If you plan on sticking around Eugene for a little while after winter break starts, there are a variety of local holiday events for you to check out, some of which are free.
The Festival of Trees starts on Nov. 27 and goes until Dec. 1. Sponsored by the Cascade Health Foundation, it’s dedicated to raising money for health needs in the community. It will be held at the Valley River Inn and feature a silent auction of 50 different themed holiday trees, a holiday market with gift and craft vendors and a storybook theater. The price for adults is $6 and can be purchased at all Umpqua banks. This year, all profits go directly toward the building fund for the Pete Moore Hospice House. For the schedule or for volunteer information, visit the Facebook page.
Saturday, Dec. 7 is the 61st Annual Springfield Christmas Parade. The parade starts at 1 p.m. and will head west on Main Street in downtown Springfield. The parade is free, and it is recommended to arrive early for good seating as it has attracted up to 10,000 locals in the past. It will feature a variety of different floats, from decorated cars to sleighs and horses and end with a Tuba Carol Concert on Main Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues. Local businesses compete with decorated windows to complete the scene, and Santa is sure to be seen wandering around the festivities.
For campus events, check out the Museum of Natural and Cultural History. The 12th Annual Winter Solstice Celebration is Dec. 13 from 5-8 p.m. Admission is free with a canned food donation to Food for Lane County, and there will be live music, performances and crafts, celebrating storytelling across all cultures. The next day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. will be the Holiday Open House. The museum will be decorated with holiday lights and offer free admission, refreshments and 20 percent off non-consignment items at the museum store.
Looking for an event that won’t contribute to the holiday weight gain? Dec. 15 is Oregon’s Ugliest Sweater Run. This 5K run/walk is open to all ages and is priced at $35 for adults and $15 for kids. Parking is $5 or five canned food/unwrapped toy donations. The decorated course, starting at Alton Baker Park and ending at 5th Street Public Market, will consist of 12 stations, each representing one of the 12 days of Christmas. The finish line after-party will feature a DJ, carolers, an eggnog-chugging contest, a fruitcake-eating contest, an ugly sweater contest, pictures with Santa and Rudolph and story time with Mrs. Claus. The last day to register is Dec. 13
From Dec. 20-22 the Eugene Ballet Company will put on its holiday show, The Nutcracker with Orchestra NEXT. The shows will be held at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts and tickets are priced at $28-$53, depending on your seating location. Toni Pimble’s beautiful choreography will be accompanied by live music conducted by University of Oregon trumpet professor Brian McWhorter and colorful sets designed by Dan Carson. This traditional holiday ballet performance is a must-see for all ages right here in Eugene.