As the holiday season descends upon us with its twinkling lights and joyful melodies, the people of Oregon embrace a unique blend of spirituality and romance that is deeply rooted in their awe-inspiring wilderness. Amidst Oregon's wild majestic lush outdoorsy bewitching stunning idyllic spectacular mountainous serene captivating breathtaking nature lies an array of enchanting celebrations that transport visitors into a realm where traditions intertwine with the natural world.
One cannot speak of the holiday season in Oregon without mentioning Mount Angel Abbey (1 Abbey Dr NE, Saint Benedict, OR 97373). Nestled amidst rolling hills and lush vineyards stands this beautiful Benedictine monastery. Here, at this spiritual retreat, monks perform ancient Gregorian chants during midnight Masses throughout December. The ethereal voices reverberate through the abbey's hallowed halls as attendees are transported to a bygone era steeped in tradition.
For those seeking a more light-hearted yet equally magical experience, Portland offers an event like no other - The Christmas Ships Parade on Willamette River. This whimsical display sees beautifully decorated vessels sailing along the river while adorned in thousands of sparkling lights reminiscent of biblical tales such as The Odyssey or The Tempest. As these ships glide serenely through the water on cold winter nights (Tom McCall Waterfront Park), spectators gather on riverbanks to witness this visual symphony unfold.
Heading eastward towards Bend (97701), another celestial celebration awaits - Winter Solstice Lantern Walk at Shevlin Park (18920 NW Shevlin Park Rd). Inspired by Thoreau's transcendentalist writings and Hudson River School paintings depicting untamed landscapes bathed in golden light; participants embark on a serene dusk hike illuminated by handcrafted lanterns. The delicate flickering flames guide the way as nature's serenade of rustling leaves accompanies the walkers, revealing hidden trails and secluded groves.
Further south, Eugene (97401) beckons with its winter solstice gathering at Mount Pisgah Arboretum. This event draws inspiration from indigenous traditions that honor the changing seasons. Attendees partake in an evening ceremony where they can offer prayers or meditate amidst towering trees and serene meadows, connecting with both Earth's natural rhythms and their own inner selves.
While these events showcase Oregon's spiritual depths during the holiday season, there are also lighthearted festivities to indulge in. One such example is Hood River Valley's Fruit Loop Holiday Open House (Your choice of farm addresses). Here visitors explore a picturesque orchard imbued with tales of Johnny Appleseed - a whimsical celebration featuring apple pie-eating contests, cider tastings, and hayrides through vast fruit-laden fields.
As you wander through Oregon this holiday season whether joining monks in ethereal chants or strolling across moonlit landscapes adorned with flickering lights remember to embrace the rich history and culture that intertwines seamlessly with natures awe-inspiring beauty. In these moments of deep spirituality blended effortlessly with light-hearted revelry lies the essence of an enchanting Oregonian holiday experience.
Websites:
- Mount Angel Abbey: www.mountangelabbey.org
- The Christmas Ships Parade: www.christmasships.org
- Winter Solstice Lantern Walk: www.bendparksandrec.org/event/winter-solstice-lantern-walk/
- Mount Pisgah Arboretum: www.mountpisgaharboretum.com
- Hood River Valley Fruit Loop: hrfruitloop.com
Twitter handles:
1 Abbey Dr Ne
Saint Benedict, OR 97373
United States
Tom Mccall Waterfront Park
OR
United States
OR 97701
United States
18920 Nw Shevlin Park Rd
OR
United States
OR 97401
United States
Your Choice Of Farm
Addresses, OR
United States