Search Winter in Portland
When wintry weather arrives, Portland offers plenty of things to do and ways to while away the cool days and long nights.
Yes, it does rain in the winter in Portland. (Not all the time, but plenty.) However, the rain and cooler temperatures provide the perfect excuse to do as locals do and indulge in Portland’s legendary culinary scene, sample craft beers from our 75+ breweries, drink a few extra cups of locally roasted coffee, check out live music performances and get lost wandering aisles of Powell’s City of Books. (Plus, if you’re willing to dodge a few raindrops during your visit, you may see some serious savings on hotels.) Several locally beloved events return every winter, including the vibrant Portland Winter Light Festival (which fills the city with dozens of huge light installations and special events); the epic PDX Jazz Festival ; and multiple arts, film music and theater festivals (like Fertile Ground, Cascade Festival of African Films and Reel Film Music Festival).
Winter in Portland Quick Facts
What is the coldest month in Portland?
Does it snow in Portland?
Does it rain every day in the winter in Portland?
Winter Weather
Winter in Portland (Dec. 21–March 19) is the coolest season of the year, with frequent rain showers and mostly cloudy skies (significant snowfall is rare within Portland city limits). The drop in temperature makes for great conditions at Mount Hood, where locals love to ski, snowboard, snowshoe or just cozy up to a fireplace with a warm drink in hand.
What to Pack
For a wintertime visit to Portland, we recommend packing a coat, fleece jacket and rain-friendly shoes (and if you’re a skier or snowboarder, don’t forget your gear, since rain in Portland means plenty of snow on Mount Hood).
Know Before You Go
As of June 30, 2021, COVID restrictions have been lifted in Portland and the state of Oregon. While events are now allowed, some events may still be canceled, postponed or held virtually. Please check the event website for the most up-to-date information.
Favorite Winter Events
These locally beloved events and festivals return every winter in Portland.
Events By Month
Every month of winter in Portland offers its own unique array of events and experiences.
December Events
Favorite December events in Portland include light displays, holiday shopping, seasonal traditions and a beer festival.
January Events
From theater to roller derby, Portland kicks off the year with an eclectic assortment of events.
February Events
February is the perfect month to take in fine Portland food, film, music and more.
Indoor Activities
Prefer to shelter from the elements? Portland’s got you covered.
Holidays in Portland
Celebrate the season with these annual holiday traditions in Portland.
Portland Holiday Events
Like an Advent calendar loaded with sugary treats, the days leading up to Christmas in Portland hold an abundance of sweet memories.
Holiday Light Displays in Portland
Portland is full of bright ways to embrace the shorter days of winter; here are some of the stars in the city’s constellation of holiday light displays.
Holiday Shopping Events
Do your holiday shopping for locally made gifts at hip parties, makers' fairs, sprawling sales and garden grounds filled with handcrafted items.
Winter Events
Portland comes to life every winter with festive events and activities around the city.
Portland Saturday Market
Open every Saturday from March–December, Portland Saturday Market is the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the U.S.
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…
Christmas Ship Parade
The Christmas Ship Parade began in 1954 with one lone sailboat from Portland Yacht Club. Today, the Christmas Ship Fleet averages about 55 to 60 boats between the Columbia and Willamette River fleets, with displays that are brightly lit and can be seen from bank to bank on each river. The boats, 14 to 65…
Crafty Wonderland Holiday Art + Craft Market
Portland’s biannual art and craft fair boasts unique handmade wares from 225+ local vendors.
Gospel Christmas
Celebrate the joy of the season at the Gospel Christmas. Presented by the Oregon Symphony. This tradition just gets bigger and better, year after year. Clap your hands and stomp your feet along with the region’s premier gospel singers and the Oregon Symphony at this beloved annual concert.
Champagne Ball
Since 1990, Champagne Ball has helped nearly 40,000 people ring in the New Year in a fun and safe environment. Every New Year’s Eve, Champagne Ball brings in top entertainers. The event features 18 bars because the Champagne Ball wants people out dancing, not standing in long lines. The party also includes a massive countdown…
Portland ValenTango
The City of Roses boasts one of the best tango communities outside of Buenos Aires, with dances and lessons available almost every night.
RX Fest
Music is medicine. RX Fest is a multi-venue, multi-day festival is a large-scale benefit for organizations vital to our community, all centrally located in downtown Portland at Star Theater, Dante’s, Kelly’s Olympian and Valentine’s.
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