Clark County New Year’s Eve parties plus something soothing to do on Jan. 1

If you’re looking for a special way to start 2026, you’ll find New Year’s Eve parties in every corner of Clark County this year, as well as kid-friendly celebrations and more contemplative activities.

A 21-and-over ballroom gala begins 7 p.m. Dec. 31 at the AC Hotel Vancouver Waterfront. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets range from $40 for a 10 p.m. arrival to $200 for VIP tickets. The event will feature a buffet and Champagne toast, emcee Ken Boddie from KOIN TV, aerial acts with Aerial Muse Collective, DJs, a VIP photobooth and local cover band Baz Moto. Proceeds benefit SHARE Vancouver. Get tickets at aftontickets.com/event/buyticket/3rx70n30j1.

Ring in the new year with the Purple Bubble Ball at the Vancouver Elks Lodge #823, 11605 S.E. McGillivray Blvd., Vancouver. Enjoy a catered three-course meal by Say Ciao! Columbia River Taproom and Eatery and dance to music by the Vancouver Community Jazz Band. There will be three Champagne toasts throughout the evening to mark the New Year, in case an early night is better for you. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person with semi-formal attire. Purple outfits are encouraged. RSVP by calling the lodge at 360-256-0823.

Cedars Public House, 15001 N.E. 181st St., Suite 29, Brush Prairie, will host the Razzle Dazzle New Year’s Eve Party starting at 7 p.m. Dec. 31. Revelers will enjoy specialty cocktails, shimmering lights, music, games and prizes. Fancy attire is encouraged but not required. There is no cover charge and the party is open to anyone age 18 and over.

Billy Blues Bar and Grill is ready to ring in 2026 with a New Year’s Rockin’ Eve Party starting at 9 p.m. Dec. 31 at 7115 N.E. Hazel Dell Ave., Vancouver. Guests age 21 and over will enjoy a special New Year’s Eve menu, drink specials, party favors, balloon drop, complimentary Champagne toast and live music from six-piece party band Collective Nation. The cover charge is $20 at the door; call 360-694-3114 for table reservations.

Big Al’s, 16615 S.E. 18th St. in east Vancouver, will host a family-friendly, glow-in-the-dark New Year’s Eve Party from 9 p.m. Dec. 31 to 12:30 a.m. Jan. 1. Standard lane packages are $250 for six people and VIP packages are $275. The entire building will come alive under neon lights. Packages include unlimited galaxy bowling, $10 in arcade games per person, 1,000 arcade tickets per guest, glow-in-the-dark favors, Champagne or cider toast and a balloon drop at midnight. Reserve lanes at ilovebigals.com/event/nye-vancouver/.

The Washougal Eagles Lodge, 1910 Main St., Washougal, will host a New Year’s Eve Party from 8 p.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1 featuring the band The Nyte Byrds. The party is open to the public. Guests will enjoy a dance party celebration with “Auld Lang Syne” at the stroke of midnight and a Champagne toast.

Countdowns for kids

The Cascade Park Community Library, 600 N.E. 136th Ave., Vancouver, and La Center Community Library, 1411 N.E. Lockwood Creek Road, La Center will both host Noon Year’s Eve Parties for tiny tots and toddlers from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 31. Kids and their adults will enjoy crafts, music, dancing and refreshments. Attendance is free.

Serene start

Ranger Ryan Reynolds will lead a 1-mile “First Day Hike” from 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 1 at Battle Ground Lake. This interpretive hike for ages 3 and older will include information about the park’s history, flora and fauna. The Upper Lake Trail with lake views is an easy-to-moderate trail with elevation changes of up to 50 feet. The interpretive shelter will offer touchable items, kids’ activity pages and snacks. Meet at the interpretive shelter near the upper parking lot; follow the signs. The trail is not paved or ADA accessible. Leashed dogs are allowed. Register by emailing your name and phone number to [email protected].

Art at the Cave gallery will host a New Year’s Day Art and Meditation Silent Retreat: “Tilling the Soil for 2026.” Welcome the new year with quiet reflection and creativity from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 1, including guided meditation and simple art practices. Attendees should bring their own sketchbooks and materials. The cost is $40-$80. Register by emailing Ellen Stern at [email protected].

St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 5607 N.E. Gher Road, Vancouver, is hosting a New Year’s Day labyrinth walk from 10 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. Jan. 1. The 36-foot canvas labyrinth is entirely indoors. Admission is free and guidance will be provided.