Festive Holiday Events
Goose Lights and Glide & Gather Ice Skating Rink
Experience the holidays like never before at Goose Lights, the dazzling seasonal celebration at the Evergreen Aviation & Space 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, Goose Lights is a uniquely Oregon way to celebrate the season—where history, community, and holiday cheer all take flight.
Challah-Gay Market
The first Challah Gay Market arrives in McMinnville this season from Remy Wines and Raw Cider Company. It is a festive afternoon built around community, creativity, and local flavor with live music and plenty to explore. Sip, shop, and savor your way through local vendors, artists, and bakers offering handmade goods, great snacks, and one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. Admission is free. You can also sign up to make a festive holiday wreath with Berry Creek Garden.
Downtown Caroling - North Valley Community Chorus and Linfield Singers
Holiday Caroling in Downtown McMinnville!
Each Saturday from November 29 through December 20, Third Street will come alive with the sounds of the season! Enjoy a different caroling group each week from 1–3 PM as you shop, stroll, and soak in the festive sights and beautiful sounds of the holidays in our historic downtown.
Join the North Valley Community Chorus and The Linfield Singers for caroling on December 6!
Handmade Holiday Bazaar
Kick off your holiday shopping at the Yamhill County History Museum’s annual Handmade Holiday Bazaar. More than fifty local makers fill the Heritage Center with ceramics, woodwork, textiles, soaps, and other handcrafted treasures. Enjoy live music, tasty bites from the café and sweet shop, and a visit from Santa. Admission is two cans of food benefiting the YCAP Food Bank.
Yamhill County History Museum
11275 SW Durham Lane, McMinnville
AAPI Holiday Market
Celebrate culture, community, and creativity at the AAPI Holiday Market on Saturday, December 6 from 5 to 8 at Mac Market. This festive evening brings together Asian American and Pacific Islander makers, chefs, and artists from across the region, offering handcrafted goods, delicious food, and a lively holiday atmosphere. Shop unique gifts, enjoy authentic flavors, and support small businesses that reflect the diversity and talent of Oregon’s AAPI community.
Performances include Monmouth Taiko at 5:15, Hula Halau at 6:30, and Kinetic K Pop Dance at 7:30, filling the market with rhythm and movement. Vendors and collaborators range from wineries and artisans to Mac Market favorites offering specials for the night. It all comes together in a warm, welcoming space that blends tradition with modern flair for a standout seasonal celebration.
Soroptomist Holiday Home Tour
The Soroptimist Holiday Home Tour returns Sunday, December 7 from noon to 4, bringing a favorite McMinnville tradition back to life. Tour five local homes, each decorated for the season and designed to spark that first hit of holiday spirit. Every stop features a unique holiday item that will be raffled off on December 9. Raffle tickets are 5 dollars each or 5 for 20, with proceeds supporting Soroptimist programs for local women and girls.
A map of participating homes is provided with ticket purchase. All proceeds benefit Soroptimist International of McMinnville.
Handmade Holiday Bazaar
Kick off your holiday shopping at the Yamhill County History Museum’s annual Handmade Holiday Bazaar. More than fifty local makers fill the Heritage Center with ceramics, woodwork, textiles, soaps, and other handcrafted treasures. Enjoy live music, tasty bites from the café and sweet shop, and a visit from Santa. Admission is two cans of food benefiting the YCAP Food Bank.
Yamhill County History Museum
11275 SW Durham Lane, McMinnville
Locals Night Event
Locals Night returns on Thursday, December 11th from 4 to 7 PM, celebrating the shoppers who support downtown and the small businesses that make McMinnville unique, with more than 25 participating shops offering special scratch offs redeemable December 11 to 14, a Locals Night Bingo Card to collect five stamps for a raffle entry, festive in-store experiences like live jazz at La Bella Casa and candle making at Nash and Nichol, and community giving opportunities including food donations for YCAP with bonus discounts at select stores, all thanks to support from sponsor Linfield University.
The Ground Holiday Market
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.
