‘Land of Lights’ unites Hermiston’s holiday celebrations

By Terry Murry on Friday, October 11th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

HERMISTON – (News release from the city of Hermiston) A revamped and expanded holiday festival will illuminate the entire Hermiston community this December, transforming the town into a Land of Lights while building holiday spirit and community cheer.

The City of Hermiston, in partnership with the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce and other local businesses and organizations, is excited to power up the Land of Lights festival. The month-long event will bring together new and old seasonal events under one festive banner and turn Hermiston into the North Pole of Eastern Oregon.

Hermiston’s Land of Lights will feature these cornerstone events:

The Land of Lights: The upgraded drive-thru holiday light spectacular will be open at the Eastern Oregon Trade & Event Center (EOTEC) throughout the month of December. Visitors can enjoy a dazzling array of light installations from the comfort of their vehicles, making it a safe and magical experience for all. The display will open on Friday, Dec. 6 and will be open to visitors Thursdays through Sundays, 6-9 p.m. during December.
Candy Cane Village: A walk-through lighted village at the Farm-City Rodeo Arena at EOTEC that promises fun for the whole family. Featuring bonfires, hot cocoa, and, of course, candy canes for the kids, Candy Cane Village will be the perfect place to make holiday memories.
Hermiston Lighted Parade and Tree Lighting Celebration in Downtown Hermiston on Thursday, Dec. 5. This beloved annual tradition will illuminate the streets with festive floats, music, and holiday cheer, culminating in the lighting of the community Christmas tree and a visit from Santa Claus. Sign-ups for the parade are at https://bit.ly/HolidayParade2024. The Downtown Light Display will remain open for nightly light shows through the month of December from 5-8 p.m.
Community Holiday Light Contest: To truly make Hermiston the Land of Lights, the community will be invited to participate in a city-wide home holiday lighting contest. Prizes will be awarded in multiple categories and a map of all participating houses will be available to the public.
Christmas Bazaar: This longstanding event at the Hermiston Community Center brings together vendors selling crafts, décor, gifts and other treasures to kick off the holiday shopping season. The bazaar is Saturday, Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Holiday Choir Performance: The Hermiston High School choir will perform a suite of holiday classics amid the glow of lights at EOTEC on Friday, Dec. 13.
Pancakes with Santa. This annual chance to dine with Santa Claus returns to the Hermiston Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 14. The morning includes breakfast, music, games, prizes and photo opportunities. Tickets go on sale Nov. 1.

The mission of Hermiston’s Land of Lights is to spread the warmth and joy of the holiday season across Hermiston and beyond through family-friendly and inclusive holiday displays, events, and performances. Already featuring largest holiday light display in Eastern Oregon, this event is set to become even bigger and better in 2024 and beyond.

“There is so much joy and festivity in our community during the holiday season, and the Land of Lights celebration will build on that energy and connect the events to one another,” said Al Davis, General Manager at EOTEC. “We’re planning all kinds of unique surprises for this inaugural year and are excited to share them as the holiday season arrives.”

Sponsored displays at the Land of Lights and Candy Cane Village are available for businesses and individuals interested in adding to the holiday spirit. For more information about Hermiston’s Land of Lights, please visit hermiston.gov/LandofLights and follow us on Facebook.

Photo: Fireworks illuminate the night above the holiday light display at Eastern Oregon Trade & Event Center in 2023.