Good morning, Medford.

The Salvation Army Angel Tree program gives donors a way to help children in need by matching personal tags on trees across Southern Oregon.

Captain Taurean Ortiz said on Sunrise this morning that non-perishable food donations are needed as services rose 40%—a boost that shows the community is coming together this holiday season.

The Southern Oregon Runners are hosting a Turkey Trot at the Expo in Central Point with options for a two-mile run, 5K and eight-mile race as sign-ups remain open ahead of Thanksgiving.

In Grants Pass, the YMCA is hosting its own Turkey Trot with a two-mile fun run and a 5K that awards prizes for best costumes.

On Wednesday night, the Medford City Council approved a $1.5 million grant for a revised expansion plan for The Children's Museum of Southern Oregon, which will add a rooftop event space and three new preschool classrooms to serve 60 more students (pending approval from the Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission).

A longtime model train maker confirmed that its Talent warehouse will close after its sale to Atlas Model Railroad, and over 20 jobs will be lost.

The company will process orders until mid-February—trains will be rebranded as Micro-Trains by Atlas starting in 2026.

Medford’s Site Plan and Architectural Commission voted to keep its public hearing on the proposed Haya Park development open to allow extra traffic analysis for a plan to extend First Street—this delay means the next discussion is set for December 19th at noon as officials address neighborhood concerns.

Medical experts warn that a new flu variant H3N2 subclade K may make this flu season worse—early reports show rising infections in Japan, Canada, and the United Kingdom—so Dr. Robin Miller urges residents to get vaccinated as the shot takes two weeks to work and helps lower the risk of severe illness.

Southern Oregon Runners are taking final sign-ups for a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving that offers a two-mile run, 5K, and eight-mile race at 300 W Valley View Road in Talent — runners have several options for a fun competitive event.

In Grants Pass, the YMCA Turkey Trot will feature a two-mile fun run and a 5K with prizes for best costumes — participants are encouraged to register soon.

Southern Oregon Runners Turkey Trot

8:15-11:00 AM — Cummins Battery Systems North America LLC — Registration required — Participate in a Thanksgiving run supporting local food drives and student runners programs.

Merry Market & Christmas Faire

10 AM-4 PM — Rogue X - Medford Parks & Recreation — Family-friendly festivities — Shop local artisan crafts and enjoy holiday activities with Santa.

Andre Nickatina Live at Grape Street Bar & Grill

8-11 p.m. — Grape Street Bar & Grill — Tickets from $45 — Experience a night of hip hop as Andre Nickatina takes the stage in Medford.

Home For The Holidays

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Craterian Theater at The Collier Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the holiday season with live performances at this festive event.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights

5-9 p.m. — Hanley Farm — $5 per car — Experience a magical stroll through over 20,000 dazzling holiday lights with drinks and snacks.

The Nutcracker Ballet

7 p.m. — Crater Performing Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience the enchanting tale of The Nutcracker featuring delightful dance and holiday cheer.

Lithia Artisans Holiday Market

Fri 10-7, Sat 10-6, Sun 11-4 — Medford Armory Rental Venue — Free entry — Explore a wide array of original, handcrafted items from over 60 local artists amidst live music and food trucks.

A Celtic Christmas Celebration

2:30 – 4:30 PM — Craterian Theater at The Collier Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience enchanting Irish stories, music, and dance this holiday season.