Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach

CANNON BEACH — Cannon Beach offers people seeking to escape the metropolitan rush of the commercial Christmas shopping season a respite from the crowds. Looking for a fun and laid-back alternative to Black Friday? Check out Mimosa Madness on Friday, Nov. 24.

The shopping event is highlighted by adult beverages and special discounts and offers in participating shops and galleries.

Cannon Beach’s long-running Lamp Lighting in Sandpiper Square and Holiday Tea at the library are just the start of several festive events that will get visitors in the holiday spirit Friday through Sunday, Dec. 1 through 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.

The Coaster Theatre Playhouse has two performances of “A Christmas Carol: The Musical” over the weekend, and the Cannon Beach Chorus will give their annual holiday concert Saturday night. Additionally, the Chamber of Commerce will offer a wreath-making class on Saturday.

Performances of “A Christmas Carol: The Musical” continue throughout November and December, and the library hosts pictures with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 9. The holiday season wraps up with a winter concert from The Trail Band on Wednesday, Dec. 27, during Holiday Foods Around the World week, when local restaurants feature unique menu specials highlighting traditions from many different countries and cultures.

During the holiday season, 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 great off-season rates) to beach combing for those interesting post-storm finds after the waves settle.

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 more on Haystack Holidays events, visit the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce online at cannonbeach.org or call 503-436-2623.