November Events

Though the temperature gets cooler, Portland’s events scene starts heating up every November. Special seasonal offerings include the annual Portland Book Festival in downtown Portland, special shopping events and Thanksgiving traditions. Read on for some of our favorite November events and things to do in Portland, or check out our full events calendar to see everything on offer.

November Holiday Events in Portland

Veteran’s Day (November 11)

Veterans Day is a United States public holiday on November 11 that honors military veterans for their service.

Although canceled for 2025 and expected to return for 2026, the Veterans’ Day Parade in Portland has been running since 1974. In 2025, veterans and parade-goers may visit the 37th Annual Lough Legacy Veterans Day Parade in Vancouver, Washington.

Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday of November)

Thanksgiving is an annual American harvest holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Many stores are closed on Thanksgiving, but restaurants and bars may have specialty menus or reservations available.

Kick off the holiday season with Wine Country Thanksgiving, when wineries throughout the Willamette Valley offer special tastings, food pairings, live music, holiday discounts and other wine-country experiences. Discover a delicious local pinot to pair with your holiday celebrations, or find the perfect gift for the wine lover in your life.

You can also hit the pavement with the annual Portland Turkey Trot at the Portland International Raceway, where the 5k race takes runners on a holiday-themed journey through a lights display. Runners can register for a competitive race, a family race or a kids’ fun run.

Start of the Holiday Season

On the day after Thanksgiving, thousands of people gather in downtown Pioneer Courthouse Square to see the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony of the spectacular 75-foot-tall tree and celebrate the official start of the holiday season. Also starting the day after Thanksgiving is the Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto, featuring nearly 160 indoor holiday concerts performed by many of the region’s finest school, church, and civic choirs.

The annual holiday ZooLights display at the Oregon Zoo has gotten a grown-up spinoff. For two nights every November, BrewLights takes over the zoo. Tickets include adult-only access to the festive display and samples from local breweries.

Holiday Shopping in Portland

The Portland Holiday Market comes every year to the Portland Expo Center. Featuring anything from clothing to home decor or craft items to leather goods, the market is a great place to get all of your holiday shopping done early. Combining the vibes of an art show, a live street concert, and an open-air bazaar, the Portland Saturday Market has been a beloved Rose City tradition since 1974. The largest arts-and-crafts fair in the country is open every Saturday in November.

Credit: Christine Dong

Held twice a year, My People’s Market brings together dozens of local artists, entrepreneurs and creatives of color for live music, networking and shopping. The November market is an early kickoff to the holiday shopping season and draws attendees who shop, eat, drink and dance throughout the weekend. Shop Small Win Big is another great way to get a jump on holiday shopping — this holiday sweepstakes lets you earn raffle entries for awesome prizes when you visit and shop at participating local businesses.

The First Friday Art Walk takes place year-round in Portland’s vibrant eastside. Art openings at galleries and open spaces set the scene and can include group art shows, open maker spaces and lively performances.

Pick up a variety of self-published books, comics and other artworks at the Portland Zine Symposium, a zine fair celebrating independent publishing and DIY culture since 2001.

Kid-Friendly Events

Explore the outdoors as a family at the Tree Time Preschool Walks at Hoyt Arboretum. Kids can use their senses to explore their surroundings on a guided walk on the trails. The World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum offers a Forest Crafts event, where children can get hands-on with crafting.

Kids can also experience holiday magic with the Holiday Express at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center and ride the train with Santa Claus and his elves.

November Festivals

Reinvented in 2015 as a one-day celebration, the Portland Book Festival draws more than 100 authors each year. The largest celebration of literature and literacy in the Pacific Northwest includes an extensive book fair, large-scale events, smaller panels, on-stage conversations, and readings, all held at and around the Portland Art Museum.

Every year, the Lan Su Chinese Garden celebrates the beauty of chrysanthemums and their significance to Chinese culture during the month-long Chrysanthemum Festival. A symbol of longevity and wealth, the beautiful bloom is showcased in floral designs and cultivation demonstrations throughout the gardens.

Winter in Portland

The colder months bring some of the city's most beloved annual events and festivals.

Winter Events

Portland Winter Light Festival

Brighten your February with a visit to Portland’s annual Winter Lights Festival, where you’ll find glowing sculptures, twinkling lights, lively events and more.

Winter Hikes in and Near Portland

Oregon is the perfect place for outdoor adventure, any time of year — explore our selection of all-weather paths and hikes in and near Portland.