Holidays in the Park
Lebanon’s holiday season kicks off Saturday, Dec. 2, with the Holidays in the Park celebration from 2 to 7 p.m. and Twilight Parade at Ralston Park, located on Park Street between Oak and Maple streets.
Enjoy music and entertainment, face painting, LOCI rides, food and craft vendors, horse drawn carriage rides, plus Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Santa House to greet children.
At 5:15 p.m., the Holiday Magic Twilight Parade will begin, followed by Lighting the Tree at Ralston Park. All the activities are free.
For more information, contact Dala Johnson at (541) 258-4339.
Following are some other area Christmas- and holiday-themed events.
Historic Downtown Walk
Join Build Lebanon Trails for its annual historic downtown walk, followed by holiday festivities, from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2.
Meet near the gazebo in Ralston Park. Early arrival is recommended to allow time to sign up for the walk and sign out a listening device.
The walk will begin promptly at 2 p.m. In addition to a search for Rudolph and the Holiday Spirit, it will include stops at historic buildings, including the Donaca house, and bits and pieces of Lebanon’s history along the way.
Walkers can then return to Ralston Park to enjoy the Holiday in the Park festivities.
Dress appropriately for the weather. Well-mannered and leashed dogs are welcome. Restrooms are available at the park, located on Park Street between Oak and Maple streets. Parking is available on neighboring streets.
For more information on the walk, contact Rod Sell at blt@buildlebanontrails.
com. For details on Holidays in the Park, contact Dala Johnson at (541) 258-4339.
LAFTA Christmas Show
Lebanon Association for Theatre Arts will hold its annual Christmas Show from 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at Lebanon High School Auditorium, 1700 S. 5th St.
In addition to a variety of vocal performances and the sing-along, an Ugliest Sweater Contest will be held. A variety of goodies – hot chocolate, wassail, Tim Tam Slams and other sweets – will be available for purchase during the intermission.
Admission is $5 per person or $10 per family.
Tack and Horsey Crafts
Hand in Hand Farm will hold its 11th annual Cowboy Christmas Tack and Horsey Craft Sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 at 35105 Ede Road, Lebanon.
Items for sale will include Christmas, country, and horse lovers décor, gifts and tack.
For more information, call (541) 451-1243.
Candy Cane Express
Celebrate the holiday season on Saturdays and Sundays, starting Dec. 2 and running through Christmas, on the Candy Cane Express, starting at Santiam Travel Station 750 S. 3rd St., Lebanon.
The one-hour train rides, offered by Santiam Excursion Trains, will be offered at 1 and 3 p.m. each day, except for Dec. 22, which will feature evening runs at 6 and 8 p.m. They will include hot cocoa, candy canes, an arts and crafts station, and a movie station. Santa, Mrs. Claus and maybe an elf or two will be along on each ride for family photo ops and to make sure your wish list gets to the right man.
Each ride features four or five cars, with inside seating open to all.
They include a bar car with seating and a fully stocked bar and beverage section, a luggage car that houses the movie station, arts and crafts and the popcorn for purchase.
The dining car has big bay windows and lots of open seating and tables. These are antique cars and are not ADA-compliant.
An open-top car is available for those who wish fresh air. Rides run rain or shine so come dressed for the weather.
Santiam Excursion Trains will donate all tips from the Candy Cane Express to the following local organizations: Dec. 2-3 to Lebanon High School cheer team; Dec. 9-10 to ABC House; Dec. 16-17 to Boys and Girls Club of the Greater Santiam; and Dec. 22-23 to Dala’s Blue Angels and Honor Flight.
For more information, including prices, visit santiam-excursiontrains.ticketleap.com/candy-caneexpress2017.
Library Holiday Crafternoon
Lebanon Public Library will host a free Crafternoon for Adults from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at 55 Academy St.
Participants, 16 and up, will learn to create winter-scene greeting cards using water colors and salt to create a shimmery snowflake effect – all while sipping hot cocoa.
Space and supplies are limited, so registration is required.
To sign up or for more information, call (541) 258-4926 or stop by the main circulation desk.