
Festive Holiday Events

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.

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.
Mac Harvest Market
Kick off the season at the Harvest Market at Mac Market, where the spirit of fall meets the warmth of community. This festive indoor market brings together local farmers, food vendors, wineries, and artisans for a weekend filled with flavor and creativity. Shop for holiday décor, fresh baked goods, and handcrafted gifts, or enjoy a meal from one of Mac Market’s regular culinary vendors while you browse. With music, good company, and the inviting energy that defines Mac Market year-round, the Harvest Market is the perfect place to eat, sip, and shop your way into the holiday season.

A Very Indie Thanksgiving
Oregon doesn’t do ordinary—and neither do its winemakers. A Very Indie Thanksgiving celebrates the spirit of Oregon’s fiercely independent wine community, where the winemaker is the brand. These are the small, hands-on producers who farm, crush, pour, and hustle for the love of the craft. No corporate labels. No glossy buyouts. Just the pure, unfiltered passion of people who make wine because they can’t imagine doing anything else.
Held the weekend before Thanksgiving in McMinnville, this gathering brings together a curated lineup of independent, boutique, and micro-wineries from across Oregon. Taste bold reds and surprising whites, meet the winemakers behind every bottle, and raise a glass to the grit and creativity that define Oregon wine. It’s a celebration of community, craft, and doing things your own way—the very definition of indie.

Thanksgiving Wine Tasting Weekend
Thanksgiving weekend is one of the most anticipated times of year in Oregon Wine Country, when vineyards and tasting rooms open their doors for a statewide celebration of wine, food, and community. The air is crisp, the vines are golden, and the hospitality is unmatched. Across the Willamette Valley and beyond, winemakers pour special releases, library selections, and new vintages, often paired with local bites and live music. It’s a weekend that captures the heart of Oregon winemaking—intimate, unpretentious, and full of connection. Whether you’re revisiting favorite wineries or discovering hidden gems, Thanksgiving Wine Weekend is the perfect way to sip, savor, and give thanks in the heart of wine country.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

AAPI Holiday Market
Celebrate culture, community, and creativity at the AAPI Holiday Market at Mac Market. This vibrant event showcases Asian American and Pacific Islander makers, chefs, and artists from across the region, featuring handcrafted goods, delicious food, and festive holiday spirit. Browse unique gifts, sample authentic flavors, and support small businesses that reflect the diversity and talent of Oregon’s AAPI community. The energy peaks with a live K-pop performance, bringing music, dance, and excitement to the heart of the market. With Mac Market’s warm, welcoming atmosphere and a lineup that blends tradition with modern flair, this event is a joyful, one-of-a-kind celebration of the season.

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.

Holiday Market at Mac Market
Get into the spirit of the season at the Holiday Market at Mac Market, a festive celebration of local food, craft, and community. Wander through the market and discover handmade gifts, holiday décor, baked goods, local wines, and artisanal foods, all from talented Oregon makers and producers. Enjoy a meal or drink from one of Mac Market’s regular vendors, then browse the seasonal booths filled with creativity and cheer. With live music, twinkling lights, and the warm buzz of community, the Holiday Market is the perfect place to shop local, eat well, and soak in the magic of McMinnville’s holiday season.

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.

Italian Holiday Feast at Pizza Capo
Gather around the table for a night of incredible food, wine, and community at the Italian Holiday Feast at Pizza Capo. This special event brings the warmth and flavor of Italy to downtown McMinnville with a multi-course meal crafted from seasonal ingredients, wood-fired favorites, and Chef Jeremy Whyte and Chef Kyle Munroe’s signature handmade Italian dishes. Pair each course with thoughtfully selected local and Italian wines, and soak in the cozy, festive atmosphere that makes Pizza Capo a local favorite. Whether you come with friends, family, or that special someone, this is a holiday feast worth savoring—authentic, joyful, and full of McMinnville charm.

McMinnville Wonderland Brew Fest
Raise a glass to the season at the McMinnville Wonderland Brew Fest, hosted by Bitter Monk at the corner of Third and Cowls in downtown McMinnville. This lively holiday celebration brings together some of Oregon’s best craft breweries, cideries, and food vendors for three days of local flavor and festive fun! Sip seasonal releases and limited-edition brews while enjoying live music, outdoor heaters, and the cheerful glow of downtown’s holiday lights. With great beer, good friends, and McMinnville’s signature holiday charm, the Wonderland Brew Fest is the perfect way to toast to winter in Oregon!

Holiday Market at Mac Market
Get into the spirit of the season at the Holiday Market at Mac Market, a festive celebration of local food, craft, and community. Wander through the market and discover handmade gifts, holiday décor, baked goods, local wines, and artisanal foods, all from talented Oregon makers and producers. Enjoy a meal or drink from one of Mac Market’s regular vendors, then browse the seasonal booths filled with creativity and cheer. With live music, twinkling lights, and the warm buzz of community, the Holiday Market is the perfect place to shop local, eat well, and soak in the magic of McMinnville’s holiday season.