Your Guide to Holiday Fun on Oregon’s Adventure Coast
Is the best holiday lights display on the West Coast right here on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston? Many would say yes. The Annual Holiday Lights at Shore Acres , running November 27–December 31, 2025, stands out not only for its whimsical, creative displays set in a historic garden overlooking the Pacific, but also for being one of the most affordable and community-driven holiday experiences in Oregon.
It’s a long-standing community tradition that feels genuinely one-of-a-kind. Admission to the light display is free, and the only cost is a timed-entry parking permit ($10 per vehicle), which is a great value compared to other holiday light shows in Oregon, where prices can reach up to $38 to $49 per car. It’s completely free if you use the complimentary shuttle service that runs from the Charleston Marina parking lot every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, as well as on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve! The Charleston Fishing Families also welcome guests with complimentary hot cocoa, coffee, and cider, along with activities for the kids, adding to the festive spirit.
We’ve gathered all the details about when to visit, how to reserve your timed parking pass, and where and when to catch the free shuttle on our Holiday Lights at Shore Acres State Park event page . This event is very popular, so make sure you plan in advance!
What Else is There to Do on Oregon’s Adventure Coast this Holiday Season? If you’re visiting Oregon’s Adventure Coast this holiday season, we can’t wait to welcome you. And if holiday cheer is what you’re after, there is plenty more to enjoy. To help you make the most of your trip, here’s a quick overview of the best places to shop, celebrate, and experience festive events throughout the season.
Holiday Shopping on Oregon’s Adventure Coast
There is a bounty of holiday treasures waiting to be discovered in locally owned shops throughout Oregon’s Adventure Coast, and we’re not talking about your run-of-the-mill beach souvenir stores. Visitors can enjoy a unique gift-shopping experience at eclectic retailers across Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston, including antique shops, artisan boutiques, and businesses featuring Oregon-made goods that support our local makers.
To help you get started, we asked local residents to share their favorite places to shop during the holidays. You can download and print our free Coos Bay, North Bend & Charleston Walking Maps to explore these shops with ease. And for a full list of merchants, don’t forget to visit our Shopping Guide . Holiday shopping, accomplished!
Some of the most frequently recommended local shops include:
Checkerberry’s Flowers & Gifts
Face Rock Creamery Outlet at Coos Bay Village
Katrina Kathleen’s Home Decor & Gifts
Ko-Kwel Gifts (inside Ko-Kwel Casino Resort | Coos Bay)
In addition to local shops, there are several seasonal shopping events and promotions worth adding to your calendar:
Bay Area Farmers & Artisans Market, Every Wednesday, November through April. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Black Market Gourmet. Support local farmers and artists while browsing fresh foods, handmade items, and holiday goodies.
Holiday Market at the Coos History Museum, November 28 – 29, 2025 10 a.m. Kick off the season with two days of festive shopping during Black Friday weekend. Browse artisan crafts, handmade goods, and unique local gifts from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. both days.
Shop Small Saturday, November 29, 2025. Celebrate local businesses on Shop Small Saturday in all three of our communities, Coos Bay, North Bend & Charleston. It’s the perfect way to support small shops and kick off the holiday season!
In Coos Bay, enjoy:
- Nog & Cider Walk: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (maps at Jennie’s Shoes)
- Meet Santa at the Coos Bay Visitor Center: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
- Join the Lighted Walking Parade with Santa from City Hall to the Visitor Center: 5:00 p.m.
- Coos Bay Tree Lighting Ceremony: 5:30 p.m.
Elf on the Shelf Makes Mischief in North Bend, December 1–12, 2025
Search for mischievous elves hiding inside participating businesses. Find the elf, enter to win a prize, and visit as many locations as you can, with one winner selected for each business.
Coos Bay Wine Walk, December 5, 2025
It may not be an official holiday event, but it’s the final Wine Walk of the year and a fun way to add seasonal cheer to your shopping. The event starts at 5 p.m. at the Coos Bay Visitor Center or Checkerberry’s Flowers & Gifts at Coos Bay Village. A $10 donation gets you a commemorative glass (while supplies last), wristband, and a map of participating businesses. Proceeds support local nonprofits through the Coos Bay–North Bend Rotary Club.
Are There Any Other Holiday Light Displays & Events Coming Up?
While you’re here, we hope you take time to explore the many sights and seasonal celebrations happening across Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston. You can find even more holiday events and attractions on our Seasonal Events page .
