Tree lightings, holiday dinners and more: 7 things to do in Lane County for the holidays
Looking for an event to kick off the holiday season?
1. Oakway Center's 37th Annual Tree Lighting in Eugene
The tree lighting ceremony is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, followed by live music, real reindeer, visits with Winter Willy the Snowman, cookies and hot chocolate at Heritage Courtyard.
This event is free to all.
2. Veneta Tree Lighting and 20th Annual Light Parade
Families can enjoy their favorite holiday tunes while sipping free hot cocoa provided by Kiwanis Club of Fern Ridge on Thursday, Nov. 30 at Veneta Elementary School.
Santa Clause will arrive by fire truck at 6:15 p.m. and guests can watch as the giant Christmas tree is "set aglow with twinkling lights and a dusting of holiday magic."
A collection bin also will be available for toy donations to Veneta's S.A.N.T.A Project for children in need.
The holiday light parade at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7 will illuminate Veneta for its 20th year.
"A time-honored tradition for families and local businesses alike, crowds gather to watch as brightly decorated floats spread joy through the community," said Robbie McCoy, spokesperson for Veneta-Fern Ridge Chamber of Commerce.
The parade will feature decorated fire trucks, cars, floats and approximately 40 other brightly adorned vehicles as they wind through downtown.
The parade route is 8th Street, east on West Broadway, south on 2nd Street, east on McCutcheon Avenue, north on Territorial Road, and ends on Jack Kelley Drive.
3. "Oldest and Coldest" Christmas Parade in Springfield
Oregon Riders Society will be hosting its Oldest and Coldest Christmas Parade on Dec. 2 at 1 p.m. near 2659 Olympic Street in Springfield.
4. Take in holiday classics with a 'Bushnell Christmas'
The University is hosting a free event to celebrate the birth of Christ, featuring a selection of holiday classics and contemporary favorites performed by the university choir, jazz ensemble, and choral on Dec. 2 at 4 p.m.
The event will be hosted at First Baptist Church, located at 3550 Fox Meadow Road.
According to Bushnell University, the music selection is woven together with the narrative of the meaning of Christmas.
5. "Celebrate the Season by the Sea" in Florence
Oregon residents are invited to celebrate the holidays at the Florence Holiday Festival.
The first stage of the festival begins on Saturday with a "shop small" event and Cookie trail.
On Dec. 2 from 4-7 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive on Bay Street in Historic Old Town Florence, followed by a light parade and the annual mayor's tree lighting ceremony.
"We invite everyone from everywhere to come to Florence and follow the cookie trail to find incredible buys on unique gifts from our locally-owned 'Mom and Pop' shops," said Bettina Hannigan, president of the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce.
Beginning Friday and continuing through Dec. 23, shoppers can search for Flo, an 18-inch plush whale that lights up and makes sounds.
Flo will be in dozens of participating stores, galleries restaurants, bars, and coffee shops around town where fans can follow a treasure map to get stickers, prizes, discounts, coupons, treats, or a raffle ticket to win a Flo of your own.
6. Creswell's Winter Lights
The Creswell Chamber of Commerce Board is hosting its annual Creswell Winter Lights event on Dec. 9 with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Families can participate in children's activities, listen to music in the streets, attend the light parade, shop at a vendor market, and consume hot cocoa and cookies in various locations downtown.
The Light Parade on Oregon Ave. starts at 5 p.m. A Vendor Market with both handmade goods and direct sales businesses will be open 10 a.m. with a visit from Santa from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
7. Walterville Grange Holiday Dinner and Open House
The Walterville Grange is ready to host its annual Holiday Dinner and Open House in Springfield on Dec. 12 at 6 p.m.
The Grange will provide turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, dressing, rolls, and beverages. Guests can bring their favorite side dish, salad, or dessert to complete the meal.
"We are also expecting a visit from the jolly old man in red so make sure the kids have their Christmas lists handy," said Denise Bishop with Walterville Grange.
In addition, Walterville Grange will be collecting canned food items for the Upriver Food Bank.
Walterville Community Center Hall is located at 39259 Camp Creek Road in Walterville.
Reach reporter Haleigh Kochanski at HKochanski@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: 7 things to do in Lane County for the holidays
