COMMUNITY EVENTS
THURSDAY, DEC. 11
Christmas choir: The Community Christmas Cantata Choir presents “Christmas Changes Everything” at 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 111, at Church of the Nazarene, 23177 Old Yamhill Road The concert will feature a combination of contemporary and traditional styles. Lyrics will be interpreted in American Sign Language. Performances will continue in various locations throughout the county through Dec. 22. Admission is free, but a free will offering will benefit the Yamhill County Food Bank. For more information, call Lee or Linda Schrepel at 503-939-1562 or visit cantatachoir.org.
Poetry night: The McMinnville Public Library will hold Poetry Night at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at the library, 225 N.W. Adams St. For details, call the library at 503-435-5562.
FRIDAY, DEC. 12
Book club: Linfield University's Nicholson Library will host an AI-themed book club from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, and on the second Friday of the month in the Austin Reading Room. Participants will discuss influential AI research papers and books in a collaborative setting. The fall semester book is “Rewiring Your Mind for AI” by David Wood, and the spring semester book is “Co-Intelligence” by Ethan Mollick. For details, visit linfield.edu/aiai.
Christmas choir: The Community Christmas Cantata Choir presents “Christmas Changes Everything” at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 12, at First Baptist Church, 300 Flower Lane, Dayton. The concert will feature a combination of contemporary and traditional styles. Lyrics will be interpreted in American Sign Language. Performances will continue in various locations throughout the county through Dec. 22. Admission is free, but a free will offering will benefit the Yamhill County Food Bank. For more information, call Lee or Linda Schrepel at 503-939-1562 or visit cantatachoir.org.
Christmas dessert: Calvary Mac will hold "A Ladies’ Christmas Dessert" at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the church, 1825 N.W. Second St., McMinnville. The event is open to women of all ages to gather for a time of fellowship, worship, and desserts and to honor the birth of their Savior. There is no cost to attend, registration is requested at calvarymac.com/women. For details, contact Christy Lamberson at 503-472-4245.
Holiday displays: A free showcase of vintage animated Christmas displays will be open to the public from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday through Sunday, Dec. 12-14 and Dec. 19-21, and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, at The North Pole at Eagle Crest, 31727 N.E. Wilsonville Road, Newberg. The event includes a market of homemade goods; donations support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For details, visit www.northpolepdx.org.
Marketplace: The Chachalu Museum and Cultural Center will host a Holly Jolly Marketplace from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, in the gym at the museum, 8720 Grand Ronde Road, Grand Ronde. For details, visit chachalumarketplace@grandronde.org.
Winter skating: The McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce's Holiday Skating Experience will hold its Glide and Gather Skating Experience event from 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays, 1 to 8 p.m. Saturdays and from 4 to 8 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 28, under the tail of the Spruce Goose at the Museum, 500 N.E. Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville. Skating is $10 and includes skate rental. For details, visit glide-and-gather-skating-experience.
Christmas drama: Abundant Life Pentecostal Church will host a Christmas drama, “Worth: A Story of our Redeemer’s Love,” featuring members of the congregation, at 6:30 p.m. Saturday and at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12 and 13, at the church, 1145 N.W. Wallace Road, McMinnville. The Sunday show will be followed by dinner. For details, call 503-472-1585.
SATURDAY, DEC. 13
Farmers market: The market is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13, at the McMinnville Grange, 1700 S.W. Old Sheridan Road, McMinnville. For more information, visit the Facebook Page for the McMinnville Grange.
Holiday market: The Ground Holiday Market is set for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13 and 14, at the Ground at Stillwater, 455 N.E. Irvine St., McMinnville. There will be gifts available for purchase from local makers, artisans, and farmers. There will be also be food and drinks available from the bar and food trucks on site. There is no admission cost. For details, contact Lisa Jenson at 503-730-7535 or Lisa.jenson@theground.love.
Christmas lights: The Olde Stone Village will hold its inaugural Christmas Lights Display Contest and open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the 55 and older community, 4155 N.E. Three Mile Lane, McMinnville. There will be hot chocolate, apple cider, cookies and horse-drawn carriage rides through the community. Voting on the light display will run from Dec. 1-31. Maps will be available in the clubhouse. For details, call 503-472-4315.
Santa photos: Free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus are offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the McMinnville Elks Lodge, 2215 N.E. McDonald Lane. The lodge will provide one free 4-by-6 print, and families may also take their own photos. A toy and food drive will be held during the event, with donations of new, unwrapped toys or nonperishable food accepted but not required. For details, email info@macelks.org.
Gingerbread houses: The McMinnville Public Library will hold three gingerbread house making sessions between 9 a.m. and noon, Saturday, Dec. 13, at the library, 225 N.W. Adams St. This activity is open to children age 2-18. There is a $2 fee for the gingerbread kit. For details or to register for a session, call 503-435-5559.
