Celebrate Christmas at the Oregon Garden

Most months of the year, the 80-acre Oregon Garden in Silverton is filled with the colors and textures of the diverse botanical beauty found in the Willamette Valley and throughout the Pacific Northwest. In fact, the specialty gardens of flowers, miniature conifers, water features, and more is one of Oregon’s top attractions for tourists and locals alike. From November 27, 2015 to January 3, 2016, however, the dazzling color will not come from plants, but from more than 400,000+ holiday lights! “Christmas in the Garden” is a colorful family event featuring a traditional German Christmas Market, lighting displays, and an outdoor 3,500 square foot outdoor ice skating rink.

As night falls, the 100-foot candy cane tunnel, 22-foot tall flowers, and other giant vignettes brilliantly illuminate your path through Rediscovery Forest. As you wander through the lights, sip gluhwein (mulled, spiced wine) and other holiday beverages, and enjoy traditional German foods such as fondue, soft pretzels, sausage with sauerkraut, and more. Cozy fire pits are scattered throughout the forest, as are musicians and carolers. Bring your own camera for photo ops with Santa, and shop the booths of 18 artisan vendors offering candles, Alpaca products, original artwork, ornaments, jewelry, handmade glass items, body and beauty products, and lots more. Kids can take a pony ride and get their faces painted, too.

IF YOU GO:

Oregon Garden
879 W. Main St.
Silverton, Oregon 97381
Phone (503) 874-8100

Free for kids under 4. Admission is $6 per adult most evenings from 4:00 to 9:00 pm and $10 each on December 10-13 (includes photos with live reindeer).

Food and drinks cost extra, however, each paid admission receives five $1 vouchers to be used at vendor booths in the market (excluding Oregon Garden food and beverage booths). Vouchers may be used one per booth, per purchase, per person. Ice skating ticket prices are in addition to admission fees— $12 to skate, $5 skate rental or bring your own skates. Check website for day and evening skate times.

If you get there early enough and find a spot, parking in the Oregon Garden lot is $5, or park off-site and take a free shuttle. Each off-site parking lot has a suggested donation of $3; proceeds go to local nonprofit organizations.