Happy New Year! This week we celebrate the turning of the year from 2024 to 2025. That means there are a lot of events taking place on December 31. This week, we also celebrate the gray whale migration along the Oregon coast, and you can venture to whale watching sites up and down the coast to talk with knowledgeable volunteers about how to spot them. The community comes together for Chanukah Wonderland at Valley River Center, offering crafts and a grand Menorah lighting. If you’re a birder, you might choose to participate in the 83rd annual Lane County Christmas Bird Count. What will you do?
December 27
Lynda Duffy & Gus Russell | Friday nights at Elizabeth’s Wine Lounge means great live music and a perfect dinner night out with friends, family, or a special date! Explore the complete lineup of gifted musicians on the Lounge’s online calendar. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Elizabeth’s Wine Lounge, heartoforegonwine.com
December 27
Dorian May Trio | Enjoy jazz at its finest with some great beer and food. Drop Bear Brewery, dropbearbrewery.com
December 27
Goat Yoga | The experience includes yoga, animal-assisted therapy, beautiful views and loving on animals. Goat Yoga is about disconnecting from day-to-day stress, illness or depression and focusing on happy vibes. No yoga experience is needed. No Regrets Flower Farm and Sanctuary, Monroe, headquarters.goatyoga.net
December 27-31
Whale Watch Week | In winter approximately 18,000 gray whales travel south to the warm lagoons of Baja Mexico. Mid-December through mid-January is the peak of whale migration past Oregon. Spot Gray whales and partake in whale watch counts along the Oregon Coast. Talk to knowledgeable volunteers from 10 am – 4 pm at various locations. Oregon coast, orwhalewatch.org
December 27 & 28
Themed Wine Tastings at Sundance Wine Cellars | Sundance Wine Cellars’ free themed wine tastings highlight various wine regions on Fridays, and on Saturdays, they host local and regional wineries. Apart from the weekends, their tasting bar is always open and has free samples of their featured wines. Sundance Wine Cellars has Oregon’s largest selection of wine and is one of the oldest wine retailers in the Willamette Valley. Since 1983, Sundance Wine Cellars has provided an unparalleled selection of wine from Oregon, the Pacific Northwest and around the world. Sundance Wine Cellars, orwines.com
December 29
Chanukah Wonderland | Bring your loved ones and create cherished memories with a night full of joy and festivities. Get ready for a magical evening filled with fun, community spirit, and festive treats. You won’t want to miss this celebration packed with lively music and entertainment, crafts and a grand Menorah lighting. Please RSVP. Valley River Center, valleyrivercenter.com
December 29
83rd Annual Lane County Christmas Bird Count | All levels of bird enthusiasts are welcome to join across various locations in different towns. The Christmas Bird Count is a long-standing program of the National Audubon Society, with more than 100 years of citizen science involvement. laneaudubon.org
Through December 29
Glow Eugene | This indoor family-friendly walk-around festival is an exploration through luminous exhibits. Journey through six different countries, featuring light up landmarks like London’s Tower Bridge, Taj Mahal, and Eiffel Tower. There will be festive live performances, free visits and photo opportunities with Santa, a Merry Maker’s Holiday Market, holiday treats and gourmet foods, and holiday-inspired drinks from a non-alcoholic bar. Additionally there will be a free scavenger hunt passport, indoor playground and crafters corner for the kids. Make some magical holiday memories. Lane Events Center, eugene.glowgardens.com
Through December 31
Walking in a Winter Wonderland | ‘Tis the season to walk through Christmas lights with friends and family drinking hot cocoa! The Cottage Grove Speedway will again be illuminated with lights and holiday cheer, and the fire pits, cocoa and cocktails will be at the ready to warm you up. Capture the memories with a photo with Santa! Cash only. Cottage Grove Speedway, cottagegrovespeedway.com
Through December 31
Veneta and Fern Ridge Tour of Lights | Follow a map of decked out residences and businesses throughout Veneta on a self-guided twinkle light tour. The holiday lights will be stunning as community members come together for Christmas cheer. Pick up light maps at the Veneta – Fern Ridge Chamber of Commerce. Touring can be done easily in your own car. Vote on your favorite light display! Winners will be announced the first week of January. Veneta, venetafernridgetouroflights
