Festive Holiday Events
Holiday Scratch Offs
The redemption period then runs from Monday, November 9 through February 2027. Presented by the McMinnville Downtown Association.
Holiday Coloring Contest
Pick up a coloring page and enter the Merry McMinnville Holiday Coloring Contest, Monday, November 23 through Thursday, December 31. The winner will be announced Monday, January 4. Presented by the McMinnville Downtown Association.
The Ground Holiday Market at Stillwater
Step into the holiday season at The Ground Holiday Market at Stillwater, right in the heart of downtown McMinnville. This beloved annual event transforms Stillwater into a warm, inviting marketplace filled with local artisans, makers, and small businesses offering handcrafted gifts, décor, and seasonal treats. Sip on local wine or coffee as you browse beautifully curated booths, enjoy live music, and take in the cozy atmosphere that makes McMinnville shine this time of year. Whether you’re shopping for loved ones or just soaking in the holiday spirit, The Ground Holiday Market is the perfect blend of creativity, community, and cheer.
Santa Parade and Tree Lighting
Kick off the holiday season with one of McMinnville’s most cherished traditions—the Santa Parade & Tree Lighting in historic downtown. Gather with friends, family, and neighbors along Third Street to watch brightly decorated floats, marching bands, and community groups spread holiday cheer. The parade ends with a grand entrance from Santa himself, followed by the lighting of McMinnville’s towering community tree. As the lights sparkle to life, the whole downtown glows with warmth, music, and celebration. It’s the official start of Merry McMinnville—a night filled with joy, nostalgia, and hometown magic.
Holidays at McMenamins Hotel Oregon
McMenamins Hotel Oregon hosts Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a Santa breakfast and Dickens carolers. Santa and Mrs. Claus breakfast 9am and 11:30am on 12/12. More information HERE.
Dickens Carolers on 11/27 from 7-8:30pm and 12/18 from 5pm - 7pm.
Holiday Storefront Display Contest
Downtown businesses decorate their windows for the season in the Merry McMinnville Holiday Storefront Display Contest, Tuesday, December 1 through Friday, January 1. Stroll Third Street and see the creative displays. Presented by the McMinnville Downtown Association.
Illuminate: Where Holidays Take Flight
Illuminate: Where Holidays Take Flight, Friday, December 4 through Sunday, January 3, at the North American Aerospace Museum. It combines three experiences.
Goose Lights at the North American Aerospace Museum: Experience the holidays like never before at Goose Lights, the dazzling seasonal celebration at the museum. Walk among millions of sparkling lights that illuminate historic aircraft, including the world-famous Spruce Goose, in a breathtaking fusion of aviation and holiday wonder. Enjoy festive music, food and drinks, and the magic of the Glide & Gather Ice Skating Rink, where you can skate beneath the wings of legendary planes. Perfect for families, date nights, and anyone who loves a little sparkle.
Glide & Gather skating rink, presented by the McMinnville Chamber of Commerce: open Friday, Saturday and Sunday for five weeks, with vendors.
Starlight Lane, presented by the See Ya Later Foundation: a drive-through lights display, primarily Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 5 to 9pm, $20 per car, closed December 25.
Come meet Santa during his arrival to the museum Saturday, December 5th at 12pm.
A Taste of Oregon Port-Style Wines
More than 10 Oregon wineries pour their port-style wines side by side at R. Stuart & Co.’s winery in the Granary District, with food from Biscuits and Pickles. Hosted by Privé Vineyard and R. Stuart & Co. Bottles and mixed six-packs of port-style wines are for sale from each winery.
Two sessions: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $35, or $25 for wine club members of participating wineries, and include tastings of every port-style wine. Buy tickets ahead. None are sold at the door. Buy tickets from Privé Vineyard
Horse Carriage Rides with Frankie
Gypsy Rose horse carriage rides with Frankie, downtown select Sundays: December 6, 20, 27th.
Metal Arts at the Fairgrounds
The Metal Arts Gift Show brings together regional makers for a one-day shopping event featuring handcrafted jewelry, sculpture, home goods, and wearable art. Meet the artists, learn about their techniques, and shop pieces that are personal and built to last. Saturday, December 12. A ticketed event.
This annual showcase celebrates craftsmanship in the metal arts and offers a chance to support local creators while finding truly unique gifts for the season.
We Three Christmas Concert Fundraiser
Home For The Holidays benefit concert with We Three, supporting Seeds Of Hope and families facing life-threatening medical crises, providing compassionate assistance and creating meaningful memories for children and parents in Oregon and Washington.
Locals Night
Locals Night Returns December 17!
Locals Night happens Thursday, December 17, with participating downtown businesses. This downtown tradition celebrates the shoppers who keep our district thriving and the small businesses that make McMinnville unique.
Scratch-Offs Are Back!
Participating businesses will offer special Locals Night scratch-offs on December 17. Think special discounts, fun perks, and exclusive treats.
Introducing the Locals Night Bingo Card
On Thursday night only, shoppers can collect stamps from participating businesses. Grab 5 stamps and you’re entered to win our Locals Night raffle prize!
Community Giving
Some shops will collect food donations for YCAP, with some offering a bonus discount to customers who contribute.
Wonderland Brew Festival
Set right in the heart of downtown McMinnville, Wonderland Brew Fest is a curated celebration of seasonal beers and ciders from both near and far.
Friday, December 18 through Sunday, December 20 at The Bitter Monk. More information and tickets COMING SOON!