Dufur Hometown Christmas
December 9, 2023 @ 9:00 am
It’s Dufur’s most magical day of the year!
On Saturday, December 9th, join us on the eastern edge of the Gorge for Hometown Christmas, Dufur’s classic, village Christmas celebration. This cherished tradition gets better every year, offering a full day of fun activities for all ages.
Beginning bright and early, discover unique handmade treasures at the St. Alphonsus Craft Bazaar. Of course, no holiday celebration is complete without a visit from Santa — beginning at 11am, bring the kids to share their holiday wishes at WE3 Coffee & Deli, or at Dufur Market after 1pm.
At the historic Balch Hotel, beginning at 1pm, peruse an art sale and boutique gifts, while Jacob Williams Winery pours tastings of their bold red and crisp white wines. An amuse-bouche plate from the Balch Bistro will be available to pair with your wine, along with a light menu and festive drink specials to get you in the spirit.
For hands-on fun at the Balch, experience a holiday wreath-making workshop from McCarthy Family Farm of Mount Hood, Oregon, or dip and decorate your own chocolate-covered berries, cookies, and pretzels with Berries by Felice. Pre-purchase is recommended for wreaths; required for berries. Jump to the link to secure seats.
Pop in to Dufur Valley Tavern at 3:30 to decorate Christmas cookies, and then at sundown, pull up a front-row seat to Dufur’s famous, twinkling tractor parade. This annual spectacle “illuminates” Dufur’s small-town charm with a dazzling parade of festively-decorated tractors. This cherished tradition is not to be missed!
Following the parade and before indulging at dinner, gather at the Balch for a relaxed & cozy holiday mixer. Enjoy old-timey bluegrass music, beer and wine, light bites, and holiday merriment.
To complete the day, at 6:30pm, the culinary team at Dufur Market is whipping up a tender roast beef feast with all the fixin’s, paired with local wine from the ShadowBuck estate vineyard. Contact the Market at (541) 965 – 2819 for more information and to reserve.
Schedule of activities:
* 9 am – 4 pm: Holiday Craft Bazaar at St Alphonsus Church
* 11 am – 4 pm: Photos & treats with Santa (11am – 1pm at We3, 1-4pm at Dufur Market)
* 1 – 4:30 pm: Wine tasting with Jacob Williams Winery at the Balch Hotel
* 1 – 4:30 pm: DIY Wreath making with McCarthy Family Farm at the Balch Hotel
* 1 – 4:30 pm: Art market & boutique gifts at the Balch Hotel
* 1 – 6:30 pm: Festive drinks & light menu at the Balch Hotel
* 2 – 3:30 pm: Chocolate-Berry Dipping with Berries by Felice at the Balch Hotel (pre-sales required)
* 3:30 pm: Cookie decorating at Dufur Valley Tavern
* Sundown ~ 4:30 pm: Lighted tractor parade along Main St
* 5 – 6:30 pm: Holiday reception with live bluegrass at the Balch Hotel
* 6:30 pm: Hometown Christmas Roast Beef Dinner with ShadowBuck Winery at Dufur Market
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Staycation Package:
Unwind in a charming, historic guest room at the Balch Hotel for the perfect post-festivities retreat. All registered hotel guests for the night of Saturday, Dec 9, will receive a special rate of 10% off rooms, 15% off in the Balch Boutique, as well as one complimentary beverage per guest (beer, wine, and specialty drinks included). Book now for welcoming accommodations and a truly festive getaway! Jump to the link or call (541) 467 – 2277 to book.
