Illuminate Your Holiday with a Season-by-the-Sea
Each holiday season, the Southern Oregon Coast, known for its dramatic cliffs and windswept beaches, transforms into an enchanted wonderland. As the days grow shorter and a crisp chill fills the air, South Coast towns from Reedsport to Brookings burn bright, draping their streets, parks, and harbors in millions of twinkling lights.
Two Unforgettable Light Displays
While the entire South Coast sparkles with holiday cheer, two events stand out as crown jewels. These destinations attract visitors from all over the Pacific Northwest, and trust us—they’re worth the trip!
Holiday Lights at Shore Acres State Park
Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the ever-stunning Shore Acres State Park near Charleston becomes even more spectacular during their Holiday Lights display. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, wander through animated displays featuring leaping frogs, spouting whales, and buzzing bees. Then, warm up inside the Garden House with cookies and cocoa. Entrance to the display is free, but you’ll need reservations, and Shore Acres has a year-round parking fee. Insider tip—on weekends and holidays, skip the fee by catching the free shuttle at Charleston Marina.
Nature’s Coastal Holiday Festival of Lights
From Thanksgiving through the weekend after Christmas, Azalea Park in Brookings hosts Nature’s Coastal Holiday Festival of Lights. This walk-through display features millions of lights crafted into intricate, large-scale sculptures that’ll make you feel like a kid again. You’ll discover whimsical castles and giant sea serpents to entire underwater scenes brought to life with light. A snack shack offers hot chocolate and treats to keep you toasty as you explore. There’s a small fee for adults, but kids 12 and under get in free. Your well-behaved, furry friend is also welcome!
More Festive Fun Along the Coast
Beyond the two main attractions, smaller towns up and down the coast offer their own unique celebrations. These local events are full of heart and provide the perfect complement to your holiday light tour.
Coos Bay and North Bend Festivities
The neighboring cities of Coos Bay and North Bend are a hub of holiday activity. In North Bend, Christmas on Main kicks off the season with a small-town feel. The community gathers for events like Waffles with Santa, a Hot Cocoa Crawl, and free ice skating. Festivities wind up with the lighted parade and tree lighting ceremony.
Coos Bay keeps the energy alive with its Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting, encouraging participants to get creative with lights for a joyful procession through downtown. For train enthusiasts, the Oregon Coast Historic Railway Museum decks its vintage locomotives and train cars in lights, offering a nostalgic holiday experience. And, just around the bay, the Empire District Tree Lighting and Gingerbread House Display celebrates the season in the sweetest way.
Bandon’s Night of 10,000 Lights
Known for its stunning sea stacks and charming Old Town, Bandon shines bright during the holidays. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the entire waterfront glows on the Night of 10,000 Lights. Then, on the second Saturday in December, the Holiday Light Parade illuminates the town with creatively decorated floats, cars, boats, people, and even pets—it’s delightfully quirky and oh-so-fun!
Pacific Reef Hotel Holiday Lights in Gold Beach
In Gold Beach, the Pacific Reef Hotel transforms into a shimmering holiday retreat with intricate displays adorning the grounds and buildings. Visitors can stroll through walkways lined with glowing decorations, and catch the Holiday Light Show projected onto the hotel’s courtyard screen—it’s like being in your own private holiday movie!
Small Towns, Large Hearts
But the cheer isn’t limited to big towns! Lakeside, Reedsport, and Powers host annual tree lighting ceremonies and holiday events, capturing that cozy, small-town feeling. Winchester Bay chimes in with Jingle on the Bay, while Port Orford celebrates a historic Christmas at Hughes House, and Christmas at Mahaffy Ranch offers that Hallmark Christmas movie vibe.
Planning Your Coastal Holiday Light Tour
No matter where you find yourself during the “Season-by-the-Sea,” a trip here is an experience you won’t forget. From the grand displays at Shore Acres and Azalea Park to the heartfelt community celebrations in every town, the region offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and festive magic.
