There’s something magical about strolling through Willamette Valley’s communities during the holiday season. Mom-and-pop shops fill their windows with holiday decor, excited conversation wafts onto the sidewalk from cozy restaurants and lively pubs, and trees and lamp posts dangle twinkling lights.
Small-town charm and citywide cheer can be found in communities large and small—complete with light displays, markets, and other fun events— find memorable ways to spend your holidays in the Willamette Valley.
Albany is a city steeped in history. More than 800 buildings can be found across four historic districts, and a number of historic attractions—including an old-school theater, covered bridges, and the Historic Carousel & Museum—offer a glimpse of the community’s past.
Every holiday season, Albany embraces its past with a number of magical celebrations. It all kicks off on Nov. 7, 2024, with Downtown Unwrapped; the open house features the unveiling of holiday-themed windows at local merchants who will keep the decorations up throughout the season, bringing a joyful air to Albany's historic downtown core.
Another highlight of the city's season is the Christmas Parlor Tour. The event, which takes place Dec. 8, 2024, includes tours of historic homes—many of which are decorated inside and out for the holidays.
Monteith House with Snow by Melinda Martin
For two decades, the Winter’s Eve Corvallis celebration has taken over downtown with a variety of fun offerings. The event takes place on December 6, 2024, and includes shopping, the chance to sample local food items, Oregon-made craft beer, Willamette Valley wine, raffle prizes, and a silent auction—all in a heated tent.
Excited for all the wintry fun? Check out our guide to shopping local in the Willamette Valley this season.
The likes of Newberg, Dundee, and McMinnville make up the heart of Oregon Wine Country—and bring plenty of cheer all season long.
With bright lights and heated sidewalk patios, downtown McMinnville’s Third Street is a party all year long. But an extra dose of cheer washes across the community throughout the holidays—thanks to a number of local events and offers. Between November 9 and December 31, 2024, shoppers who spend at least $25 at participating downtown retailers can take part in the Merry McMinnville Scratch and Win contest—and win a variety of great prizes for supporting local businesses.
New this season, McMinnville's Holiday Ice Skating Rink and Outdoor Christmas Market will welcome visitors on weekends between November 29 and December 22, 2024. The fun includes an ice skating rink and more than a dozen vendors selling gifts, artisan items, food, and more.
Newberg kicks off its holiday season with the community's Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. December 8, 2024, at Chehalem Cultural Center. The fun includes carols, free candy canes, and an appearance from Santa Claus.
In nearby Dayton, the season kicks off in earnest with a Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. November 30 in Courthouse Square Park; just a half-hour later, the Christmas Lights Tractor Parade will begin with real tractors decked out in twinkling lights. Come back to Courthouse Square Park all season long to enjoy an installation of faux icicles, ornaments, and colorful arches.
Salem occupies a unique place in the Willamette Valley—both literally and figuratively. It is an urban outpost and Oregon’s state capital—but Salem also sits surrounded by historic farming communities and small towns in the foothills of the Cascade Range. Wherever your travels take you across the area, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to revel in the spirit of the season.
In Salem proper, the three-day Salem Holiday Market wants to help kickstart your shopping; from December 13-15, 2024, more than 250 vendors will sell handmade, home-grown, and locally crafted items—including toys, ornaments, snacks, and candles. Other attractions include a gingerbread house contest and appearance from Santa Claus.
Downtown Silverton, meanwhile, will be all aglow in lights and seasonal displays—and the nearby Silverton Christmas Market is a cherished tradition that brings together more than 1.5 million twinkling lights, local vendors, seasonal snacks, appearances from Santa Claus, and even a snowless tubing hill. Take a shuttle from three locations around town, including downtown Silverton, for a convenient start to your visit.
Celebrate a slice of local history with a stop at the Stayton Holiday Craft Bazaar, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary on December 7, 2024; the market includes dozens of booths with handcrafted items, on-site food trucks, family activities, and a visit from Santa Claus.
Further west, the Making Spirits Bright festivities begin on December 1, 2024—and continue all season long in Monmouth. The fun begins with a holiday light parade and community tree lighting—and continues with light displays, seasonal decorations, a toy drive, a scavenger hunt, and other attractions. New this year: The Monmouth Merry Market, taking place on December 2, will include special discounts and other fun offerings from local vendors.
Also new this year: On December 7, 2024, the city of Dallas will transform into Christmas Town—complete with a tree lighting, parade, holiday home lights contest, and other memorable events.
