Come to Florence this winter and check out all these amazing events and spectacular sights. Spending Christmas on the Coast? There really is nothing like it! Whether you love watching the ocean, looking at lights, shopping small or community events…Florence and surrounding coastal towns have it all!

Starting November 24, take an hour drive to Shore Acres State Park for one of the most spectacular lighted Christmas displays in the state!

There’s No Place Like Gnome

NOV 25 – DEC  24
“I’ll be Gnome for the Holidays!”
Gnome Treasure Hunt all around town. Find the not-so-difficult-to-spot gnomes in participating stores, get your passport stamped and return it for a chance at great prizes from the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce.

NOV 26
Cookie, Cider, Cocoa Trail and Shop Small Saturday in Florence. Deals and delights everywhere you go just steps from our front door.

DEC 3  4:00 PM -7:00 PM
Annual Florence Holiday Festival
Lighted car cruise/parade, Santa’s arrival, lighted balloon giveaway, Florence Food Share food drive, Mayor’s tree lighting, music, food, and small-town holiday fun—think of it as your own Hallmark Movie getaway. It all starts a block from our front door.

Winter Whale Watching!

Generally, the peak of travel for 20,000 gray whales each winter is between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Volunteers from Whale Watching Spoken Here will dot Highway 101 to help you spot the many magnificent creatures. Our favorite viewpoints are all within 20 miles of our front door. Make a day of it with a great cup of hot chocolate or coffee from our favorite baristas, or take-out from a nearby restaurant, and head on up the most beautiful section coastline on the planet. We’ll share our favorite spots when you check in at our front desk.

grey whale watching

20th Florence Winter Music Festival

winter music festival

January 26 to 29, 2023
The 20th Florence Winter Music Festival at the fabulous Florence Events Center (a scenic one-mile walk from our front door). Three days, two nights, 12 bands, 17 workshops, open jams, and it all starts Thursday night (1/26) with a “Take the Stage” open mic, all acoustic, hootenanny with the pros! 2-day and 3-day passes still available.

Valentine’s Day in Florence!

Valentine’s Day is on a Tuesday. That gives you two “chances for weekend romances”—February 10, 11, & 12…OR…17, 18 & 19! Or, stay the whole week. Bring your laptop and work from where you love to play all week. Plan now for a romantic getaway in Florence. Check your favorite lodging for romance packages (imagine flowers, chocolates, and beverages awaiting in your room with a view of the river, dunes, forest, and historic bridge).

 

February 17-19 (President’s Day 3-day weekend)
Wine & Chowder Trail Weekend and Great Glass Float Giveaway

Here’s a great way to extend your Valentine’s Day celebration: A dozen Oregon wineries on Saturday, a dozen local chowder makers on Sunday. Samples around town and on fabulous Bay Street in Historic Old Town (an easy walk from our front door!) Vote for your favorite chowders and sample some of the region’s best wines. Pick up your treasure map and search for 30+ gorgeous glass floats in participating shops, galleries, and restaurants. The more you find, the better your chances of winning one.

February 17-19 (President’s Day 3-day weekend)
Wine & Chowder Trail Weekend and Great Glass Float Giveaway

Here’s a great way to extend your Valentine’s Day celebration: A dozen Oregon wineries on Saturday, a dozen local chowder makers on Sunday. Samples around town and on fabulous Bay Street in Historic Old Town (an easy walk from our front door!) Vote for your favorite chowders and sample some of the region’s best wines. Pick up your treasure map and search for 30+ gorgeous glass floats in participating shops, galleries, and restaurants. The more you find, the better your chances of winning one.

Spring Break!

sand dunes

Horseback riding, sandboarding, golf, ATV rides, sand castles, kite flying, leisurely walks in the ancient forests or on uncrowded beaches, spring whale watching…all just minutes from your overnight headquarters here in the heart of Oregon’s Coastal Playground! Book now for the best room at the best rate.

As our friends at the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce like to say: “There’s no bad weather in Florence, just bad clothing choices.” Layers of cozy clothing and a rain jacket may be all you need to get out and go this winter!

Don’t forget to watch out for King Tides!

King Tide dates for this winter are November 24-26, 2022, December 22-24, 2022, and January 20-22, 2023.