Every winter, a Brookings park fills with light. The Brookings Festival of Lights, officially called Nature’s Coastal Holiday Festival of Lights, has become one of the best-known holiday traditions on the southern Oregon coast. If you are planning a visit, this guide covers what the festival is, when it runs in 2026, how to plan your evening, and where to stay nearby.
What Is the Festival of Lights?
The festival takes place at Azalea Park, 640 Old County Road in Brookings. According to the organizers, it began in 1997 with about 20,000 lights and has grown to more than three million. Attendance has grown too, from roughly 7,100 visitors at the start to more than 20,000 a year. You can read the story on the festival’s tradition page.
It is run by a nonprofit and staffed by community volunteers, and proceeds support improvements to Azalea Park and, at times, community programs. That volunteer spirit is a big part of its charm. For many local families, it is the way the holiday season starts.
2026 Dates and What to Expect
Listings show the 2026 festival running from November 27 through December 27 on the Oregon Coast Visitors Association event page. Hours and admission details were not listed there, so check the official festival website before you go, since schedules and ticket details can change from year to year.
Here is what visitors can look forward to, based on the organizers’ description:
- More than three million lights across the park
- Colorful, themed areas to walk through, including an Undersea Gardens section with illuminated sea creatures
- A walking route that takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes
- Appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus on select evenings
Planning a Brookings Oregon Christmas lights outing? The festival is the main event, so build your evening around it.
Tips for Visiting
A little planning makes the evening smoother:
- Go on a quieter night. The organizers suggest Sunday through Thursday if you want to avoid the biggest crowds.
- Dress warmly. Coastal evenings are cool and often damp, and you will be outside for a while. Wear layers and sturdy, waterproof shoes.
- Check the weather. The National Weather Service Medford forecast helps you pick a dry evening.
- Bring a flashlight or phone light for the walk back to the car.
- Plan dinner first. Our Brookings dining guide lists places to eat before or after.
If you are bringing children, give them time to stop and look. Many families find the walk is more fun at a slow pace, with a hot drink in hand.
Why Visitors Come Back Year After Year
Part of the appeal is how personal it feels. This is not a corporate light show. It is a community project that has grown steadily for more than 25 years, built by volunteers who set up in the fall and take it down after the new year. Many visitors make it an annual tradition with family or friends.
Another draw is the setting. The lights glow against dark evergreens and a damp coastal night, and a walk with a warm drink makes for a relaxed outing that suits all ages. If you are a photographer, bring a steady hand or a small tripod and give your eyes a moment to adjust to the dark before you shoot.
Make It a Weekend, Not Just an Evening
The festival’s walking route takes under an hour, so it pairs well with a longer stay. Spend the day on the coast, then head to the lights after dark. A few ideas:
- Walk the beach at Harris Beach State Park, and see our Harris Beach guide.
- Take a quiet hike through the redwoods with our Oregon redwoods trail guide.
- If a storm rolls in, read our storm watching guide and watch from a safe viewpoint.
- Browse the City of Brookings visitor information page for more local ideas.
If you are visiting over the Thanksgiving holiday, our Oregon coast Thanksgiving guide has more on planning that weekend, since the festival opens the day after.
Where to Stay Near Azalea Park
Blue Coast Inn & Suites is on Chetco Avenue in Brookings, a short drive from the park. After a cold evening walk, it is nice to come back to a warm room. Check-in is at 3 PM and check-out is at 11 AM. Our rooms page shows every option, including the two-queen suite with kitchenette, which sleeps four and is handy for families who want to make a hot drink or reheat leftovers.
Traveling with a dog? Dogs are welcome at our hotel, up to three per room at $20 per night per dog. Check the festival’s own rules before bringing a pet to the lights, since policies vary at events. Our pet-friendly hotel guide and hotel policy explain the details.
December weekends can book up, so reserve early. Our guide to choosing among Brookings hotels can help you compare, and you can contact us with questions before you book.
A Quick Festival Checklist
- Confirm dates, hours and admission on the official festival website.
- Pick a Sunday-to-Thursday evening if you can.
- Book your room early for December weekends.
- Dress in warm layers and waterproof shoes.
- Check the forecast and bring a light.
- Plan dinner and leave time to walk slowly.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Brookings Festival of Lights in 2026?
Listings show November 27 through December 27, 2026. Please confirm hours and details on the official festival website before you go.
Where is the festival held?
It takes place at Azalea Park, 640 Old County Road, in Brookings, Oregon.
How long does it take to walk through?
The walking route takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how often you stop.
When is the best time to avoid crowds?
The organizers suggest Sunday through Thursday evenings.
Can I bring my dog?
Our hotel welcomes dogs, but event rules vary, so check with the festival organizers before you bring a pet to the lights.
