A signature holiday event is preparing to usher Grants Pass into the new year with music, dancing, and a touch of Russian-inspired elegance. One Eleven Theatre Company, partnering with Events with Becca, Inc., will host a New Year’s Eve celebration themed around its upcoming stage production inspired by the story of the lost Russian princess Anastasia. The event titled Once Upon a December will take place inside the Floral Building at the Josephine County Fairgrounds on December 31 beginning at 8 p.m. and continuing through midnight.
Organizers are positioning the ball as a major local New Year’s Eve gathering designed for adults age eighteen and older. The venue will be transformed with décor meant to reflect winter atmosphere, celebratory energy, and the refined imagery associated with Russian imperial history. The theme ties directly into the theatre company’s preparations for its next musical, and the evening’s design is intended to immerse attendees in that world.
Guests can expect a full schedule of performances and activities throughout the night. Vocalists who have appeared in past One Eleven Theatre productions are slated to perform selections from musical theatre and related genres. Local ballroom dance studios will contribute choreographed dance numbers, while dance instructors will offer professional tutorials for those looking to try ballroom styles for themselves. Open dance time with a curated playlist will provide opportunities for participants to enjoy the floor at their own pace. A staffed photo station with a professional photographer will be available to document the evening.
Food and refreshments will be offered as part of the admission. The Rogue Olive will serve charcuterie selections throughout the night, and guests will have access to a mocktail station and an extended dessert spread. A champagne toast is planned for midnight. Alcoholic beverages will not be included in the ticket price but will be available for purchase through Uphill Mobile Bar.
Event attire is formal, with organizers encouraging guests to adopt the royal theme through floor-length gowns, tuxedos, or formal suits. A best-dressed couple prize will be awarded before the end of the night. Businesses and large groups are encouraged to reserve group tables, with options available for parties of eight or sixteen.
Tickets are being sold at several price tiers. Individual admission is listed at seventy-five dollars and a two-person entry at one hundred twenty-five dollars. Reserved tables for groups are available at five hundred dollars for eight seats or one thousand dollars for sixteen. Organizers note that capacity is limited and early purchase is recommended.
Tickets can be bought online at the event website, where purchasers have the option of receiving a commemorative printed ticket by mail. Local sales are also available at Rare Find – A Boutique Social on Southwest Sixth Street in Grants Pass, where commemorative tickets are included with each purchase. Further information can be found through the event’s official website.
The Once Upon a December New Year’s Eve Ball aims to offer Grants Pass residents and visitors a formal, entertainment-filled gathering rooted in theatrical tradition as the community prepares to welcome the arrival of 2026.