McKenzie River Discovery Center Joins Holiday Ornament Hunt

December 5 celebration expands into valley-wide holiday festivities with local businesses, food vendors, music and community activities

This year’s locally-made design celebrates exploring new places and the beauty of the Willamette Valley, with a classic VW bus, plus a fresh-cut Christmas tree in a wintry scene, and snow-capped Mt. Hood in the background.

LEABURG: A popular Willamette Valley holiday tradition will come to the McKenzie River Discovery Center this December. The center is partnering with the Willamette Valley Visitors Association (WVVA) to host the first annual Ornaments for All Abilities event on Saturday, December 5. 

Scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Discovery Center in Leaburg, organizers says the event will offer an inclusive holiday experience for families and visitors of all abilities. Handcrafted ornaments will be hidden along accessible trails, next to local vendors, entertainment and seasonal activities.

Organized in recognition of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the event expands WVVA’s annual Ornament Hunt by making the tradition more accessible to people who may face mobility or other challenges when exploring outdoor recreation areas.

Adding the McKenzie River Discovery Center also brings the regional holiday celebration into the McKenzie River Valley, providing another opportunity to introduce visitors to the area’s attractions, historic buildings and local businesses. While participating in holiday festivities, visitors to the Discovery Center will be able to explore the grounds and historic structures. Activities will include an on site Santa, holiday treats, food vendors and a musical performance by an ensemble from the McKenzie Community Chorus, which will sing Christmas carols from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Mom’s Pies will be on-site selling frozen pies and freshly baked slices, while Rollin’ Dough and two or three additional food trucks are expected to serve visitors between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Members of Boy Scout Troop 216 will help direct parking during the event. Although donations are not required, contributions will be appreciated as the Scouts raise money for their 2027 activities. Holiday Activities Spread Along McKenzie Corridor The Discovery Center celebration will be part of a larger day of holiday activities throughout the McKenzie River Valley, with several community organizations and attractions welcoming visitors. The Leaburg Library will offer holiday stories and bookmark ornament activities, while the River Run Gallery will feature holiday crafts. The Leaburg Hatchery will also participate, providing games and activities for families. Farther upriver, the Vida McKenzie Community Center (VMCC) will host a live music fundraiser featuring pizza from Stagestop. Additional festivities include the annual Christmas raft parade, scheduled for 4:30 p.m., and the lighting of the historic Belknap Bridge. Together, the activities will provide opportunities for families to spend much of the day exploring the valley, visiting local businesses and participating in community holiday traditions. Local Businesses Invited to Participate Organizers are encouraging McKenzie River Valley businesses to become involved by contributing lodging, dining, recreational experiences and other prizes that will help create a memorable McKenzie River getaway. The effort is designed not only to reward participants in the holiday celebration but also to introduce visitors to local businesses and encourage return trips to the valley. Donations being sought include one- or two-night stays at local lodging properties, with contributions combined to create a two-night getaway package. Organizers are also seeking two vouchers for family-friendly activities or attractions, along with four gift cards valued at $50 or more for restaurants, wineries, breweries, outdoor recreation or other visitor experiences. Additional contributions could include wine, beer, culinary or regional experience passports that encourage visitors to explore more of the Willamette Valley and return for future visits. For local lodging operators, restaurants, outfitters and other tourism-related businesses, participation offers an opportunity to showcase their services to visitors who might otherwise be unfamiliar with the McKenzie River Valley. The initiative also reflects continuing efforts to strengthen the valley’s visitor economy by connecting local attractions and businesses with regional tourism promotions. Regional Ornament Hunt Continues Through December The Discovery Center event is being held in conjunction with WVVA’s ninth annual Ornament Hunt, which runs from Nov. 20 through Dec. 31. This year’s regional hunt will feature more than 350 locally crafted wooden ornaments hidden along nearly 40 trails throughout the Willamette Valley, the western Cascades and the Oregon Coast Range foothills. Since its introduction in 2018, the Ornament Hunt has encouraged residents and visitors to explore public lands, discover new hiking destinations and recognize the volunteers who maintain the region’s trails. WVVA is again partnering with Cascade Volunteers to place ornaments along participating trails. A complete list of locations is scheduled to be released Nov. 20. Participants who discover an ornament can register their find through WVVA’s website for a chance to win a grand prize that includes a Willamette Valley getaway. The new Ornaments for All Abilities event builds on that tradition while emphasizing that outdoor recreation and holiday celebrations should be available to everyone, regardless of physical ability. For the McKenzie River Discovery Center, participation provides an opportunity to welcome new visitors, showcase the facility and strengthen connections with regional tourism organizations. Organizers are also seeking volunteers, business donations and community members interested in providing additional holiday activities. Those wishing to participate can contact Audrey at audrey@mrdiscoverycenter.org. Additional information about the regional Ornament Hunt, participating trails and prize registration is available at www.willamettevalley.org/ornament. With activities stretching from Leaburg to communities farther upriver, Dec. 5 is shaping up as a valley-wide holiday celebration that combines outdoor recreation, local shopping, music and family entertainment while highlighting the McKenzie River Valley as a year-round visitor destination.