Willamette Valley Eugene Concert Choir Presents Handel’s Messiah DEC. 15, 2:30 p.m.
Most audiences have only heard the Christmas portion and the “Hallelujah Chorus,” but this is a rare opportunity to hear the excitement of the entire beloved masterwork. The story continues through life, suffering, triumph and redemption—in distinct, dramatic scenes. In Handel’s lifetime, Messiah was so popular that he created numerous versions of the arias and choruses to achieve the finest performances from the artists who sang in his concerts. Today, with so many variations to choose from, every performance of Messiah is a unique experience shaped by the selections of the conductor. www.eugeneconcertchoir.org/ 2024-2025-season/handels-messiah
Eugene Ballet’s The Nutcracker
DEC. 19-22 AND 24, varied matinees and evenings Orchestra Next performs live to accompany this ballet replete with the sugar plum fairy and en pointe, twirling snowflakes— an annual tradition at Hult Center. www.hultcenter.org/events/ ebc-the-nutcracker-24
Retreat: The Campbell House Inn Make your Victorian holiday atmosphere complete by getting cozy at this luxurious bed-and-breakfast that dates back to 1892. Take in the wintery acre of landscaped grounds in Eugene’s historic district, old world charm and first-class
amenities. Wake to freshly baked scones, and take a short saunter to all the holiday happenings downtown at a range of venues including the Hult Center, Fifth Street Public Market and top-notch restaurants. www.campbellhouse.com
Wine Country Friendsgiving 2024 NOV. 30, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
This new (second annual) tradition in McMinnville comes from a close-knit group of friends who are also behind twelve dynamic wineries. United by friendship and collaboration, they’ve created a spirited tasting event, pairing exciting new Oregon wines with holidayinspired dishes by chef Brett Uniss of Humble Spirit in McMinnville. It’s a chance to experience some of Oregon’s finest up-and-coming wineries in one place. Approachment, Arabilis, CHO, Corollary, de la boue, Dolores, Liska, Lonesome Rock, Lundeen, Sealionne, Suzor and Vincent will pour their best selections, showcasing a vibrant slice of Oregon’s wine scene. In the true valley spirit, Friendsgiving gives back, with part of sales benefitting the Yamhill Community Action Partnership, which works to improve the lives of local, low-income residents through housing stabilization, energy services, a regional food bank and youth services. www.corollarywines.com/events/2024/ friendsgiving
Be it red, white or bubbles, a bottle of something festive and fabulous food pairings are the way to celebrate the year’s end, family and friends. Retreat: The Setting Inn Newberg, Dundee, Ribbon Ridge and Chehalem Mountain AVAs surround the inn’s Oregon-meets-Europe guest rooms. Unwind at the end of the day in the charmingly renovated barn to exchange gifts next to the fireplace, or in the courtyard with s’mores around the warming fire pits. www.thesettinginn.com/willamette
Eastern Oregon “Little Works” Art Exhibition and Fundraiser NOV. 22-DEC. 19
Be it red, white or bubbles, a bottle of something festive and fabulous food pairings are the way to celebrate the year’s end, family and friends. Scores of seasonal events are happening throughout Willamette Valley wine country.
In Joseph, the Josephy Center for Arts & Culture’s “Little Works” Exhibition of small works of art priced under $200 offers a platform for artists to display their talents and raises funds for programs nurturing young artistic talent. Peruse the works to find creative Christmas gifts that give back to others. The exhibition’s opening reception is November 29, from noon to 4 p.m., and coincides with the Stocking Stuffer Black Friday Art Supply Sale.
www.willamettewines.com
www.josephy.org/event/little-works-2024
Willamette Valley Wine Celebrations
AT RIGHT, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Eugene’s Fifth Street Public Market in holiday dress. People of McMinnville come together for Friendsgiving. The Setting Inn in the heart of wine country in Newberg. (photos: Melanie Griffin/Eugene, Cascades & Coast, Josh Chang/Foundry 503, The Setting Inn)
70 1859 OREGON’S MAGAZINE NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2024
