Cannon Beach's long-running Lamp Lighting in Sandpiper Square and Holiday Tea at the library are just the part of several festive Haystack Holidays events that will get visitors in the holiday spirit over the weekend of December 1-3. The traditional Holiday Tea at the library, followed by the Lamp Lighting ceremony in Sandpiper Square happen on Saturday afternoon, but several other events will round out a full weekend of holiday activities. Coaster Theatre Playhouse has two performances of Dicken's classic A Christmas Carol over the weekend and the Cannon Beach Chorus will be giving their annual holiday concert on Saturday night. Additionally, the Chamber of Commerce will offer a wreath making class on Saturday.

Haystack Holidays events in Cannon Beach aren't limited to this specific weekend. Shopping festivities include WOW weekend November 10-12 and Mimosa Madness, Cannon Beach's laid-back answer to Black Friday. Performances of A Christmas Carol continue throughout November and December and the library hosts pictures with Santa on December 9. The holiday season wraps up with a winter concert from The Trail Band on December 27 during Holiday Foods Around the World week, when local restaurants feature unique menu specials highlighting traditions from many different countries and cultures.

Throughout November and December, the walkable downtown area of Cannon Beach is decorated with evergreens and holiday lights as shops and galleries offer abundant and unique gift shopping opportunities. Cozy boutiques offer merchandise you're not likely to find in a typical shopping mall including finds like sunken treasures, treats from five-generation candy makers and locally distilled spirits. Additionally, the town's art galleries feature the work of several local artists including blown art glass at Icefire Gallery and Oregon Coast watercolor landscapes at Jeffrey Hull Gallery.

Cannon Beach also offers up some unique off-season experiences during this time of year. Visitors can do everything from storm watching from the comfort of a luxury hotel (at a great off-season rates) to beach combing for those interesting post-storm finds after the waves settle. Additionally, the wildlife watching during this season is unmatched, with Roosevelt Elk emerging from the forest in greater numbers and winter birds flocking to this area for the milder climate.

For activity information visit Haystack Holidays Events or call the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce at (503) 436-2623.