1. Toys under the tree
Start toying around, and make a difference this Christmas. Latte Da Coffee House and Wine Bar, 205 E. 39th St., Vancouver, is holding its Holiday Party and Toy Drive from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 15, and you’re encouraged to throw on your ugliest sweater, bring new and unwrapped toys, and place them under the tree. Enjoy carols, s’mores, hot cider, hot chocolate and an appearance from Santa. Local firefighters will come in their fire truck at the conclusion of the party to retrieve toy donations and meet kids. Free; full food and drink menu available for purchase. 360-448-7651 or lattedacoffeehouse.com/event/holiday-party-toy-drive
2. The merriest street
This Christmas display will make you wonder what the power bills are for December at participating houses. More than 25,000 Christmas lights cover six properties on Franklin Street, where displays include Santa’s sleigh and eight life-size reindeer, a life-size Santa with Rudolph on the roof, a full Nativity scene with a Christmas message, the Grinch in an old pickup truck and much more. Anna, Elsa and Olaf from the movie “Frozen” return as one of the most popular displays. The event is collecting canned food for local food banks. Drop nonperishable items off in the pink bin until Christmas Day at 4616 N.W. Franklin St., Vancouver; free. The lights run from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 15, and then from 5 to 10 p.m. Dec. 16 through Jan. 1.
3. Treat yourself
Sometimes having fun can be pretty simple, such as celebrating Christmas with shopping and drinking wine. The holiday joy is that straightforward at Confluence Vineyards and Winery’s Holiday Boutique and Wine Tasting from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 16 at the vineyard, 19111 N.W. 67th Ave., Ridgefield; free admission. The event features local juried artisan vendors, and local singer-guitarist Avi Haviv will perform. There will also be wine tastings and wine specials. 360-887-2343 or www.facebook.com/events/1950914258506850
4. Ho-ho-hotel whodunit
Yes, there will be drinks, snacks and social time at this event, but more importantly, there will be a murder. And even more important than that, a fake murder (whew!). Attend the Billionaires’ Club Annual Masquerade Ball from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 16 to solve the Murder Mystery by swapping clues with other participants, so you can solve the murder before the killer escapes the Camas Hotel, 405 N.E. Fourth Ave., Camas. Make sure to wear fancy ball attire. A buffet dinner is provided. Drinks available for purchase. This murder mystery is $65, or $40 for hotel guests, and is for those 21 and older. 360-834-5722 or www.camashotel.com