If you’re looking for a holiday event outside of Eugene, there are several fun ones to choose from all around Oregon, including festivals, light shows, parades, tree lightings and visits with Santa to make you feel like a kid again.
Portland is one of the most festive cities in Oregon, hosting numerous holiday events each year. One of the most popular is Zoo Lights at the Oregon Zoo on 4001 Canyon Road. It will start Nov. 29, and continue until Jan. 5, but is closed on Dec. 25 and 26. The hours Sunday through Thursday are 5-8 p.m., and Friday through Saturday from 5-8:30 p.m. This year, there will be even more light displays, featuring glowing forests, rainbow tunnels and illuminated animal sculptures. “The lights make up for the sleeping animals,” said Chris Bauman, a University of Oregon sophomore from Portland. “They even have moving light-up birds on the main stage where the bird show usually is.” As always, there will be hot drinks and food available, live musical performances and plenty of photo opportunities with holiday characters wandering around the zoo. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for kids.
In Seaside, the Parade of Lights and Community Christmas Tree Lighting is an annual festivity welcoming the entire family for free. It will be on Friday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. The musical Christmas tree with sparkling lights will be at the pocket park, on the west side of the carousel mall. The parade will start on Necanicum Drive at the corner of 1st Avenue, continue onto Broadway and finish at the Christmas tree. Then carolers will sing as the tree is lit, and hot cocoa, cider and cookies will be served. Santa’s elves will be handing out candy canes and there will be photos taken with Santa and his reindeer in the beautifully decorated park.
For a fun holiday event in central Oregon, check out the Festival of Trees in Redmond at the Deschutes County Fairground, 3800 Southwest Airport Way. The free event will go from 10-5 p.m., on Saturday Dec. 7, and will feature over thirty creatively decorated holiday trees that will later be auctioned off to raise money for terminally ill patients who aren’t covered by insurance. Activities will include live entertainment, a hospitality table, kids activities and visits from Santa.
In southern Oregon, the Festival of Light will be held in downtown Ashland on Main Street, starting on Nov. 29 and continuing throughout the holiday season. A musical and colorful parade will begin at 5 p.m., followed by free entertainment at the Plaza Stage, and finish with a countdown for Santa and Mrs. Claus’ grand appearance, as the switch is flipped, illuminating the town with over a million lights. The festivities will continue throughout the season with various holiday activities, including ice-skating at the local outdoor rink. You can find information on additional festival activities on the Ashland’s Chamber website.