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Although Oregon is famous for its majestic coastal destinations, there are many gorgeous, verdant towns that await once you venture inland. Silverton, Oregon is just off the scenic drive between Portland and Eugene, and is an approachable small town that's perfect for a weekend getaway, whether you enjoy the outdoors, wine, or a relaxing stroll through lush, art-filled streets.

If you're looking for scenic road trip ideas in Oregon, add Salem to your list. It's just over an hour away from Portland — and right outside of Salem, in the charming town of Silverton, you'll find the Oregon Garden: an 80-acre botanical masterpiece filled with more than 20 specialty gardens. If you're wondering why you should visit a botanical garden on this vacation, it's because this isn't your average rosebush-and-bench setup. It's a living showcase of Pacific Northwest flora, featuring everything from a massive conifer collection to a pet-friendly garden and a garden just for kids.

Oregon’s spring break is upon us. And while some families will be leaving town on big vacations (maybe to someplace warm and sunny), many people will likely be sticking around, looking for some quick, local day trips to kick off the season.

Amid the hustle and bustle of the holidays, sometimes a break to just wander (or drive) among festive lighting displays is just what the elves ordered. We’ve gathered a list some of the best lighting shows around Oregon, some of which have been burning bright for more than 100 years. Gather up the kids and head to your favorites or try one that’s new-to-you.

If you’re dreaming of twinkling lights, charming festivities, and cozy holiday vibes straight out of a Hallmark movie, Oregon has you covered. These adorable Oregon towns go all out to capture the magic of the season with festive events, decorations, and activities to fill your heart with joy. 

The Silverton Christmas Market, set within the Oregon Garden Resort (through December 31st), is a seasonal masterpiece with over 1.5 million lights illuminating themed pathways like candy cane tunnels and ocean-inspired scenes. Enjoy German treats like schnitzel and mulled wine as you shop for imported ornaments and handcrafted gifts at the authentic German Christmas market.

The Oregon Garden Resort hosts the annual Silverton Christmas Market on Saturday. It is open now until Dec. 31.

Located inside the Oregon Garden Resort, this authentic Christmas market includes more than 15 vendors offering items inspired by authentic German Christmas markets. Items include collectible mugs, traditional lebkuchen (gingerbread hearts), imported handcrafted goods, ornaments, and more. Tickets start at $15 for adults, with prices higher on weekends, although Silverton residents receive discounts. Children also receive discounts, with free admission for children 5 and younger.

Inspired by traditional Christmas markets in Germany, the Silverton Christmas Market is a massive event, with an expansive light display, snowless tubing hill, fire pit, music, and lots of vendors. Hosted at the Oregon Garden Resort, the event is a major draw for families around the region, offering German holiday traditions like glühwein, lebkuchen and Krampus.

Set in the picturesque Oregon Garden Resort, the Silverton Christmas Market (formerly known as Christmas In The Garden) is a holiday dreamscape that lights up the season with over 1.5 million dazzling lights. Wander through themed pathways and snap memorable photos, from candy cane tunnels to ocean-inspired displays with glowing jellyfish.

The Silverton Christmas Market is undoubtedly this town’s seasonal main attraction. With more than a million lights, the event brightens up even the dreariest winter night. Sip a hot cocoa or traditional mulled wine while you stroll past the light displays (most paths are ADA-accessible), buy treats and gifts from independent vendors, zoom down a snowless tubing hill and put in a good word with Santa. Pay for entry and parking ahead of time online.

Seriously, there is no better time to visit the Oregon Garden in the Willamette Valley than fall. The 80-acre botanical display of the state’s horticultural greatest hits glistens in the autumn rain and gleams with fiery red, orange and yellow foliage.

A rainbow tunnel, a Christmas under the sea, a singing partridge in a pear tree – these scenes and more can be found at the Silverton Christmas Market, a beloved annual holiday market and light display just outside of Salem.  

The annual Silverton Christmas Market at the Oregon Garden Resort offers a magical holiday experience for all ages and even pets. Stroll along immersive paths draped in 1+ million lights. Explore the authentic German Christmas Market for gifts from local artisan vendors and imported German nutcrackers and ornaments. Visit Santa to share your wish list, enjoy live music and a brew in the Biergarten, cozy up next to a fire pit, or take a ride down the snowless tubing hill. The event focuses on its German heritage and gathers inspiration from authentic German Christmas Markets, with collectible mugs; traditional lebkuchen (gingerbread hearts), gluhwein (mulled wine) and more. The event is designed for friends and family to enjoy time together and experience the traditions that make this time of year so special. Experience the magic of Christmas by booking an overnight stay immersed in the magic, at the Oregon Garden Resort.

The Oregon Garden Resort is changing the game, offering a serene experience for its visitors thanks to, as the name suggests, its peaceful garden setting. The Oregon Garden Resort is unlike any corporate chain or freeway-side cookie cutter hotel you might normally encounter off of the I-5 corridor.  Right next door to the spectacular Oregon Gardens, an 80-acre botanical garden, the resort has 103 rooms in “charming cottage-style” buildings that allow guests to be immersed in nature while enjoying privacy and quiet without being far from the best the area has to offer.

The Silverton Christmas Market is much more than a market: with an expansive light display, snowless tubing hill, fire pit, music and Biergarten, it’s a full-on holiday extravaganza. Hosted at the Oregon Garden Resort, the event is a major draw for families around the region.

Travel Awaits writer Peggy Cleveland highlights the Oregon Garden Resort as a great place to stay when you plan your visit to The Oregon Garden. Dine in the Garden View Restaurant at the Resort, where you will enjoy stunning views of the Garden and Willamette Valley. 

Oregon Garden Resort was featured in Portland Monthly's list of the best Pacific Northwest hotels to get away to this holiday season. Learn about what makes the Oregon Garden Resort a perfect spot to get in the holiday spirit.