A Hometown Holiday Weekend in Grants Pass
Grants Pass does the holidays the way small river towns do them best: close to home, a little bit sparkly, and with plenty of hot cocoa. The first weekend of December brings four big events to historic downtown, so bundle up and make a weekend of it.
Friday, December 4: Tree Lighting Ceremony
Kick things off at the City of Grants Pass Tree Lighting Ceremony in the heart of downtown. The regional tree, more than 40 feet tall, stands in the center of 5th Street, and Friday night is the moment it lights up. Between the First Friday holiday atmosphere and a special arrival from Santa, it’s a classic small-town tradition that brings the whole community together.
Make an evening of it. Grab dinner downtown before the lights come on and explore the wide range of downtown’s restaurants, from pizza to sushi to Thai and everything in between.
Saturday, December 5: Cocoa Crawl
Saturday afternoon belongs to Cocoa Crawl, presented by Main Street Grants Pass. From 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., downtown turns into a walkable tasting tour where participating businesses each serve up their own signature hot cocoa. Some stick with tradition. Others go for unexpected flavors, local ingredients, creative toppings, and over-the-top presentation.
Wander from storefront to storefront, sip your way down the block, and vote for your favorite through the event’s digital voting platform. Between sips, you’ll get a look inside the independent shops that make downtown special.
Saturday Evening: Christmas Parade
Once the cocoa is gone, claim your spot for the Grants Pass Christmas Parade, a festive evening procession along 6th Street from C Street to L Street, running 6 to 8 p.m. Bring a blanket, wear something warm, and settle in for a night that feels like the holidays.
Sunday, December 6: Rogue Winterfest
Wrap up the weekend at Rogue Winterfest, now in its 24th year. Held at Evergreen Federal Bank’s Bear Hotel (2101 NE Spalding Ave), the public weekend holiday events run Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so Sunday is a relaxed way to finish the weekend, or a second chance if Saturday filled up.
Wander through the incredible trees created by local designers, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, pick out goodies from the Bakeshop by Walflour Bakery, go fishing at Spalding Pond, and take a stroll through The Southern Oregon Adventure. Admission is $5 per person at the door, and children 2 and under are free.
It’s also a celebration with a purpose. Rogue Winterfest benefits two local nonprofit mental health organizations, Kairos and Options for Southern Oregon, so your holiday outing helps support neighbors right here in Josephine County.
Make the Most of Your Weekend
Shop local. With the Cocoa Crawl as your excuse, downtown’s independent boutiques are the place to knock out gift-giving. Pop into Something Weird for something quirky and unexpected, browse regional artists at Gallery One beneath the Grants Pass Museum of Art, and stop by The Glass Forge for a one-of-a-kind piece of hand-blown glass. Get inspired by hearing from local boutique owners themselves about shopping in Grants Pass.
Sip some wine. Cocoa isn’t the only warming option this weekend. The Applegate Valley is a short drive from town, with spots like Schmidt Family Vineyards and Wooldridge Creek Winery pouring tastings. Heading toward the Illinois Valley? Our wine country guide covers the cool-climate wineries just down the road in Cave Junction.
Stay the weekend. With a tree lighting on Friday, cocoa and a parade on Saturday, and Rogue Winterfest on Sunday, this one is worth a full weekend. Find lodging for your holiday weekend at visitgrantspass.com/stay.
