Re-imagined Candy Cane Village, skating rink open Dec. 6

By Terry Murry on Tuesday, November 26th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

HERMISTON — (News release from the city of Hermiston) Candy Cane Village and the new skating rink will open on Friday, Dec. 6 at the Eastern Oregon Trade & Event Center (EOTEC) as part of Hermiston’s Land of Lights community-wide celebration. To ring in the holiday season, Candy Cane Village, sponsored by Amazon Web Services, will offer two evenings of new family-friendly activities. Candy Cane Village will be open December 6-7, from 4-9 p.m., and provide a festive atmosphere filled with the sights, sounds, and scents of the season.

Candy Cane Village is a free walk-through lighted experience at the Farm-City Rodeo Arena. This year, the village will be filled with holiday treats, crafts, local vendors, family games, entertainment and photo backdrops for holiday pictures during the Holiday Market. AWS will match donations of gently used coats and non-perishable food items, supporting local non-profits.

“Candy Cane Village adds an exciting new dimension to Hermiston’s Land of Lights,” said Al Davis, General Manager of EOTEC. “It’s a place where families can stroll at their own pace, enjoy the beautiful lights, share a hot cup of cocoa, and create new holiday memories. The Holiday Market is a fantastic way to showcase this wonderful addition to the Land of Lights.”

The iceless skating rink is new addition to the Land of Lights and will remain open throughout December near the Candy Cane Village entrance, providing a unique holiday experience. Visitors can lace up their skates for $5 for youth, $7 for adults. Rink hours are from 5-8 p.m. on Fridays, Noon-8 p.m. on Saturdays, and Noon-6 p.m. on Sundays from Dec. 6-Jan. 4.

“Events like Candy Cane Village are incredibly special to communities like Eastern Oregon, bringing people together and creating lasting memories,” said Paul Butler, community engagement manager at AWS. “At AWS, we’re proud to support this magical experience that not only spreads holiday cheer but also provides opportunities for local vendors and organizations.”

Candy Cane Village is part of an exciting week in Hermiston that kicks off the community celebration:

Saturday, November 30: Christmas Bazaar at the Hermiston Community Center
Thursday, December 5: Hermiston Tree Lighting Celebration & Lighted Parade in Downtown Hermiston
Friday-Saturday, December 6-7: Holiday Market and skating rink at Candy Cane Village (EOTEC)

For more information about Hermiston’s Land of Lights and its many holiday offerings, visit www.Hermiston.gov/LandofLights or follow us on Facebook.