HOOD RIVER, OR—Hood River will truly become the Holiday Town of Oregon this holiday season when the downtown transforms into a classic holiday setting. The transformation starts on November 18 with a full lighting of the downtown area, creating a lively atmosphere for the Thanksgiving weekend and early holiday shopping throughout Hood River. From November 18-December 25, there will be a wide variety of holiday activities, offers, and events for everyone to enjoy.On the evening of December 2nd, Hood River will host a Parade and Tree-Lighting Celebration sure to be fun for the whole family.

HOOD RIVER HOLIDAYS PARADE AND TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATIONDecember 2nd, 20115-9pm 5pm Streets close for easy downtown shoppingPark for free and enjoy easy shopping on Hood River’s main street, where the streets are closed to traffic6pm Parade begins on Oak Street and goes through downtownThis local parade is a favorite with families every year. Don’t miss out on the fun!7pm Tree Lighting at State and 2ndWatch our giant 30-foot Christmas tree as we turn on the lights!Enjoy cocoa, cookies, and Ryan’s JuiceWrite your holiday wish and tie it on the tree7:15 Caroling on Oak and 2ndTurn your attention to our stage where professional singers will help lead everyone in some caroling—we’ll even give you your own songbook!After the festivities—enjoy good food, wine, beer, and shopping in our downtown shopsHere is a sampling of just a few of the many other events happening during Hood River Holidays:November 25th – December 24th – Santa Land Opens in downtown Hood RiverSponsored by the Hood River Adopt-a-Dog.

 Have your photo taken with Santa and your favorite furry friend or human.December 2nd—11th Gingerbread House Contest Auction at the Columbia Center for the ArtsThis event is a benefit for the Columbia Center for the ArtsFrom 11-5 pm daily the Columbia Center for the Arts will have the final gingerbread houses on display for public to view and participate in the silent auctionThe winners of the auction will be able to take home their gingerbread houses on December 15thDecember 3rd – Hood River County Library Holiday Story Time and Candy Cane HuntStarting at 2pm participate in a fun candy cane hunt in the park then enjoy a festive holiday story and some delicious hot cocoa!November 12th -December 28th —Ride the Polar Express on the Mt. Hood RailroadFor a full list of Hood River Holidays activities, visit hoodriver.org.Hood River Holidays is presented by Columbia State Bank.  The City of Hood River, Ryan’s Juice, Mt. Hood Meadows, Columbia Cliff Villas, Vagabond Lodge, Columbia Gorge Hotel, Full Sail Brewing, Woodruff-Sawyer and Company, Pacific Power, Don Benton, Jeff Pickhardt Properties, Fred Meyer, Hood River News, Your Rental and Party Center, David Cobb Photography, and Les Schwab Tire Center, have partnered to “light the town” along with the help of downtown businesses.

The City of Hood River has been a major supporter of this new take on the Hood River Holidays. “We could not have done this without the exceptional support and assistance of City Manager Bob Francis and the City of Hood River, “said Kerry Cobb, Executive Director of the Chamber. “They have gone out of their way to help make downtown Hood River a winter wonderland.”Bob Francis commented, “Although the City crew’s done an outstanding job decorating downtown in recent years, the contributions made by the businesses and other sponsors will make this a truly magnificent display and I look forward to seeing the results.

 It frees up our public works crew to do those priority tasks that winter usually brings.” The Hood River County Chamber supports economic and tourism development for the region and provides promotional programs to its 494 members. As a county-wide organization, it supports businesses, organizations, and governmental agencies in Cascade Locks, Hood River, Parkdale, Odell, Pine Grove, and Mount Hood.Nicole BelieuMarketing CoordinatorHood River County Chamber of Commerce720 E Port Marina Drive
Hood River, OR 97031marketing@hoodriver.org(541) 386-2000 ext 223Fall in Love with Hood River!

New quarters coming; The U.S. Mint is rolling out a new set of quarters, and Oregon’s Mount Hood is the one of the first to roll off the metal presses. Click here!