Three Unique Holiday Happ's on Oregon Coast: Lighthouse to Local Shops

Published 11/03/2026 at 8:58 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Florence, Oregon) – Christmas celebrations on the Oregon coast tend to be a bit different than inland. There's a rugged vibe to the place and a rugged individualism at times in just the happenin's themselves. (Heceta Head's Keeper's House)

There are a load of special holiday markets, bazaars, gigs with Christmas tunes and other festivals. And then there are these three curiosities of the coast: a rather stunning celebration at a lighthouse, a grand festival of shopping that goes three months and lets you win sweet stuff, and another day of shopping specials on the south coast that include yummy treats.

Heceta Head Lightstation Gears Up for Victorian Christmas Open Houses

One of the Oregon Coast’s most festive holiday traditions returns this December as Heceta Head Lightstation welcomes visitors to its annual Victorian Christmas Open Houses. The beautifully decorated Keeper’s House will open from 4 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 19-20, inviting guests to step into a classic holiday setting filled with seasonal charm.

Visitors can enjoy live music from local performers, holiday refreshments, and visits with Santa while taking in the historic atmosphere of the landmark property. The Heceta Lighthouse Gift Shop will also be open for holiday shopping, offering unique gifts and keepsakes.

Guests are encouraged to bring a flashlight and jacket for the walk up to the lighthouse after dark. Parking is available at Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint for $10 per vehicle, with proceeds supporting the state park. A free shuttle will transport visitors from the parking area to the Keeper’s House.

Admission is free, though donations are welcomed. The Keepers of Heceta Head Lightstation will also host a raffle featuring prizes donated by local businesses and artists. Funds raised through donations and raffle sales help support restoration projects, interpretive programs, and future community events. See the website

Shop Small Saturday Brings Holiday Cheer to Coos Bay and North Bend

Photo Manuela Durson - Manuela Durson Fine Arts

Holiday shoppers will have plenty of reasons to explore local storefronts when Shop Small Saturday returns to downtown Coos Bay and North Bend on Nov. 28.

The annual event encourages residents and visitors to support locally owned businesses during the holiday season while discovering unique gifts and special offers throughout both downtown districts.

One highlight of the day will be a Cider Walk in downtown Coos Bay from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning at Jennie's Shoes. Shoppers who bring receipts from purchases made between Nov. 13 and Nov. 28 can receive a special holiday mug while supplies last.

Central Oregon Coast Gets All Twinkly, Cheery and Splashy with Lincoln City's Holidays ---- Deck the Dock Nov. 21, holiday markets, outdoor adventures

Organizers hope the event becomes part of the community's holiday tradition, helping small businesses thrive while giving shoppers a fun and festive way to kick off the season. See the events page at their site.

Tillamook County Shoppers Can Win Big by Keeping Receipts

Holiday shopping could come with an extra reward this season thanks to the Shop Small Sweepstakes running throughout Tillamook County from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31. See the Tillamook Coast site.

Each purchase made at a locally owned business earns shoppers an entry into weekly prize drawings for gift cards, along with a chance to win the grand prize of $1,000 in sweepstakes bucks to spend at participating local businesses.

“If you’re visiting the Tillamook Coast, it’s a good excuse to browse a few extra shops, pick up something local, and support the businesses that shape our communities,” said organizers.

Entering is simple. Participants can save their receipts and submit them to the Tillamook Chamber of Commerce either by dropping them off at 208 Main Ave. in Tillamook or by texting a photo of the receipt, along with their name, to 503-664-0464.

Entries are limited to one per day, and each receipt may only be submitted once. Organizers encourage shoppers to keep those receipts handy and make local spending part of their holiday celebrations.

Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

 

 

Two Vacation Home Openings This Time of Year on Oregon Coast? Yes, Even in Pa...
Rare openings this week, later in August and some booking tips. Pacific City hotel reviews, vacation rentals

New Oregon Coast Hotel with Old World Charm
Like stepping back in time on the beachfront in Seaside, except with modern amenities around you. Seaside hotel reviews, Cannon Beach hotel review

Manzanita Hotel Review: Oregon Coast Inn Gets New Life as Forest Getaway, New...
Nehalem River Inn is nearly 100 years old. Nehalem Hotel Review

N. Oregon Coast's Nehalem River Inn - Video Review
3 Sep 2026 at 6:22pm
Upscale wonders on the backroads and forests. Manzanita, Rockaway Beach. Near Neahkahnie Mountain, right on Nehalem River, Overlooks, Wheeler

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Another Fatal Accident on Oregon Coast Last Weekend, This Time Involving Pedestrian
25 Sep 2026 at 9:22pm
Gleneden Beach: A Portland man hit first by one vehicle and then by two more. Lincoln City, safety

Central Oregon Coast's Siuslaw Forestlands Will Begin Seeing Pile-Burning
28 Sep 2026 at 8:31am
It begins in the central coast and Hebo areas. Tillamook, Lincoln City, Nehalem, Manzanita, Garibaldi, Pacific City, Depoe Bay, Yachats, Florence, Reedsport

Fireball Reported Over Portland, Oregon Confirmed by AMS
8 Oct 2026 at 12:39am
Seen Oct. 3 at 3:52 a.m., there were other reports but no footage

First of Oregon's Coastal Canine Classics Trots Into Florence in October
30 Sep 2026 at 12:41am
Oct 16 - 18 a weekend of doggo fun, events, beach walkies. Florence events

Ocean's Edge Wayside or Oregon Coast Access #27: Rockaway Beach's Center Has Many Faces
2 Oct 2026 at 7:55am
The main access goes by various names but really it's just Rockaway Beach

South Oregon Coast Wilderness: Tseriadun State Scenic Rec Site, Paradise Point, Agate Beach
24 Sep 2026 at 7:21am
Four miles of crazy finds, yet another Agate Beach, an angry river and Cape Blanco. Port Orford, Curry County

Video: Coast Guard Medevacs Injured Man from Remote Part of South Oregon Coast
6 Oct 2026 at 5:49pm
Crew from North Bend responded to a Curry County area on the Rogue River

Nehalem Event Explores Theories About Francis Drake on Oregon Coast
13 Oct 2026 at 3:31am
Saturday, October 24 at North County Recreation District in Nehalem. Manzanita events, Tillamook events, Cannon Beach events

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted