We have some spectacular lights during the holidays here in Vancouver, WA! From legendary neighborhood traditions to musical light shows and river parades, families across Clark County go all out to create an unforgettable winter wonderland. Whether you’re planning a festive drive, a night out with hot cocoa, or a full holiday-themed adventure, these are the best Christmas lights displays and events to see in Vancouver, Washington this season.
1. Christmas on Franklin – A Vancouver Icon
Location: Franklin Street, Vancouver
Hours: 5–10 PM throughout December
Website: holidaysonfranklin.com
For over 40 years, Christmas on Franklin has been one of Vancouver’s most beloved traditions. What started as a Mains family tradition grew into a full-neighborhood display thanks to the Sherman family and countless neighbors who decorate more than 12 homes with 200,000+ lights, festive figurines, and five beautiful nativity scenes.
Visitors can drive or stroll through the display, enjoy popcorn and hot chocolate on select nights, listen to local choirs, and even catch a visit from Santa Claus. One of the highlights? The magical snowfall effect that brings holiday wonder to children and adults alike. Often compared to Portland’s famous Peacock Lane, this is a must-see event for anyone in Southwest Washington.
2. Christmas Lights on 96th Street
Location: 15800 NE 96th Street, Vancouver (Across from Otto Brown Park)
Hours: 5–10 PM, Dec. 1 – Jan. 1
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RgbStars/
This vibrant, choreographed display is created by Daryl Travis and features a dazzling arrangement of animated lights synced to music. Families can tune in, park, and enjoy a colorful holiday show that runs all December long. It’s a local favorite and perfect for a cozy drive-by.
3. Christmas Ships Parade – A Waterfront Tradition
Locations: Columbia & Willamette Rivers
Schedule: 15 nights throughout December
Website: christmasships.org
Celebrating 71 years, the Christmas Ships Parade is one of the longest-running illuminated boat parades in the nation featuring around 80 volunteer-decorated vessels each season. Crowds gather along the waterfront to watch the fleet glide past, creating a glowing reflection across miles of shoreline.
The parade is free, family-friendly, and viewable from numerous points along the rivers during multiple dates of the season. With over 345 nautical miles traveled each year, it’s a beloved Pacific Northwest tradition unlike anything else in the region.
4. Couve Collective Christmas Light Tour + Hot Cocoa
Event: Guided light tour in passenger vans
Time: Vans depart at 6:00 PM on December 20th
Info: Facebook Event
For a festive, community-driven outing, Couve Collective hosts a guided Christmas Light Tour across Clark County, complete with free hot cocoa. Guests can ride along in passenger vans or follow in their own vehicles using a printed map. The event is streamed live on Facebook for anyone who wants to enjoy the experience from home. It’s memorable, kid-friendly, and a great way to see multiple top displays in one night.
5. Thorpe’s Family Light Show
Location: 15719 NE 4th St, Vancouver
Hours: Sun–Thurs: 6–8:30 PM, Fri–Sat: 6–9:30 PM
With 10,000 RGB pixel lights and a fully programmed musical sequence, the Thorpe family puts on a lively and colorful show inspired by their love of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Lights are kept at 30% brightness—just enough to shine while keeping neighbors happy. A warm, spirited display perfect for every age.
6. Christmas Display + Hot Cocoa with Santa
Location: 1817 NE 65th St, Vancouver
Dates: Dec 1 – Jan 1
Special Event: Dec 12–13, 5–8 PM
This neighborhood display features static lights, animated props, and a cheerful holiday scene. But the highlight is the annual Hot Cocoa with Santa event. Kids can enjoy free photos with Santa, cookies, cocoa, and a small gift (limited to the first 50 children each evening). It’s one of the most charming community-centered events in Vancouver.
7. Ridgefield Lights of Sound – Holiday Musical Light Show
Location: 16109 NE 33rd Ave, Ridgefield, WA
Dates: Nov 28 – Jan 2
Hours: 4:30–9:00 PM
Tune In: FM 106.3
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/4067683443483990
Featuring over 40 songs, this musical light show lets visitors tune in from their car or get out and dance along. With animated lights, synchronized beats, and a festive soundtrack ranging from classics to modern holiday hits, this is a high-energy display that keeps families returning year after year.
8. Swanson Family Light Show
Location: 10806 NE 142nd Ave, Vancouver
Hours: 5:30–9:30 PM through New Year’s Day
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/swanson.family.light.show.2023
The Swanson family puts on one of the most ambitious musical displays in Clark County, with more than 18,000 lights, animated talking props, yard arches, mega trees, matrix screens, and sequences set to everything from Christmas classics to dubstep and pop. With new props and songs each year, it’s a must-visit for light-show enthusiasts.
9. A Northwest Christmas
Location: 15601 NE 35th Street, Vancouver
Dates: Dec 1–31, 6–10:30 PM (weather permitting)
This display features a shimmering lake of blue lights, a glowing waterfall, and whimsical scenes including snowmen, Santa arriving by airplane, and a cozy campsite with Rudolph. It combines playful storytelling with detailed lighted props—making it one of the most imaginative walk- or drive-by displays in the area.
10. Ashcraft Holiday Wonderment
Location: 6523 NE 52nd St, Vancouver
Dates: Dusk-Dawn, Nov 28 – Jan 4
This display brings a bright, joyful glow to the neighborhood with thousands of colorful lights, charming holiday characters, and a striking blue-lit tree that anchors the entire scene. Visitors can enjoy a mix of static props, a playful light wall, and an animated musical light show that adds rhythm and movement to the display.
We hope you and your loved ones are able to get out, explore, and enjoy these stunning displays this holiday season!
