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Portland Holiday Events
Revel in the city’s holiday spirit with these events and activities.
Visiting Portland for the holidays? From Thanksgiving through year’s end, Portland offers an abundance of celebrations, from the traditional to the unexpected. Celebrate the holiday season with special shopping events, light displays, and festivities, then ring in the New Year at one of the city’s many Dec. 31 events.
The city’s official holiday season kicks off the day after Thanksgiving with the hugely popular Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony held in Pioneer Courthouse Square. Top-notch performers like Pink Martini help lead the festivities and count down to the moment the towering tree is set aglow.
Holiday Events and Festivals
Looking for more tree inspirations? Stroll through a yuletide forest comprising dozens of uniquely adorned Christmas trees at Providence Festival of Trees at the Oregon Convention Center.
High above the city, the historic Pittock Mansion creates an equally enchanting scene. Each year, for the holidays, the mansion’s 16 rooms are filled with a breathtaking display of lights, trees and decorations revolving around a chosen theme.
For more holiday cheer, head downtown to Pioneer Courthouse Square for the Portland Holiday Brew Fest. Taste an array of winter beers and ciders under heated tents in Portland’s living room. If you’re still thirsty, join the Stumptown Santacon, which takes over Portland with hundreds of jolly St. Nicks making the rounds to local bars, spreading holiday cheer over holiday beers.
Thanks to the Mount Hood Model Engineers, a storybook world comes to life each winter. Every November, the group allows a coveted glimpse at their elaborate model railroad display, which encompasses nearly 1,200 square feet. In December, train fans can hop aboard the Holiday Express, a vintage steam locomotive that carries Santa and his elves on a yuletide ride from the Oregon Pacific Railroad in Southeast Portland at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center.
Last but not least, if there’s one can’t-miss seasonal event, it’s the Oregon Ballet Theatre presentation of The Nutcracker — the George Balanchine-choreographed production of the holiday classic.
Festive Feelings
Celebrate the season with these annual holiday events in and around Portland.
Wine Country Thanksgiving
During Oregon’s premier tasting and cellar-stocking event, many local wineries open their doors to the public, offering samples of favorite selections.
Christmas Ships 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.
December Events
Favorite December events in Portland include annual traditions like tree decorating and lighting displays, holiday shopping and cheering on your favorite teams.
Holiday Light Displays
Portland is full of bright ways to embrace the shorter days of winter: hundreds of thousands of lights in our neighborhoods, our waters and plenty of spots in between. Read on for some of the stars in the city’s constellation of holiday light displays.
The first twinkles come as Winter Wonderland at the Portland International Raceway kicks off the season with one of the largest holiday light shows in the Northwest. Grab some hot chocolate and drive (or walk or bike) through the more than 250 spectacular light pieces set up along the racetrack.
Next, the Oregon Zoo switches on ZooLights. This family favorite is a unique opportunity to see the zoo after hours and all aglow. ZooLights features carolers, bright trees and all sorts of animals (real and animatronic) — all illuminated with 1.5 million LED lights. (In November, for the kid-free and 21-and-over crowd, the zoo also hosts BrewLights, an evening to enjoy ZooLights and sample dozens of local beers, ciders and seltzers for an adult-only evening at the zoo.)
At The Grotto in Northeast Portland, the Christmas Festival of Lights uses more than 500,000 lights and 150 choral performances to share the spirit at the internationally renowned Catholic shrine. People of all faiths are welcome to the 62-acre park with a rock cave carved into the base of a 110-foot cliff.
Some of Portland’s other natural wonders, the Columbia River and the Willamette River, also shine during the holiday season with the Christmas Ships Parade. This long-running tradition sees dozens of festively decorated boats floating on the area’s waterways almost- nightly, delighting shore-bound onlookers in local hotels and restaurants. The entirely volunteer-run event has been lighting smiles since 1954.
The residents of Southeast Portland’s Peacock Lane have had the holiday glow since the 1920s. Every year from Dec. 15-31, houses on the street break out the twinkle lights and welcome onlookers with the season’s brightest greetings. The first three nights are pedestrian-only nights, the lane is closed off to car traffic — because nothing makes the season bright like a well-lit holiday stroll.
Holiday Shopping
Check off everyone on your gift list while taking advantage of tax-free shopping at these holiday shopping events, including festive craft fairs, bazaars and artisan markets.
Formerly known as Little Boxes, Small Shops Big Hearts is a city-wide shopping scavenger hunt held from Nov. 16th through Dec. 10th. Shoppers visit or make purchases from participating stores to earn raffle tickets and unlock prizes over the course of the three-week event.
My People’s Market started in 2017 as a collaborative event organized by Travel Portland and Prosper Portland. This welcoming marketplace is re-imagined twice yearly as a gathering of Portland’s diverse and vibrant entrepreneurs, artists and community members.
The Oregon Buddhist Temple Holiday Craft Fair features handmade goods from local artisans. You can find an authentic German nutcracker or sip on traditional German mulled wine at the Silverton Christmas Market. Showcasing Scandinavian Holiday traditions, the annual ScanFair boasts traditional Nordic musicians and dancers, food and drink and gift vendors.
Crafty Wonderland is now the city’s biggest arts and crafts market, drawing hundreds of vendors and tens of thousands of visitors to the (nice and dry) Oregon Convention Center.
First held in 2011, the Portland Bazaar brings together over 160 local makers, designers and artists. The market has continued to create a space for vendors to showcase and promote their businesses directly to the community. Find a special something for everyone, support the local economy and get everything wrapped up on-site at the gift wrapping booth.
Get your holiday shopping done and support local Native artists at the NAYA Native Made Winter Marketplace. You’ll find beautiful jewelry, clothing, crafts, prints and much more. Enjoy delicious Sisters’ Frybread with your family, get those unique gifts and make a day of it. Hosted by the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA), a family of numerous tribes and voices rooted in sustaining tradition and building cultural wealth.
PDX Pop-Up Shops brings local designers and artists into various vacant storefronts for the winter holiday season. From Nov. 25th – Dec. 31st, head to the heart of Portland’s Downtown and support local retailers, makers and pop-up shops. Hunt for the perfect gifts at pop-up shops like PDX Urban Wineries Holiday Pop-Up Shop or Unordinary Makers Market.
Portland’s small businesses are the soul of the city. Shop Small PDX is ringing the holiday bells and sounding a clear message: Now is the time to support local businesses, which is easy to do with the site’s small business directory.
Thanks to Portland’s vibrant maker community, holiday shopping here is like sifting through an overflowing treasure chest.
Holiday Music
A Portland annual tradition for over 30 years is the Tuba Christmas Concert. This big brass spectacle packs in spectators at Pioneer Courthouse Square as they play holiday favorites with 200 tubas.
Anyone who appreciates a good carol will love Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree, an annual showcase of both traditional and contemporary holiday music performed by more than 350 singers, dancers, local actors and a live orchestra.
Choir lovers should also catch The Most Wonderful Season by the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus. Get ready to clap and shout along with the region’s premier gospel singers at Gospel Christmas, another annual Oregon Symphony production.
Traditionalists may prefer to ring in the season with more classical fare, such as Comfort and Joy, a concert of classical Christmas music presented by the Oregon Symphony, or Handel’s Messiah, presented by the PSU Chamber Choir and the Oregon Symphony.
More Holiday Events
Experience the magic of the season at these upcoming Holiday events.
Benson Hotel Annual Gingerbread Display
The Benson Portland Curio Collection by Hilton invites the public back once again for a live unveiling of the 2023 Gingerbread Masterpiece, a 52-year beloved holiday tradition. The architectural feat promises only one hint to this year’s theme: “A famous example of romanticism, this beautiful sight inspired one dreamer and creator to capture the imaginations…
Light Up St. Johns Ugly Sweater Holiday Events
Join one of Portland’s most charming neighborhoods and Light Up St. Johns with Ugly Sweater Holiday Celebrations. The St. Johns Boosters and local businesses present a series of celebrations to revel in the most festive of seasons: 11/6-1/1 | St. Johns Ugly Sweater Holiday Window Displays | Stroll the St. Johns Business District to see…
Sippin' on Sixth
Open only from November 20-December 31, Sippin' on Sixth at the Courtyard City Center is a holiday bar with a decidedly tiki twist: think kitschy, over-the-top tropical decorations, festive original cocktails served in holiday mugs and plenty of good cheer. Opening Night 11/20: Each specialty cocktail purchase includes a complimentary lei with cranked-up holiday tunes…
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…
Portland Holiday Hunt
Running for the very first time from December 1st to December 31st, the Portland Holiday Hunt is a brand-new experience that captures the spirit of the holidays in the heart of Portland, Oregon. The mission is simple: to bring joy, wonder, and a dash of mystery to the holiday. Armed with a smartphone as their…
The Makers Fair Holiday Market at Rejuvenation
Support Portland's local makers with one-of-a-kind and easy-to-find holiday gifts with purpose all season long. It features 140 of Portland’s best local makers, artists and craftspeople under one roof, seven days a week from October 10 through December 23. The market includes a curated selection of specialty hand-crafted candles, gifts, fine and fashion jewelry, ceramics,…
Ceramics Northwest
Pop-up store featuring work by over 35 OPA members in a range of styles. Great gifts for friends, family and yourself. The Oregon Potters Association supports opportunities to advance creativity through activities with clay.
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…
PDX Urban Wineries Holiday Pop-Up Shop
This unique Holiday pop-up brings wines from member wineries for tasting and purchase all in one location. Fifteen member wineries will feature three of their Portland-Made Wines. There will be a rotating list of Five wines each day to taste, with all wines available for purchase. Mix and match your favorite wines to get discounts…
Visits with Santa
Schedule your magical time with Santa at Bridgeport Village. Reservations required. Your $20 deposit will be applied toward your Photo and or Digital Download (with copyright release) purchase at your visit. Santa's Gingerbread Cottage is located near Regal theater. Also, capture some memorable holiday photos with your furry best friend. Schedule your pet photos with…
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…
Yule Tide at King Tide Fish & Shell
Holiday Pop Up Bar at King Tide Fish & Shell. Featuring nostalgic food specials from Executive Chef Alex Diestra and specialty cocktails from the bar team.
Portland Spirit Christmas Ships Dinner
Join Portland Spirit for a dinner cruise during the Christmas Ship Parade, a thrilling holiday parade unlike any other on the water. The Portland tradition that started with just one decorated boat is now in its 69th year and features dozens of entries each season. You’ll enjoy a 2.5-hour cruise on the Willamette River, a…
Portland Spirit Sleigh Rides on the Explorer
Join Portland Spirit for the 69th year of the Christmas Ship Parade. This one-and-a-half-hour cruise runs during Portland’s Christmas Ship Parade and comes with hot chocolate, cookies and warm wool blankets. They'll take you as close as it gets to the iconic ships, almost like you’re in the parade. What's Included: 1.5-hour cruise on the…
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.
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.
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….
Mrs. Claus Storytime
Create memories. Join Mrs. Claus for Storytime inside Barnes and Noble. Mrs. Claus will be the special guest at Barnes and Noble's weekly storytime, greeting children and reading aloud from her favorite holiday storybooks. Following the event, Mrs. Claus will be joined by North Pole friends for a Meet and Greet with families under a…
Holiday Brass
Feel the power, precision, and prowess of the Oregon Symphony brass section as they fill the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall with a festive mix of classical and popular holiday favorites. Artists Deanna Tham, Conductor
Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn
Jim and his new friend, Linda, turn a Connecticut farmhouse into an inn with spirited performances to celebrate each holiday. But when Jim’s best friend Ted tries to lure Linda to Hollywood to be his new dance partner, will Jim be able to salvage his latest chance at love? A joyous musical featuring Irving Berlin…
Liberace & Liza Holiday at the Mansion (A Tribute)
Don’t miss this exhilarating parade of musical and comical fireworks. Local favorites David Saffert and Jillian Snow have dazzled audiences from New York to Portland. Get ready for nonstop glamor and glitz as they take the stage as Liberace and Liza Minnelli. Featuring rousing musical numbers, enchanting costumes, and unforgettable laughs, this cheeky and delightful…
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" —…
Spring Forward: William Hernandez, Paul Rutz, Linda Cochrane, Amy Daileda and Jodi Burton
Yes, it's December, but time is hurtling forward, and you're invited to Spring Forward into the unknown. Artists that tickle fancies and create exciting and moving narratives have been invited, including painters William Hernandez, Paul Rutz, Linda Cochrane, Amy Daileda, and LK Gallery-represented artist Jodi Burton. Meet all the artists during this First Thursday party,…
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
Home for the Holidays
Passengers bussing home to Chicago for the holidays find themselves stuck in Iowa when a blizzard shuts down the highway. Forced to spend the night before Christmas Eve at a deserted bus depot, they make the best of a bleak situation and get into the Yuletide spirit with stories and songs while they wait out…
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…
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…
Crash Test Dummies
In 2018, 25 years after the release of their multi-Grammy nominated hit album “God Shuffled His Feet”, The Crash Test Dummies hit the road for the first 8me in 20 years with an Anniversary Tour that spanned North America. The overwhelming reception led to a 30th Anniversary Tour in 2022 for their debut release, “The…
White Album Xmas
White Album Christmas has become a tradition — a way to keep Portland weird during the holiday season. The Nowhere Band (a full 15-piece Beatles orchestra) plays the White Album note for note, while the jugglers, aerialists, clowns and acrobats of the Rose City Circus present feats of remarkable strength, focus and dexterity. Guaranteed to…
Holiday Tea at Heathman Hotel
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and Heathman Hotel has a gift for all of Portland: Holiday Tea has returned. This season, gather your family and friends to relive cherished holiday memories while creating new traditions you’ll enjoy for years to come. A partnership between the Heathman Hotel restaurant, The Tavern and Smith…
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…
Holiday Lights Wine Walk at Abbey Road Farm
Join an evening on the farm with spectacular holiday lights. Check in to the tasting room and grab a glass of wine, then head out for the farm loop tour with holiday lights galore. Walk through the Goat Barn, Vineyard Overlook, Poultry Pasture, Tool Shed, Silo Garden and Pig Pasture, which will all be decked…
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…
NW Dance Project: NEW STORIES – In Good Company
NW Dance Project's annual company-made, family-friendly holiday shows are back. Each winter, they turn over the choreographic duties to our company members to conceive, create, and present delightful new dance works to you. This year features new works from NW Dance Project luminary Andrea Parson, returning guest creator Carla Mann (Reed College), and several current…
Portland Baroque Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah
Rejoice. The beloved holiday tradition returns featuring Handel’s complete oratorio. Discover why the Messiah is one of the most-performed works in history and experience it as it was meant to be heard performed on period instruments. Directed by illustrious guest artist John Butt, this year’s concert features professional chorus Cappella Romana and world-class soloists soprano…
Paper Gates and his Orchestra perform In C(sons Greetings)
Enjoy the premiere of bass clarinetist and composer Andy Rayborn's (aka Paper Gates) festive reimagining of Terry Riley's iconic minimalist work "In C." Also featured will be psychedelic baroque pop outfit !mindparade and chamber folk ensemble Twin Bridges.
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…
Breakfast With Santa
Enjoy a holiday breakfast feast of pancakes, sausage, eggs to order, juices, coffee, hot cocoa, and… SANTA. Santa will be traveling from the North Pole to visit from for photos and to meet and greet with families. Musical entertainment, sing-alongs, and festive fun will be provided by the talented singers of Torchsong Entertainment.
Holiday Shop Small Open House + 2023 Cupping For a Cause
Zen Space Broadway is hosting a holiday open house and small shop event. All are welcome. There will be light refreshments available. Holiday gifts and stocking stuffers from local businesses will be for sale, as well as B12 shots from Limelight Aesthetics. There is plenty of parking at the Broadway location. The 2023 Cupping for…
Santa on The Farm
Come to the farm for pictures with Santa and his animal helpers. Kids activity pass includes Picture with Santa, a bounce house, games, Candy Cane Lane Walk, hot cocoa, and popcorn. Everything will be undercover. Adults and carried babies are free. If adults or kids want a photo there is a $5 add-on. You do…
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…
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…
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer LIVE
The holiday classic soars off the screen in this musical adaptation of the beloved television special. Because of his shiny nose, Rudolph doesn’t feel like he belongs in Christmastown and sets off to find a place that accepts him. He encounters fellow misfits along his journey, only to realize that home is where he has…
Trackers Holiday Faire: Cookies, Crafts & Archery
Enjoyr a dash of cheer and a sprinkle of holiday spirit at the 10th annual Trackers Holiday Faire. Step into a winter wonderland with families coming together to celebrate the season in festive style. Gather your loved ones and kick off the holidays with a show-stopping lineup of crafts, contests, archery, and classic holiday fun….
Sounds of the Season
Enjoy the festive sounds of professional, strolling entertainers throughout the holiday season – including the Village Carolers, Plaid Tidings and the Yuletide Belles. This festive season, Bridgeport Village will feature a special community performance by the Flute Alliance on December 17 at 4 p.m. as a portion of its Sound of the Season series.
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