Ring in the New Year with pop reggae music and a good cause as JaSkaMon hosts a New Year’s Eve benefit concert at the Lincoln City Cultural Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31.

The cozy season is in full swing. The days are colder, the sunlight shorter and the weather wetter. I know some people struggle with the weather this time of year, but I embrace it.

Winter whale migration season is underway along the Oregon Coast, offering shoreline viewing opportunities as gray whales travel south toward breeding lagoons in Baja California, Mexico.

Your guide to live music on the Central Oregon Coast, from Thursday, Dec. 18, through Wednesday, Dec. 24.

Everything fun to see and do on the Central Oregon Coast from Thursday, Dec. 18, through Wednesday, Dec. 24.

In the still of the night, from the darkness comes a light. With the celebrations of winter solstice, the longest evening of the year is bright with hope and free activities this Sunday, Dec. 21.

The Lincoln City Holiday Extravaganza, a new all-ages variety show celebrating local talent, will light up the Lincoln City Cultural Center this Friday, Dec. 19.

Blessing “Bled” Chimanga will bring an evening of music rooted in the rhythms and spirit of Zimbabwe to the Lincoln City Cultural Center this Saturday, Dec. 20.

“It is the season of the heart, a special time of caring, the ways of love made clear.”

“The world is at her best, you know, when people love and care.”

— From “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” with words and music by Paul Williams

Don your favorite ugly Christmas sweater and grab your family and friends — Red Octopus Theatre Company’s “The Christmas Show” will return to the Newport Performing Arts Center for four performances this weekend.

Prepare to have your bells jingled as Strut Cabaret brings a very merry dose of season's teasin's to the annual Holiday Burlesque Show at Newport’s Primaltones Community Venue this Saturday, Dec. 20.

Jillian’s Hair Salon’s Giving Tree fund-raiser is back in Lincoln City through Wednesday, Dec. 24 collecting food, toys and other non-cash donations to support local animal rescue groups.

I was raised by a mother who absolutely loves Christmas. Our home was always decked out for the holidays with a beautiful tree with almost too many lights on it.

Find Your “Elf” in Waldport, a shop-local holiday scavenger hunt, is back at the town’s businesses through Sunday, Jan. 4.

This Christmas, Santa is trading in his reindeer for a steam engine. Come along for a train ride with the man in the red suit aboard the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad’s Candy Cane Express.

Don’t blow your chance to enjoy bright music and holiday warmth as the Pacific Coast Wind Ensemble presents “Sounds of the Season” at the Yachats Commons this Saturday, Dec. 13.

Explore a century of coastal history as Jim Affolter presents “Neskowin: A Book of Found Photos 1880-1980” at the North Lincoln County Historical Museum in Lincoln City this Saturday, Dec. 13.

Experience the sweep of love and revolution as the Metropolitan Opera’s “Andrea Chénier” streams live to the Newport Performing Arts Center this Saturday, Dec. 13.

Step back into the golden age of radio as Theatre West brings “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” to the Lincoln City Cultural Center stage this Friday, Dec. 12, and Saturday, Dec. 13.

Kick up your heels with Celtic folk, sea shanties and foot-stomping originals as Adams & Linahon bring their high-energy sound to the Lincoln City Cultural Center this Sunday, Dec. 14.