Santa poses for a photo on Dec. 23, 2022, in front of a special sleigh created with pallets, during the SECO Pallets Christmas light parade. This year’s Santa Drive is Dec. 23, 2023, in Boardman.

EASTERN OREGON — Towns across the region are planning parades and special events for the holiday season. Read on for this weekend’s events, and then we’ll have more for the next issue of Go!

Baker City

The Jingle Bell Jubilee holiday twilight parade and tree lighting in Baker City is Saturday, Dec. 2, starting at 5 p.m.

The parade route runs on Main Street, starting at Madison Street and heading south. The tree lighting follows at Court Plaza. Parade entries are $10. For an application, visit the Baker County Chamber of Commerce, 490 Campbell St., or check the Facebook page.

Boardman

Get ready to illuminate the holiday spirit during the annual Boardman Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 2, 6 p.m. across from the SAGE Center, 101 Olson Road.

Organized by the Boardman Chamber of Commerce, the evening includes hot chocolate, cookies, Christmas carols and a visit by Santa Claus.

Also, a Christmas concert presented by The Learning Adventure Preschool and a Nativity Pageant by the Boardman First Baptist Church’s Awana Club will be presented indoors in the SAGE Center theater.

For more information, search www.boardmanchamber.org. For questions, call 541-481-3014.

Condon

Condon’s annual “Light Up the Night” light festival and parade is Saturday, Dec. 2.

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.

Echo

The Echo Corn Maze’s third annual tree lighting is Saturday, Dec. 2, 3-6 p.m. The afternoon features photo stations, Santa, food and drinks for purchase and the tree lighting at 4:30 p.m.

Halfway

“Light Up Main Street” is happening Sunday, Dec. 3, in Halfway. The parade starts at 4 p.m., followed by the tree lighting at 4:30 p.m. with Santa, carols, cocoa and treats.

Heppner

Returning for its second year is Heppner Lights Heritage Park at 80216 Park Lane.

The event begins Thursday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. with music presented by the Heppner Jr./Sr. High School choir, Sage Garden Preschool and Heppner Day Care — inside the Morrow County Heritage & Agricultural Museum.

The event includes an ornament-making station. Also, hot chocolate will be provided. The lights will shine at 7 p.m.

For questions, contact the Heppner Chamber of Commerce at 541-676-5536 or heppnerchamber@gmail.com.

Hermiston

• A dazzling spectacle will roll out the holiday season during the Hermiston Tree Lighting Celebration. It is Thursday, Nov. 30, 4:30-7:30 p.m. in downtown Hermiston.

Illuminate your ride — cars, trucks, tractors, lawnmowers, ATVs, bikes — for the Hermiston Lighted Holiday Parade at 5:30 p.m. First through third place prizes will be awarded to the most festive entries.

The evening begins with live musical performances and food/treat vendors. Santa Claus will arrive at 6:15 p.m. for the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree and will stick around for photo ops — all on Festival Street in front of Hermiston City Hall.

For more information or to register for the parade (free) or vendor space ($5), visit bit.ly/hermistonrecreation. For questions, call 541-667-5018.

• The Festival of Lights is again illuminating the holiday season at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center, 1601 E. Airport Road. The festival kicked off Nov. 24 and continues Thursday through Sundays, 6-9 p.m. until Jan. 1, 2024. The recommended donation is $5 per carload, which supports the festival and the Hermiston Rotary Club.

Santa Claus will be on hand from 6-8 p.m. on Dec. 1 and Dec. 22. Also, other special events will be announced on Facebook via bit.ly/3gopqsj.

Irrigon

The Irrigon Christmas Tree Lighting event offers a full day of holiday fun. It kicks off Sunday, Dec. 3 with a craft bazaar from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Irrigon Plaza Event Center, 500 NE Main Ave. It features cookie decorating with Santa Claus from 2-4 p.m.

The tree lighting begins at 5 p.m. It includes music with the Irrigon High School band and Calico Bones. Also, hot cocoa will be served.

The event is hosted by the Irrigon Watermelon Festival. For more information, search Facebook or call Charlene Cooley at 541-571-8541.

La Grande

La Grande Main Street Downtown again sponsors the holiday lighted parade on Saturday, Dec. 2, 6 p.m. The tree lighting immediately follows at Max Square.

For information on parade entries, visit lagrandemainstreet.org.

Milton-Freewater

The Les Schwab Christmas Magic Parade is set for Friday, Dec. 1, 6:30-7:30 p.m. on North Main Street in Milton-Freewater. The route begins at the Gathering Place at Mac-Hi, then continues on Broadway to North Main and ends at the Valley Christian Church.

Richland

The Christmas tree lighting at Richland City Hall is set for Saturday, Dec. 2, 6 p.m. Santa will be in attendance.

Umatilla

Free cookies and hot chocolate will help drive away the chill during Umatilla’s annual Winter Festival. The celebration is Friday, Dec. 1, 4-7 p.m. at Nugent Park, 442 Eighth St.

Carriage rides will run from 4-6 p.m., and music performances will feature Umatilla’s high school and middle school choirs (4:30 p.m.), and a special performance by students from McNary Heights Elementary School (5 p.m.).

The tree lighting ceremony is at 6 p.m. Throughout the event, attendees can get pictures with Santa and the Grinch, play games and make s’mores at the fire pit. For more information, visit the Facebook page for Umatilla Parks and Recreation.

Union

Union’s Christmas celebration begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, with a Winter Wonderland Bazaar at the Catherine Creek Community Center, 667 Main St., followed by a light parade at 5:30 p.m. on Main Street. Entries will line up at 4:45 p.m. at Old West Federal Credit Union.

After the parade, the community is invited to the tree lighting and visit Santa at the Hometown Hardware Store, where VFW Post 4060 will provide chili.

Wallowa

The annual Christmas tree lighting at Wallowa Memorial Park is Friday, Dec. 1. The gathering starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by the lighting at 6 p.m.

Children can write their letter to Santa, or pick up a template at the library, city hall or post office (remember to include a return address on the envelope).