The days may be short and the nights dark, but there are many opportunities to light up the heart with seasonal festivities this month.
Sublimity
On Dec. 2, the City of Sublimity presents Christmas in the Country along with “A Minions Christmas in the Country” Light Parade.
The evening begins 6 p.m. at the Sublimity Middle School on Main Street when the parade rolls east, then south on Dove Drive, west on Church Street, north on Center, and east on Starr, ending back at the school. After the parade, everyone is invited to the park next to Sublimity City Hall, 245 NW Johnson St., for caroling and to help Santa light the Christmas tree, followed by cookies and crafts at the Sublimity Fire Hall.
Lyons
The Lyons Rural Fire District will host its first annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 3, 6 – 8 p.m. Tree lighting will be at 6:30 p.m. at the firehouse.
Firefighters invite kids of all ages to “join us for a magical night filled with lights, hot cocoa, holiday treats, Santa Claus and “the mean one” himself. Bring your camera and best smiles to take photos with Santa and the Grinch. The event will take place “rain or snow.”
Toy Drive bins will be onsite. People are encouraged to “bring a toy, share the joy!” Donations will also be accepted through Dec. 18 at Your Country Kitchen, Lyons Market, Corner Market, Mehama Ace Hardware and Mari-Linn School.
Aumsville
Aumsville has a full menu of holiday events, starting Dec. 3, 9 a.m. to noon, with the Christmas Store hosted by the Aumsville Exchange Club and held at the Aumsville Community Center. Children three to nine years of age can pick out a free gift for each of their parents and have it wrapped. They must be accompanied by an adult, but the adult will sit in the waiting area with coffee or cocoa while the child picks out the surprise. This is a “while supplies last” event so plan on arriving early.
If there’s a child in the family who would like to send a letter to Santa and get a response, they have until 5 p.m. Dec. 3 to turn letters in to Aumsville City Hall. Letters need to include the child’s name, age or grade, an adult contact, and mailing address.
For those wanting to brighten the holidays for others you can donate wrapping paper, tape, and cash at the Aumsville Police Department. The police department is also where those in need can pick up an application to receive toys.
Dec. 10 will be a big day, too. Santa will ride around town handing out goodie bags. Follow his route on the Facebook Group: Aumsville Community Connections for specific times. Then the focus turns to Porter-Boone Park, 1105 Main St., Aumsville. Holiday festivities run 5 – 7 p.m. There will be cocoa, hot soup, and popcorn. Carolers and the Cascade High School band will entertain. The winner of the giant sleigh full of free toys will be drawn after the tree lighting.
Silver Falls
Silver Falls State Park hosts a Winter Festival Dec. 10 and 11. Everyone is invited to join in. The park entrance is 20024 Silver Falls Hwy. SE, Sublimity.
In the South Falls day-use area you can make a wreath, build a bird nest box or make a pinecone bird feeder, and attend education talks or a guided walk. For more information go to friendsofsilverfalls.net. $5 day-use permit.
Over at the Smith Creek Village, 1.5 miles for the South Falls day-use area, you can decorate a gingerbread cookie, take part in a scavenger hunt, join a holiday-themed dinner (reservations required). For more information go to smithcreekvillage.com/guest-experienes.
