Good morning, Medford.

Ashland Fire Rescue Fire Marshal Mark Shay said that cut Christmas trees must be kept away from heat and watered to lower fire risk as they start to dry the day they are cut—trees bought from a lot might already be dry.

Homeowners are told to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and to discard trees after four weeks—safety measures that help during the holiday season.

Downtown Medford’s Winter Lights Festival will take place Saturday, Dec.

6, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pear Blossom Park, where families will enjoy a candy cane hunt at 5:15 p.m., live music, a DJ battle hosted by DJ Gemineye, a tree lighting ceremony and photo opportunities with Santa — and weather permitting, a fireworks show.

A Medford tattoo studio launched a month-long flash event—featuring daily holiday tattoo designs and a toy drive—and offered a $50 voucher for every donation of an unwrapped toy valued at $20 or more to support CASA.

The event started Dec. 1 and will run until year end, with organizers urging the public to check Instagram for daily reveals.

The severe weather shelter at 2200 Ashland Street will open this Friday, December 5 after a delay to ensure its heating and technology systems are fully prepared—OHRA will manage the shelter from now through April 1 with about 30 beds available and the chance to add up to 20 extra spaces during emergencies.

Gashouse Nation, a baseball and softball training facility inspired by the gritty style of the 1930s Cardinals, will hold a winter open house Saturday, December 6 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at its new facility on Crater Lake Avenue in Medford—providing families with tours of hitting bays, bullpens, and tech-enhanced training areas.

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.