Good morning, Medford.

Dozens joined the YMCA’s 21st annual Jingle Bell Jog at Cherry Lane and Greystone Court as families exercised with a two-and-a-half-mile jog or one-mile walk while admiring festive lights—Pony Espresso Cafe hosted the start and finish with ACCESS supporting a holiday food drive.

Mt. Ashland Ski Area has postponed its planned Dec.

13 opening indefinitely due to a lack of snowfall — resort officials said the area needs 2.5 feet of snow and three days of preparation before safely opening terrain. The resort is also offering merchandise and gift cards from its downtown office.

Local families are spreading holiday cheer by shopping for gifts for children in foster and relative care through CASA’s annual giving tree program (drop-off locations are posted online).

The program supports foster children during the holiday season.

Providence Health & Services held the 34th Annual Festival of Trees at the Medford armory on Dec.

7 to raise funds for its emergency department, and community members decorated themed trees while live events entertained families.

This past weekend, the Soroptimist chapter hosted its largest Holiday Homes Tour fundraiser where attendees paid $25 to tour five beautifully decorated homes in Central Point, in the Medford foothills + Eagle Point.

Funds raised will support the Live Your Dreams award for women heads of households.

The national chicken‑wing chain Wingstop will open its first Medford restaurant in the spring of 2026 at 15 Garfield Street in Stewart Meadows Village (near Panera Bread).

This location marks the chain’s southernmost entry in Oregon.

The Southern Oregon Repertory Singers present A Ceremony of Carols on Friday, Dec.

19 at 7:30 p.m. at downtown Medford’s historic Holly Theatre, with matinees on Saturday, Dec. 20 and Sunday, Dec. 21 at 2:00 p.m. at SOU Music Recital Hall (tickets are available online).

RCC received a $650,000 investment from its Foundation Board on Dec.

8 to help finance its programs amid possible state budget cuts. The grant is designed to prevent staff reductions as the college faces potential shortfalls during the 2025–2027 biennium.

The Bureau of Land Management Ashland Field Office is asking local residents to share feedback on a proposed forest health and timber harvest project aimed at reducing fire risk and boosting forest resilience in the Applegate and Lake Creek areas—this public scoping period started December 8 and will last 37 days.

The BLM is offering $1 permits for Christmas tree cutting and firewood gathering through Jan.

31 in Medford. Officials say the discount helps lower wildfire fuels (trees must be cut 12 feet apart) and save household expenses.

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.