GRETCHEN AMMERMAN/Oregon Coast TODAY
On a day not so long ago, the evergreen trees in my backyard were covered in the remains of a recent rain and the light was low in the sky, creating an effect where each drop was lit in a primary color: green, red, blue, yellow. Perhaps this is the origin of Christmas tree lights, I mused.
Well, lights displays have come a long way, baby. Below are a few choice options for enjoying the unique ways in which people on the central Oregon coast are spreading joy this year.
Sea of Lights, Newport
The Oregon Coast Aquarium’s Sea of Lights is one of the coast’s most unique holiday light displays and illuminates from 5-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings through December. Aquarium members can attend at no cost, with general admission tickets priced at $10 per person or free with same-day paid admission.
On Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8-9, tickets will be $5 for those who bring a canned food donation to benefit the Food Share of Lincoln County.
Santa will be present to pose for photos and listen to wishes each weekend until Christmas, after which the Snow Queen will make a special appearance. Guests can enjoy live music from the Oregon Coast Recorder Society on Friday, Dec. 8, and from the Pacific Coast Wind Ensemble on Saturday, Dec. 16.
The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Road, Newport. For more information, go to aquarium.org or call 541-867-3474.
Depoe Bay Lights
Every winter since 2019, a group of neighbors in the northern hills of Depoe Bay, headed by Bill and Peggy Masella, go insane. In addition to a staggering number of lights, the group’s displays include snowflake arches and whale tails, orcas, firework stars, moving heads and an angel wing selfie station, all set to music broadcast on FM 92. For walkers, there’s a button that will allow you to hear the music for roughly five minutes.
The displays light the night from 4:30-9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 4:30-10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays. Viewers can enjoy a cup of Left Coast coffee or cocoa and a candy cane, weather and supplies permitting.
To get there, turn west from U.S. Highway 101 on Evans Street then south on Southwest Coast Avenue.
For more, much more, information, go to depoebaylights.com.
Deck the Dock, Lincoln City
Partake in the annual tradition of the lighting of the Taft Dock, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus and their Lincoln City helpers, at the official lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1. Have a cookie from local bakery My Petite Sweet and watch the rosy-cheeked couple flip the switch and light up the holiday season.
Miss the ceremony? Cruise the dock any time after dusk through the end of December to enjoy the lovely lights along the Siletz Bay.