Through December 31
Member Show at New Zone | A special New Zone members show features work limited to 48 inches total circumference. While this sounds small, the creativity and artistry behind it definitely is not! As an added bonus to feasting your eyes on these small gems, they are all priced at less than $100. An opening reception will be held on First Friday, December 6, 5:30-7:30 pm, New Zone Gallery, newzonegallery.org
December 31
Satin Love Orchestra | Celebrate 2024 New Year’s Eve “Back in Black” with the Satin Love Orchestra at the Graduate for the ultimate live music dance party! The event kicks off at 7:30 pm with check-in and photo booths, followed by the main dance ballroom opening at 8 pm, and the show starting at 9:30 pm. Dance to iconic ’70s hits featuring songs from ABBA, Bee Gees, and Earth, Wind & Fire, and enjoy the stylish venue and immersive experience. A black outfit is encouraged, but not required. Feel free to add color or sparkle, and don’t miss the surprise entertainment after midnight! The Graduate, eventbrite.com/
December 31
Dueling Pianos | Ring in 2025 with an unforgettable night of music, laughter, and memories at the New Year’s Eve dueling pianos show! The high energy, interactive performance will have you clapping, singing, and dancing as two talented pianists face off in a musical showdown, playing your favorite song requests, and delivering hit after hit. Doors open an hour before the show, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission is 21+, so grab your tickets and get ready for a New Year’s to remember! Olsen Run Comedy Club, olsenrun.com
December 31
Geezers New Year’s Eve Party | Start partying at 6 pm! Come celebrate the New Year with Skip Jones & The Spirit of New Orleans, celebrating East Coast time from 6 – 9 pm. There’s no cover charge, just plenty of fun, wine, and great music to kick off the night. Territorial Vineyards & Wine Company, territorialvineyards.com
December 31
Midnight at Noon | Can’t stay up until midnight on New Year’s Eve? Join the Eugene Science Center for a family friendly celebration, where you can party during the day and enjoy exciting holiday activities. The event features an explosive science experiment at noon, a laser dance party in the planetarium, hands-on activities with fireworks science, and a full schedule of planetarium shows throughout the day (additional charges apply). Eugene Science Center, eugenesciencecenter.org
December 31
Eugene Symphony’s New Year’s Eve Celebration | Ring in 2025 with your Eugene Symphony and Troupe Vertigo. The orchestra will play cinematic, Broadway and classical music favorites while spectacular cirque dancers twist, twirl, trapeze, fly, and contort in perfect synchronization. Hult Center, eugenesymphony.org
December 31
Gordon Tavern Celebration | Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with an unforgettable night of live music by Hot Fuzz, playing your favorite hits from the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s! Dance the night away to electrifying tunes, indulge in delicious snacks, and raise a glass of champagne as we count down to midnight for a toast to new beginnings. Let’s make this celebration one to remember! Gordon Tavern, facebookevents.com
December 31 – January 1
First Run 10K and 5K | Start the new year with a scenic run or walk along the Willamette River and Delta Ponds. Choose between a 10K and 5K run/walk on New Year’s Eve starting at the minute before midnight or on New Year’s Day once the sun rises (or both)! Participants from both events will be eligible for awards. Valley River Inn, level32racing.com
Through January 25
Adam Grosowsky: New Work – Faces, Landscapes, and Nudes | Karin Clarke Gallery presents Eugene figurative painter Adam Grosowsky’s new work, an outstanding series of oil paintings on canvas. Most are on a grand scale, with some smaller formats also included. Karin Clarke Gallery, karinclarkegallery.com
Through February 2
Calvin and Hobbes | Selections of original art and strips of Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes, 1985-1995. All original art is from the Bill Watterson Deposit Collection, The Ohio State University Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, jsma.uoregon.edu
