughter on Christmas Eve. Magenta Theater performs the production at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5-6, Dec. 11-13, Dec. 16-19 and 2 p.m. Dec. 13 and 20 at the Magenta Theater, 606 Main St., Vancouver. Tickets are $13 to $16. 360-635-4358 or www.magentatheater.com
3. Dancing snowflakes
Vancouver Dance Theater returns with its annual holiday tradition. “The Nutcracker” will feature local ballet dancers portraying the classic tale of toys coming to life and a wondrous land of treats. The performance begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 5, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 6 and 2 p.m. Dec. 7 at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E. 18th St., Vancouver. Admission is $13 and free for ages 2 and younger. Call 360-601-1770 or visit www.vancouverdancetheatre.com
4. Welcoming salmon
Columbia Springs will mark the return of the chum salmon to their native spawning grounds during the Circle of Life Celebration. The event includes a naturalist interpretation, a Native American blessing ceremony and a salmon bake potluck. The celebration runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 6 at Columbia Grove and Wood’s Landing, 3412 S.E. Riverwood Court, Vancouver. Admission is free. Call 360-882-0936, ext. 230, or visit www.columbiasprings.org
