The holiday season starts crackling like a Yule log this weekend. From Yachats to Seal Rock to Waldport, local events — free to enjoy and all family-friendly — begin Saturday.
One of the more traditional attractions is “Breakfast with Santa,” returning to the Yachats Lions Club Hall for the first time since 2019. The free pancake breakfast (although donations are welcome) benefits the work of Yachats Youth and Family Activities Program, the nonprofit that provides pre- and after-school children’s programs, summer camps and family activities. The jolly old elf himself will preside over the fun from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Hall, 344 Fourth St.
“We’re excited to be back at the Lions Hall,” said YYFAP executive director Patricia Hettinger. “All are welcome, and we expect a big crowd.”
To accommodate the anticipated turnout, attendees are asked to consider arriving for one of three time slots: 8:30-9:30 a.m., 9:30-10:30 a.m., or 10:30-11:30 a.m. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage and eggs, plus coffee, juice, milk and water.
Each child who visits with Santa will receive a wrapped gift. There will also be a crafts table where children can make a Santa hat. Working the event will be Lions Club members, as well as students from Angell Job Corps, YYFAP staff and volunteers.
“Breakfast with Santa” is a tradition of some 12 years standing in Yachats. The pandemic forced a cancellation in 2020; in 2021, a modified version of the fundraiser took place at the Commons.
More in Yachats, Seal Rock, Waldport
Throughout the weekend and beyond, a sack full of other seasonal events are taking place:
- Yachats Ladies Club Holiday Bazaar: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3, Ladies Clubhouse, 286 W. Third St. Baked goods and handcrafted items for sale, plus a drawing for the scholarship quilt raffle Dec. 3.
- Seal Rock Garden Club Holiday Greens Sale: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, clubhouse at 10377 Rand St., Seal Rock. Custom wreaths, swags, centerpieces, small decorated live trees for sale.
- Waldport First Baptist Church Coastal Holiday Bazaar: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, 2620 E. Alsea Highway, Waldport. Handmade crafts, baked goods for sale. Free hot beverages and gift wrapping.
- Bayshore Artisans Christmas Bazaar: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4, Bayshore Community Clubhouse, 1512 N.W. Oceania Drive, Waldport. Admission is by one can of food.
- Waldport Candlelight Alsea Bridge Walk and Tree Lighting: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, Alsea Bay Bridge Interpretive Center, 320 U.S. Highway 101, Waldport. Also: Santa visits from 3:30-5 p.m., hot cocoa, cider and cookies noon to 6 p.m.
- Beachcomber Days Christmas Bazaar: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, Crestview Heights School gymn, 2750 S. Crestline Drive, Waldport.
- Yachats community Christmas tree lighting: 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, C&K Market parking lot.
- Waldport Christmas Light Parade: 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16. Procession through downtown Waldport starting at Port of Alsea, 365 N.E. Port St. Go to Beachcomber Days website for route details and to register for parade.