Holiday Lights at Shore Acres: Oregon’s Brightest Attraction By the Numbers

The holiday season is upon us, and the dedicated volunteers at Friends of Shore Acres are once again transforming one of the most beloved state parks on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston into an enchanting holiday wonderland that will soon delight visitors from all over the world. The 2024 Holiday Lights at Shore Acres State Park display debuts on Thanksgiving Day (Thu, Nov 28, 2024) and will illuminate the park nightly from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. through December 31st, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

We’ve outlined everything you need to know about when to visit, how to book your timed parking pass (if driving), and where and when to catch a FREE shuttle on our Holiday Lights at Shore Acres State Park Event Page . Be sure to gather all the details and book your trip as soon as possible!

In this post, we’re doing something a little different—diving into some impressive numbers behind this beloved community tradition.

Annual Holiday Lights at Shore Acres by the Numbers

34 — the number of times the Friends of Shore Acres have put on the annual holiday light display since it began in 1987. This number would likely have been 36 had it not been dark in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

6,000 – the number of miniature lights at the very first display in 1987. A small group of volunteers gathered to hang the lights, decorate one large Christmas tree along with the Garden House.

9,000 – the number of visitors the holiday lights attracted during its first season.

53,000 – the estimated number of visitors who attended the Holiday Lights at Shore Acres display in 2023. This impressive turnout highlights the event’s enduring popularity, as people from all over the country and beyond flocked to witness the magical transformation of the park.

325,000 – the estimated number of holiday lights (nearly all LED) in this year’s dazzling display. The spectacle includes 26 beautiful Christmas trees, a variety of illuminated sculptures—some of them animated—and enchanting landscape lights adorning the majestic trees surrounding the garden.

1,500 – the estimated number of volunteers organized by Friends of Shore Acres to bring the holiday display to life this year. Sculpture displays, light stringers, tree decorators, and house decorators work tirelessly to complete the setup by Thanksgiving. The total volunteer force includes not only those setting up lights, but also button makers, spice makers, lights checkers, house cleaners, host teams, and Information and Gift Center volunteers. Learn more .

34 – the number of nights the holiday lights will shine this year, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, November 28 to December 31, 2024. Visitors can stroll through Shore Acres State Park, enjoying festive displays and the magic of holiday lights, rain or shine, for a memorable seasonal experience.

6 – the number of weeks it takes to set up this year’s display. Planning for the season begins in January with inventory, completing the lighting plan and ordering replacement lights. During spring and summer, sculptures are created, refurbished, and new lights are prepared. Starting in mid-October, sculpture displays are installed, while light stringers, tree decorators, and house decorators work for about six weeks to complete the display in time for Thanksgiving. Learn more .

$0 – the amount it will cost to ride Santa’s Shuffle from the Charleston Marina (parking lot at the corner of Guano Rock Lane and Crossline Road) to Shore Acres State Park every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening, plus the four holiday nights: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. Click here to learn more.

19 – the number of nights the FREE Santa’s Shuttle will transport holidaygoers from the Charleston Marina parking lot to Shore Acres to enjoy the lights. The shuttles will run from 4:15 pm to 8:00 pm from the Marina to the Park and from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm from the Park to the Marina. The last shuttle from the Marina will leave no later than 8:10 pm to ensure everyone has time to enjoy the lights before the park closes at 9:00 pm. For more information, click here .

$5 – the cost to reserve a required Time-Specific Parking Pass through the Oregon Park System if you’re planning to drive. These passes are per vehicle, not per person, and cost just $5 unless you already have an annual park pass (an advance online reservation is still required, even with an annual park pass). Click here for info.

18- the number of countries visitors traveled from outside the U.S. to see the 2023 Holiday Lights at Shore Acres display. Visitors came from destinations as far as Australia, China, India, Iraq, New Zealand, Pakistan, Slovakia, South Africa, and Thailand, to name a few! See the full list of countries and territories here .

39 – the number of states represented by people who traveled to the 2023 Holiday Lights at Shore Acres display. From Alabama to Alaska, Florida to Wyoming, people traveled from all over the nation to experience the dazzling holiday magic on Oregon’s Adventure Coast. See the full list of the 39 states, and the number of communities represented from each state, here .

4,400 – the estimated number of people Santa’s Shuttle transported from the Charleston Marina to Shore Acres State Park during its 21 nights of service in its inaugural year, 2023. Learn more .

1 – the number of ice skating rinks available for visitors to enjoy on the entire Oregon Coast! North Bend’s Ice Skating Rink will be open from December 7, 2024, to February 16, 2025. Click here to learn more about the North Bend Ice Skating Rink !

We look forward to welcoming our Holiday Lights visitors back to Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston in 2024! When planning your visit, keep in mind that Fridays through Sundays are the busiest, so we recommend coming Monday through Thursday if possible. If you’re driving, remember that Oregon State Parks requires a timed entry parking pass, so be sure to book it in advance and have a printed copy or screenshot ready to show the park ranger upon arrival. If you are coming on the weekend, consider taking the Free Santa’s Shuttle and skip the hassle of booking a parking pass. We suggest booking an earlier time slot to enjoy the ocean views, explore the park, and witness the lights' magical transition from daylight to dark. And don’t worry about rain—there’s less traffic, and the lights look especially beautiful when it’s wet!

We encourage you to make your travel arrangements in advance. Book a 2-night stay this fall and save 15% on lodging—available at participating properties from October 1 to November 30, 2024! Learn more about our Fall 15 Lodging Special here: www.oregonsadventurecoast.com/fall15

While you’re here, we hope you will take the time to explore all the amazing sights and adventures that abound on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston this holiday season and throughout the year. See our other holiday events and seasonal attractions here . Be sure to visit our featured Adventures Page and our Trip Ideas Page to find more seasonal travel ideas and inspiration. You can also follow Oregon’s Adventure Coast Facebook , @travelcoosbay on Instagram , and TikTok to find inspiration on the best spots to visit, eat, stay and explore any time of the year.