Things to do in December

Florence
Florence is Oregon’s Coastal Playground with its rolling sand dunes, miles of beaches, charming
boutiques and antique shops, and delicious seafood.

Nov 24 – Dec 24, 2022 –Gnome for the Holidays Treasure Hunt
Find a gnome and grab a gem of a deal! Pick up a map from the Visitor Center or print from the Chamber
website beginning November 25th to locate participating merchants who are hosting gnomes with
treasure to share.

December 2, 2022 – Holly Jolly Follies! – Dec 2 & 3 @ 7 pm, Dec 4 @ 2 pm.
A true variety show with performers of all ages, this year’s Follies features many new and wonderful
surprises, including outstanding vocal solos and duos, musicians, comedic interludes, small and large
group numbers, and of course, C.R.O.W.’s stellar Flight Dance Team, which will perform original dance
choreography.  Rumor has it that the “Tutu Dads” will also be back to share a “purrfectly meow-velous
holiday tail.” Located @ Florence Events Center 715 Quince St. Tickets $18/adult.

December 3, 2022 – Festival of Trees – Dec 3 @ 9 am -5 pm, Dec 4 @ 4 pm.
The Festival of Trees is an annual event and fundraiser hosted by the Oregon Coast Military Museum
(OCMM) towards the last week of November. Trees and wreaths are sponsored and decorated by
businesses and tree designers from the Oregon Coast (Florence/North Bend/Coos Bay) in unique themes
with a variety of ornaments to be auctioned off at the event’s Gala dinner. Designers and themes vary by
year as new and old volunteers join in decorating the trees, bringing new ideas to the table or revising
previously done themes. Located @ Three Rivers Casino 5647 Hwy 126. Tickets can be purchased
through military museum. Individual Seat – $45, Couples night out – $80.

December 4, 2022 – Holiday Arts Festival – Dec 3 @ 10 am -5 pm, Dec 4 @11 am – 4 pm.
The Holiday season is here and the 11th Annual FRAA Holiday Arts Festival is back, presented by
Florence Regional Arts Alliance..
You will get to meet the local and coastal craftsmen and artisans, showing off their latest creative designs.
This year we have lots of new artisans as well as some of your favorites returning. Watch as some of the
artists demonstrate their painting skills.  You are sure to find something just right for that special gift…
The FRAA Holiday Arts Festival is just one of the events at the Florence Events Center, along with
Empty Bowls and Holly Jolly Follies, so come join the fun and enjoy a unique shopping experience.
Artisans exhibiting in the Holiday Arts Festival will be donating 10 percent of their sales to the
FRAA Art Center to help further the goals of the nonprofit. Admission is free. Located @ Florence
Events Center 715 Quince Street.

December 21, 2022 – Winter Solstice Lantern Walk @ 4:45 pm – 6 pm..
Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year. Light it up and walk with us to stay warm and bright this
holiday season, with Florence’s 5th Annual Lantern Walk, hosted by the SASS-y folks from Serene
Abundance Studio Space.
We’ll meet up outside Bridgeport Market, at the SW corner of the 75 Harbor Street Building, starting at
4:45pm; walk kicks off at 5:00pm. The market should be open until 5 for getting any hot coffee or
refreshments you might need. The route will be along the Boardwalk and through Old Town, suitable for
most walkers and wheelchair-owners.

Suggested items to bring include: homemade or store bought lanterns (enclosing any flames
recommended), glow in the dark sticks or jewelry, flashlights, light up toys, etc. Costumes, creativity,
musical instruments, bells & whistles encouraged! Let’s make this a magical parade that will enlighten
and inspire all who see us.
Walk will end at the big Christmas Tree at the Siuslaw Interpretive Center Park, next to Waterfront
Depot. We will spend a little time socializing and celebrating. There might even be some surprises
waiting for us!
About Your Hosts: Serene Abundance Studio Space (AKA SASS) is a community focused creative arts
center and gallery in Florence, Oregon. Our mission is to promote creativity and expressive arts as a
means of inspiration, co-learning, healing, and personal growth. We feature DIY work space, including
equipment and materials, for fine arts, craft and digital arts. We also host workshops, classes and special
events. Our Gallery features original works of art, prints, gifts, books, and craft kits, specializing in local
and regional Pacific NW creators. Located @ Bridgeport Market, 75 Harbor Street Unit 100.

Yachats
December 1, 2022 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm “Yachats Big Band Dance”
Listen, dance or both to the swingin’ sounds of the Yachats Big Band. Come out for this 20-piece band on the
FIRST THURSDAY of each month from 7 pm to 9 pm. Admission fee: $5. Located at the Yachats Commons,
441 Hwy 101 North.

December 9, 2022 – Ladies Club & Sweet Adelines – Friday @ 7pm-9pm
The Yachats Ladies club will open the holiday season as they host the Sweet Adelines on Friday, Dec. 9 at
7pm – special-baked cookies and hot cider at the club. Located @ Yachats Ladies Clubhouse 286 West 3 rd St.

December 10 & 11, 17 & 18 2022 – Victorian Christmas at Heceta Head Lighthouse – Saturday
& Sunday @ 4pm-7pm
$5 Parking Fee; Free Admission to Assistant Keepers House
Celebrate the 26th Anniversary of Victorian Christmas Open Houses! Join us to make lasting memories with loved ones. Doors will be open to the public from 4-7 pm December 10th & 11th and 17th & 18th.  Enjoy the majesty of the beautifully decorated Keeper’s House while listening to live music from generous local performers!
The winter raffle will be available, and the home will be decorated inside and out. Heceta Lighthouse Gift
Shop will be open for those unique gifts, and why not treat yourself too while you are there! Walk up to the
lighthouse after dark, so bring your flashlight and jacket.  Just follow the light!
Parking is at Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic View for $5 per vehicle to support the State Park (cards
only). A free shuttle is available from the parking lot to the Keeper’s Home. Admission to the Keeper’s Home
is free, but donations are greatly appreciated.
The Lightstation Christmas lights will be displayed from December 1st – January 2nd. Happy Holidays!

Newport
Dec 3, 2022 -Holiday Open House & Artisan market – Saturday @ 10am to 3 pm
The Lincoln County Historical Society is hosting a free Holiday Open House & Artisans Market on Saturday
Dec 3 from 10 am – 3 PM at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center. This event is a free admission day at the
museum, with live music in the Doerfler Family Theater, kids craft activities, museum store sales, and an

Artisans Market for holiday shoppers. This is the season for annual giving to help local nonprofits survive so
there will also be an Angel Giving Tree located in the lobby of the PMHC for community donors who want to
help support museum operations at any one of the three sites operated by the LCHS (Pacific Maritime Heritage
Center, Burrows House and the Log Cabin Research Library). Special holiday ornament tags will be hanging
on the decorated tree; community members are invited to sponsor specific items listed on the tags with a cash
donation. On-site parking is available. Located @ Pacific Maritime Heritage Center 333 SE Bay Blvd.

Dec 4, 2022 -Carols, Cookies and Cocoa – Sunday @ 2pm to 4 pm
Come enjoy this special presentation of holiday cheer with the Oregon Coast Chorus Sweet Adelines. Located
@ 60 + Activity Center 20 SE 2 nd St.