Ornament making: The Chehalem Cultural Center will hold a Felt Ornaments Workshop for children in grades K-5 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec.13, at the center, 415 E. Sheridan St., Newberg. Children can learn how to hand sew felt ornaments to decorate their homes or gift to others. Admission is $15 and includes 1 child and one adult and all materials needed. For details, visit chehalemculturalcenter.org/workshops.
Santa breakfast: McMenamins Hotel Oregon will hold Breakfast with Santa from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the hotel, 310 N.E. Evans St., McMinnville. Admission is $36 or $265 for a table of 8 and includes breakfast and coffee. For details, call 503-472-8427 or visit mcmenamins.com/events/272668-breakfast-with-santa.
Santa breakfast: "Breakfast with Santa" is set for 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Dec. 13, with Santa’s visit from 10 a.m. to noon, at Palmer Creek Lodge, 606 Fourth St., Dayton. There will also be a bazaar from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For details, call the city at 503-864-2221.
Santa patrol: Carlton also will hold its annual Santa Patrol event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, in the civic center,191 E. Main St. Carlton police officers and city staff will be there, and guests can take photos and children will receive goodies during the free event.
Light parade: The Dayton Caravan of Lights will begin at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, when lighted vehicles, cars, trucks, tractors, bicycles, four-wheelers and floats, will parade through town, starting at the Dayton Grade School parking lot, 526 Ferry St. Ribbons will be awarded to the top three displays. Rules and application forms can be picked up at Alacrity Salon Spa.
Light parade: The annual Sheridan Light Parade is set for 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, downtown Sheridan, will wind through town starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. It will end at Sheridan High School, where Santa will greet children and the city’s tree will be lit.
Benefit concert: Rap artists Ryan "Rizzle" Adams and others will perform at "A Very Merry Rizzmas," a musical night to benefit the McMinnville Fire District’s toy drive, starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the McMinnville Grange, 1700 S.W. Old Sheridan Road, McMinnville. Anyone with a toy donation will receive free admittance, and all donations will go directly to the toy drive.
SUNDAY, DEC. 14
Christmas choir: The Community Christmas Cantata Choir presents “Christmas Changes Everything” at 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14, at Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 1500 S.W. Old Sheridan Road. The concert will feature a combination of contemporary and traditional styles. Lyrics will be interpreted in American Sign Language. Performances will continue in various locations throughout the county through Dec. 22. Admission is free, but a free will offering will benefit the Yamhill County Food Bank. For more information, call Lee or Linda Schrepel at 503-939-1562 or visit cantatachoir.org.
Grinch breakfast: A family breakfast with the Grinch is set for 9:30–11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at Chehalem Valley Brewing Co., 2515 Portland Rd. Ste. B, Newberg. The event includes a Grinch-themed breakfast, hot cocoa bar, kids crafts and games, letters to Santa and a meet-and-greet with the Grinch; coffee and mimosas are available for purchase. Proceeds support the Newberg Tiger Dance Team. For details, visit the Eventbrite listing.
Seasonal decorations: The Chehalem Cultural Center will hold a crafting workshop from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the center, 415 E. Sheridan St., Newberg. The workshop will be open to children in grades K-5 and will feature seasonal decoration including holiday paper chains, garlands, and star mobiles. Admission is $15 and includes one child, one adult and all materials needs. For details, visit chehalemculturalcenter.org/workshops.
MONDAY, DEC. 15
Gingerbread house: The See Ya Later foundation will hold a "Go Be Great Gingerbread House Contest" and will accept submissions from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, Dec. 15-19, at the office, 105 N.E. 10th St., McMinnville. The contest is open to children in kindergarten through eighth grade and prizes will be awarded. There is no cost to participate. For details contact Waylon Zabriskie at 503-964-9366 or waylon@seeyalater.org or visit seeyalater.org/events/gingerbread-house-competition/.
Winter reading: The McMinnville Public Library is holding a Winter Reading Challenge beginning on Monday, Dec. 15, at the McMinnville Public Library, 225 N.W. Adams St. Children and teens can pick up a reading log or visit maclibrary.beanstack.org to participate and win prizes through Jan. 10. For details, call the library at 503-435-5562.
TUESDAY, DEC. 16
Christmas cards: The Chehalem Cultural Center is holding a Christmas Card Block Printing Workshop for adults from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the center, 415 E. Sheridan St., Newberg. Artist Christine Joy Swanson will lead the workshop. Admission for the workshop is $75 and is open to all skill levels, For details, visit chehalemculturalcenter.org/workshops.
