1. Festive foamy forms
Chase away holiday tiredness with extra caffeine during Compass Coffee’s Deck the Halls Latte Art Throwdown Dec. 6, with $500 going to the winner. Anyone can compete to make a crowd-pleasing design in latte froth. Sign-ups start at 6 p.m. and pouring starts at 6:30 p.m. There’s no charge to participate — just bring a new toy or hats and gloves for Christmas outreach to the homeless community. The latte throwdown also features an ugly sweater competition, so come in your worst and compete to win a downtown Vancouver prize package. The competition will be capped at 32 participants, but anyone is welcome to watch, eat pizza and nibble on cookies at 817 S.W. Washington St., Vancouver. RSVPs helpful; call 888-723-2007. www.compasscoffeeroasting.com
2. Fireworks in the frosty air
Enjoy photos with Santa, hay rides and holiday music during Camas Hometown Holidays, 5 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 6. See the lighting of the Christmas tree in front of the Liberty Theatre, 315 N.E. Fourth Ave., Camas, promptly at 6:30 p.m., complete with a fireworks display (weather permitting, of course). Stroll around the light-bedecked streets of downtown Camas — which will be bustling with over 22 school and community choirs, bands and dancers, crafts for the kids and street food vendors — and browse boutique shops and galleries for gifts or savor dinner and cocktails in local restaurants. Parking is offered in nearby lots with free shuttle service to downtown. www.cityofcamas.us/parks
3. Santa rides again
Kick off the holiday season at Battle Ground’s Holiday Tree Lighting from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6, at the Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E. Main St. in Battle Ground’s historic Old Town District. The free event begins outside around the tree at 5:30 p.m. with caroling and music by the Battle Ground High School Jazz Choir. At 5:45 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in style atop the Fire District 3 engine to lead the lighting of the tree. From 6 to 8 p.m. the celebration moves to the warm and cozy indoors, where Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet children. Professional photos with Santa are free to everyone — as are Dutch Bros. hot cocoa, cookies and other treats. www.cityofbg.org
4. Rudolph in Ridgefield
Join the 20th anniversary of Ridgefield’s Hometown Celebration, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 7 at Pioneer Street and North Main Avenue in Ridgefield. See the holiday village displays and enjoy free hot drinks and activities for kids. From noon to 3 p.m., tour the town on Rudolph’s Holiday Trolley Ride and see musical performances on street corners by the Ridgefield High School Jazz Band. There’s an Ugly Sweater Fun Run, a Holiday Gift Marketplace in Overlook Park, a used book sale, a Holiday Scavenger Hunt, real reindeer, and photos with Santa at the Old Liberty Theater, culminating in the tree lighting and dance show at 4:30 p.m. Adult guests can watch the tree lighting from the Windy Hills Wine Garden. ridgefieldwa.us
