Featured image: Artwork from the I’ll Be Home poster by the Dayley Dance Academy NW in Vancouver and Washougal, Washington

Don’t miss these five events celebrating the holidays in Washougal, Washington!

1. Bid on a beautifully decorated tree or holiday basket and have breakfast with Santa at the Washougal Festival of Trees, Friday and Saturday, December 7 and 8

Now in its ninth year, the Washougal Festival of Trees supports Hathaway Elementary School’s programs. Stop by and bid on a decorated tree or holiday basket. Enjoy live Christmas music, cookies, and coffee.

The festival runs from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, December 7, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 8.

Join Santa for breakfast prepared by Washougal Culinary and Skills Center students on Saturday, December 8, from 9 a.m. until noon. Also get your picture taken with Santa in the library.

All festivities take place at Hathaway Elementary School, 630 24th Street. Proceeds go toward the school’s book purchases, assemblies, and field trips.

For more information, visit the Washougal Festival of Trees’ Facebook page.

2. Enter a decorated tree raffle, visit Santa, and watch a tree lighting on Saturday and Sunday, December 8 and 9

Stop by the American Legion Cape Horn Post 122 to buy some raffle tickets to win one of eight theme-based decorated Christmas trees donated by local businesses and organizations. This year’s participants include the Washougal Fire District 4, Mercantile, and Happy Camper Coffee. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20. Buy tickets at the festival or the community breakfast.

While you’re there, treat yourself to free cookies, hot cocoa, apple cider, and other goodies.

Tickets cost $5 each or $20 for five. Buy tickets at the festival during these hours:

• Saturday, December 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Sunday, December 9, 1-4 p.m.

You can also buy raffle tickets at the community breakfast. See details about the breakfast below.

Raffle winners will be announced at 4 p.m. on Sunday, followed by the Christmas tree lighting and caroling. You do not need to be present to win.

Santa stops for a visit on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Take a picture and share your holiday wishes with him. Write a letter to him and drop it in the mailbox provided so that he can take it back to the North Pole.

The monthly community breakfast is on Sunday, December 9, from 8 a.m. to noon. Enjoy a hearty meal of scrambled eggs, sausage, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, pancakes (plain and blueberry), orange juice, and coffee with friends, family, neighbors, and military veterans. Breakfast costs $8 per person for ages 11 and older, and $4 ages 10 and younger.

All events take place at the American Legion Cape Horn Post 122 at 10221 Washougal River Road. For more information about these events and future activities, visit the legion’s Facebook page.

3. See Nativities from around the world on Saturday, December 8

The Washougal River Saints is hosting this free open house-style event on Saturday, December 8, from 4-7 p.m. where you can view Nativities from around the world, enjoy live Christmas music and refreshments. A children’s play area is provided.

The Washougal River Saints is located at 3920 Q Street.

4. Watch an original holiday production by the Dayley Dance Academy NW on Friday and Saturday, December 14 and 15

I’ll Be Home is holiday fun for all ages! Dayley Dance Academy NW hosts three performances of this original production at the Washburn Performing Arts Center, 1201 39th Street:

• Friday, December 14 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, December 15, at 1 and 7 p.m.

Tickets are $12 per person in advance (buy online) and $15 at the door. All proceeds help the Dayley Dance Academy NW’s non-profit mission of developing young artists in the community and providing performance opportunities for these rising stars.

5. Sip tea among royalty at the Holiday Princess Tea Party on Saturday, December 15, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Dress as your favorite princess or prince for this tea party, hosted by Dayley Dance Academy NW, before its afternoon matinee of the I’ll Be Home holiday show. The party includes tea and dainty treats, visits from at least eight princesses, souvenirs, autographs, a special princess performance, and other surprises.

Admission for a parent-child pair is $48. Additional tickets are $24 per person.

Food allergies are not accommodated at the tea party.

The matinee starts at 1 p.m. at the Washburn Performing Arts Center, 1201 39th Street. Buy tickets online.