Holiday Fun for Everyone in McMinnville!
From wine and beer tasting to ice skating with the kids as Santa flies in from above, there’s something for everyone in McMinnville this holiday season!
Glide & Gather Skating Rink
This year, the McMinnville Chamber of Commerce’s Glide & Gather Skating Rink brings a whole new level of holiday magic to town. Set at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum during the Goose Lights celebration, skaters can glide beneath the wings of the legendary Spruce Goose and other historic aircraft - a setting unlike anywhere else in Oregon. Sip local wine, feel the music, and take in the glow of thousands of lights as you skate surrounded by aviation history. It’s festive, it’s local, and it’s pure McMinnville holiday spirit.
Goose Lights
Experience the wonder of the season at Goose Lights, the dazzling holiday celebration at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. Wander through a world of twinkling lights and larger-than-life aircraft displays, including the legendary Spruce Goose. Inside and out, the museum comes alive with festive installations, music, and family-friendly fun. Sip local wine or cocoa, take a spin at the Glide & Gather Ice Skating Rink, and marvel at vintage planes illuminated in a whole new light. It’s a one-of-a-kind holiday experience where Oregon’s aviation history meets pure seasonal magic.
Classic Downtown Charm
Downtown McMinnville comes alive with holiday charm during Merry McMinnville, when the city’s historic Third Street glows with thousands of twinkle lights and the scent of hot cocoa fills the air. Each weekend, you’ll find carolers singing, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a festive energy that feels straight out of a storybook. The season kicks off with the beloved Santa Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony, a community tradition that draws families and friends from near and far. Between the cozy boutique shops, world-class restaurants, bars, and wine tasting rooms, there’s no better place to shop, sip, and celebrate. Add in a full lineup of holiday markets featuring local makers and artisans, and you’ve got everything you need to make McMinnville your home for the holidays.
Storefront Display Contest
Each year during Merry McMinnville, downtown businesses compete in the beloved Storefront Display Contest, transforming Third Street into a sparkling winter wonderland. Local shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms deck out their windows with creative, festive scenes that capture the magic of the season - everything from classic holiday nostalgia to playful, over-the-top displays. Visitors are invited to stroll through downtown, admire the artistry, and vote for their favorite designs. It’s a friendly competition that brings out the best of McMinnville’s creativity and community spirit, making every storefront a reason to stop, smile, and celebrate the season.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Hop on downtown McMinnville’s resident horse-drawn carriage on Sunday, December 7th, 14th, 21st, and 22nd from noon to 4 PM. This local favorite has become a holiday tradition, bringing a touch of Central Park charm to Third Street. It is romantic, cozy, and unmistakably a part of McMinnville.
Rides operate on donations and are sponsored by Visit McMinnville. The carriage operates year-round, but is dedicated to Sunday rides through the end of the year.