The elves at Silver Falls State Park are getting ready for the 39th Annual Christmas Festival! This holiday tradition has a change this year. The event will be one day only. It will be on Saturday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the South Falls Historic District.
Rangers, hosts, and volunteers transform the park’s Historic District into a Christmas wonderland featuring decorated trees and thousands of lights. The sounds of the holidays are provided by local musicians and choral groups.
Visitors can enjoy cookies and cocoa as they gather in the South Falls Lodge area to hear seasonal stories and music each afternoon. Or they can get in the spirit by creating make-and-take projects such as holiday cards, gingerbread houses, festive ornaments, wreaths, nature crafts, and more.
Give a gift to nature by building a bird nest box. The Salem Audubon Society supplies parts, tools, and expertise. There is a $5 material fee for the bird nest boxes. All other crafts and activities at the festival are free.
Get in the spirit of Christmas at the South Falls Nature Store where it is easy to buy one-of-a kind Christmas gifts and souvenirs. The Nature store has handmade hats, pens, and ornaments to field guides and nature toys.A day-use parking permit is required to park at Silver Falls. Visitors can purchase a one-day permit for $5.00. A one-year permit is on sale Dec 1-31 for $25. Two-year passes are also available for $50. Silver Falls State Park is located on OR-214 S about 16 miles southeast of Silverton. For a detailed event schedule, visit www.SilverFallsStatePark.wordpress.com.