McMinnville AVA Wine Pop-Up in Art Alley
Taste the best of the McMinnville AVA right in the heart of downtown. Brittan Vineyards, Coeur de Terre, Coleman Vineyards, Hyland Estate, Maysara, Roshni, Violet Vines, and Yamhill Valley Vineyards are pouring inside Alley Gallery, the new cozy hidden hangout tucked off Art Alley. Snack on killer bites from Biscuit & Pickles Catering and live your most glamorous wine-country life without ever leaving Third Street.
Downtown Caroling - Mac Women's Choir
Holiday Caroling in Downtown McMinnville!
Each Saturday from November 29 through December 20, Third Street will come alive with the sounds of the season! Enjoy a different caroling group each week from 1–3 PM (Mac Women’s Choir will appear from 1-2pm) as you shop, stroll, and soak in the festive sights and beautiful sounds of the holidays in our historic downtown.
Join Mac Women’s Choir from 1-2pm on December 13!
Santa Arrives at Evergreen
Get ready for holiday magic to take flight—Santa is landing at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum! Watch as the big man in red arrives in true Evergreen style, surrounded by historic aircraft and festive lights. Families can meet Santa, snap photos, and explore the museum’s dazzling Goose Lights display, all while enjoying holiday treats and cheerful music. With the Glide & Gather Ice Skating Rink nearby and the legendary Spruce Goose overhead, it’s a holiday experience that’s pure Oregon wonder. Come see Santa touch down and make unforgettable memories at Evergreen.
The Ground Holiday Market
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.
Buone Feste! Capo's Italian Christmas Feast
Pizza Capo presents Buone Feste, a five-course Italian feast created by Chefs Kyle Munroe and Jeremy Whyte, paired with wines and spirits selected by Lauren Morrison and Marcos Romero. Expect a generous seasonal menu featuring gluten, dairy, seafood, nuts, shellfish, and red meat, with no substitutions.
Tickets include all beverages and gratuity, making it a true Wine Country holiday indulgence.
McMinnville Wonderland Brew Fest
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. With three days of live music and local artisan pretzels, chocolates, cheese, and coffee to complement the festive brews, it will be a true celebration of the Wonderland that is McMinnville! Your admission includes 5 taster tokens to sample beers and ciders, plus a Wonderland Brew Fest mug to take home with you. Additional tokens will be available for purchase.
McMinnville Wonderland Brew Fest
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. With three days of live music and local artisan pretzels, chocolates, cheese, and coffee to complement the festive brews, it will be a true celebration of the Wonderland that is McMinnville! Your admission includes 5 taster tokens to sample beers and ciders, plus a Wonderland Brew Fest mug to take home with you. Additional tokens will be available for purchase.
Downtown Caroling - McMinnville High School Twilighters
Holiday Caroling in Downtown McMinnville!
Each Saturday from November 29 through December 20, Third Street will come alive with the sounds of the season! Enjoy a different caroling group each week from 1–3 PM as you shop, stroll, and soak in the festive sights and beautiful sounds of the holidays in our historic downtown.
Join The McMinnville High School Twilighters from 1-3 on December 20!
Holiday Market at Mac Market
It's the most wonderful time to come to Mac Market and shop from several small, local vendors and gather together with our cozy community! Find gifts and/or treat yourself to wine, spirits, art, chocolate and more to make sure your holiday table and under the tree are covered. There will also be a visit from Santa so be sure to bring your lists!
McMinnville Wonderland Brew Fest
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. With three days of live music and local artisan pretzels, chocolates, cheese, and coffee to complement the festive brews, it will be a true celebration of the Wonderland that is McMinnville! Your admission includes 5 taster tokens to sample beers and ciders, plus a Wonderland Brew Fest mug to take home with you. Additional tokens will be available for purchase.
Holiday Harmonies on Third
Feel the magic of the season come alive during Holiday Harmonies on Third, a celebration of Christmas music performed by talented local string musicians throughout downtown McMinnville. As you stroll beneath the twinkle lights and festive storefronts, you’ll be surrounded by the warm, timeless sounds of violins, cellos, and bass filling the air. From classic carols to modern holiday favorites, this evening turns Third Street into a living concert of holiday cheer. Grab a warm drink, take your time shopping, and let the music carry you into the heart of the season—elegant, joyful, and uniquely McMinnville.
