MONMOUTH, Ore. – The 58th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting event will take place on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Western Oregon University. This festive afternoon promises fun-filled activities leading up to the highly anticipated tree lighting ceremony.
The event will kick off at 4 p.m., when the merry market opens in the Werner University Center. Sponsored by Student Engagement and the Monmouth Business Association, the market will offer a variety of holiday goodies and gifts until 9 p.m.
At 5:30 p.m., warm up with complimentary hot cocoa and cider outside, courtesy of Alumni Relations.
The highlight of the evening, the parade, will commence at 6 p.m., starting from the Monmouth Library. Following the parade, attendees will hear welcoming remarks from the Mayors of Monmouth and Independence, as well as the President of Western Oregon University. The elementary school essay contest winner will also be announced, leading up to the lighting of the tree.
This year’s festivities are made possible through the collaboration of Student Engagement, the Student Activities Board, the Associated Students of WOU, the City of Monmouth, University Computing Solutions, WOU Facilities, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Monmouth Police Department, WOU Public Safety, Monmouth Public Library, and WOU New Student & Family Programs.
After the tree lighting, guests are invited inside the Werner University Center for a variety of activities, starting at 7 p.m. Families can take photos with Santa in the Willamette Room and enjoy cookie decorating on the first floor. Additionally, the coloring contest submissions and winners will be displayed on the second floor, all made possible by Santa & Mrs. Claus, Student Engagement, and the Student Activities Board. See the full schedule.
Throughout December and especially during Holiday Tree Lighting week, Monmouth will host a variety of festive activities. Visit the Monmouth Business Association for more information.
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.