Estacada Is Home To Holiday Spirit

When it comes to the holidays, Estacada has a pretty spirited claim to fame: Estacada is the Christmas Tree Capital of the United States! With Christmas tree farms galore and lots of holiday flair to match, you'll want to be sure to add a visit to Estacada to your holiday to-do list.

Shopping local is always important during the holiday season, and perhaps even more so these past few years. The Sandy and Estacada Area Chambers of Commerce have teamed up to add a little fun to your shopping experience and, better yet, give you the chance to end up with a gift for yourself. The Holiday Passport Program has more than 50 participating businesses in the two communities and in the Villages of Mt. Hood and Government Camp. When you spend money at participating locations, you get a stamp for the amount you've spent. The more stamps on your passport, the better chance you have to win prizes, including a grilling package with a new grill, stays on Mt. Hood and more. Go to the passport website to learn more, and to get yours. 

Get your tree direct from the farm at Hughes Family Tree Farm. Embrace your inner lumberjack (Estacada is a timber town, after all) with a u-cut Noble, Grand or Douglas fir, and celebrate your hard work with cider, cocoa, and other gifts for purchase. Hughes opens for the 2021 Christmas Tree season on Saturday, November 13 and is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until December 12.

Or visit Bob’z Trees, where their friendly team can assist you with u-cut or pre-cut trees, including flocked trees to create your own winter wonderland, no matter the forecast.

Are wreaths more your thing? Laurel Hedge offers wreath making classes at their garden store. Bring the family or a group of friends to create your own festive wreath from fresh evergreen boughs. No time for a class? Laurel Hedge also sells wreath kits if you’d rather do your DIY-ing at home, and premade wreaths for those of you who doubt your holiday crafting skills.

For a different kind of farm experience, Stone Circle Cider offers up “scrumpy” English style cider on their farm cidery. For the holidays, they’ll be offering special hot mulled cider around their festive fire pit to transport you to a traditional English Christmas – the perfect way to warm up after choosing your beautiful tree. And they're just down the road from Hughes Family Tree Farm, making it the perfect convenient outing. Don’t forget to grab some of their hard cider to go (by the bottle or by the growler), to be the most popular party host (or guest) at your next holiday party!

And if holiday shopping and tree selecting has worked up your appetite, head to Fearless Brewing in downtown Estacada for pub grub that will warm you from the inside out. Wintry favorites include their gooey and delicious Fearless fondue and sausage or a bowl of homemade chili. Of course, you’ll want to enjoy them with your favorite local brew, crafted with the magical waters of the Clackamas River.

Experience the holiday tree lighting at Estacada City Hall in December, featuring the big man himself – the Estacada Logger Statue, that is, adorned in its most festive Santa outfit! Check the City Hall calendar for 2021 tree lighting information.

Just outside Estacada in Eagle Creek, Philip Foster Farm brings you an old-fashioned Christmas with Victorian decorations bringing festive cheer to the historic farm buildings. Explore their pioneer store and hear the stories of the Foster family as you explore their historic home and maybe even try your hand at some pioneer chores! In 2021, they will be open for the holidays on Saturday, December 4. 

Shopping local is a win-win-win: You feel good supporting local businesses and find some truly unique gifts to wow everyone on your list. In Estacada, Shop Small kicks off November 27 and runs through December. Here are a few of our favorite holiday stops.

Downtown, the Spiral Gallery is a cooperative gallery featuring local artists. One of the artists featured there will be behind the counter, so be sure to strike up a conversation. They offer everything from wall art to sculptures to jewelry, plus a great selection of unique art cards to put the perfect finishing touch on any gift! Next door, Lennox Jai Boutique features on-trend women’s clothing, along with one of a kind jewelry by local Julie Cooper Designs. For the curious kids in your life, check out The Mossy Rock across the street for nature themed gifts that are sure to inspire.

Wade Creek Vintage Marketplace is the perfect place for unique gifts and holiday décor. The converted farm features over 20 vendors with vintage and handmade items. Kick off your 2021 holiday shopping season with their Black Friday and Small Business Saturday weekend, when Wade Creek Vintage will have special discounts, treats and holiday cheer throughout the shop. Peacock Ridge Farm offers a curated collection of French vintage style décor and tablescape ideas to inspire all your holiday parties. And pamper the ones you love with Hillockburn Farm's luxurious body care products made on their farm. Or keep them for yourself (They're that good!), and treat yourself to a relaxing evening once you get home. After all, even Santa's finest helpers need time to unwind! Keep an eye out for special seasonal workshops from both Wade Creek Vintage and Hillockburn Farm on their Facebook pages.