Ashland, Oregon spends the whole holiday season glowing. The Festival of Light switches on at 3 PM on Friday, Nov 27, 2026, on the plaza, and the lights stay up from the day after Thanksgiving through the end of the year. Ashland is about 1 hour 15 minutes from Etna.
The dates to know
- Fri Nov 27, 3 PM: Festival of Light kickoff and lighting, on the plaza.
- Sat Dec 5, 2 to 6 PM: Ashland Holiday Sip and Shop, downtown.
- Nov 27 to Dec 31: Holiday lights every evening.
Source: Ashland Chamber of Commerce.
A perfect Ashland day from Blossom
- Morning: Leave Blossom Sanctuary after a slow breakfast and cross the Siskiyou Summit.
- Early afternoon: Walk Lithia Park and browse downtown. Our Ashland in winter guide has more ideas.
- Late afternoon: Sip and Shop on Dec 5, or the plaza lighting at 3 PM on Nov 27.
- Dinner: Pick from our plant-based Ashland list or the Ashland wellness guide.
- Night: Drive home under the stars to a quiet valley, no city noise.
Why stay in Etna instead of town
Ashland's lights are the show. Etna is the encore: 4.2 acres of oaks, deer in the garden and a whole house to yourselves. Check winter driving tips for the summit before you go.
Book your Festival of Light weekend at Blossom.
