tree lighting – The Western Howl

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

Many people think of winter as a time of traditions and festivities. For Monmouth’s holiday season, the Holiday Tree Lighting and the Monmouth Merry Market bring the holiday spirit to the community.

The light parade — also a holiday tradition — is set to begin at 6 p.m. at the Monmouth Public Library. Local businesses can design a float or walk in the parade to show off their holiday spirit.

Dec. 6 the community is invited to gather for the annual tree lighting on Monmouth Avenue that will commence after the holiday light parade finishes its course.

The large sequoia tree in front of Campbell Hall will be adorned with many strings of lights, bringing holiday cheer to Western’s campus. The tradition of lighting the tree began in 1967 and has been a staple of winter in Monmouth ever since. Every year before the lighting, several guest speakers address the crowd. Then, the winner of an elementary student essay contest is announced, followed by the winner reading their essay publicly.

Local vendors will be available for the public to enjoy from 5-9 p.m. in the Werner University Center — WUC — for Monmouth’s Merry Market. Also in the WUC at 7 p.m., cookies will be available for decoration. At 7:30 p.m., children and adults alike will have the opportunity to get a picture with Santa. The market is a great opportunity for businesses to both give and receive support from the Monmouth and Western communities.

Along with the market, a silent auction will be held throughout the evening in the WUC. The auction is an annual fundraising event hosted by Abby’s House.

The festivities aren’t only limited to Dec. 6. Up until Christmas Day, Main Street Park will be home to many light displays sponsored by local businesses. Any Main Street holiday shopping will be accompanied by colorful lights and fun displays.

Every year, Monmouth and Western’s communities come together to create a supportive environment for students, Western faculty, Monmouth residents and anyone else who wishes to join in on the celebrations.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

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Oregon holiday festivities

Written by: Taylor Duff | Lifestyle Editor

Every winter, Oregon comes alive with holiday happiness and colorful activities that capture the enchantment of the season from all angles. Whether one is looking for a stunning light show, a cozy Christmas market or a festive parade, there’s something for everyone. From the twinkling of millions of lights at the Silverton Christmas Market to the distinct appeal of a floating Christmas Ship Parade, Oregon’s holiday festivities provide an abundance of opportunities to create memories with family and friends.

The Silverton Christmas Market: Nov. 21 – Dec. 31. This yearly event at Oregon Garden Resort in Silverton turns the grounds into a winter paradise with over 1.5 million lights. The market is themed like a German Christkindlmarkt and features traditional German delights such as bratwurst and lebkuchen, as well as homemade gifts and crafts from local sellers. Families may enjoy snow-free tubing, comfortable fire pits and picture opportunities with Santa.

Umpqua Festival of Lights in Roseburg: Nov. 24 – Jan. 1. This drive-through light festival at Roseburg’s River Forks Park has the world’s tallest Nutcracker statue, standing 41 feet tall. It also features millions of glittering lights and dynamic shows. Visitors may expect festive music, themed decorations and, on some nights, visits from Santa and local choirs.

Holidays in the Park, Lebanon: showcases Dec. 7 in Ralston Park. This community event features the annual Christmas tree lighting, carolers, festive decorations and family-friendly activities. The major feature is an illuminated Christmas parade that winds through downtown Lebanon, contributing to the small-town holiday atmosphere.

Tis the Season Christmas Bazaar: Nov. 22 – 23 in Woodburn, Oregon. A major holiday craft market with a variety of handcrafted products from local craftsmen, including seasonal decorations, jewelry and homemade foods. This bazaar is ideal for finding unique, handcrafted gifts for everyone on your list.

Christmas Arts and Crafts Event: Dec. 7, Rosedale Friends Church conducts an arts and crafts show to celebrate the holiday season. There will be cookie decorating, ornament making and snacks. All ages are welcome to attend this free event.