Downtown Caroling - Best Christmas Pageant Ever Cast
Holiday Caroling in Downtown McMinnville!
Each Saturday from November 29 through December 20, Third Street will come alive with the sounds of the season! Enjoy a different caroling group each week from 1–3 PM as you shop, stroll, and soak in the festive sights and beautiful sounds of the holidays in our historic downtown.
Join the cast of Gallery Theater’s Best Christmas Pageant Ever for caroling on November 29!
Small Business Saturday
Celebrate community, creativity, and local pride this Small Business Saturday in downtown McMinnville. Skip the big-box chaos and spend the day exploring our one-of-a-kind boutiques, specialty shops, tasting rooms, and cafés - each owned and run by people who pour their hearts into what they do. From unique gifts and home décor to wine, fashion, and gourmet food, every purchase keeps our local economy thriving and our downtown vibrant. Join us in supporting the small businesses that make McMinnville such a special place to shop, stroll, and connect this holiday season.
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.
The Ground Holiday Market
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.
Thanksgiving Wine Tasting Weekend
Thanksgiving Wine Weekend is one of the most anticipated traditions in Oregon Wine Country. Vineyards and tasting rooms across the region open their doors for three days of special pours, food pairings, and generous hospitality. The vines are golden, the air is crisp, and the entire valley feels alive with celebration.
Wineries offer library selections, new releases, and limited bottles you will not find any other time of year. Whether you are revisiting favorites or exploring new stops, it is an easy way to sip, savor, and connect with the heart of Oregon winemaking. Perfect for a long weekend in the valley.
A Very Indie Thanksgiving
A Very Indie Thanksgiving returns Sunday, November 23 from 11 to 5 at Ricochet Wine Co. This pre-holiday tasting highlights Oregon’s fiercely independent winemakers, the hands-on producers who farm, crush, pour, and shape their wines start to finish.
Explore a curated lineup of micro and boutique wineries from across the state. Sip bold reds and surprising whites, meet the makers behind each bottle, and experience the grit and creativity that define Oregon’s indie wine scene. It is a celebration of craft, community, and doing things your own way.
Mac Harvest Market
The 6th annual Mac Harvest Market returns Saturday, November 22 from noon to 3. This indoor and outdoor market brings together vendors who can help you stock up for Thanksgiving and every fall feast. Even Pull will be onsite with a massive produce haul, plus you will find tastings from small producers, pantry provisions, host gifts, and even a knife sharpener to get you carving ready.
All Mac Market businesses will be open, and the afternoon includes live music, a puzzle swap, an open fire, and warm boozy drinks. It is the easiest way to gather everything you need for the holiday season in one stop.
Metal Arts Gift Show
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.
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.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
This hilarious and heartwarming holiday classic follows one couple’s desperate attempt to stage their church’s annual Christmas pageant—only to have it hijacked by the six wild Herdman kids. They've never heard the Christmas story before, but that doesn't stop them from crashing the auditions, rewriting the nativity, and shocking the entire town.
What begins as a guaranteed disaster slowly transforms into something truly magical. Filled with laugh-out-loud moments, unexpected tenderness, and timeless holiday spirit, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a crowd-pleasing comedy for the whole family. With roles for all ages, favorite carols, and just the right amount of chaos, it’s no wonder this play has become a beloved tradition across the country.
Merry McMinnville Downtown Open House
The holiday season officially begins with the Merry McMinnville Downtown Open House, a festive evening of shopping, sipping, and community spirit in historic downtown McMinnville. Stroll along Third Street as boutiques, tasting rooms, and restaurants welcome guests with special offers, holiday treats, and seasonal cheer. It’s also the kickoff of the Merry McMinnville Scratch-Off Program, where shoppers can earn prizes just for supporting local businesses. With twinkle lights in the trees, storefronts dressed for the season, and a warm, small-town energy that can’t be replicated, the Downtown Open House is your invitation to start the holidays the McMinnville way - local, lively, and full of joy.

