HERMISTON, Ore.-From parades and tree lightings, to giving back to those in need, several upcoming events are planned to kick off the holiday season in Northeast Oregon.
Irrigon
Christmas at the Plaza: Event by the Irrigon Chamber of Commerce from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 420 NE Maint Street on December 6. Festivities include a Christmas Market Bazaar, a Festival of Trees to bid on, music and fire pits, cookies with Santa, an ugly Christmas sweater contest, and the annual Christmas Tree Lighting.
Boardman
Community Christmas Celebration from 4:45 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the SAGE Center on December 6. Celebration includes a nativity scene, tree lighting, fireworks, music, hot cocoa and pictures with Santa.
Movies at the SAGE: Sponsored by Good Shepherd Health Care Services, free family-friendly movies will be shown on Nov. 15, Dec. 20 and Jan. 17.
Umatilla
Umatilla Winter Celebration: Free event in Kiwanis Park on Dec. 6 starts with a Breakfast with Santa at 10 a.m. followed by the opening of the skating rink at noon and the community tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.
Milton-Freewater
Breakfast with Santa at the Elks: Breakfast runs from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. at 611 N. Main Street on Dec. 6. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids.
Christmas Magic Parade: Sponsored by Les Schwab, the free parade will start at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Milton-Freewater (route to be determined).
Hermiston
Lighted Holiday Parade: Parade starts at 5:45 on Main Street in downtown Hermiston and is followed by Santa’s arrival and the 11th annual official tree lighting.
Land of Lights: Opens for the season at 5 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center and includes the Land of Lights and Candy Cane Village. Land of Lights will be open Thursday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the holiday season. The entry fee is a $10 donation to the Hermiston Rotary and American Legion Post 37 and includes a commemorative mug.
Home and Business Light Decorating Contest: Registration open until December 8, with winners announced December 13. Winners receive a City of Hermiston prize basket and promotional benefits at Land of Lights.
12 Days of Giving: Presented by Good Shepherd Health Care System, different items will be collected daily from Dec. 1 through Dec. 12 to benefit local charities. Donations may be brought to Good Shepherd’s campus at 610 NW 11th Street in Hermiston, where drop boxes will be set up at several entrances.
22nd Annual Echo Toy Run: Motorcyclists will bring toys from Echo to the main entrance of Good Shepherd Health Care System in Hermiston around 12:15 p.m. on December 6, to be given to children in the hospital.
Pancakes with Santa: Hermiston Parks and Recreation event on Dec. 13 starts with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and includes crafts for kids, the Hermiston High School Majazzty Choir and photo opportunities with Santa. Tickets are available at the Hermiston Community Center starting November 19. Advance purchase of tickets is required.
Stanfield
Holiday Light Parade: Residents can decorate their cars and trucks, then parade through town before enjoying cocoa, cider and Christmas lights in Bard Park on Dec. 5. Registration information is available online.
Heppner
Lights at Heritage Park: On Dec. 4, the park located at 242 W. Linden Way will be decorated with lights and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in the museum.
Heppner Celebrates Christmas: A shop local event on Dec. 18 that also features the annual light parade.
Pendleton
6th Annual Heritage Lights and Artisan Market: Starts Dec. 12 and continues on the 13th, 19th and 20th at 108 SW Frazer Avenue. In addition to the artisan market, the free event includes Santa and the Grinch.
Holiday Lighted Parade: Presented by the Pendleton Downtown Association, the parade on South Main Street starts at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 13.
La Grande
Annual Holiday Parade of Lights: Parade starts at 6 p.m. on November 28 in downtown La Grande.
