Save the Date: Sights, sounds, shopping of season kick into high gear

See the dancing of sugar plum fairies this week, as Vancouver Dance Theatre will celebrate its 40th anniversary season with the company’s holiday performance of “The Nutcracker.” Local dancers of all ages will transport audiences to the land of Sweets with Clara and her Nutcracker. The performances begin at 2 and 7 p.m. today and 2 p.m. Sunday at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E. 18th St., Vancouver. Tickets are $13, free for ages 2 and younger. www.vancouverdancetheatre.com/nutcracker-2016.html

The second annual Kids for Christmas event features 23 decorated Christmas trees in a sparkling meeting hall, along with three working train sets, lights and displays from 1 to 5 p.m. today and Sunday at the Woodland Kalama Masonic Lodge, 141 Davidson Ave., Woodland. Children of all ages are welcome to meet and talk with Santa, while families can enjoy refreshments of hot chocolate, coffee, cider and cookies. Admission is free. 360-225-7924.

It’s a Make Your Own Wreath Party at Venersborg School House, 24309 N.E. 209th St., Battle Ground. From noon to 3 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, participants can learn how to make a wreath at this community event, with participants encouraged to bring extra ornaments, wire snips or branch clippers, greenery or goodies to share with others. Admission is free. www.venersborgschoolhouse.com/events

During the Reindeer Christmas Block Party meet Comet and Blitzen’s cousins at the live reindeer petting zoo, complete with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. There will also be a building workshop, free gift wrapping, live music by Ebony Notes, hot drinks and cookies on Main Street outside Vancouver Pizza, 2219 Main St., Vancouver. Admission is free. www.uptownvillage.com/enjoy-uptown-vancouver.php

Participants 21 and older can enjoy a night of holiday merriment with after-hours shopping at Camas businesses with Holiday Sip and Shop from 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 8. Tickets include a ride on a double-decker bus and a tour of the historic Mill Lobby Interpretive Center, with proceeds going toward Downtown Camas Association. Tickets are $25 and include bus ride, free drink and tour. www.downtowncamas.com

Enjoy the merriment and magic of Singing Christmas Trees with two church groups presenting their annual performances. Vancouver Church presents its 44th annual Singing Christmas Tree, as the Vancouver Church Tree Choir and the Joy of Dance Troupe perform at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 9; 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 10 and 3 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Vancouver Church, 3300 N.E. 78th St., Vancouver. Admission is free, with canned food donations for the Giving Closet appreciated. 360-574-1611 or http://vchurch.org

The 39th annual Ridgefield Singing Christmas Tree features 70 choir members sharing holiday songs around a 50-foot tree. The performances are 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9, 11, 13, and 16; 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at Ridgefield Church of the Nazarene, 747 Pioneer St., Ridgefield. Admission is free, with offerings benefiting Compassion Ridgefield. 360-887-3576 or www.ridgenaz.org

The Celtic Tenors will bring Christmas to the Columbia Theatre as the trio performs renditions of Irish folk classics and favorite Christmas tunes such as “Silent Night,” “Ave Maria,” “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Joy to the World.” The concert begins 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Columbia Theatre, 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview. Tickets are $30 to $40. 360-575-8499 or www.columbiatheatre.com

Now in its 20th season, Columbia Dance will perform its holiday classic “The Nutcracker,” featuring a cast of more than 100 local dancers as mischievous mice, toy soldiers and sugar plum fairies dance to Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score. The performances begin at 7 p.m. Dec. 16, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 17, 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 18 and 1 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Royal Durst Theatre, 3101 Main St., Vancouver. Tickets are $20, $15 for students and seniors, $10 for ages 12 and younger. 360-737-1922 or www.columbiadance.org

Dance Fusion Northwest presents “Christmas Stories,” its original holiday dance production. See tap-dancing reindeer, disgruntled elves and plenty of holiday spirit with tales such as “The Music Box,” “Nightmare on Christmas Eve” and “USO-No!” told through dance, acting and vocal performances. The performance begins at 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 17, 2 and 6 p.m. Dec. 18 at Ridgefield High School, 2630 S. Hillhurst Road, Ridgefield. Tickets are $16 and $12 for students and seniors. 360-521-9973 or www.dancefusionnw.com

The annual Big Horn Brass Holiday Show is set for 7 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Skyview High School Concert Hall, 1300 N.W. 139th St., Vancouver. The 15-member ensemble will perform traditional carols, popular holiday tunes and new takes on familiar favorites. Big Horn Brass will be joined by vocalist Laura Berman, as the ensemble takes audiences on a musical trip with the Polar Express. Tickets are $25, $10 for students. 360-735-7278 or www.vancouversymphony.org/bigHornBrass.php