The holidays in Oregon are a magical time, full of festive fun that’s both traditional and wholly unique to the Beaver State. Take the Jacksonville Victorian Christmas Festival, for example. Each year, this historic Old West town in southern Oregon holds its annual Victorian Christmas festival, a magical celebration of the holidays that’s about as charming as it gets. If you’re looking for your very own Hallmark Christmas movie moment in Oregon, bundle up and head to Jacksonville this holiday season!

Jacksonville is a small town just west of Medford in southern Oregon. With a population of just under 3,000, it's one of Oregon's smaller towns.
Jacksonville Oregon Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
But what Jacksonville lacks in size, it more than makes up for in spirit -- especially during the holidays.
Jacksonville Oregon Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Each year as the holiday season approaches, the town starts decking its halls and adorning its city streets with twinkling lights, festive decor, and, yes, boughs of holly, for the annual Victorian Christmas festival in Oregon.
Jacksonville Oregon Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
This delightful event begins right after Thanksgiving with a tree lighting ceremony and live entertainment, including carolers dressed in period costume, befitting of the Victorian Christmas theme.
Jacksonville Oregon Chamber of Commerce/Facebook

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The festivities continue with a huge, city-wide parade. It's during this time that Father Christmas arrives in Jacksonville and the holidays really begin.
Jacksonville Oregon Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Father Christmas stays in Jacksonville until just before Christmas, when he has to head back to the North Pole to get everything in order. There's no charge to visit and have your photo taken with him--and believe us when we say that he's the real deal.
Jacksonville Oregon Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Other festivities include live entertainment and music, open hours at the beautifully decorated Beekman House Museum, and holiday shopping at the town's local businesses. There's even a trolley ride that winds through the lit-up streets of Jacksonville's downtown!
Jacksonville Oregon Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
During the holidays, it's important to give back, too. Jacksonville hosts a toy drive in December, which is a great way to give back during this season.
Jacksonville Oregon Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
If you're looking for a good, old-fashioned way to celebrate the holidays in Oregon, head to Jacksonville! And tell Father Christmas we said hello!
Jacksonville Oregon Chamber of Commerce/Facebook

Have you been to the Jacksonville Victorian Christmas Festival before? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience. This only-in-Oregon Christmas festival is one that is perfect for your Oregon Christmas bucket list, with lots of activities and festive fun for the entire family.

Looking for more enchanting places to visit this holiday season in Oregon? Check out these magical Christmas towns. And if you are looking for the perfect gift for someone special, take a look at our holiday gift guide for inspiration.

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More to Explore

Holidays In Oregon

Courtnie Erickson | November 11, 2023

What are some Christmas towns in Oregon to visit?

Jacksonville, Oregon comes alive around the holidays. The Jacksonville Victorian Christmas Festival is a must-visit holiday event and one you will not want to miss. However, this Oregon town is not the only destination you’ll want to add to your bucket list during this time of the year. There are many other charming towns that truly know how to get into the holiday spirit. Some of our favorites include:

 

What are some of the best ways to spend the holidays in Oregon?

Yes, visiting a small town is a terrific way to spend the holidays in Oregon but it is just the beginning of the activities and the things to do across the state to get you into a festive mood. If you are searching for some of the best ways to spend an Oregon Christmas, consider the following activities:

 

What are some of the best holiday lights in Oregon?

If you are like me, Christmas means holiday lights. There is nothing like viewing some of the best Christmas light displays in Oregon to truly feel the holiday spirit. However, with so many light show options available, knowing which show deserves your attention can be a challenge. To help you out, the following are some light displays we recommend placing on your holiday bucket list.

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