Oregon Coast Historic Railway Museum Lights, November 28, 2025 – January 1, 2026. Right in downtown Coos Bay, you will find another spectacular holiday light display featuring vintage railroad engines, cabooses, and historic equipment illuminated with more than 100,000 lights and ornaments. You cannot miss this vibrant display as you travel along Highway 101 through Coos Bay. Enjoy the lights from your vehicle or along the sidewalk in front of the museum. Admission is always free, and youngsters will love spotting the stuffed animals tucked into the train windows. Lights are on from dusk until 11 p.m. nightly through New Year’s Day. More information is available on our Events page .
Meet Santa, Holiday Parade, and Tree Lighting in Coos Bay, November 29, 2025
Visit Santa at the Coos Bay Visitor Center
from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. to share wish lists and take a festive holiday photo. At 5 p.m., join Santa at Coos Bay City Hall for the Walking Lighted Parade to the Visitor Center for the annual Tree Lighting. Guests who prefer not to walk in the parade can enjoy cookies and cider at the Visitor Center starting at 4:30 p.m. Santa will light the tree at 5:30 p.m. in the Visitor Center parking lot at 50 Central Avenue on Highway 101. More information is available on our Events page
.
Festival of Trees Holiday Showcase and Benefit Auction, December 2, 3, and 4, 2025. Visit Ko-Kwel Casino Resort | Coos Bay (formerly The Mill Casino Hotel and RV Park) to view beautifully decorated trees and wreaths created by local businesses and organizations for the annual Festival of Trees fundraiser . Trees and wreaths are on display December 2 and 3, with the dinner and auction held on December 4. All trees will be auctioned, with proceeds benefiting the programs of the Coos Bay–North Bend Rotary Club.
Empire District Tree Lighting, Gingerbread House Display, and Santa Visit, December 5, 2025. The Empire District of Coos Bay hosts its annual Tree Lighting and Gingerbread House display from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Enjoy photos with Santa, cookies and cider, caroling, and the Star of Hope Holiday Open House. Visitors can also vote for their favorite Empire District business decorated for the holidays. More information is available on our Events page .
North Bend’s Christmas on Main, December 6, 2025. Downtown North Bend transforms into a festive Winter Wonderland filled with family fun. Highlights include ice skating, the North Bend Tree Lighting, and the popular Lighted Truck Parade. Visit our Events page for full details. Click here for event details. .
What about Holiday Local Performances & Entertainment?
Our region has plenty of talent, and the holiday season is a perfect time to experience it. Our community is home to a fantastic network of local theaters, musical groups, and family-friendly venues that bring festive performances to life each winter. Whether you love live theatre, holiday concerts, or classic movies on the big screen, there is always something special happening.
A Charlie Brown Christmas & The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, November 21 to November 30, 2025 (Liberty Theatre, North Bend). Two heartwarming holiday favorites performed by local talent. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. thelibertytheatre.org
Elf – Egyptian Theatre, Coos BayNovember 28th (7 p.m.) & 29 (6 p.m.), 2025. Admission is brand-new socks to donate. Guests can participate in a sock ball throw during the snowball scene. Show times are at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov 28th and 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov 29th.
Bay Area Concert Band: Fall Into Winter, December 4 and December 7, 2025 (North Bend Presbyterian Church). Enjoy holiday selections performed by the Bay Area Concert Band. Concerts are on December 4 at 7:30 p.m. and December 7 at 2 p.m. Admission is free; donations are welcome.
Christmas Opry on the Bay, December 5 to December 7, 2025 (Liberty Theatre). A festive mix of traditional and contemporary holiday music. Shows are Friday and Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. with matinees at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. thelibertytheatre.org
Sugar Plum on the Run, December 6, 2025 (Hales Center for the Performing Arts). A delightful holiday dance story presented by Dance Umbrella for South Coast Oregon. Showtimes are 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Wizard of Oz: A Panto, December 5 to December 21, 2025 (Dolphin Playhouse). A playful holiday panto with humor and surprises. Friday and Saturday shows at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30), Sunday shows at 2 p.m. (doors open at 1:30). Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, $8 for children, or $25 for a family package.
Coos Singers Community Choir Holiday Concert, December 8, 2025 (Marshfield High School Auditorium). A community holiday concert featuring special guest cellist Dace Gregory. Begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free; donations are appreciated.
A Christmas Story - Egyptian Theatre, Coos Bay, December 12, 2025. The holiday film begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $3 for kids.
Big Band Christmas Dance Concert, December 12, 2025 (Salvation Army Gymnasium). Swingin’ in the Rain Big Band performs holiday favorites from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is free, with optional donations benefiting the Salvation Army’s holiday programs. Learn more.
51st Annual Sounds of Christmas Organ Concert, December 13, 2025 (Egyptian Theatre). Enjoy holiday music performed on the historic Mighty Wurlitzer Organ at 12 p.m. Admission is free, with donations accepted.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation & Ugly Sweater Contest, December 19, 2025 (Egyptian Theatre). Showtime is 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $3 for kids.
