Join Vancouver Rotary Club for a festive Community Tree Lighting Ceremony with live music, carriage rides, holiday treats and more. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their way to Vancouver on a tug, escorted by a flotilla of Columbia River Christmas ships and arrive at the AC Marriott at 5 p.m. At 5:30 p.m., a parade of decorated vehicles will transport them to Esther Short Park, where everyone is invited to enjoy music, entertainment, family photos and refreshments along West Sixth Street. The excitement peaks when the holiday tree is lit at 6 p.m. to officially ring in the holiday season. Music, photos and carriage rides will continue until 7:30 p.m. The warm glow of holiday lights will continue to fill Esther Short Park until New Year’s Day thanks to generous community sponsors.

Plan your time at the Rotary Community Tree lighting! Start at the Vancouver Waterfront when Santa and Mrs. Clause arrive by tugboat with the Christmas ships. Walk up to Esther Short Park as the vehicle light parade brings Santa and Mrs. Clause to the park to light the tree. Or just stay Esther Short park and enjoy all the festivities! Something for everyone!

Esther Short Park Activities

4:00 p.m.

Festivities kickoff with music, carriage and Loci rides, food trucks and more!

4:30 p.m.

Special appearance and performance by Anna, Elsa and Olaf, from Journey Theater. They will also be available for photos immediately after their performance.

4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Carriage and Loci rides begin from the South side of Esther Short Park

5:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.

COOLEY Show will spread holiday cheer with music and sing-alongs, before and after the tree lighting.

6:00 p.m.

The grand lighting of the Christmas Tree by Santa and Mrs. Claus, followed by Santa photos

6:15 p.m.

Santa Photos

6:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Lacamas Youth Singers and Vancouver School of Arts & Academics Choir

Vancouver Waterfront Activities

4:00 p.m.

The NoPo Big Band, an 18-piece swing-style orchestra, will perform at the Southwest corner of the AC Marriott.

4:30pm

A festive flotilla of Christmas ships and a Tidewater tugboat carrying Santa and Mrs. Claus will parade down the river.

5:00 p.m.

Santa and Mrs. Claus make their grand arrival at the Vancouver Waterfront in front of the AC Marriott.

5:30 p.m.

The vehicle Light Parade begins, journeying from the AC Marriott up Columbia Way to Esther Short Park, where Santa and Mrs. Claus will disembark to light the Christmas Tree.