Admin December 6, 2024
Watch a helicopter harvest Christmas trees in south Salem
A helicopter makes sweeping passes over a Christmas tree farm in south Salem, quickly delivering bundles of trees from field to truck.
(This story was updated to include a photo)
Five iconic Oregon main streets were voted as favorite holiday shopping destinations in a poll recognizing the top 150 U.S. main streets for Christmas shopping.
Present.com, a website focused on gifts for different holidays, conducted a survey of 3,000 respondents to find America’s favorite main streets to go Christmas shopping.
While online shopping continues to grow in popularity, the list includes main streets that are “hidden gems” and “have retained their unique character and charm, beloved by locals and those visiting from out of town,” according to a news release.
Here are the five main streets in Oregon voted as top Christmas shopping destinations.
Main Street in Ashland
Ashland’s Main Street ranked 61st on the list. The street’s holiday lights, local shops and atmosphere in southern Oregon were all highlights for what “makes Christmas shopping memorable,” according to the release.
Cascade Avenue in Sisters
Cascade Avenue in Sisters was ranked 72nd on the list. The popular area in the central Oregon town was described in the release as a “cozy holiday shopping destination” and noted for its boutique shops, craft stores and mountain charm.
California Street in Jacksonville
Jacksonville’s California Street was ranked 119th on the list. The “historic charm” of the small southern Oregon city makes its endearing shops and festive decor a “delightful holiday experience,” the release said.
Third Street in McMinnville
McMinnville’s Third Street was ranked 133rd on the list. The Willamette Valley downtown was noted for its array of wineries, boutique shops and seasonal decor, making it a “picturesque holiday shopping scene,” according to the release.
Hemlock Street in Cannon Beach
Hemlock Street in Cannon Beach was ranked 134th on the list. The release described the street at the north Oregon Coast beach destination as a “magical holiday destination” for its coastal beauty, unique shopping options and festive light displays.
Survey focused on what makes Christmas shopping destinations unique
According to Present.com, the survey also focused on specific things respondents value and enjoy during their holiday shopping experience, and why small-town main streets are special places to shop during the holidays.
The survey found that 36% of respondents value “unique and locally made gifts,” while 34% value festive decor and atmosphere. Others said customer service, historic charm and accessibility were also important.
In the types of stores people enjoy, 30% ranked “boutique clothing and fashion stores” the highest, while 22% were for “vintage and antique shops,” 20% for “unique offerings,” 16% for “bookstores and specialty shops” and 12% for “local food and wine shops.”
When it came to specific elements of holiday shopping, the survey found that 46% enjoyed the “light displays and festive decorations,” 22% chose “winter markets and seasonal pop-ups” and the rest were fond of warm and relaxing spaces, horse-drawn carriages and street performances.
When asked to describe the ideal main street for holiday shopping in one word, 66% said festive, 10% said cozy, another 10% said quaint, 8% said vibrant and 6% said elegant, according to the survey.
Top 10 main streets in the U.S. for Christmas shopping
The top 10 main streets in the U.S. were:
- No. 1 Main Street – Aurora, New York
- No. 2 Main Street – Cooperstown, New York
- No. 3 Main Street – New Hope, Pennsylvania
- No. 4 Main Street – Mystic, Connecticut
- No. 5 Ocean Avenue – Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
- No. 6 Genesee Street – Skaneateles, New York
- No. 7 Broad Street – Nevada City, California
- No. 8 Main Street – Lake Placid, New York
- No. 9 Main Street – Tarrytown, New York
- No. 10 Park Avenue – Winter Park, Florida
See the full list at Present.com.
Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval can be reached at GSandoval@gannett.com or on X at @GinnieSandoval.
