Go: Local lights, Christmas Ships, Seasonal favorites

1. Local light

‘Tis the weekend for community gatherings, as cities celebrate the season’s tidings.

The annual Battle Ground Christmas Tree Lighting begins at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 4 with music by the Battle Ground High School Jazz Choir, followed by Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by fire truck at 5:45 p.m. outside the Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E. Main St., Battle Ground. The festivities will continue inside with hot cocoa and a chance to take a photo with Santa. Donations are encouraged for the North County Community Food Bank, with $5 for a Santa photo. 360-342-5000 or www.cityofbg.org

The city of Camas will celebrate its Hometown Holidays, featuring a community Christmas tree lighting, complete with an appearance by Santa from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 4, with the lighting of the tree at 6:30 p.m. There will be holiday entertainment from more than 15 school and community choirs, tractor hay rides and more along Northeast Fourth Avenue in downtown Camas. 360-834-5307 or www.cityofcamas.us

Ridgefield’s Hometown Celebration kicks off at 9 a.m. Dec. 5 with an Ugly Sweater Run with 5K and 10K routes. There will be craft and gift marketplaces, family games, performances, holiday trailer rides, a live Nativity scene and more all day throughout downtown Ridgefield. The tree lighting takes place at 5 p.m. with a community sing-along in Overlook Park, Pioneer Street and Main Avenue, Ridgefield. Events are free; race registration is $20 to $35. www.ci.ridgefield.wa.us/community/page/hometown-celebration-1

Yacolt celebrates with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 4 p.m. Dec. 6, featuring photos with Santa, community caroling and the return of the live Nativity scene with Curly the Camel near town hall, 202 W. Cushman St., Yacolt. www.townofyacolt.com

The Community Hanukkah Celebration runs 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6 in Esther Short Park, 415 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. There will be a grand menorah lighting ceremony, along with a laser light show, menorah ice sculpture, musical performances, traditional food and children’s activities. www.jewishclarkcounty.com

The annual La Center Christmas Festival is 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6, featuring a Christmas tree lighting, musical performances and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. There will be fireworks, hot chocolate and visits with Santa along Fourth Street, between Aspen and Birch avenues, La Center. 360-281-2509 or www.lacenterchristmasfestival.com

2. Ho Ho Ho captain

The annual Christmas Ship Parade begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 near the North Portland Harbor, as a fleet of recreational boaters bedecked in rows upon rows of lights float on the Columbia River for those watching along the shores. The fleet will then parade at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 in front of the Port of Camas-Washougal, 24 S. A St., Washougal, which will be open to visitors with refreshments, a warm spot to watch and music by the Washougal High School choir. Also catch the ships at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 10 traveling under the Interstate 5 Bridge; 7 p.m. Dec. 8 from Wintler Park to the I-5 Bridge; and 7 p.m. Dec. 9 as they travel near the North Portland Harbor. Good outdoor observation spots include Wintler Park, 6225 S.E. Beach Drive, and Waterfront Park, S.E. Columbia Way, Vancouver. Check the website for any change in schedule due to river traffic, weather and water conditions. www.christmasships.org

3. Stage shows and opera on screen

The Liberty Theater, 315 N.E. Fourth Ave., Camas, will take viewers to two stage shows without leaving the Granada Studio. The National Theatre of Great Britain brings the classic adventure tale “Treasure Island” to life in a new adaptation at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 5. Jim, the innkeeper’s granddaughter, crosses paths with an old sailor and his chest full of secrets. Not rated, for ages 10 and older. Tickets are $18.50, and $15 for seniors and ages 15 and younger. Mozart’s fairy tale, “The Magic Flute,” is given a larger-than-life performance at the Bregenz Opera Festival. The production features three towering “dragon dogs” at 88-feet tall, along with stunt artists, puppeteers and elaborate costumes. The opera plays at 12:55 p.m. Dec. 6 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9. Tickets are $18.50, and $15 for seniors and ages 15 and younger. 360-859-9555 or www.camasliberty.com

4. Seasonal favorites

Local entertainer Jim Fischer presents Christmas with Jim Fischer and Friends, his 13th annual holiday concert. The pianist and his ensemble band will be joined by Portland vocalist Tracey Harris, violinist Matt Mandrones of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and the Northwest Harmony Chorus, a 50-member all-women ensemble under the direction of Nancy Kurth. The concerts are at 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St., Vancouver. Tickets are $15 to $20, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Friends of the Carpenter. 360-823-8079 or www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2450321

5. Brews for winter

The annual Holiday Ale Festival features more than 50 specialty ales crafted for the event, along with hard-to-find brews. The festival is held outdoors under clear-topped tents, nestled near the community Christmas tree. There also will be a root beer garden, food vendors and raffle to benefit the Children’s Cancer Association. The festival is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 4 and 5 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 6 at Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 S.W. Sixth Ave., Portland. Tickets are $35 for those 21 and older, or $10 for designated drivers. Each ticket includes a mug, tasting tickets and re-admission. http://holidayale.com