The Polar Express, Egyptian Theatre, Coos Bay-** December 20, 2025 (Egyptian Theatre). Lee Littlefield performs on the Wurlitzer Organ at 6:30 p.m., followed by the film at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $3 for kids.
Any Other Holiday Events we Should Mark our Calendars for?
In addition to performances and light displays, here are a few more holiday events you’ll want to add to your calendar.
Ice Skating in Downtown North Bend - Now through January 31, 2026. Enjoy the only ice skating rink on the Oregon Coast. Bring friends and family, lace up a pair of skates, and take to the ice. Skate rentals are $5. More details are available on our Events Page .
Hot Mess Christmas Express- November 29, 2025 (North Bend Community Center). Celebrate Small Business Saturday with a full day of holiday fun from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The first 25 guests receive a goodie bag, Santa will be available for photos, and children can enjoy treats from his Elf. The event features raffles, door prizes, a silent auction, and shopping with 30 local vendors. Admission is free, and the entire building is transformed into a winter wonderland. More info.
Mahaffy Ranch Christmas Festival- November 28 to December 7, 2025. Visit Mahaffy Ranch for their annual Christmas Tree Festival on November 28–30 and December 6–7 from 12 to 4 p.m. Find pre-cut trees, handmade wreaths, warm cider or cocoa, and family photo opportunities. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos, with prints starting at $15. mahaffyranch.com
Christmas Giving Tree at Mahaffy Ranch- November 28 to December 7, 2025. During the Christmas Tree Festival, look for the Christmas Giving Tree and help support Coos County Resource Families. Each ornament purchased represents a donation that goes directly to local foster children and the families who care for them. mahaffyranch.com
Bowling with Santa and Free Fishing Pole Giveaway- December 13, 2025 (North Bend Lanes). Enjoy cosmic bowling, holiday music, and photos with Santa for just $5 on December 13 at North Bend Lanes, then stick around as the first 200 kids receive a free fishing pole from 1 to 3 p.m. northbendlanes.com
Polar Bear Plunge - January 1, 2026 (Sunset Bay State Park). Start the new year with a splash at the annual Polar Bear Plunge. Join the community at 9 a.m. on New Year’s Day for this chilly and energizing tradition.
While you’re here, be sure to add these local favorites to your list:
Charleston Marine Life Center. Everyone who steps into this local gem walks away having learned something new. The University of Oregon’s Charleston Marine Life Center, located right on the harbor, offers hands-on exhibits including a touch tide pool, fossil displays, and live sea creature tanks. You can even watch fishing boats unload their catch from across the dock. cmlc.uoregon.edu
North Bend Lanes. When the weather turns chilly, bowling is always a win. North Bend Lanes features 14 lanes, cosmic and bumper bowling, and ball ramps for younger players. Reservations are recommended. After your game, grab a bite or a drink at The Back Alley Pub & Grill located inside. northbendlanes.com
Local Casinos. Looking for indoor fun? Visit one of our two local casinos! The Ko-Kwel Casino Resort Coos Bay (formerly The Mill Casino Hotel and RV Park) offers Vegas-style table games, more than 600 slots, and the only sports betting casino on Oregon’s South Coast. Just ten minutes away, you’ll find Three Rivers Casino Coos Bay for even more gaming options.
Art & History Museums. Learn something new together by exploring local art, history, and culture. The Coos History Museum sits on the Coos Bay waterfront, while the Coos Art Museum features rotating exhibits, regional artists, and memorabilia from Steve Prefontaine’s running career.
Indulge in Fresh Seafood. Fresh seafood is everywhere on Oregon’s Adventure Coast, far too many options to list in one place. Browse our Dining Page to choose the perfect spot. Whether you’re craving a bowl of customer top-rated clam chowder, fish tacos, crab cakes, fried oysters, or something in between, you’ll find it here.
Treat Yourself to a Spa Experience. Even in a destination known for adventure, relaxation has its place. Treat yourself to a massage, facial, or mani/pedi at a local spa like Honeysuckle Spa in North Bend or Beautiful You , a Medi Spa located in Coos Bay Village with views overlooking the bay. Or indulge in a mani/pedi at one of our local nail salons found here. Be sure to call ahead to reserve an appointment.
Want more ideas? Be sure to visit our featured Adventures Page
and our Trip Ideas Page
to find more seasonal travel ideas and inspiration. You can also follow Oregon’s Adventure Coast Facebook
, @travelcoosbay on Instagram
, and TikTok
to find inspiration on the best spots to visit, eat, stay, and explore any time of the year. Or request a visitor’s packet today