Winter festival: The Delphian School presents a Winter Festival beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the school, 20950 S.W. Rock Creek Road, Sheridan. The free winter festival will include live music, an art bazaar, holiday treats and Santa will be there. Reservations are required. For details and reservations, email events@delphian.org.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17
Open house: Northwest Senior and Disability Services will hold an open house event at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at McMinnville Cooperative Ministries, 544 N.E. Second St. There will be puzzles, cribbage, poker, board games and an opportunity to learn about the NWSD meal programs. For details and to RSVP, call 503-472-4214.
Elf factory: There will be a makerspace "Elf Factory" open from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, in the Community Center’s basement, 600 N.E. Evans St. The space and supplies will be open for guests of all ages to make crafts to give as presents. For details, call the community center, 503-434-7310.
THURSDAY, DEC. 18
Open house: Northwest Senior and Disability Services will hold an open house event from 11 a.m. to noon, %Thursday, Dec. 18, at Chehalem Senior Center, 101 W. Foothills Drive, Newberg. There will be Mahjong and an opportunity to learn about the NWSD meal programs. For details and to RSVP, call 503-538-1490.
FRIDAY, DEC. 19
Gallery ‘Nutcracker’: The Gallery Ballet and Tap presents its annual “The Nutcracker,” 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19 and 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20. Tickets are $15 to $30 at Incahoots or at the door, at Gallery Theater, 210 N.E. Ford St., McMinnville. For details, contact Edwina Castle at 971-832-0720, edwina@galleryballet.com or visit gallery ballet.com.
Winter skating: The McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce's Holiday Skating Experience will hold its Glide and Gather Skating Experience event from 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays, 1 to 8 p.m. Saturdays and from 4 to 8 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 28, under the tail of the Spruce Goose at the Museum, 500 N.E. Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville. Skating is $10 and includes skate rental. For details, visit glide-and-gather-skating-experience.
Holiday theater: Gather Repertory and Penguin Productions will present "Holiday Extravaganza!" an evening of theater, a baked goods contest and a sing-a long at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, in the LaJoie Theatre, 415 E. Sheridan St., Newberg. Tickets are a "pay what you will" based donation. For details and to reserve tickets, visit app.arts-people.com/index.php.
Benefit concert: Local band Falcon Heart will host a Holiday Extravaganza, a concert night benefitting Yamhill County Action Partnership, from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, in Mattie's Room at McMenamins Hotel Oregon, 310 N.E. Evans St., McMinnville. Entry to the family-friendly event is free and raffle tickets can be purchased for $1 or with a donation of canned food. Santa Claus is expected to make an appearance, and there will be awards for best dressed and ugliest sweater. Local businesses interested in participating in the fundraiser can email falconheartbooking@gmail.com.
SATURDAY, DEC. 20
Farmers market: The market is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20, at the McMinnville Grange, 1700 S.W. Old Sheridan Road, McMinnville. For more information, visit the Facebook Page for the McMinnville Grange.
Christmas choir: The Community Christmas Cantata Choir presents “Christmas Changes Everything” at 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20, at Joyful Servant Church, 1716 N. Villa Road, Newberg. The concert will feature a combination of contemporary and traditional styles. Lyrics will be interpreted in American Sign Language. Performances will continue in various locations throughout the county through Dec. 22. Admission is free, but a free will offering will benefit the Yamhill County Food Bank. For more information, call Lee or Linda Schrepel at 503-939-1562 or visit cantatachoir.org.
Cupcake decorating: The Chehalem Cultural Center will hold "Teddy Bears & Presents: Holiday Cupcake-Decorating Class" for all ages, at 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the center, 415 E. Main St., Newberg. Participants can decorate up to four festive cupcakes featuring adorable teddy bears and holiday gift boxes. Admission is $30 for each participant, and includes all materials included. For details, visit www.chehalemculturalcenter.org.
Christmas service: A special "Blue Christmas" service will be given by Pastor Brian Mackey at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Sheridan United Methodist Church, 234 N. Bridge St. The service will have a special focus for people experiencing loss and depression. For details, call Brian Mackey at 541-405-2135.
Winter Solstice: The First Baptist Church will host a Winter Solstice Service, "Turning Toward the Light" from 6 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Church, 125 S.E. Cowls St., McMinnville. The celebration of the longest night o the year will be facilitated by Shanta Frisbee and will include an opportunity to pause, to reflect, and to look forward with hope to the returning light. The event is open to all ages. Admission is by donation and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Christmas theater: A performance of "The Chimes" is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, in the LaJoie Theatre, 415 E. Sheridan St. Newberg. The story is written by Charles Dickens and performed by Ben Tissell. Admission is $20, $15 for students and $5 with the arts for all program. For details, visit chehalemculturalcenter.org/theatre-accessibility.
