Fort Vancouver Holiday Event

Photo courtesy of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Embrace the festive spirit by stepping back in time during the Fort Vancouver holiday event.

Nestled on the north bank of the Columbia River, Fort Vancouver boasts a diverse cultural past, evolving from a frontier fur trading post to a formidable military stronghold. The park unfolds tales of the magic of flight and the birth of the American Pacific Northwest, providing visitors with a captivating journey through transitions, settlements, conflicts and community building.

While at the fort, explore the reconstructed British fur trade fort, historic buildings from the U.S. Army’s Vancouver Barracks, the history of aviation at Pearson Air Museum and walking trails.

The holiday event is a day filled with cultural richness and seasonal merriment. Here are the details about the 2025 event. 

Fort Vancouver Holiday Event

On Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., enjoy a unique blend of historical exploration and hands-on fun at Fort Vancouver.

While exploring the history of the Hudson Bay Company fort and its surroundings, visitors can partake in a variety of family-friendly activities, including:

• Hands-on demonstrations in the kitchen, blacksmith shop and carpenter shop.
• Living history presentations from the fur trade era.
• Traditional carolers singing songs of the season.
• A special reading of A Christmas Carol.

Also, Santa Claus visit the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center from From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Photos are $5 with all proceeds supporting the Friends of Fort Vancouver. There are holiday coloring sheets and wish list drop off headed straight to the North Pole.

Admission is $10 for adults. Children 15 and under attend for free. 

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is at 612 E Reserve St. in Vancouver. For more information, visit the event website. 

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Looking for more holiday events in Portland? Here’s a full list: