Search December Events
Celebrate winter with beautiful light displays, belly-warming beer and other great Portland events.
During the year’s final month, Portland overflows with seasonal events and activities. Whether you want to revel in favorite traditional holiday activities, finish shopping for everything on your list or cheer on your favorites, December has it all. Read on for some of our top picks for December events in Portland, or search our full events calendar to see everything on offer.
Holiday Traditions
Revel in the city’s holiday spirit with these Holiday Events and Activities. Portland gets into the season’s spirit with holiday festive decorations at the Festival of Trees at the Oregon Convention Center. Annual performance traditions include Gospel Christmas by the Oregon Symphony and a moving seasonal performance from the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus. See the dazzling display of twinkling cheer at ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo, featuring over a million colored bulbs. You can see the display without children at BrewLights and sample some local brews and ciders at the same time. Stroll down Southeast Portland’s Peacock Lane, where residents have lit their houses with holiday spirit since the 1920s.
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Cheer on your favorite carolers at the Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition in downtown Pioneer Courthouse Square, where the winners are selected by crowd applause, or taste an array of winter beers and ciders under heated tents at the Portland Holiday Brew Fest. Also, the Christmas Ship Parade, going strong since 1954, features brilliantly decorated boats on the Willamette and Columbia rivers.
Holiday Shopping
With no sales tax and an extensive variety of holiday shopping events, Portland is a great place to finish up everything on your list for the holidays. Support artists and entrepreneurs of color at My People’s Market, held in the Oregon Convention Center. The Convention Center also holds the popular Crafty Wonderland, the city’s largest arts and crafts market.
At the Oregon Buddhist Temple Holiday Craft Fair, you can peruse handmade goods from local artisans held by the oldest Buddhist organization in Oregon. Scandinavian traditions are showcased at the annual ScanFair, boasting traditional Nordic musicians, dancers, vendors and treats. Find an authentic German nutcracker or sip traditional German mulled wine at the Silverton Christmas Market.
Catch a Game
Want to take a break from the holidays and experience a different kind of cheer? December in Portland offers many opportunities to get on your feet and cheer on some of your favorite teams.
Portland loves their Blazers, and if basketball is also your sport, you can catch one of the Portland Trail Blazers games at the Moda Center throughout December. If you’re more of a winter sports fan, then get yourself a ticket to see Portland’s junior ice hockey team, the Portland Winterhawksplay at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Sitting trackside at the roller derby can be an exciting (and sometimes dangerous) sport in itself, but it’s worth the risk to see one of Portland’s beloved Rose City Rollers games at Oaks Amusement Park. Or, sit up in the safer bleacher seats and bring the whole family to one of their Rose City Rollers Juniors games.
More December Events 2023
Check out our editor's picks for top things to do in December in Portland.
First Friday PDX
Located in Portland’s vibrant East Side Arts District, the First Friday Art Walk takes place on the first Friday evening of every month year-round. Offering a gateway into Portland’s thriving arts culture, First Friday PDX includes more than 23 independent galleries, shops, and studios and a street exhibition from April to October. The self-guided tour…
Small Shops Big Hearts: Win Big
Portland’s small business community is coming together to put the fun back into holiday shopping. The annual Portland tradition, Win Big! returns for the 2023 holiday season with more than 100 participating independent retailers and pop-up shops. To participate, download the Win Big Shop Small app to discover participating retailers or pick up a Discover…
Festival of Trees
A Portland tradition for over 40 years, the Providence Festival of Trees features a full schedule of elegant events and community celebrations at the Oregon Convention Center. This magical setting is the perfect place to kick off the holiday season. Proceeds benefit Providence Children’s Health. You’ll see stunning Christmas trees and displays decorated by local…
A Pittock Mansion Christmas
Pittock Mansion transforms into a Winter Wonderland for this year’s Christmas display. Experience this beloved Portland tradition and celebrate the season with the festive and fantastical displays created by volunteer decorators. A Pittock Mansion Christmas: Winter Wonderland will be on view November 19, 2023, through January 4, 2024, at Pittock Mansion (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day…
Black Artists of Oregon
Black Artists of Oregon, highlighting and celebrating the work of Black artists in and outside the collection, will deepen awareness of the talented artists that have shaped and inspired artists regionally and nationally. The exhibition is the first of its kind to consider the work of Black artists collectively in Oregon, often underrepresented and unacknowledged….
PDX Pop-Up Shops
Announcing the exciting unveiling of the lineup for this year’s holiday PDX Pop-Up Shops. This program transforms vacant retail spaces in downtown Portland into vibrant, temporary destinations for local designers and artists. It is a wide range of businesses, from streetwear, ceramics, and gourmet dog treats to a spooky-themed coffee bar. Black Santa and his…
Holiday Express
Join Santa Claus and his elves for a magical ride behind the 1912 Polson #2 steam locomotive. Decorated in festive cheer, the heated vintage rail cars transport you along the Willamette River in the heart of the city. The Oregon Rail Heritage Center is excited to embark on their 18th annual event beginning right after…
Portland Night Market
The Portland Night Market showcases many unique businesses that call Portland home. Blending food, culture, music, drinks and retail for an adventurous evening in the Central Eastside. Meet some of Portland's best makers and creators. With almost 200 hundred makers, the Night Market offers food carts, drinks, clothing, lifestyle goods, home goods, body care and…
Winter Wonderland
Recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest as the “Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi”, Winter Wonderland will grab your attention with glimmers and glows around every corner. Since 1993, a journey through Winter Wonderland has become a holiday tradition for many families, friends, and social organizations to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season….
ZooLights
Kids and adults agree: it wouldn't be the holidays in Portland without a visit to ZooLights. Enjoy an immersive and dazzling display of millions of lights. Not able to commit to a timed-entry ticket? This year features the ZooLights Any Night ticket, which can be purchased in advance and used spontaneously for any night and…
Christmas Festival of Lights
Presenting the sights, sounds and sensations of the season, The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. The festival features nearly 160 indoor holiday concerts performed by many of the region’s finest school, church and civic choirs. Offering a family-oriented blend of traditional celebration and serene reflection, the…
Silverton Christmas Market
Join an awe-inspiring light display and market at the Oregon Garden Resort. This annual event offers a joyous and magical holiday experience for all ages. Stroll along immersive paths draped in more than one million lights. Explore the authentic German Christmas Market for gifts from artisan vendors and imported German nutcrackers, smokers and ornaments. Visit…
Christmas Ship Parade
What started as a lone ribbon-clad sailboat from the Portland Yacht Club in the 1950s became a decades-long nautical Christmas tradition with dozens of boats lighting up the riverfront.
Portland's Singing Christmas Tree
Come celebrate Christmas with Portland's favorite holiday tradition. Let the glory of Christmas come alive as the three hundred-voice choir creates a Christmas extravaganza for the whole family, featuring your favorite holiday songs, dancing Santas and a beautiful cinematic Nativity. It is an awe-inspiring presentation of the true gift of Christmas and an experience not…
Black Nativity
PassinArt: A Theatre Company presents Black Nativity by poet and playwright Langston Hughes. Based on the traditional Nativity story, the spirit-filled, inspiring gospel songplay features traditional Christmas carols performed in a gospel style with a few new songs specifically for the show. Directed by Jerry Foster
It's a Wonderful Life
It’s A Wonderful Life is an award-winning musical adaptation of Frank Capra's classic film, with book and lyrics by Janet Mouser, and music and lyrics by Michael Allen Harrison, Alan Berg and Julianne R. Johnson-Weiss. It’s A Wonderful Life is a holiday favorite for all ages. An angel helps a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman…
Darcelle XV’s Weekend Drag Show
Darcelle XV and Company have been entertaining audiences from all walks of life for over 50 years with Las Vegas-style cabaret revues of Glitz, Glamour and Comedy. Stop by when you are in Portland and you will be glad that you did! We have traveled the United States presenting a show that you have to…
Farmers Market at Portland State University
The Portland Farmers Market at Portland State University will be open every Saturday, year-round. April through October hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. November through March hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Market at PSU is located in Downtown Portland in the South Park Blocks between SW College & Montgomery Streets.
Hollywood Farmers Market
Year-round on Saturdays, the Hollywood Farmers Markets hosts 50+ vendors, bringing you the best of the region’s agricultural bounty. In addition to amazingly fresh, local food, you’ll find live music, children’s activities, and fun events throughout the season. April through September, every Saturday 8 AM to 1 PM,October and November, every Saturday 9 AM to…
Portland Spirit Cinnamon Bear Breakfast
Cinnamon Bear and his friends from Maybeland are back this holiday season to spread holiday cheer. The whole family will enjoy reserved seating and a plated breakfast while a cast of fanciful characters entertains the kids with storytelling, music and magic. Tickets include a picture with Cinnamon Bear atop his magical throne. Cinnamon Bear has…
Oregon Buddhist Temple Holiday Craft Fair
The Oregon Buddhist Temple will be hosting the 8th Annual Holiday Craft Fair. A wide variety of artisans and crafters will be there to share their wonderful handmade goods at affordable prices. Come enjoy a fun day of shopping.
Portland Saturday Market
Open every Saturday from March–December, Portland Saturday Market is the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the U.S.
My People’s Market
My People’s Market showcases local entrepreneurs and makers of color, connecting them with industry professionals and consumers.
Portland Holiday Brew Fest
Portland Holiday Brew Fest visits Pioneer Courthouse Square on December 2nd and 3rd. Visit Pioneer Courthouse Square under covered, heated tents to enjoy tasty and frosty brews. The Portland Holiday Brew Fest will feature 25+ holiday/winter beers and ciders from around the Northwest — don’t miss this holiday celebration in the heart of Portland.
Portland Winterhawks
Come cheer on the Winterhawks, Portland's junior ice hockey team and three-time WHL champs. Winterhawks games are a great night out for fans of all ages, whether you want to sit right by the glass or a little higher up for a full-ice view.
Rose City Rollers
The Rose City Rollers league is made up of over 400 smart, tough, accomplished women, girls and gender-expansive individuals who skate fast, hit hard, and defy stereotypes about athletes in women’s sports. The sport is exciting, the competition is fierce, and special attention is given to lighting, announcers, video, DJ, merchandise, entertainment, giveaways, raffles, fan…
Handel's Messiah
No composition kindles the warmth of the holiday season like Handel’s Messiah. Bringing to life the theatrical splendor that’s made Messiah an audience favorite for 300 years, the Portland State University Chamber Choir and a quartet of astounding soloists join your Oregon Symphony for Handel’s meditation on faith, hope, and redemption.
Laurelhurst Winter Bazaar
The Laurelhurst Winter Artisan Bazaar is a fundraising event for the Laurelhurst School’s PTA. The bazaar will include over 80 local artisans and crafters, an amazing raffle, a silent auction of artists’ interpretations of wreaths, delicious food, kids' activities, live music, and much more.
Kaliente Drag Brunch
Kharisma brings the heat with Kaliente, the newest Drag Brunch at your Stag PDX. Start your month with a bit of spice every 1st Sunday, with a show that has that extra kick that only Kharisma and her special guest performers can bring. Enjoy all-you-can-eat brunch options served from the buffet with mimosas available -…
Swan Dive Diva Drag Brunch
Join Portland’s all-star drag queens and burlesque dancers every Saturday and Sunday for a heart-pumping performance complete with acrobatics, live singing, intricate custom-made outfits and sweat-defying artful makeup. Come prepared to tip generously and have a rowdy good time. The ticket price does not include food or alcohol. Doors open at 11 a.m., and the…
Rose City Rollers Juniors
Bring your family to watch Junior Roller Derby. Kids and teens will love watching these youth athletes battle it out on the track. Cheer on the Junior Rosebuds, ages 12-18, with home teams Bleeding Hearts, Death Scar Derby Droids, The Undead Avengers, and the Rainbow Bites. The Junior Rose Petals are ages 7-12, with home…
Oregon Repertory Singers: Glory of Christmas
Oregon Repertory Singers and Youth Choir welcome Union High School’s string orchestra for Glory of Christmas. This year they are not only celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Oregon Repertory Singers and the 30th Anniversary of ORS Youth Choir but also the 40th year of teaching for Tim Siess, Union High School orchestra director and long-time…
Gay Skate
Roll out with your friends and loved ones to the monthly Gay Skate Session, held the 1st and 3rd Monday night of the month. Everyone is welcome at this all-ages event at this all-ages event. Admission tickets allow the Oaks Park Roller Rink access for the selected Gay Skate Session date/time. Includes standard skate rental.
Christmas Ships Trolley Excursions
Come see lighted Christmas Ships on the Willamette River from the comfort of a trolley. This is a unique experience with a front-row view of the ships, as well as seeing homes decorated for the holidays along the route. All trips depart from Lake Oswego and will last about 60~90 minutes depending on the boats….
Portland Indigenous Marketplace
Mark your calendars with the following dates for 2023. The Indigenous Marketplaces will be held in various locations in Portland, so double-check locations before heading out. The Indigenous and Black Artists and Entrepreneurs this organization serves through the Indigenous Marketplace programming are the greatest partners and contributors to this work. This amazing community of vendors…
Menorah Lighting
Chabad of Oregon will light Portland’s Public Hanukkah menorah at Pioneer Courthouse Square each night of Chanukah. Aiming to have 1,800 people join the Menorah lighting in Portland's Pioneer Square, the vision is to generate 1,800 points of light, ignite 1,800 Chanukah candles, and join together with over 1,00 voices singing "Maoz Tzur Yeshuati" —…
Crafty Wonderland Holiday Art + Craft Market
Portland’s biannual art and craft fair boasts unique handmade wares from 225+ local vendors.
The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition
Pioneer Courthouse Square is excited to host the Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition — a fun, festive, and joyful competition bringing caroling groups to Portland’s Living Room and extending to a ten-block radius downtown. The top three caroling groups will hold a “carol-off” at the Square hosted by KGW’s Drew Carney, and the grand prize…
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker
A treasured holiday tradition continues as Oregon Ballet Theatre returns George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® to the Keller Auditorium. Brave toy soldiers battle mischievous mice, snowflakes dance, and we are carried away to a magical Land of Sweets, all to Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score! This year, make Oregon Ballet Theatre’s production of Balanchine’s Nutcracker a part of…
Portland Gay Men’s Chorus
It’s the day of the show, y’all, and the Portland Gay Men's Chorus has set out to put on “the gayest holiday concert of all time”. Inspired by classic variety and sketch shows — with a modern twist — enjoy as PGMC presents a joyous and humorous extravaganza filled with holiday cheer. One of Portland’s…
Unique Markets: Portland Holiday Market
Unique Markets Pop-Ups are creative, modern marketplaces that help independent designers, artists and emerging brands sell their products while encouraging people to shop local and support their community. It’s the perfect opportunity for shoppers to find unique and undiscovered gifts and support independent local artists and brands. These unique shopping experiences include a carefully curated…
ScanFair
ScanFair brings Scandinavia to Portland through traditional food and drink vendors, an entertainment program focused on cultural heritage, games, activities, and crafts, and welcoming local community organizations. This year’s offerings include local vendors and organizations, a kids’ craft area, live entertainment, a Finnish Santa, a Viking ship, and Nordic food and drink, including aquavit and…
NAYA Native Made Winter Marketplace
The season of gifting is upon us. Get your holiday shopping done and support local Native artists at the Native American Youth and Family Center’s (NAYA) Native Made Winter Marketplace. You’ll find beautiful jewelry, clothing, crafts, prints and much more. There will be upwards of 50 makers joining for this special event. NAYA Marketplace is…
Portland Bazaar
The PORTLAND BAZAAR is the city’s finest holiday gift showcase and sale. Started in 2011, their mission is to create an exciting event highlighting the skilled artists, makers and small businesses of Portland, Oregon. When you shop small, you are putting your dollars directly back into the community by supporting someone’s small business and their…
Gospel Christmas
Bring joy to your holiday season with the 24th annual performance of this beloved concert, featuring the region’s premier gospel singers alongside your Oregon Symphony. Experience the joy and spiritual uplift of gospel music, performed with passion and feeling by some of the finest musicians in the region.
The Moth MainStage
Literary Arts and The Moth are bringing a new lineup of storytellers to Portland. Each Moth Mainstage show features five tellers who have developed their true stories with help from The Moth’s directors. The Moth features true stories, told live and without notes. The Moth celebrates the ability of stories to honor both the diversity…
Comfort and Joy
Join the Oregon Symphony for an evening of good cheer with season classics such as “We Need a Little Christmas,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and “White Christmas,” as well as a very merry sing-along. It will be a jubilant celebration sure to put you and yours in the holiday spirit. Artists: Deanna Tham, Conductor
Peacock Lane
Each house in this quaint southeast neighborhood has been decorating for Christmas for decades. Mostly Tudors, the houses are adorned with not only beautiful sparkling lights but also nativity scenes, rotating Christmas trees and stunningly life-like replicas of Santa and Frosty. Come see the lights on Peacock Lane and you’ll find nothing but good, old-fashioned…
Tuba Christmas Concert
Welcome you back downtown for this holiday tradition. Experience the sounds of big brass as over 200 tubas play in unison for the 32nd Annual Tuba Christmas Concert in Portland’s Living Room. Attending this seasonal performance is FREE for the public.
Stumptown SantaCon
Portland's largest SantaCon pub crawl and street party. Your wristband gets you into most participating venues from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., but be sure to check each venue's participating hours. After you receive your wristband, hang out at the street closure for a live DJ and join the next Santa's Sleigh Ride bar crawl…
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