Hillsboro Fun: Winter Village Returns to Orenco Station Plaza Friday

Winter may still be weeks away but the annual Winter Village will be back at Orenco Plaza Station in Hillsboro starting Friday. More than 5,000 people attended last year when it debuted.

Looking to improve on last year, Hillsboro Parks & Recreation made a couple of changes: they have extended the season by two weeks - it will last through January 2nd - and extended the rink by 16 feet to make it nearly 100 feet long.

It is the only open-air ice skating rink in the region.

The parks department has expanded the Winter Village scene near the Plaza's oak trees. It will feature metal-framed carolers and gingerbread characters, lit up similar to ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo.

"People want more fun things to do in the winter to spend time with friends and family, and create new traditions," said Winter Village organizer Iris Ringer. "Winter Village at Orenco Station Plaza is helping our community make lasting memories and create some real holiday magic."

Since last year’s Winter Village, La Provence restaurant has opened, as well as the recently-completed Vector apartment building, and parking options in the neighborhood have increased.

With visitors able to ride MAX Light Rail to Orenco Station, Ringer expects between 7,000 and 10,000 people will enjoy Winter Village in 2016.

For more information, go to www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/Winte...

Photo City of Hillsboro