Baker City

The first Saturday in December is always chock full of holiday events in Baker City, and this year is no exception on Dec. 3.

First, head to the Baker County Fairgrounds, 2600 East St., to shop the 4-H Christmas Bazaar in the show barn (Friday, noon-5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.) and visit the Saint Alphonsus Foundation Festival of Trees (inside the Event Center) on Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. This year’s festival is a smaller scale that previous years, but features miniature trees on silent auction, photos with Santa courtesy of the Baker City Kiwanis Club ($10 for prints) and art projects with Crossroads Carnegie Art Center.

The afternoon brings a sweet treat — from 2-4 p.m., Baker City Downtown is again hosting a cookie crawl. Purchase a box for $10 and a map at Crossroads Carnegie Art Center, 2020 Auburn Ave., and then head downtown to collect a variety of cookies.

Then, at 5 p.m., gather on Main Street for the Twilight Parade (this year’s theme is Santa’s Workshop), followed by the illumination of this year’s Community Christmas Tree at Main and Court streets.

Boardman

Hot chocolate and cookies will be served after the Boardman Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The free event is Saturday, Dec. 3, 6-7 p.m. at the SAGE Center, 101 Olson Road.

In addition, Santa Claus will be on hand to greet people and pose for photos. Also, the Nativity Pageant will be performed by Learning Adventure Pre-School.

For questions, call the Boardman Chamber of Commerce at 541-481-3014.

Heppner

Christmas caroling, hot cocoa and Santa and Mrs. Claus are all part of Heppner Lights. The city’s tree lighting event is Thursday, Dec.1, 6:30 p.m. at Heritage Park, Gale and Water streets. It begins with a musical performance by the Heppner High School choir, followed by a flip of the switch turning on the Christmas lights at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit bit.ly/3EVyJcT. For questions, email the Heppner Chamber of Commerce at heppnerchamber@gmail.com or call Alicia Doherty at 509-851-8875 or Shelby Matthews at 541-377-0058.

Hermiston

The annual Lighted Holiday Parade returns on Thursday, Dec. 1. Use your imagination in illuminating your car, truck or tractor — first through third place prizes will be awarded to the most festive entries.

Staging and check-in is at the Hermiston Community Center at 4:30 p.m. The parade gets rolling at 5:30 p.m., heading to Third Street, then to Main, looping around Second Street and Hurlburt Avenue and back to park on Main Street — just in time for Santa’s 6 p.m. arrival on Festival Street.

Gather around the Christmas tree on Festival Street. With a flip of the switch, the jolly ol’ elf will light the tree. Santa will stick around for photos until 7 p.m.

The evening also features music, carolers, performers and vendors. And it’s held in conjunction with the Hermiston Downtown District’s First Thursday. Bring your Christmas shopping list and take advantage of nearly two dozen merchants who will offer special discounts.

For more information, visit bit.ly/3tWggqh. For questions, call 541-667-5018.

Irrigon

A Day of Christmas is Sunday, Dec. 4 starting out with a craft vendor fair in the Main Avenue enclosed pavilion, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. And from 1-4 p.m., kids can decorate cookies and visit with Santa Claus in the multipurpose room at the Irrigon Branch of the Oregon Trail Library District, 490 NE Main Ave.

At 5 p.m., the town Christmas tree will be illuminated. It includes karaoke Christmas carols, free cookies and cocoa with Santa. Also, horse-drawn carriage rides with Equine Elegance are available for $5 per person.

Also, be sure to get in the holiday spirit all around town. The community Christmas lighting contest will offer cash prizes to the top three decorated homes — judging is the week of Dec. 11. Presented by the Irrigon Watermelon Festival and the city of Irrigon, for more information, call 541-922-3047.

La Grande

La Grande Main Street Downtown’s Holiday Parade is Saturday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m.

After the parade, head to Max Square to see the lighting of the Christmas tree, along with free hot chocolate and a food vendor.

To sign up for the parade, stop by the office at 102 Depot St., call 541-963-1223 or email director@lagrandemainstreet.org.

Milton-Freewater

The Christmas Magic event begins with Family Day on Thursday, Dec. 1, 4-8 p.m. with crafts, a tree decorating contest and auction at the Milton-Freewater Community Building, 109 NE Fifth Ave. And bring the kids for a special visit with Buzz Lightyear, Mirabel and friends.

At 5 p.m. the tree lighting ceremony happens at Freewater Square, North Main Street/Fifth Avenue; followed by live music from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

On Friday, Dec. 2, enjoy “drinks and merriment” at Freewater Square from 4-8 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., be dazzled by decorated floats in the Les Schwab parade. Hot chocolate, cookies and photos with Santa follow the parade at The Gathering Place.

Christmas Magic is organized by the Milton-Freewater Chamber Downtown Alliance.

Pilot Rock

The annual Pilot Rock Winter Festival is Sunday, Dec. 11, 5 p.m. It begins with a lighted parade, starting with lineup at 4:30 p.m. at the Pilot Rock Fire Station. Awards include judge’s choice, best business and best youth entries. The annual chili feed will follow at the Chamber Quarters, 143 W. Main St.

In addition, be sure to illuminate your lights for the annual Holiday Light Contest — judging is Sunday, Dec. 18, 5-8 p.m. First through third place will receive cash prizes.

Parade registration is available via bit.ly/3XnU4CX.

Umatilla

The Umatilla Winter Festival is Friday, Dec. 2, 4:30-9 p.m. at Umatilla Marina Park. The family-friendly event provides an evening of holiday fun, including the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree at 6:15 p.m.

The celebration marks the opening of the Umatilla Ice Rink season and includes live entertainment, food and craft vendors, sleigh rides and visits/photo ops with the Grinch and Santa Claus. Also, people are invited to make a donation for Coats for Kids to ensure that needy children ages 3-17 can bundle up for the winter.

For more information about the festival, visit bit.ly/3UXYqPy. To inquire about Coats for Kids, contact Rita Campos at 541-969-3338 or rcampos@umchs.org.

Union

Union’s Christmas Parade and Winter Wonderland Tree Lighting is set for Saturday, Dec. 3.

From noon to 5 p.m., visit vendors at the Catherine Creek Community Center and hear music by the Blue Mountain Fiddlers.

The parade starts at 5 p.m. Entries can line up at 4:30 p.m. in front of Old West Federal Credit Union (email unionchamber@eoni.com to register, or just show up).

The tree lighting follows, along with a visit from Santa.