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 conversations waft onto the sidewalk from cozy restaurants, and twinkling lights dangle from trees and lamp posts.
Small-town charm and citywide cheer can be found in communities large and small—complete with light displays, markets, and other fun events. Here are a few 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. One popular tradition is downtown merchants decorating their windows holiday-themed decorations and scenes throughout the season, bringing a joyful air to Albany's historic downtown core.
Monteith House with Snow by Melinda Martin
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. Through 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 through December 22, 2024. The fun includes an ice skating rink and more than a dozen vendors selling gifts, artisan items, food, and more.
In nearby Dayton, Courthouse Square Park hosts an installation of faux icicles, ornaments, and colorful arches all season long.
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.
Further west, the Making Spirits Bright festivities 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.