Unique World Christmas Pop-Up: Dec. 7 – 8. A themed pop-up that celebrates Christmas customs from throughout the world, with immersive exhibits from several nations. Each section features cultural characteristics, decor and, in some cases, delicacies unique to that nation, making this an enjoyable learning experience for people of any age.

Portland’s Christmas Fashion Show: Dec. 8th, Portland offers a holiday-themed runway event to highlight the ingenuity of local designers. Models wear festive attire suitable for holiday parties and gatherings, making this a fashionable way to start the season.

ZooLights: ZooLights are open Nov. 22 – Jan. 5. The Oregon Zoo’s annual ZooLights show includes millions of LED lights that illuminate the zoo’s paths and exhibits, converting the space into a brilliant display and providing a festive experience for families and friends alike.

Crafty Wonderland: Dec. 13 – 15. This Portland holiday market has over 200 artists exhibiting a diverse range of handcrafted products, including art prints, pottery, clothes and accessories. Crafty Wonderland, known for its quirky, indie ambiance, is a popular destination for unique gifts while also supporting the local artist community.

A Charlie Brown Christmas – Live: Dec. 21 and 22. This theatrical presentation of the popular Christmas special features memorable sequences with Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the Peanuts gang. It’s a nostalgic, family-friendly event with live music, including the popular “Linus and Lucy” theme.

Holiday on Main: Dec. 7 – 8. Many small communities in Oregon celebrate with “Holiday on Main” festivities, which include tree lightings, seasonal business decorations and visits from Santa. It’s an opportunity to support local businesses while also experiencing the beauty of Oregon’s community-focused events.

Bend Christmas Parade: happening Dec. 7. This beautiful parade travels through downtown Bend, featuring floats, marching bands and local groups dressed in Christmas lights. The event often draws enormous audiences and concludes with Santa’s appearance, adding to the festive Christmas ambiance.

Christmas Ship Parade: daily Dec. 5 – 20. Portland has a unique custom in which brilliantly adorned boats cruise down the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, creating a sight of lights on the water. The Christmas Ship Parade may be seen from a variety of waterfront locations across the city, with good viewing points attracting joyous crowds.

Mt. Hood Christmas Train: will last from late November till early January. This magnificent train trip takes guests on a picturesque excursion through the snow-covered vistas of Mt. Hood. On board, children may see Santa, sing holiday songs and enjoy seasonal treats, making it an ideal family excursion.

Oregon’s holiday festivities provide seasonal happiness for everyone, from crowded markets and bright light displays to comfortable train excursions and small-town parades. Whether searching for artisan products, going on a snowy adventure or admiring the dazzling lights, these gatherings brighten the season. Gather with loved ones, sip some cocoa and immerse oneself in Oregon’s Christmas enchantment to make memories and enjoy the season’s pleasure.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

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Say hey to Santa at the online 53rd annual tree lighting ceremony

Enjoy the upcoming holiday tree lighting event online

Natalie Dean | Entertainment Editor

The holiday season and a pandemic don’t make for the most ideal of conditions, but there are still plenty of local holiday events for people to enjoy at home.

One staple of the holiday season in Monmouth is the 53rd annual tree lighting ceremony, a live broadcast of the massive Sequoia Tree that sits on the lawn of Campbell Hall. For many students at Western, especially first-years, getting bundled up and braving the cold to see the lights is essentially a rite of passage.

This year, staff and students get to enjoy the comforts of home and spread the holiday spirit since it will be an online event. It will be held on Friday, Nov. 20 from 6 to 7 p.m. and can be found at wou.edu/livestream, or on wouTV. So get a blanket, cocoa or some apple cider to settle in.

Along with the view of the lights on the tree, both of the mayors from Monmouth and Independence ⏤ along with President Rex Fuller ⏤ will be reading a winning essay by a local Monmouth elementary school student. Don’t forget to catch a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Clause who will be at the event to supervise and say hello, but it has not been confirmed if they will be riding in on the reindeer pulling the sled.

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Oregon holiday festivities

Say hey to Santa at the online 53rd annual tree lighting ceremony

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