Silverton glows in December. Lights twinkle across the historic buildings, evergreen garlands hang from every shop, and the whole town feels like a Christmas card.
Even HGTV agrees, naming Silverton as one of its top 50 best Christmas towns in the United States!
I’ve lived in Silverton for four years, and I love its holiday spirit! This one-day Christmas itinerary walks you through my favorite Silverton winter stops—easy, cozy, and perfect for holiday travelers.
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Looking for a printable version? Download the 1 day Silverton Christmas itinerary here for printing or saving to your phone as a photo.
8:00 AM – Breakfast at Main Street Bistro
Start your day at Main Street Bistro, right in the heart of downtown. The bistro feels warm the moment you step in, especially on a cold Oregon morning.
My personal favorite is the seasonal stuffed French Toast (get marionberry if it’s available), while Brian prefers the savory omelets. The mocha hits just right on those frosty December days.
The bistro fills quickly on winter weekends, so arrive early. If you finish breakfast and have extra time, head upstairs to the lounge to shoot pool for a dollar per round. In the mornings there’s often no one else upstairs.
9:00 AM – Mural Walk & Scenic Stroll
Silverton’s murals tell local stories—pioneers, artists, movie legends, and more. Download the app to hear more about each mural. Many local businesses also have printed maps for the murals.
@dinkumtribe One of the most notable murals in downtown Silverton is the tribute to June Drake- it’s right on the intersection of Main Street and Water Street. He lobbied for the protection of Silver Falls State Park. #oregonhistory ♬ original sound – DinkumTribe ADHD family travel
You won’t want to miss the bright Santa and Mrs. Claus mural near the giant lighted Christmas tree at Town Square Park. It’s the perfect spot for holiday card photos!
Our kids love the Letters to Santa mailbox right in front of this mural. They each drop their own Christmas letter to Santa in this box, and receive a handwritten response from a North Pole elf!
Beautiful walking paths
Our favorite route includes a walk across the pedestrian covered bridge near Town Square Park. The views of Silver Creek are unmatched, but be sure to bring gloves and a heavy coat, because the wind is brisk.
If you want a longer walk, loop around to Coolidge-McClaine Park. It’s a beautiful place to walk in winter, with the light peeping through the tall trees and a gorgeous mosaic fountain.
Cross the other pedestrian bridge on Silver Creek and continue back past the Visitor Center (located in a historic Depot).
10:00 AM – Explore Downtown Silverton & Water Street Shops
Stroll along Water Street to explore the shops. Even more of Silverton’s historic murals color almost every block. Snap a postcard-style selfie in front of the iconic Silverton “City of the Falls” mural on Main Street.
Next you’ll want to drop into a few shops. Many of the businesses in Silverton have won Willamette Valley awards over the past decade, and you’ll see the awards proudly displayed on near the front doors.
Shops to check out in Silverton
Here’s a quick rundown of fun spots to visit:
The Neighborhood: handmade goods and works of art made by local artisans, and a quirky atmosphere.
I’ve Got Rocks in My Head: gifts for rock collectors and fossil hunters, plus an eclectic mix of other fun stuff. This shop is one of our family favorites.
The Red Bench: antiques and a variety of things with real personality. Be sure to go all the way to the back and get your fortune from Zoltar!
Apples to Oranges: large selection of colorful yarns, Silverton merch, and toys for kids and creatives.
The Warren: a coffeehouse, bookshop and community hangout spot all in one.
Silverton Bake Shop: a great warm-up break if you need a second coffee. They’re also a favorite for the epic cakes and handcrafted pastries.
Note: most shops close by late afternoon during winter hours.
Grab your free printable itinerary here!
12:00 PM – Lunch at Curbside Italian Kitchen
Head over to Curbside Italian Kitchen for a warm midday break. Their authentic Italian dishes feel perfect for winter—creamy pastas, rich red sauces, and hot sandwiches.
Curbside Kitchen excels at their breads! I love their pizza because the fresh baked crust is soft and comforting. The tiramisu is also amazing.
If you’re not in the mood for Italian, The Little Leaf Cafe or Silver Falls Brewery are other great options.
