Lebanon Prepares for Annual Victorian Holiday Weekend
Victorian Holiday always brings crowds every year, with carriage rides, costumes and more
LEBANON — Downtown Lebanon is getting ready to welcome the holiday season with its annual Victorian Holiday Weekend, set for Friday, November 21, and Saturday, November 22, 2025. The free to attend two-day event will take place along historic West St. Louis Street, running from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday and from noon to 8:00 PM on Saturday.
The festival has long been one of Lebanon’s most anticipated events, transforming the city’s brick streets into a scene reminiscent of the late 1800s. Visitors can expect traditional attractions such as horse-drawn carriage rides, live reindeer, and appearances by Father Christmas. The event will also feature roaming costumed characters, local vendors, and live entertainment, creating a warm, nostalgic atmosphere for families and visitors of all ages.
According to organizer and committee member Tristan Ferendgo, this year’s event focuses on artistic improvements and community engagement. “Our budget this year has been all artistic improvements,” Ferendgo said. “I want to see a re-engagement with the community. I don’t want to forget that the roots of this are with the people of Lebanon.”
Ferendgo added that more actors and street performers will interact with visitors this year. “We’re adding more mingling characters, even some that might hop up on a soapbox for a performance. We’re also hoping to include a magician if scheduling works out,” he said.
The Lebanon Rotary Club is sponsoring this year’s gingerbread competition, while the Lebanon Merchants Group is hosting the Letters to Santa station, complete with an old-fashioned mailbox for children to drop off their holiday wishes. The lamplighting ceremony, a highlight of the weekend, will take place at 6:00 PM each evening.
In addition to the outdoor festivities, the Looking Glass Playhouse will be open during the event. The theater’s production of *Inspecting Carol* by Daniel Sullivan and The Seattle Repertory Theatre runs November 6–9 and 13–16. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 PM on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with 2:00 PM matinees on Sundays.
Ferendgo, who grew up attending the event, said the Victorian Holiday has been an important tradition in his life. “When I was a kid, my family came to town to see *A Christmas Carol*, pick out a Christmas tree, and go to Victorian Holiday. That was Christmas for us,” he said. “Now, being part of the planning, I want to make sure that same feeling continues for the next generation.”
The event is free to attend, with carriage rides and certain activities requiring tickets. Visitors are encouraged to come early, dress warmly, and enjoy shopping and dining at Lebanon’s local businesses throughout the weekend.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/LebanonVictorianHoliday
