35th Annual Christmas Festival at Silver Falls State Park

Silver Falls State Park’s rangers, hosts, and volunteers are getting ready for the 35^th Annual
Christmas Festival. The event is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, December 8 and 9, 2012, in the South Falls Historic District.  The fun and good cheer of the Christmas Festival has become an annual holiday tradition for families in the Willamette Valley and Santiam Canyon.
 
For the festival, the park’s Historic District is transformed into a Christmas wonderland featuring  decorated trees and thousands of lights. Enjoy the sound of the holidays each day with music provided by local musicians and choral groups. Families can grab a cookie, a cup of cocoa, and gather around the fireplace in the South Falls Lodge to hear a ranger tell seasonal stories each afternoon.
 
Everyone is invited to get in the holiday spirit with numerous make-and-take projects such as holiday cards, gingerbread houses, festive ornaments, genuine wreaths, nature crafts, and more. 
 
Visitors can share a gift of nature by building their own bird nest box.  The Salem Audubon Society supplies parts, tools, and expertise. There is a $5.00 material fee.  The South Falls Nature Store makes it easy to buy one-of-a kind Christmas gifts and souvenirs. There is something for everyone from handmade hats, pens, and ornaments to field guides and nature toys. 
 
All crafts and activities are free. A park day-use parking permit is required to enter the park. A one-day pass can be purchased at the park entrance for $5.00. The $30.00 annual passes are on sale in December for $25.00. Two-year passes are also available for $50.