Celebrate the season with sparkling sea creatures, decked-out docks and dazzling events.
Winter on the Oregon Coast creates the perfect setting for holiday cheer, bedecked in twinkling light displays that turn coastal towns into colorful wonderlands. Cities along the shoreline put on spectacular festivals and glowing events that let their quirkier sides shine through. Dress warmly, bring the whole family and experience the holiday season come to life after sunset with these fantastic light displays on the Oregon Coast.
Festivities on the North Coast
Celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season and Astoria’s Scandinavian roots at the Sankta Lucia Festival, the winter festival of lights held in 2026 on November 27. The event celebrates St. Lucia, the patron saint of light, with a night of music, dancing, mingling and warm lights.
Kick off the holiday season with the whole family at the annual Yuletide in Seaside, which features the popular Parade of Lights. Happening on November 27, 2026, and part of a weekend of holiday fun, this annual parade features illuminated floats and joyous music. The parade ends at the tree-lighting ceremony downtown, where you’ll find caroling, warm beverages and the chance to meet Santa. Don’t miss the starfish light displays that keep Broadway Street aglow throughout the holiday season.
Sparkly style can be seen all over town throughout December thanks to Cannon Beach in Lights, a monthlong spectacle where businesses craft stunning light displays. Patrons are invited to vote for their favorite arrangement, with the winner announced on New Year’s Day. Lights will be celebrated to the fullest on December 5, 2026, for a Christmas tree-lighting celebration in Sandpiper Square, where the city will also light its Dickens-era gas lamps.
Light Celebrations on the Central Coast
In Lincoln City you’ll find a light display that may be unique on the Coast: a brightly decorated vintage dock. The Deck the Dock event on November 21, 2026, offers front-row views of the beautifully decorated dock on Siletz Bay in the Taft neighborhood, as well as glittering lights that adorn the lampposts along nearby streets. Stay for visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, surprise guests, warming beverages, and carols.
Fans of sea creatures and holiday decorations rejoice — you’ll see plenty this winter at the Sea of Lights at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport. Held on Fridays and Saturdays from November 27 to December 19, 2026, the aquarium invites visitors to stroll through its grounds to marvel at the aquatic-themed holiday decorations. The otter, seabird and octopus habitat is decked out with 500,000 lights that transform the animal sanctuary into a radiant display.
The hometown holiday spirit is alive and well in Florence, which invites everyone to get holly and jolly at its annual Holiday Festival on December 5, 2026. The festive glow from the Christmas tree on the waterfront shimmers on the waters of the Siuslaw River. Join in the merriment all afternoon with a lighted-balloon giveaway, a hayride and songs from the Florence Community Choir.
Holiday Traditions on the South Coast
More than 325,000 colorful lights twinkle each night at Holiday Lights at Shore Acres State Park near Coos Bay. Open every evening from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve (including Christmas and Christmas Eve), this special holiday tradition is a family favorite. Stroll through a maze of brilliantly lit botanical gardens, amid sculptured displays like leaping orcas and shimmering jellyfish. Plan ahead to reserve a time slot online, as no tickets will be sold on-site. There’s a parking fee or, alternatively, a free shuttle.
Old Town Bandon celebrates the Season by the Sea from Thanksgiving through December. The luminous festivities begin on November 28, 2026, with the Night of 10,000 Lights, featuring an afternoon of festivities that include Santa and Mrs. Claus and the annual tree lighting. On December 12, the streets sparkle during the annual Holiday Light Parade, where all can join in the procession by decking out a vehicle, pets or the entire family.
During the holiday season for almost 30 years, Brookings’ Azalea Park comes to life with more than 3 million lights, transforming it into a merry experience for all. Kicking off on November 27, Nature’s Coastal Holiday Festival of Lights is a holiday tradition not to be missed. Expect light sculptures, flashing displays that create the illusion of movement and visits from costumed creatures.
– By Emily Gillespie
– Top photo: Shore Acres State Park