Head out for snowy fun and holiday festivities across the region.
If you’re looking for winter fun, Southern Oregon has it all — including ice skating, skiing and sledding. Towns in the region go all out for the holidays, too, with a banquet of festivals, parades, artisan fairs and tree lightings. Load the family in the car and choose from these four wintry getaways.
1. Sledding and Christmas Trees Near Hyatt Lake
Looking for a thrill? The Table Mountain Winter Play Area — 30 minutes east of Ashland near Hyatt Lake — boasts one of the best sledding hills in Southern Oregon. The wide, long runs are perfect for sledding or snow tubing. Best of all, there’s a completely enclosed warming shelter and fire pit. Bring your own cocoa, kindling and firewood for a toasty time. Table Mountain is not an official sno-park, so you don’t need a permit. Fuel up afterward at Hyatt Lake Resort or Salt & Fire at the Green Springs Inn.
If you want to make a full day of it, you can cut your own holiday tree while you’re out. You can cut Christmas trees on Forest Service or BLM lands with a reasonably priced permit from either agency. You can purchase one online or pick one up from a local vendor. Remember to choose a tree that’s in a dense grove, as thinning will help the remaining trees grow.
2. Ring in the Holidays in Ashland and Jacksonville
Downtown Ashland transforms into a wonderland during the holidays, and the magic starts the day after Thanksgiving with the annual Festival of Light. The beloved tradition kicks off with a parade through downtown. Santa Claus makes an appearance on the Brickroom balcony in the downtown plaza, followed by the Grand Illumination — where lights outlining the windows, balconies and facades of buildings up and down the block are switched on all at once. Since the festivities can be crowded, make sure you have a reservation if you want to warm up at one of Ashland’s many fine restaurants afterward.
Looking for more holiday fun? Take the kids ice skating at the Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink in Lithia Park. Check the schedule for recreational skate times and Frozen Tots sessions dedicated to younger and novice skaters.
There’s fun for the entire family in Jacksonville during the holidays, as well, including visits from Santa, tree-lighting festivities and a holiday parade. Be sure to book tickets for the 45-minute Jacksonville Holiday Trolley Lights Tour to experience light displays and historic landmarks.
3. Celebrate Winter in the Oregon Outback
If you’re looking for a remote family getaway, head for the Warner Canyon Ski Area in the stunning Oregon Outback. This affordable ski resort is tucked in the Warner Mountains just a few minutes east of Lakeview. Though small, the mountain features runs for newbies to advanced skiers. In between runs, you can buy snacks and warm up in front of the wood stove in the rustic lodge. In the past, the mountain has hosted a volunteer-led ski and snowboard instruction program on Saturday mornings; be sure to check its website for 2026 updates.
You can purchase lift tickets and rent skis and snowboards in Lakeview at Tall Town Bike & Camp in town. When you return, soak sore muscles at the Neon Cowboy Roadhouse & Hot Springs, where you can either choose a day pass or stay overnight at the pet-friendly motel. Either way, be sure to enjoy a hot meal at the on-site restaurant.
4. Snowshoe in Lake of the Woods — or Go Fly a Kite
There are many family-friendly activities at and near Lake of the Woods Resort. The marina is open for snowshoe rentals and hot cocoa for warming cold hands. The 2-mile Family Loop trail starts near the day-use parking area, or head over to the popular Great Meadow Sno-Park, just a few miles away on Highway 140. If you want to make it an overnight getaway, stay in your RV or a cozy cabin, though book fast — families in the know reserve these months in advance.
And plan ahead — the Annual Kite Festival at Lake of the Woods in February is truly wondrous. You’ll see marvels like rainbow-colored dragons against a backdrop of snow-flocked trees and whales swimming across the sky. The festival typically takes place over a three-day weekend in mid-February in Lake of the Woods, about 40 miles northwest of Klamath Falls. Just be sure to check the website close to your departure — the lake must be frozen enough to support the event. Saturday is usually the most popular day, with dozens of colorful kites brightening the sky, as well as a hearty breakfast buffet.
