If you’re dreaming of twinkling lights, charming festivities, and cozy holiday vibes straight out of a Hallmark movie, Oregon has you covered. These adorable Oregon towns go all out to capture the magic of the season with festive events, decorations, and activities to fill your heart with joy.

Hood River - A Whimsical Winter Wonderland

Hood River kicks off the holiday season in style with its annual tree lighting and street festival on December 6th. The night comes alive on State and 2nd Streets, filling downtown with music, lights, and cheer. Stop by the Holiday Maker’s Market, running December 6th through 8th at The Ruins, for local artistry and handcrafted holiday gifts, complete with hot cocoa, wine, and even Frosty Peak ice cream.

For an unforgettable family experience, hop aboard the Polar Express Christmas Train. This magical one-hour journey is packed with holiday fun, including cookies, cocoa, story time, and a visit from Santa himself. Make sure to wear your pajamas for the full cozy experience.

Portland - Big City Lights And Cozy Holiday Charm

Portland is bursting with holiday cheer, offering something festive in every corner of the city. Start with Peacock Lane (December 15th-31st), where homes have been decked out with dazzling lights since 1932. For a nostalgic and serene experience, visit the Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto, featuring choir performances in the breathtaking Chapel of Mary and family-friendly activities like puppet shows and story time.

The Oregon ZooLights (November 22nd, 2024 - January 5th, 2025) turn the zoo into a sparkling wonderland, complete with a train ride through glowing animal displays. For more lights, drive through the Safeway Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway until December 31st, where over a million lights illuminate holiday scenes.

Don't miss the 70th annual Portland Christmas Ships Parade, a stunning flotilla of brightly decorated boats on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, which happens on numerous nights through December.

Silverton - A Light-Lover’s Dream

The Silverton Christmas Market, set within the Oregon Garden Resort (through December 31st), is a seasonal masterpiece with over 1.5 million lights illuminating themed pathways like candy cane tunnels and ocean-inspired scenes. Enjoy German treats like schnitzel and mulled wine as you shop for imported ornaments and handcrafted gifts at the authentic German Christmas market.

Take the kids to see Santa, relax by a fire pit, or try the snowless tubing hill. Extend your visit by staying at the Oregon Garden Resort, where you can wake up surrounded by holiday cheer.

Newport - Coastal Christmas Charm

Newport brings a unique coastal flair to the holiday season. The Sea of Lights event at the Oregon Coast Aquarium features sparkling lights and festive activities like photos with Santa, and hot cocoa stations. The Yaquina Bay Lighted Boat Parade on December 7th offers a magical evening of decorated boats gliding across the bay.

For a touch of entertainment, catch The Christmas Show, running December 20–22. This family-friendly holiday sketch comedy show includes snow, visits with Santa, and homemade cookies. Combine these events with a stroll along Newport’s historic bayfront to experience its charming shops and decorated streets.

Bend - Outdoor Adventures And Holiday Spirit

Bend transforms into a winter wonderland with its Holiday Lights Paddle Parade on December 13th, where kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards festively light up the Deschutes River. On land, the Bend Christmas Parade fills downtown with holiday floats, music and cheer on December 7th.

The Old Mill District is the heart of the season, hosting SantaLand, and the annual Menorah Lighting on December 25th. Of course, outdoor enthusiasts will want to hit the slopes at Mt. Bachelor or enjoy snowshoeing and sledding at nearby sno-parks.

Brookings - Coastal Glow And Cheer

Brookings lights up the season at Azalea Park with its awe-inspiring display of over three million lights, creating a magical walk-through experience. Stroll the park’s pathways for a relaxing evening of lights, music, and holiday magic. Azalea Park is truly a awe-inspiring gem for those seeking coastal holiday tranquility.

The 10th Annual Brookings Christmas Parade on December 14th winds through town with floats and festive cheer. After the parade children can head to Azalea Park where Santa will greet visitors.

Klamath Falls - A Snowflake Celebration

The Klamath Snowflake Festival is a beloved two-week celebration filled with community events. At its center is the Snowflake Parade on December 5th, where floats light up Main Street to kick off the season. Eulalona Park adds to the festive atmosphere with a vibrant 'Light The Park' walk-through display of animal-shaped and Christmas-themed lights, open from 5 PM - 10 PM each night through December.

From gingerbread house contests to tree lightings, Klamath Falls embraces the holiday spirit with events that bring neighbors together to create lifelong memories.

Corvallis - Music, Markets, And Merriment

Corvallis celebrates the season with the Winter's Eve Corvallis event, a magical evening of exclusive shopping, raffles, and gourmet tastings in a heated downtown tent. Meanwhile, the Corvallis Community Band Holiday Concert offers a musical journey through holiday traditions, perfect for families looking to soak in the festive spirit.

Round out your visit at the Anderson Blues Winter Market, where you can create custom wreaths and gift baskets or sip hot cocoa as you browse for artisan goods.

Each of these towns brings its own unique magic to the holiday season, offering everything from light displays and parades to family-friendly activities. Whether you’re seeking the nostalgia of small-town charm or the sparkle of big city lights, Oregon has a destination to make your holiday season unforgettable. Bundle up, grab a warm drink, and head out for some festive fun!