Holiday Magic at the Coast

 Don’t miss the festivities in Newport

By Steve Card

Newport, Oregon, is a pretty special place any time of the year, but the upcoming holidays bring out a bit of extra magic, from the many colorful light displays to one-of-a kind experiences.

After people enjoy their traditional Thanksgiving celebrations, it will be a quick transition into Christmas on the coast. On Friday, Nov. 28, the Oregon Coast Aquarium kicks off its annual Sea of Lights, one of the coast’s most unique holiday light displays.

Sea of Lights takes place at the aquarium from 5 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 28 and 29 and Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20. This annual event allows visitors to view aquarium galleries and exhibits in a new light, with each weekend featuring a different attraction. On the last two weekends in December, Santa will be there to greet visitors — young and old alike. Find a full schedule of events, updates, and tickets online at aquarium.org/sea-of-lights.

But local businesses will be decked out for the holidays even before Thanksgiving. Genae Collett, owner of Tu Tu Tu Kitchen Cottage at 222 NW Coast St., said several businesses in Newport’s Nye Beach District will be joining together for a Holiday Open House from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21.

“Last year, it was just a really pleasant neighborhood feeling there with people out on the streets … everybody was just gathered around talking and chatting and strolling around,” Genae said. “It was kind of a way to bring people in and let them know that we're there and have some fun.”

There will be gift raffles, treats to snack on, and even some live music.

And then right after Thanksgiving, businesses throughout Newport will jump head first into the holiday shopping season by offering great deals on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.

On the Newport Bayfront, three stores owned by Susan Armstrong and Ashley Bixler — Wind Drift, Childish Tendencies and Kindred Hearts — will feature great merchandise at huge discounts of 60 to 70 percent off at a “pop-up” location at 410 SW Bay Blvd., which will be open the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving. They will also be doing their annual Giving Tree and Toy Drive during the holiday season, where people can purchase discounted items to donate to local charities and also receive 10 percent off all their other purchases.

And on the Bayfront, it won’t be just the businesses that are lit up for the holidays. The City of Newport’s annual Christmas tree is being moved from its previous location at City Hall on Highway 101 to the Bayfront. The tree will be set up in front of Ripley’s Believe it or Not, located at 250 SW Bay Blvd. A tree lighting ceremony will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6, coinciding with the annual Lighted Boat Parade on Yaquina Bay.

Like a scene out of a Christmas movie, people can stroll the shops on the Bayfront, enjoy the Christmas tree being lit up, and watch the boats pass by all decked out with Christmas lights.

John Fuller, communications specialist for the City of Newport, said, “I'm a firm believer that a city tree should be in like a walkable area where there's restaurants and shops. It will be a nice holiday kickoff weekend for our community.”

The Lighted Boat Parade is again being organized by the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce. Maggie Conrad, the chamber's event director, said they had 19 brightly decorated boats on the bay last year and hope for more this year. “This is a fantastic tradition and a great way to start your holiday season,” she said.

Earlier in the day on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 2 to 4 p.m., “We’re going to have Santa Claus and the puppies again this year, where you can have your dog have their picture taken with Santa Claus at the Yaquina Bay Yacht Club,” Maggie said.

Bayfront businesses will stay open late that evening, giving visitors an opportunity to browse for holiday gifts.

Also on the Bayfront, a Holiday Artisans Market will be held at Local Ocean Seafoods, 213 SE Bay Blvd., from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10.

Another popular Newport holiday tradition is “The Christmas Show,” put on by the Red Octopus Theatre Company. It takes place at the Newport Performing Arts Center from Dec. 19 through 21.

This is an opportunity to have a fun-filled evening with the whole family — maybe even create a new holiday tradition. In addition to the performance, there will be an appearance by Santa Claus, snow inside the theater, hot cocoa, and the real star of the night — homemade Christmas cookies. The cookies — thousands of them — have been made by hand each year and donated by local baker, writer, and theater patron Kate Boyes.

The show’s director, Darcy Lawrence, said, “My vision for ‘The Christmas Show’ is great holiday-themed sketch comedy that is free of political humor and adult themes. I believe clean is not anathema to funny, and anyone who can’t write comedy without politics and profanity isn’t really trying. In my sketches, Santa will always be real, and the comedy will never be crude or divisive. I want everyone to be able to enjoy this holiday tradition, together!”

More details about “The Christmas Show” can be found online at coastarts.org/events/christmas.

There is obviously something for people of any age this holiday season in Newport, a true gem on the Oregon coast. For additional details and any updated information, go to DiscoverNewport.com.