Save the Date: Games, ‘Star Wars’ fun prelude to lighting of trees

Looking for a new board game to test with the family? From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, visitors can play games of all kinds, from tabletop games to games on mobiles devices, for free for International Games Day. Avid players will be on hand to help visitors learn to play old, new and in-development games at the Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St., Vancouver. 360-906-5000 or new.fvrl.org

Meanwhile, the Camas Public Library is putting on a Star Wars Extravaganza for fans of all ages. Fans can gear up for the upcoming movie at the with themed crafts, activities, photos and games from 2 to 4 p.m. today at the library, 625 N.E. Fourth Ave., Camas. Costumes encouraged. Admission is free. 360-834-4692 or www.ci.camas.wa.us/index.php/camaspubliclibrary

The annual Vancouver Community Tree Lighting is Friday. The celebration begins and ends with concerts. Loci train rides are set for 3 to 5:30 p.m. around Esther Short Park, Columbia and West Eighth streets, Vancouver. The Vancouver Community Band and high school choirs will perform at 5:15 p.m., followed by Santa arriving at 6 p.m. to light the tree. After the lights are on, head to the Hilton Vancouver Washington, 301 W. Sixth St., Vancouver, for a concert by the Vancouver Pops Orchestra at 6:20 p.m. rotaryfestivaloftrees.org/festival-schedule

Uptown Village will host its own Community Tree Lighting, featuring music by the Hough Community Choir, Loci train rides and the Christmas tree all aglow from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 28 in front of Compass Church, 1812 Main St., Vancouver. The free event kicks off the Uptown Christmas in the Village series of events. www.facebook.com/UptownChristmasintheVillage

Taste the wines of Clark County during this Thanksgiving weekend event. Wineries and tasting rooms will offer new releases and barrel tastings, which let visitors try wines that are “in progress.” Check with individual wineries for more details. Most will be open from noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 27-29. Tasting fees may apply. www.swwawine.com/events/thanksgiving2015.html

The first of many local ballets’ performances begins with Vancouver Dance Theatre’s “The Nutcracker.” Local dancers of all ages will transport the audiences to the land of Sweets with Clara and her Nutcracker starting at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 to 5 and 2 p.m. Dec. 5 to 6 at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E. 18th St., Vancouver. Admission is $13, free for ages 2 and younger. www.vancouverdancetheatre.com/nutcracker-2015.html

The city of Washougal and the Downtown Washougal Association kick off the holiday season with the annual Lighted Christmas Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 3. The parade begins at 6 p.m. on Main Street, followed by the community tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. at Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St., Washougal. 360-835-8501 or www.cityofwashougal.us

That leads into the sixth annual Washougal Festival of Trees presented by the Washougal Lions Foundation from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 4 and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 5. Christmas trees decorated by community groups will be auctioned, with proceeds benefiting Washougal schools. Santa will join community members for breakfast and photos from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 5 at Hathaway Elementary School, 630 24th St., Washougal. Admission is free, with $3 for breakfast and $3 for Santa photos. sites.google.com/site/washougalfestivaltreeswebsite/2015-washougal-festival-of-trees