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

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. 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 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. Another dining destination that pairs perfectly with a performance at The Shedd is Lion & Owl — a further distance away, but their gourmet menu makes for a perfect evening out.

At the Oregon Contemporary Theatre

This theater manifests the electric vibe of downtown Eugene. At the heart of a city lit for the holidays, find an intimate venue with a commitment to diverse and inclusive productions. Around the corner from the Oregon Contemporary Theatre (OCT) is Noisette Pastry Kitchen with sweet treats and French soups and sandwiches (they close at 6 p.m., so go early). If you want a more substantial sit-down dining experience before the show, try the Party Bar, which is a local favorite with excellent zero-proof drinks and cocktails, or The Davis.

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, Osteria DOP which does not take reservations for its excellent Italian meals (so come early) and Lion & Owl, the ultimate in gourmet dining.

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. 

Springfield

At Richard E. Wildish Community Theater

Just a few blocks east on Main Street is the Richard E. Wildish Community Theatre. This historic venue has ideal acoustics and view lines. For a casual pre-show meal check out Plank Town Brewing Company or the beer and food court options at PublicHouse. Make it a date night with a nice dinner at George + Violet's or Tavern on Main. And everyone is happy with a visit to Main Street Sweets for a slice of pie before the curtain goes up! This theater is hearing looped.

Florence

At Florence Events Center

Just above Historic Old Town Florence, the Florence Events Center also offers a hearing loop system for improved listening for guests with a hearing impairment. Visit Florence for holiday shopping and dinner before the show. The Waterfront Depot or Mari's Kitchen make great date night destinations, or take the kids to 1285 Restobar or Nosh Eatery — and there is always Mo's! 

Time for Season Tickets

A holiday show thrills and inspires the audience, but don't box up the magic for just the holiday season. Support local performing arts and extend your enjoyment by subscribing as a season ticket holder or give the gift of unlimited theater magic to a loved one. Find out what great shows are scheduled for the stage this year and plan your next night out.