Caroling: The Lafayette Community Action Team will host a "Caroling and Falalalala-ing Night" beginning at 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Community center, 133 Adams St., Lafayette.
SUNDAY, DEC. 21
Christmas choir: The Community Christmas Cantata Choir presents “Christmas Changes Everything” at 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 21, at St John Catholic Church, 445 N. Maple St., Yamhill. The concert will feature a combination of contemporary and traditional styles. Lyrics will be interpreted in American Sign Language. Performances will continue in various locations throughout the county through Dec. 22. Admission is free, but a free will offering will benefit the Yamhill County Food Bank. For more information, call Lee or Linda Schrepel at 503-939-1562 or visit cantatachoir.org.
MONDAY, DEC. 22
Christmas choir: The Community Christmas Cantata Choir presents its final performance of the season of “Christmas Changes Everything” at 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 22, at St James Catholic Church, 1145t N.E. First St., McMinnville. The concert will feature a combination of contemporary and traditional styles. Lyrics will be interpreted in American Sign Language. Admission is free, but a free will offering will benefit the Yamhill County Food Bank. For more information, call Lee or Linda Schrepel at 503-939-1562 or visit cantatachoir.org.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 24
Candlelight services: Calvary Mac will hold two Christmas Eve Candlelight Services at 4:30 and 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, at the church, 1825 N.W. Second St., McMinnville. This family-friendly service is free and open to the public. There will be a nursery and kids’ church available. For details contact Christy Lamberson at 503-472-4245 or clamberson@calvarymac.com.
FRIDAY, DEC. 26
Winter skating: The McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce's Holiday Skating Experience will hold its final Glide and Gather Skating Experience event from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday and from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, through Dec. 26-28, under the tail of the Spruce Goose at the Museum, 500 N.E. Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville. Skating is $10 and includes skate rental. For details, visit glide-and-gather-skating-experience.
SATURDAY, DEC. 27
Farmers market: The market is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 27, at the McMinnville Grange, 1700 S.W. Old Sheridan Road, McMinnville. For more information, visit the Facebook Page for the McMinnville Grange.
SUNDAY, DEC. 28
Computer camp: The See Ya Later foundation will hold a "Go Be Great Computer Camp" from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Dec. 28 and 29, at First Federal Community Room, 111 N.E. Third St., McMinnville. The two day camp for students in grade 8 through 12 will have the opportunity to learn how computers work and to build one themselves. The camp fee is $40, and there are scholarships available. For details contact Waylon Zabriskie at 503-964-9366 or waylon@seeyalater.org or visit https://seeyalater.org/events/computer-camp/.
FRIDAY, JAN. 9
Book club: Linfield University's Nicholson Library will host an AI-themed book club from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, and on the second Friday of the month in the Austin Reading Room. Participants will discuss influential AI research papers and books in a collaborative setting. The fall semester book is “Rewiring Your Mind for AI” by David Wood, and the spring semester book is “Co-Intelligence” by Ethan Mollick. For details, visit linfield.edu/aiai.
SATURDAY, JAN. 10
Book Sale: Friends of the McMinnville Public Library will hold a used book sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 10, at the library, 225 N.W. Adams St. At noon, books will be available for $5 a bag. For details, please contact Alan Soles at friendsmaclibrary@gmail.com.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 12
Open house: Northwest Senior and Disability Services will hold an open house event at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12, at Sheridan United Methodist Church, 243 N. Bridge St. There will be a Bingo game and an opportunity to learn about the NWSD meal programs. For details and to RSVP, call 503-843-2000.
FRIDAY, FEB. 13
Book club: Linfield University's Nicholson Library will host an AI-themed book club from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, and on the second Friday of the month in the Austin Reading Room. Participants will discuss influential AI research papers and books in a collaborative setting. The fall semester book is “Rewiring Your Mind for AI” by David Wood, and the spring semester book is “Co-Intelligence” by Ethan Mollick. For details, visit linfield.edu/aiai.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18
AI talk: Patrick Dempsey of Loyola University Maryland will present “The Future of AI and Education”, and discuss how AI is transforming education, from personalized learning to AI-driven administrative tools, at Linfield University on Wednesday, Feb. 18. The talk is part of Linfield University’s School of Business Artificial Intelligence and I (AIAI) Initiative, designed to help students, faculty and the greater McMinnville community explore the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. The talk is free to attend and open to the public. For details, visit linfield.edu/aiai.
FRIDAY, MARCH 13
Book club: Linfield University's Nicholson Library will host an AI-themed book club from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, March 13, and on the second Friday of the month in the Austin Reading Room. Participants will discuss influential AI research papers and books in a collaborative setting. The spring semester book is “Co-Intelligence” by Ethan Mollick. For details, visit linfield.edu/aiai.
