Get in the seasonal spirit with some festive entertainment! For the holidays go see traditional favorites like the Eugene Ballet's "The Nutcracker", or tap into merriment with spoofs. Enhance your evening out with dinner or dessert (or both!) before the show, and a holiday lights tour after. From caroling choirs to contemporary plays, celebrate all your favorite things!

Theater tickets also make wonderful gifts to friends and family. Book a weekend getaway and enjoy brunch the next morning. Here are some of the upcoming holiday highlights across the region.

Ballerinas for The Nutcracker in pink, purple and red tutus pose on the stage at the Hult Center.
: Courtesy of Eugene Ballet

Eugene Ballet's "The Nutcracker"

Eugene

The metro area in Eugene - Springfield is a bustling hive of holiday shopping, entertainment and great dining. With over half a dozen performing arts venues in Eugene and more in Springfield, there is always something great on stage! 

At the Hult Center for the Performing Arts

A highlight of downtown Eugene, the Hult Center for the Performing Arts is brimming with holiday cheer this season. Planning a dinner and a show experience is very easy. 6th Street Restaurant and Sports Bar is a go-to restaurant just across the street, or nearby Jazzy Ladies Cafe & Club and the Gordon Tavern. For a matinee pair theater tickets with the Sip Champagne & Dessert Bar or go to the 5th Street Public Market for many options, from the more formal Marche to casual eateries inside the complex. 5th Street Public Market will be decorated for the holidays and features "snow" on weekend evenings right at dusk. The Hult Center has hearing loops at the ticket windows and in the lobby. Assistive Listening Devices are available for use in the concert halls; check one out at the coat room across from the elevator on the lobby level or contact the house manager for further assistance. 

At the Ragozzino Performance Hall 

The Ragozzino Performance Hall is on the Lane Community College campus, just off Interstate 5 and with plenty of parking. If you are planning a dinner before the show, South Eugene is just a few minutes away. Mazzi's Italian Restaurant is always a winner for classic dishes in a warm and welcoming environment. There are also several more casual dining options in the vicinity. 

At First United Methodist Church

In downtown Eugene, this architecturally distinctive building is a warm space with a dramatic interior. Nearby, grab a great casual meal at Falling Sky Brewpub or Hot Mama's Wings, or make it a date night with Cafe Soriah.

 

Dear December by Eugene Gay Men's Chorus Dec 13

Dear December by Eugene Gay Men's Chorus

The Eugene Gay Men’s Chorus shares their holiday stories with humor and heart, for their 8th annual holiday concert. Celebrate the season with music written for tenor and bass voices joined…

At The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts

Housed within a renovated church building in downtown Eugene, The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts' accessible hall is equipped with a hearing loop, providing an improved listening experience for those with telecoil-enabled hearing aids, cochlear implants and streamers. The Shedd's looped spaces include the ticket office, will call desk, concessions, Jaqua Concert Hall, Sheffer Recital Hall, Cole Gallery and more. The Shedd offers a sit-down pre-show meal in the theater complex on Friday (reserve your place when purchasing tickets). Otherwise, nearby is Ambrosia — a classic Italian restaurant with a cozy but upscale atmosphere and Bon Mi which offers delicious Vietnamese French Cuisine like banh mi sandwiches and pho noodle soups to keep you warm on chilly nights. 

At the First Christian Church of Eugene

The church is a versatile venue that hosts many concerts and events outside of traditional church services. Dining options nearby include Ta Ra Rin with its date night presentation of delicious Thai food or Osteria DOP which does not take reservations for its excellent Italian meals (so come early).

A white Victorian-style house is trimmed in twinkle lights.

Florence

Florence memories are made with drives along the dramatic coastline, visiting the Heceta Head Lighthouse, all lit up for the holidays, and then shopping for Christmas and holiday gifts in the many boutiques and galleries along the coast.

At Florence Events Center

Just above Historic Old Town Florence, which always dresses for the holidays along its charming boardwalk, is the Florence Events Center. Catch a holiday show and enjoy dinner beforehand at The Waterfront Depot or Mari's Kitchen. 

Holly Jolly Follies - "Meant to Be" Dec 05

Holly Jolly Follies - "Meant to Be"

A variety show performed by all ages, Holly Jolly Follies will put a smile on your face and supply some holiday joy! The title of this year's show is "Meant To Be" emphasizing that…

More Holiday Traditions

Catch the caroling at 5th Street Public Market as the shopping center ushers in the beginning of the holiday season and "snow fall" on weekend evenings at dusk. Or catch candy at Springfield's Oldest and Coldest Christmas Parade, held that first weekend - a community favorite!