2024 Ashland Festival of Light
Every year, the day after Thanksgiving, the Ashland Chamber of Commerce celebrates the arrival of Santa at the Grand Illumination in downtown.
The procession starts at 5pm so we like to get there around 430 to make sure that we get a good spot to enjoy the show. We grab hot cocoa at one of our local coffee stands so that we have something warm to hold as we wait for the festivities to begin. The parade is about twenty minutes long with lots of community members lighting the way for Santa’s arrival. When Santa arrives with his elves and reindeer he heads up to the Brickroom to lead the community in a carol then the countdown to the lighting of downtown and the tree.
Once everything is lit up we walk around to enjoy the businesses all lit up and some even have their windows decorated. It really gets us into the holiday spirit!
TIP: The streets are closed all around the plaza so be sure to get there early to get a parking spot and you will have to walk a little ways to get to the plaza.
EVENTS HAPPENING THROUGH DECEMBER iN ASHLAND
PINE MOUNTAIN LODGE AT THE OREGON CABARET THEATRE
November 15th - December 31st watch Pine Mountain Lodge at the Oregon Cabaret Theatre. A world premiere musical in the style of White Christmas. Get your tickets here
PADDINGTON STATION ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE
November 22nd - 24th Celebrate with Paddington Station in their 51st year and as they open their new storefront combining Inspired by Oregon and The Jewel Box into one mega store right across the street at 142 E. Main Street, Ashland, Oregon
Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink opens for the season
November 23rd Recreational skating begins at 2pm - 9pm. Dress warm, it is especially cold when the sun goes down. See the full schedule throughout the season here.
ASHLAND FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
November 29th the Ashland Festival of Light kicks off at 5pm with Santa’s Procession and the Grand Illumination of downtown Ashland. Wassailing with Rogue World Music starts at 6pm at the corner of E. Main and Pioneer St.
See the full list of events with details here.
LITHIA ARTISANS CHRISTMAS FAIRE
November 29th - December 1st Shop local artists handmade goods located at the Historic Ashland Armory.
Hours are Friday 10am - 7pm | Saturday 10am - 6pm | Sunday 11am - 4pm
POINSETTIA FESTIVAL
November 30th, 10am - 4pm
Walk through thousands of colorful poinsettias at Ashland Greenhouses. Sip hot beverages and nibble snacks while listening to festive music. Photo-ops too.
LIGHTING OF THE MENORAH
December 5th
Live music, local dignitaries light the 10 ft. Menorah, grand chocolate coin drop, dancing, latkes and donuts. Security will be present. Find our more at Chabad of Ashland.
ROGUE VALLEY SYMPHONY PRESENTS: A GOSPEL CHRISTMAS
December 13th - 15th
Enjoy gospel Christmas music at the Angus Bowmer Theatre. Get your tickets here.
FIRST FROST AT THE ASHLAND ROTARY CENTENNIAL ICE RINK
December 21st
Enjoy live music, figure skating performances, and family discount specials.