Waldport Tree Lighting, Elf Hunt Fire Up Central Oregon Coast This Weekend

Published 12/07/24 at 6:15 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Waldport, Oregon) – LATEST FROM WALDPORT: They essentially named Waldport “where the forest meets the sea” - as expressed in German. This weekend, the central Oregon coast burgh becomes where the sea meets a truly lit Christmas tree, in both the slang and the common usage of the word.

Waldport's Christmas Tree Lighting Festival takes place on Sunday, December 8, lending the town a new glow. It's a long-standing tradition here, one that in recent years moved to the Alsea Bay Bridge Visitor Center & Museum, at the south end of the Alsea Bay Bridge. Get ready for caroling, free foods, Santa, even more music and shopping for locally-made holiday crafts, along with that luminous bridge and tree.

Tom Fullmer, executive director of the Waldport Chamber of Commerce, told Oregon Coast Beach Connection there's some new forms of fun in the wings which stretch the fun into the month – centered around “Finding Your Elf.”

This is now the fourth year it's been held at the museum grounds, featuring a truly local tree.

“The City of Waldport created a permanent place on the lawn area at the north end of the bridge for the tree,” Fullmer said. “It is a fresh cut tree from local forestland. “

Fullmer said the event generally draws some 200 to 300 people: that's no small order on a chilly central Oregon coast day like those in December.

Photo Waldport Chamber

It's all free, but there's some of it undercover, in the warmth of the museum.

“Great shopping for locally made holiday crafts and Waldport merchandise inside,” Fullmer said. “The beverages and snacks are compliments of the Waldport Chamber of Commerce.”

Also see Ona Beach's Pristine, Graceful Yet Alien Curiosities: Near Central Oregon Coast's Seal Rock 

Carolers start off the gig at 3 p.m., coming from Waldport First Baptist Church.

At 3:30 p.m., Santa arrives, Fullmer said, bringing along goodies for all the kids.

Photo Waldport Chamber

“New this year is a performance from 14 members of the Oregon Coast Chorus,” Fullmer said. “They will perform in front of the tree at 5:00 p.m.”

Then the glory of the tree happens: the big fir gets lit up for the holidays at 5:30 p.m.

Something new this way comes to Waldport in conjunction with the tree lighting fest.

“We are also kicking off our annual FIND YOUR 'ELF' IN WALDPORT CONTEST,” Fullmer said. “There are 28 elves that have been placed inside the Center for all to see. We will capture names on Sunday and one lucky winner will get a free elf.”

After that, a kind of treasure hunt happens throughout town.

Reggie the Elf

Some 28 elves will placed in different businesses around Waldport on Monday and Tuesday. On Tuesday, December 10, thus begins a new contest, which then runs through January 5 of 2025. You bounce around town looking for the elves and when you find one you mark it on a special form. This way, if you find the most elves you could win Reggie the Elf.

“People will visit these businesses to 'find the elf,' mark it on the scoresheet, and submit their completed scoresheet at the conclusion of the contest,” Fullmer said. “The person who correctly names the most elves on the scoresheet wins Reggie the Elf. If there is a tie, a drawing will determine the winner. This is a fun way to bring people into our local shops and to support our Chamber members.”

Oregon Coast Chorus

The entire shindig is for all ages and the Center is ADA accessible.

It's something Fullmer looks forward to every year.

“It's great to see everyone and all the kids who enjoy meeting Santa and getting a little treat,” he said.

541-563-3500. Findyourselfinwaldport.com

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