1:30 PM – Afternoon Options
If the Weather Is Clear: Explore the Oregon Garden
The Oregon Garden feels extra peaceful in winter. This pet-friendly garden is less crowded in December, but still gorgeous. I love to soak in the stillness while sitting by the various water features (ponds, streams, and fountains).
Some of my favorite places to visit are:
-The Bosque with its geometric tree plantings and mini ponds.
–The Children’s Garden, especially the Hobbit House under the hill and the Pot Family.
-The impressive Conifer Garden full of stunning and unique evergreens.
Alternative for those who prefer a more active walk: Silver Falls State Park (about 25 minutes from Silverton).
If It’s Rainy: Tour the Frank Lloyd Wright Gordon House
Just next door sits Oregon’s only Frank Lloyd Wright house. The Gordon House offers guided tours to explore Wright’s thoughtful designs. Guests can also stay overnight at the Gordon House with advance reservations.
Alternative indoor activities: catch a matinee at The Palace Silverton theatre, or explore the Mt. Angel Abbey Museum.
We’ve got the full festive Silverton itinerary here as a printable (or download to your phone for reference).
4:00 PM – Warm-Up Break & Drive Past McClaine Street Lights
Once it gets dark, drive down McClaine Street to see the three houses with incredible Christmas displays. These homes glow with bright colors, and there are several nearby historic houses as well.
5:00 PM – Early supper (optional)
The Silverton Christmas Market offers snack-type foods, but not a full dinner. If you need a more substantial meal, grab a meal in town before you go. Akatsuki Sushi and The Noble Fox are both great options.
5:30 PM – Silverton Christmas Market at the Oregon Garden Resort
The Silverton Christmas Market is the best known holiday event in the Willamette Valley. It’s an authentic German Christmas market with light displays, festive food and plenty of holiday cheer for all ages.
Millions of Christmas lights twinkle along the paths of the Oregon Garden Resort in fanciful displays.
Families and couples stroll along, cups of hot chocolate in hand, pausing occasionally at one of the fun photo ops.
@dinkumtribe I got stuck in a snow globe! #christmas2025🎅🎄🎄 #silvertonchristmasmarket #hosted ♬ original sound – WildCraftedStudio
I love seeing the handmade gifts and imported German nutcrackers, ornaments and incense burners at the vendor booths. There’s plenty of food options too, including traditional German foods like schnitzel sandwiches, giant gingerbread cookies and soft pretzels.
Activities at the Christmas Market
Kids adore the snowless tubing hill, and many also line up to visit with Santa Claus. Keep an eye out for the Krampus hut, which may scare some younger children.
Adults will enjoy live music, gluhvein, or local brews inside the family-friendly biergarten. The covered indoor seating is a welcome respite on cold or rainy nights.
Tips to enjoy your visit to the Silverton Christmas Market
Dress in layers. The Christmas Market gets very cold, especially after 7 PM. Hand warmers help, and the cozy fire pits positioned through the Market are a great way to warm up
Weeknights have fewer crowds and quieter music. If you’re bringing the whole family, try to visit during the week.
Parking fills quickly at the Oregon Garden Resort. Reserve your parking ahead of time with your tickets, or plan to use the free shuttle service.
Pets are welcome at this festive event, but are not allowed on the shuttle service.
Note that the Market is entirely cashless – plan to bring your credit or debit cards.
Where to stay in Silverton
We highly recommend the overnight package at the Oregon Garden Resort, which includes Silverton Christmas Market admission. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the wonders of the holiday season in Silverton.
If you’d like somewhere quieter, Silver Falls State Park has cozy cabins and lodges at Smith Creek Village. It’s a wonderful place to get away from all the stress of the holiday season.
I hope your visit to Silverton is full of joy and delight. Happy Holidays!
You may also enjoy these posts:
- Silverton Christmas Market and Oregon Garden Resort Package review
- Best Christmas lights in Salem
- Best Christmas lights in Portland
- Kid-friendly things to do in Silverton
- Kid-friendly things to do in Molalla
©️ Copyright Jennifer D. Warren 2025.
