1. Seasons greetings from the 1840s
Volunteers and re-enactors will take visitors back to the time of the Hudson’s Bay Company around the holidays during Christmas at Fort Vancouver. There will be wreath making, toy building, hot cider and photos with re-enactors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Fort Vancouver stockade, 1001 E. Fifth St., Vancouver. The Madrigal Singers will be caroling from 10 a.m. to noon, and visitors can learn a holiday jig at the Counting House from 1 to 3 p.m. Admission is $5, and free for ages 15 and younger. 360-816-6232 or www.nps.gov/fova. Visitors also can make a stop by the Marshall House, 1301 Officers Row, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 12. The house will be dressed for the holidays with Victorian-inspired decorations. Meet with Santa while enjoying cider and cookies. 360-693-3103 or www.fortvan.org
2. Beer holiday
Warm yourself with a seasonal ale during the Vancouver Winter Brewfest, held under a heated tent in Esther Short Park, 301 W. Eighth St., Vancouver. Beer fans can taste the creations of more than 35 local breweries, along with select beers from Germany. Admission covers all three days and includes a mug, tasting tokens and food voucher. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Race to Remember. The brewfest is open 3 to 10 p.m. Dec. 11, noon to 10 p.m. Dec. 12 and noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 13. Tickets, for those 21 and older, are $17 in advance, $27 at the door, and $5 for designated drivers. www.vancouverwinterbrewfest.com
3. Among the stars
Vancouver USA Singers will celebrate the season with performances of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah,” along with other classic holiday hymns. “Messiah” was the piece that the choral ensemble performed in November at New York City’s Carnegie Hall. The concert also includes “Stars” by Eriks Esenveld, a piece that features tuned wine glasses and a Himalayan prayer bowl with the choir. The concert, titled “Hallelujah,” begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 12 and 3 p.m. Dec. 13 at the First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St., Vancouver. Tickets are $17 to $20, and free for age 12 and younger. 360-666-9489 or www.vancouverusasingers.org
4. Fantastic folk dance
Contra in the Couve will celebrate its fifth anniversary with New England caller David Kaynor leading the festivities, along with music by the group Lightning. There also will be a potluck, with dancers invited to bring snacks, dessert and beverages to share. Contra dance is a social dance featuring a row of pairs, dancing up and down the lines. A lesson begins at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11, with dancing from 8 to 11 p.m., at Hazel Dell Grange No. 1124, 7509 N.E. Hazel Dell Ave., Vancouver. All skill levels welcomed. Admission is $7, and $5 for seniors and ages 12 and younger. 360-750-0113 or www.contra-van-wa.org
