Winter Wonders in Grants Pass: Must-See Events and Downtown Holiday Fun
Wrapped in twinkling lights and framed by snow dusted Siskiyou peaks, Grants Pass becomes a holiday haven that feels straight out of a storybook. Wander decorated downtown streets lined with nutcrackers, catch a festive theatre performance, browse bustling holiday bazaars filled with handcrafted gifts, and attend annual holiday celebrations. From parades and light displays to Christmas markets and visits with Santa, Grants Pass offers a warm and welcoming escape for anyone looking to experience the magic of the holidays in Southern Oregon.
Downton Holiday Events
Downtown Tree Lighting and First Friday Celebration- Dec. 5th
The festive season in Grants Pass kicks off in style with its annual tree-lighting ceremony, on First Friday, December 5th as the corner of 5th & G Street transforms into Holiday Plaza. Families and friends are invited to join an evening of caroling, craft vendors, hot cocoa, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Snap some family photos at the decked out Holiday Plaza and explore downtown’s fiber optic Magical Murals. Watch as Santa lights downtown’s 40ft tree, drop by the sock rink at the Children’s Museum, and stroll around downtown shops as they extend their evening hours for First Friday. With the swirl of community spirit, vendors, and horse-drawn carriage rides, it’s a warm-hearted kickoff to winter and the holiday shopping season.
Grants Pass Christmas Parade- Dec 13th
The 2025 Grants Pass Christmas Parade is set to light up downtown on Saturday, December 13th at 6pm. Expect a dazzling evening featuring lit floats, marching bands, community groups, and plenty of holiday cheer. The “headquarters” for the event will be at Casablanca Coffee & Grill, where you’ll find announcers, Santa, the Grinch, free hot cocoa, and popcorn.
Downtown Cocoa Crawl- Dec 6th
Celebrate Small Business Saturday season with the return of the Cocoa Crawl — a walk-through cocoa tasting and holiday shopping experience in the heart of downtown Grants Pass.
Taking place from 11-2pm on Saturday December 6th, participating merchants will serve their own signature cocoa creations while shoppers sip, shop, and vote for their favorites.
Theatre and Dance
O Christmas Tea – Rogue Theatre – Dec 5th
Fans of Monty Python, Mr. Bean, and Dr. Suess, grab your teacups. O Christmas Tea – A British Comedy is coming to the Historic Rogue Theatre on December 5th at 7:30pm. Celebrate the season with a dash of sarcasm and enjoy an evening of British Theatre.
Every Christmas Story Ever Told -Barnstormers- Dec 5-21st
If you’ve ever seen Shakespeare Abridged, get ready for Every Christmas Story Ever Told. Instead of a traditional telling of “A Christmas Carol,” the show is a comedy about three actors who try to cram every Christmas story, tradition, carol, and seasonal icon into one performance.
Stillpoint Nutcracker Ballet- GP Performing Arts Center Dec 13,14,20,21st
Perfect for the whole family, the 35th annual Stillpoint Nutcracker Ballet is one of Grants Pass’s longest running holiday traditions. Catch a performance December 13,14,20,21st at the Grants Pass Performing Arts Center
Holiday Bazaars
Grants Pass Gift and Chocolate Festival- JoCo Fairgrounds- Nov 15-16th
Don’t miss Grants Pass’s sweetest festive event and plan to attend the 9th Annual Holiday Gift and Chocolate Festival Nov 15-16 from 10am-5pm Josephine County Fairgrounds. Join the fun Saturday and Sunday and score some locally made gifts and hand crafted chocolate. From paintings and woodwork to candles and jewelry, there’s something for everyone.
Last Minute Gift Sale- JoCo Fairgrounds- Dec 20th
Calling all procrastinators! If your gift shopping is running behind schedule- you’re in luck. The Last Minute Gift Sale is taking place 9am-2pm on December 20th at the Josephine County Fairgrounds. Shop over 70 local vendors, get photos with Santa from 11am-1pm ,and score door prizes, raffles, and giveaways.
GPHS Holiday Bazaar- Dec 13th and NVHS Christmas Bazaar -Dec 6th
Support our local schools and students by attending the GPHS Holiday Bazaar December 13th 9-3pm and North Valley Christmas Bazaar December 6th 9-4pm. Enjoy food and vendors and take home something one-of-a-kind by shopping local.
Applegate Valley Celebrations
Winterfest at Pacifica – Dec 6-7th
Celebrate the season, support local makers, and gather with the community at Pacifica’s annual Winterfest! Throughout the two day event, shop handmade gifts, enjoy live music, delicious food, photo booths, and a kid’s craft station. Discover unique creations from local artists, crafters, and herbalists — from pottery and cozy knits, to candles and jewelry. Visit the Maker Space, where Pacifica students will sell their handmade art — half of all proceeds go to a cause they choose!
McKee Covered Bridge Lighting- Dec 13th
It’s a postcard perfect celebration at the annual McKee Covered Bridge Lighting Celebration in Applegate Valley. From 12-5pm on December 13th, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy a free hot beverage, and bring home delicious homemade pies, cookies, breads and candy. Take in the views of the Applegate River, sing some carols, and snap some family photos infront of the historic covered bridge.
Yule Celebrations
Yule Haus- The Hivve- Dec 20th
Go big or go gnome at The Hivve’s Yule Haus, happening Dec 20th. On the longest night of the year, celebrate the winter solstice with DJ Ombre , performances by SkyDance, costume and dance contest, and a gnome invasion. The 21+ ticketed event by Not A Cult Productions asks guests to bring an article of clothing to donate to local nonprofit MINT.
Krampus Nite Market- JoCo Fairgrounds- Dec 13th
Perfect for those on the naughty list, the Krampud Nite Market is taking place at the Josephine County Fairgrounds from 3-10pm on December 13th. Hosted by Something Weird, enjoy a day of vendors, tattoos, burlesque, tarot readings, and food trucks.
Rogue Winterfest- Bear Hotel- Dec 6-7th
See where the Grants Pass bears hibernate and attend Rogue Winterfest at the Bear Hotel for their annual Family weekend. Their Public Weekend Holiday Event is being held December 6th and 7th from 10-4pm, where guests can see the decorated trees, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and explore their decked out facility. All proceeds support local mental health organizations.
World Nativity Festival- Grants Pass LDS Church Dec 4-6th.
Enjoy some culture at the annual Nativity Festival- showcasing hundreds of nativities from around the world on December 4,5, and 6th. View the displays, enjoy musical performances, and children’s activities at the event taking place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Whether you’re exploring festive downtown streets, enjoying family traditions at local events, or simply taking in the charm of the Rogue Valley in winter, the season here offers a perfect blend of nostalgia and new memories.
