Dec. 11, 2020 — The City of Florence has completed the final touches on its holiday decorations around town. Besides the colorfully lit Siuslaw River Bridge Interpretive Center on Bay Street, many other city facilities also sport colorful garlands and ornaments in cheerful display to view both day and night. For more information on holiday events and displays in Florence, see Page A6 in this edition of the Siuslaw News.

Dec. 11 & 12

City Lights Cinemas Popcorn Fundraiser

4 to 7 p.m.; concessions available for $5 each

City Lights Cinemas, 1930 Highway 101, citylightscinemas.com

 

Dec. 12

Winter Wonderland Drive Through

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; open to children and families

Come see Santa Claus, enjoy free cinnamon rolls and hot cocoa and receive holiday crafts. The event is free but donations go to Food Backpack for Kids.

Cross Road Assembly of God Church, 1380 10th St.

Hosted by Florence Community PTA, 541-997-2514

 

25th Annual Light Up A Life

2 p.m. — open to public to attend a video memorial via Facebook

PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Hospice invites the community to remember their loved ones during the virtual Light Up a Life celebration.

Peace Harbor Hospice, www.facebook.com/PeaceHarbor/

peacehealth.org/PeaceHarbor-LUAL

 

Pacific Coast Wind Ensemble Drive-In Christmas Carol Concert

2 p.m.; free to public

Presbyterian Church of the Siuslaw, 3996 Highway 101

Donations will benefit the Florence Emergency Cold Weather Shelter

 

Dec. 18 & 19

City Lights Cinemas Popcorn Fundraiser

4 to 7 p.m.; concessions available for $5 each

City Lights Cinemas, 1930 Highway 101, citylightscinemas.com

 

Dec. 19

Free Christmas Food Basket Giveaway

Hosted by Soroptimist International of Florence

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; open to public

Siuslaw Middle School, 2525 Oak St.

To donate, contact Carol Bennett at 541-991-3455

 

Nyah presents “Maybe It's A Christmas Concert”

4 p.m.; open to public to attend virtually

Join local singer Nyah on Facebook in a virtual concert as she performs her current and unreleased original songs sprinkled with rite holiday tunes

www.facebook.com/nyahtheunicorn

 

Dec. 21

Winter Solstice Lantern Walk

4:45 to 6 p.m.; open to public

Assemble — wearing both masks and weather-appropriate gear ­­— at Bridgeport Market before walking through Historic Old Town Florence.

Bring lanterns, glow in the dark sticks, flashlights, light up toys, etc. Costumes, creativity, musical instruments, bells and whistles encouraged. The walk will end at the Siuslaw River Bridge Interpretive Center.

Hosted by Serene Abundance Studio, www.facebook.com/SereneAbundance

 

Dec. 25 — Christmas Day

Christmas Day Community Appreciation Dinner

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; open to public

The community is invited to drive by for a complimentary cooked Christmas dinner to take home and warm

Florence Elks Lodge #1858, 1686 12th St.; www.florenceelks.com

 

Through Dec. 12

12 Days of Christmas Upcycling Challenge

Take the time to upcycle items into gifts or decorations. The challenge includes scrap wood, wreaths, kitchen items, etc.

Florence Habitat for Humanity, 2016 Highway 101

florencehabitat.org

 

Through Dec. 15

Holiday Pop Up Photo Ops

Photo opportunity displays for people to take pictures and post online.

Locations: Siuslaw River Bridge Interpretive Center, Old Town Park (Gazebo Park), Port of Siuslaw Boardwalk, Florence City Hall and Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Hosted by City of Florence and Florence Habitat for Humanity

ci.florence.or.us/community/2020-home-holidays

 

Through Dec. 17

Habitat Holiday Raffle

Buy tickets to win one of five prizes

Florence Habitat for Humanity, 2016 Highway 101

florencehabitat.org

 

Through Dec. 19

Gingerbread House Contest

Pick up a $15 house kit from Florence Habitat and get decorating. Then, post a photo to social media. Gingerbread house with the most likes wins.

Florence Habitat for Humanity, 2016 Highway 101

florencehabitat.org

 

Happy Wrappers

Florence Habitat ReStore offers complementary gift wrapping. Donations accepted.

Wednesdays through Saturdays

Florence Habitat for Humanity, 2016 Highway 101

florencehabitat.org

 

Through Dec. 20

Letters to Santa

Hosted by City of Florence and Florence Habitat for Humanity

Kids of all ages can drop off letters to Santa Claus at the North Pole Express Mail Drop Box

Make sure to include mailing address so local elves can help Santa write back

Siuslaw River Bridge Interpretive Center on Bay Street

ci.florence.or.us/community/2020-home-holidays

 

Through Dec. 24

Chamber Home for the Holidays – Holiday Décor Contest

16 Chamber members have decorated their businesses to welcome visitors to enjoy being “Home for the Holidays.” Download the map to visit and vote.

Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, florencechamber.com

 

Through Dec. 31

Vote on the Holiday LED Light Contest

Hosted by City of Florence, Florence Habitat for Humanity, KCST/KCFM Coast Radio & Siuslaw News

Decorate your home or business with LED lights and displays for a chance to win big prizes

Vote online at thesiuslawnews.secondstreetapp.com/2020HolidayLights/rounds/1/residential

ci.florence.or.us/community/2020-home-holidays

 

This list will be updated online at TheSiuslawNews.com.