Courtesy: Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce
SOUTHERN OREGON — Two Southern Oregon towns are getting national attention this holiday season after being ranked among the most “Hallmark ready” communities in America, according to a national travel survey by Exoticca.
Jacksonville earned the top spot in Oregon, with Ashland close behind. Both were recognized for their historic charm, holiday traditions, and small town atmosphere that voters said felt “straight out of a movie.”
Holiday tourism leaders say the ranking reflects years of work maintaining both communities’ downtowns, events, and decorations throughout the season.
Jacksonville’s brick lined streets, Victorian storefronts, and popular holiday trolley rides have become a major attraction, selling out more than 5,800 tickets this year.
Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Don Litchfield said, “Main Street, the lights, the garland, the old architecture of the town. It’s just got that homey, fun little feeling.”
Jacksonville resident Andrew Riggs said, “My favorite part of Christmas in Jacksonville is all the people who come home. And as they say, there’s no place like home.”
The town also hosts Father Christmas each weekend at the historic U.S. Hotel, which is set to become the future home of the Britt Music and Arts Festival.
For more information on Jacksonville’s Victorian Christmas, click here.
In Ashland, the long running Festival of Light transforms the city each November with more than a million lights, carriage rides, and downtown events that continue through New Year’s.
Dana Preston with the Ashland Chamber of Commerce said, “People want to stroll downtown, have a cup of coffee, go shopping underneath the lights. They want to feel that magic and Ashland really gives them that experience.”
For more information on Ashland’s Christmas festivities, click here.
Chambers in both cities say the recognition highlights months of planning each year, including holiday event schedules and lighting installations that begin well before Thanksgiving.
Both towns report strong visitor turnout early this season and expect steady tourism through Christmas.
Samantha Kadera is an anchor/reporter at NewsWatch 12. You can reach her at skadera@kdrv.com.