It’s time again for our beloved Clackamas County Fairgrounds & Event Center to transform into a dazzling winter wonderland where people of all ages are delighted by the childlike wonder of Christmas. Presented by Direct Link and sponsored by Canby Eye Care and Clinkscales Portable Toilets, the Winter Fair & Holiday Market is back for its fourth year of merrymaking, and everyone is invited to enjoy the most magnificent light show to date, visits with Santa, live music, festive fair food, holiday shopping and more!

With glowing scenes of winter whimsy, tunnels of brilliant lights and a cast of Christmas characters, this year’s display of over 200,000 twinkling lights will lead you on a half-mile stroll down Rodeo Roadway to the arena and conclude with a radiant 30-minute Christmas tree show sure to excite your holiday spirit! “The light show typically goes through the wooded grove, so this is completely different, and we’ve created a rodeo theme,” explains Special Events Manager Catrina Smith. “It’s our goal to make it fun and different, especially for those who come every year.” Don’t forget to document your merry memories with the photo opportunities scattered throughout, like giant picture frames and a sleigh pulled by pretend reindeer where kids can strike a pose.

The holiday cheer continues inside, with over 30 vendors selling unique gifts for your friends and family, from candles and jewelry to original art and handcrafted creations. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and head upstairs, where Santa and Mrs. Claus are available for photos and will be waiting to delight your little ones with hugs, smiles and ho-ho-hos. School bands from the local community will be performing all your favorite jolly jingles, so sing along with Santa and rejoice in celebrating the spirit of Christmas! For even more holiday joy for the littles, stop by the craft corner, where kids can make winter-themed arts and crafts. “It’s the perfect setup for the younger ones to have fun while the parents watch and enjoy the music,” says Sponsorship and Marketing Coordinator Hanna Russell.

Back downstairs, near the kitchen area, kids can write letters to Santa and drop them in the giant mailbox for special delivery to the North Pole. Make sure they include their address so Santa can send his heartfelt reply! No holiday celebration is complete without festive foods, and the kitchen will serve a delicious selection of what can only be described as ‘fair food at Christmas time,’ including elephant ears, corn dogs, funnel cakes, caramel apples and more! For extra fun and a little competition, they’re hosting a Christmas tree decorating contest for local businesses. Participation is free, and the trees will be displayed outside for voting. The winner will take home both the grand prize and the bragging rights!

Bringing friends, family and neighbors together to celebrate the season is a primary initiative for the event. “Christmas time is for family fun, and we want to provide a venue close to home,” says Catrina. “Especially with the school bands we have coming — we love to showcase the local kids and create a great community feel for all of Clackamas County.” Keeping things convenient and affordable is also a priority. Adults 13+ get in for $10, $5 for kids 4-12 and free for three and under. Tickets will be sold online and at the door. Free parking is directly across the street from the venue, and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

For more details, visit clackamascountyfair.com/winter-fair-and-holiday-market.