Lincoln City Kicks Out the Jams for Oregon Coast Holiday Events

Published 11/18/25 at 6:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Lincoln City, Oregon) - Not that you'll get a winter wonderland here, but you will get a coastal and magical kind of Christmasland. There's a definitely glow and brilliance to one part of the central Oregon coast as the holidays get going, with Lincoln City getting literal waves of joy along with the fiery sunsets of the season.

Explore Lincoln City (ELC), the area's visitor center, has begun touting its seasonal amenities, saying it “brings a unique sparkle to Oregon's Central Coast.”
The town becomes a seasonal gem for the holidays. With dramatic skies, festive events, and cozy accommodations, the town offers up a refreshing escape (and seascape) for visitors seeking relaxation and celebration.

The holiday season kicks off November 22 with Deck the Dock, a community event that transforms Taft Dock into a glowing display of lights across Siletz Bay. Hosted by Explore Lincoln City and Lincoln City Parks and Recreation, the event features hot cocoa, carolers, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Thanksgiving weekend marks the return of the Winter Art Festival at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, showcasing regional artists, vendors, and family-friendly activities. The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and themed performances ring in the festive atmosphere.

Local markets offer unique shopping opportunities throughout the season. The Taft Hall Saturday Market features handmade crafts and seasonal treats, while Pelican Brewing hosts the Surfin’ Holiday Market on December 14, combining artisan goods with local brews.

The Christmas Cottage, open nearly every day of the year, offers more than 25,000 ornaments from around the world, along with holiday cards, nutcrackers, and Santa figurines.

Beyond the festivities, winter on the Oregon coast creates a unique kind of peaceful retreat. Rambunctious skies and crashing waves create a dramatic backdrop for storm watchers. Visitors are advised to stay alert near the shoreline, as sneaker waves and high surf can pose risks even during calm weather.

After storms pass, beachcombers can discover agates, driftwood, and seashells along the sand.

One insanely cool but rather unknown fact about the coast: those winter sunsets – especially in December – are likely to have a more vibrant, deeper color than other times of the year. Thanks to the crisp and clear atmosphere of winter and a touch of astronomy science this brings on more brilliant colors.

“Winter is also the perfect time to take part in Lincoln City's beloved Finders Keepers tradition, where local 'Float Fairies; hide hand-blown glass floats along the shoreline,” said ELC.

They said no floats will be placed December 4 - 6 due to King Tides – an especially dangerous time.

Hiking trails like Drift Creek Falls and The Knoll offer quiet winter views, while the Cascade Head Biosphere Reserve showcases the Salmon River Estuary and coastal vistas. From mid-December to mid-January, approximately 18,000 gray whales migrate past the coast, with viewing opportunities from guided tours or the Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center.

Accommodations range from romantic oceanfront stays such as Pelican Shores Inn, which features an indoor pool. Vacation rental firms like A1 Beach Rentals or Keystone Vacation Rentals nosedive in price, and the deals there and other Lincoln City hotels are outstanding.

For more information on winter events and travel planning, visit explorelincolncity.com.

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