Weekend is all lit up: Holiday season swings into high gear at Zoo

The exhibit includes 3-D and photographic experimentation by Harrison Higgs, head of the Fine Arts department at Washington State University Vancouver. Higgs' work examines industrial production, mass consumption and waste.

Photography from artists such as N. Scott Trimble, a former Columbian employee, Rich Rollins, Willie Ross and Kathi Rick will also be on display.

Trimble's exhibit includes work from a night spent in a New England cemetery.

Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Where: 1005 Main St., Vancouver.

Telephone: 360-693-1840.

On the Web: northbankartistsgallery.com.

Along with the photography exhibit, there's a slew of events that will help you get into the holiday spirit from a train trip to pick out a Christmas tree to a holiday lights display at the Oregon Zoo.

1. Take a trip to a winter wonderland

Visitors can take a train ride through North Clark County with the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad this season to find the perfect Christmas tree. Doug fir, grand fir and noble fir trees will be available for purchase.

The train will stop at Santa's Station, where riders can enjoy hot cider, cocoa or coffee and visit with Santa Claus.

When: 9:30 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m. today, as well as Dec. 5-6, Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 19-20.

Where: Trains depart from 207 S. Railroad Ave., Yacolt.

Admission: Family four-packs cost $55-$75, depending on the tree purchased. Prices for additional trees and/or passengers are available online.

Telephone: 360-686-3559.

On the Web: bycx.com.

2. Tall ship sets sail

Visitors can take tours of the Lady Washington, the state's official ship. Tours are hosted by the ship's crew in 18th century costumes.

Dockside tours will be offered, giving visitors a glimpse of what life is like aboard tall ships.

Visitors can also take an adventure tour, which includes demonstrations of tall-ship handling, singing and maritime storytelling.

When: Dockside tours will be offered 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today and Sunday.

Adventure Sails will be from 2-5 p.m. today and Sunday.

Where: Vancouver Landing at Terminal One, just west of the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay, 100 Columbia St., Vancouver.

Admission: $3 suggested donation for the dockside tours.

Adventure Sails are $55; $45 for seniors 62 and older, active military members and students with identification; and $35 for children 12 and younger.

Telephone: 800-200-5239.

On the Web: historicalseaport.org.

3. Oregon Zoo lights up

More than 1.2 million lights will illuminate the Oregon Zoo as part of its annual ZooLights display.

Lighted displays include life-size animal silhouettes and light sculptures such as a roaring lion, lighthouse, totem pole, hippos and crocodiles.

When: The ZooLights attraction is open nightly through Jan. 3. It is open 5-8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5-8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

ZooLights is closed Dec. 24-25.

Where: Oregon Zoo, 4001 S.W. Canyon Road, Portland.

Admission: $10.75; $9.25 for seniors 65 and older; $7.75 for children 3-11; and free for children 2 and younger. Tickets include zoo admission.

Telephone: 503-226-1561.

On the Web: oregonzoo.org.

4. Mortensen walks 'The Road'

"2012" isn't the only end-of-the-world film at the multiplex this weekend. "The Road," an adaptation of the Cormac McCarthy novel of the same name, arrived in theaters earlier this week.

In "The Road," a father (Viggo Mortensen) and his son (Kodi Smit-McPhee) try to keep humanity alive in the midst of a post-apocalyptic wasteland.

Astute viewers might notice a few familiar locales. Several scenes from "The Road" were filmed at Horsetail Falls in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

When: Showtimes vary.

Where: Regal Fox Tower Stadium 10, 846 S.W. Park Ave., Portland.

Admission: $8.25-$10.50; $7.50 for children and seniors; $8.50 for military members; $9.50 for students. The student discount is valid Sundays through Thursdays.

Telephone: 503-221-3280.

On the Web: fandango.com.

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