1. Hudson’s Bay Company celebrates
Holiday traditions over 170 years will be brought to life by staff and volunteers during Christmas at Fort Vancouver. Visitors can craft wreaths, toy tops and ornaments, take a sip of holiday wassail, enjoy caroling by the Madrigal Singers, and try out games from the 1840s. There will be holiday music and dancing from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Counting House, re-enactments in the kitchen and blacksmith shop, and black powder weapons demonstrations at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Activities run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 13 at Fort Vancouver, 1001 E. Fifth St., Vancouver. Admission is $3, free for ages 15 and younger. Call 360-816-6247 or visit go.usa.gov/HwTx. The Marshall House will also be open, with a visit from Santa, from noon to 2 p.m., with opportunities for photos in amongst the Victorian decorations. Admission is free. Call 360-693-3103 or visit www.fortvan.org
2. Brassy songs and stellar voices
The annual Big Horn Brass Holiday Show features brass and percussion musicians adding their flair to holiday favorites. This year’s concert will include jazz singer Shirley Nanette, along with a musical adaptation of the poem “The Night Before Christmas.” The concert begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 in the Lloyd Auditorium, Washington School for the Deaf, 611 Grand Blvd., Vancouver. Tickets are $25, $10 for students. Call 360-735-7278 or visit www.vancouversymphony.org
The Vancouver USA Singers will highlight their voices with “Ceremony of Carols,” featuring a collection of traditional ballads and holiday pieces. The concert will feature the talents of cellist Britta Horlings, harpist Kate Petak and the Battle Ground High School Jazz Choir. The concert begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 and 3 p.m. Dec. 14 at the First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St., Vancouver. Tickets are $17 to $20, free for ages 12 and younger. Visit www.vancouverusasingers.org
3. Jolly drinks from local breweries
The third annual Vancouver Winter Brewfest will feature more than 30 breweries, including 10 based in Clark County, offering up drinks inspired by the season. This year’s event also includes five beers from Belgium to taste. The festival takes place 3 to 10 p.m. Dec. 12, noon to 10 p.m. Dec. 13 and noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 14 in Esther Short Park, 415 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Admission is $25 for those 21 and older, with admission good for all three days. Designated drivers and nondrinkers are $5 with unlimited soft drinks and extra drink tokens are $5 to $20. Visit www.vancouverwinterbrewfest.com
