‘Tis the season for parades!
Published 3:00 am Monday, December 2, 2024
- The Enterprise Odd Fellows march during the Enterprise Winterfest parade on Dec. 9, 2023.
EASTERN OREGON — Towns across the region are brightening the nights with lighted parades and illuminating community Christmas trees.
Baker City
The twilight parade, organized by the Baker County Chamber of Commerce, is Saturday, Dec. 7. This year’s theme is “Frozen Frontier.”
The parade starts at 5 p.m. The Baker City Lions Club will again place burn barrels along Main Street to warm the crowd, and provide free coffee and hot chocolate from Sorbenots. Immediately after the parade, everyone is invited to gather for the tree lighting in Court Plaza.
Boardman
A magical evening of holiday joy is featured during the Boardman Community Christmas Tree Lighting on Saturday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m. at the SAGE Center, 101 Olson Road.
The celebration includes cookies with Santa, hot cocoa, a Nativity pageant presented by Boardman First Baptist Church’s Awana Club and a Christmas concert featuring Learning Adventure Preschool. For more information, call the Boardman Chamber of Commerce at 541-481-3014 or search www.boardmanchamber.org.
Condon
Condon’s “Angels Among Us” light festival and parade is Saturday, Dec. 7.
The parade begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by photos with Santa at the historic Hotel Condon. Also, local artisans will be selling their products for those who are looking for gift ideas. For information, visit oregonfrontierchamber.com.
Cove
Come will have a tree lighting on Sunday, Dec. 8, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Cove library and fire station. Cookies and hot cocoa will be served.
Echo
The Echo Corn Maze’s third annual tree lighting is Saturday, Dec. 7, 3-6 p.m. at 300 N. Dupont St. The afternoon features photo stations, Santa, food and drinks for purchase and the tree lighting at 4 p.m.
Halfway
The second annual Jingle All the Way parade and tree lighting is Sunday, Dec. 8, in Halfway. Parade entries will line up at 4 p.m., and the lighted parade gets underway at 5 p.m. followed by the tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. and a visit from Santa at 6 p.m.
The evening includes food and hot drinks by Rush Hour Pizza, Kim’s Donuts, Cow Camp Catering and Cow Camp Saloon.
Heppner
Heppner’s light parade will be Thursday, Dec. 19. To register, call the Heppner Chamber of Commerce at 541-676-5536, email heppnerchamber@gmail.com or stop by 188 W. Willow St.
Hermiston
The city of Hermiston, the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce and local businesses/organizations are designating the town as the North Pole of Eastern Oregon.
The festive holiday fun begins with the Hermiston Tree Lighting Celebration & Lighted Parade on Thursday, Dec. 5, in downtown Hermiston. The event starts with live music at 4:30 p.m., followed by the parade at 5:45 p.m. Santa arrives at 6:15 p.m. for the tree lighting and will remain until 7:30 p.m. for photo ops.
The Downtown Light Display will shine nightly from 5-8 p.m. through the end of December. For more information, search www.hermiston.gov/parksrec or call 541-667-5018.
Also, the Land of Lights, a drive-thru holiday light spectacular, opens Friday, Dec. 6, 6-9 p.m. at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center, 1705 E. Airport Road. The displays are plugged in Thursday through Sunday until Dec. 29.
In addition, Candy Cane Village features a walk-thru lighted village and an ice skating rink in the Farm-City Pro Rodeo Arena at EOTEC. It features bonfires, hot cocoa, and, of course, candy canes. Also, a Holiday Market runs Dec. 6-7.
For more information about the Land of Lights, visit hermiston.gov/LandofLights or call EOTEC at 541-289-9800.
John Day
This annual Timber Truckers Light Parade will roll through downtown John Day on Saturday, Dec. 14, starting at 6 p.m.
Milton-Freewater
The Christmas Magic Parade will be Friday, Dec. 6, starting at 6:30 p.m. at The Gathering Place, next to McLoughlin High School. Also, children can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy cookies, cocoa and hot apple cider.
Richland
Richland’s Community Christmas Celebration will be held Saturday, Dec. 14, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Eagle Valley Grange Hall.
Joy Cole, director of the Christmas Community Choir, has started practices and is encouraging more participation in the choir. If you would like to participate in the program or have questions, Riata Brown, 208-908-2615.
Sumpter
Sumpter’s annual Starlight Parade is Saturday, Dec. 14, 5 p.m. on Mill Street, followed by the tree lighting. Those who want to participate in the parade can send an email to pdxbogie@gmail.com.
Umatilla
The city of Umatilla is kicking off the holiday season with its Community Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 6, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Umatilla City Hall, 700 Sixth St.
The celebration includes hot chocolate, cookies and an opportunity to take photos with Santa Claus. For more information, search www.umatilla-city.org/parksrec.
Union
Union’s Christmas parade and winter wonderland celebration is Saturday, Dec. 7. Vendors will be set up at Catherine Creek Community Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The evening continues with a lighted parade at 5:30 p.m. The theme is “Nutcracker.” Entries can line up at 4:45 p.m. in front of the Old West Federal Credit Union.
Register in advance by sending an email to unionchamber@eoni.com or just show up to the parade. Cash prizes will be awarded, including one for the float that best follows the theme.
A tree lighting and visit from Santa follows the parade at Hometown Hardware, and the VFW will serve chili.
Wallowa
A Christmas tree lighting happens Friday, Dec. 6, at Wallowa Memorial Park. Everyone is welcome to gather at 5:30 p.m., and the lighting will be at 6 p.m. along with holiday music and possibly a visit from Santa.
Also, kids can write letters to Santa — or pick up a template at the Wallowa Public Library, city hall or post office.