Festivities On Stage

One favorite holiday tradition in Eugene is to see "The Nutcracker" ballet at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts. Produced annually by the Eugene Ballet with Orchestra Next, "The Nutcracker" will awaken the joyful inner child in any Grinch. Browse the lobby nutcracker boutique during intermission.

And beyond ballet, there is a robust holiday events calendar offering Christmas performances including a "Holiday Special" by Radio Redux, "All is Bright" with The Emerald City Jazz Kings, "Holiday Inn" at the John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts and "A Christmas Carol" by the University Theatre. 

Holiday Shopping

Package enchanting entertainment with an exquisite shopping experience for all the holiday "feels". Eugene - Springfield's rewarding shopping districts feature both popular national chains and one-of-a-kind boutiques. With diverse storefronts, ample parking lots and uncrowded malls, your Christmas to-dos are actually fun again!

All the malls dress up for the holidays, but the 5th Street Public Market creates a fantastic winter setting where it "snows" at dusk every Friday and Saturday evening from Thanksgiving through Christmas. Float through this magical indoor/outdoor shopping complex with a warm drink in hand and a smile in your heart.

Power shoppers will revel in the Saturday Market's Holiday Market at Lane Events Center. Hundreds of colorful artisan crafts and gifts are displayed under one roof for a one-stop-shopping experience. Have you been to the Saturday Market? It's all that plus more! Along with checking off your list, enjoy entertainment and a delicious food court. And next door is the Rink Exchange with daily public ice skating sessions. Since you are here, and skate rentals are available, why not enjoy a wintertime spin around the ice?

Seasonal Craft Beer & Wine

Undoubtedly you discovered must-have gourmet farm-to-table products at both 5th Street Public Market and the Holiday Market, so it is time to start planning your holiday table. Pair a locally-inspired menu with really good beer and wine. Eugene's thriving craft beer community is brewing batches of seasonal beers, so grab a growler and stop by the Bier Stein to fill up.

In wine country its "Cellar Season", and the perfect time to chose a special wine for your Christmas dinner and as gifts for family and friends. Eugene's urban wineries make it easy to shop by bringing winery-exclusive wines to town, but even a drive out to a nearby estate is only about 30 minutes.

Head out to Pfeiffer Winery for a cozy fireside tasting complete with roasting marshmallows in their beautiful pavilion. With harvest complete and the vines hibernating, your odds of sitting down with the winemaker over a glass of Pinot just went up! Just think of the stories you'll be able to tell as you pour for your guests.