The Grotto Christmas Festival of Lights over 2 million lights, nightly caroling, puppet shows and a giant walkthrough Christmas Tree! Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas at the Grotto’s Festival of Lights like Stacey and her family did this year. Enjoy the lights and grab some great pics!
Make a new tradition on Christmas day by visiting one of Portland’s independent movie theaters like the Clinton St. Theater, Cinema 21 and or the Bagdad.
The annual Tuba Christmas Concert at Pioneer Courthouse Square is Saturday Dec 21, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Pioneer Courthouse Square.
The Christmas Ships are back sailing the Willamette and Columbia rivers for the 70th year! Find the best viewing spots and times here.
There’s no place like Pittock Mansion when it comes to experiencing Portland’s holiday tradition. You can enjoy the combined splendor and warmth of the mansion, and the charming Gate Lodge decorated with this year’s theme, Holiday Classics. If you can’t make there before Christmas, they stay open thru January 9th. More at Pittock Mansion dot org.
Magic of Lights, the vibrant drive thru holiday light display open now thru January 4th at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem.
Schilling Lights on Lark in Milwaukie. This is one house with 50,000 lights that move in sync to holiday music visitors can request with a QR code. For instance, you might ask for Frank Sinatra’s rendition of “Jingle Bells” and see illuminated candy canes flash red and white stripes to the beat of the music.
The Willamette Valley Visitors Association is hosting its annual ornament hunt across the Willamette and Umpqua National Forests until Christmas Day. Two hundred locally crafted wooden ornaments are hidden along 24 trails. Find one, and you could win a two-night getaway in the Willamette Valley! It's a fun way to explore the beautiful forests and enjoy some holiday cheer.
The Portland Winter Ice Rink is back this holiday season. The family-friendly outdoor ice rink located at the west end of the Morrison Bridgehead on the waterfront. In addition to skating, enjoy a variety of activities in the Winter Village, which features a concession marketplace, food, warm beverages, and a cozy lounge.
OMSI is opening its own indoor ice skating rink for the holidays. They’ve turned their auditorium into a winter wonderland. Open through the New Year. And of course Lloyd Center's ice rink.
A groovy way to entertain your parents in town for the holiday…The Portland Art Museum is showing psychedelic rock posters and fashion of the 1960s. In addition to all the vibrant colored posters that came out of San Francisco, you’ll see a huge collection of vintage clothing from embroidered denim to hippy fringe, crochet and velvet. Free with admission
The Benson Portland has unveiled their 53rd Annual Gingerbread Masterpiece.
The Clackamas County Winter Fair & Holiday Market is a magical event running December 21st at the Clackamas County Event Center. Enjoy a half-mile walk through dazzling light displays, ending with a 30-minute Christmas tree show. Inside, warm up with hot cocoa and explore over 30 festive vendors. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there for photos and sing-alongs with school bands. Kids can also enjoy crafts and other fun activities. Free for children 3 and under.
Experience the magic of Christmas on Franklin in Vancouver! This neighborhood light display features over 200,000 lghts along two blocks of homes, with holiday lights and music nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through December 31st. Special events include visits from Santa and the Grinch, snowfall on select nights, and hot cocoa and treats.
The Cinnamon Bear Cruise on the Portland Spirit is a longstanding tradition in Portland.
Mt Railroad Polar Express Christmas Train is a must if you have littles. We took our boys in their pj's a couple of times. The free hot cocoa while they perform the hot cocoa song from the movie is worth the trip alone!.
The Silverton Christmas Market is open most nights November 21 – December 31. Weekends sell out so grab your tickets online.
Looking for unique handmade gifts this holiday season? Artifact in SE Portland is thrilled to announce that it has partnered with 25 local makers to bring you the best and the brightest. The front showroom has transformed into a cozy winter wonderland.
Enjoy the twinkling magical wonderland of Zoo Lights November 22-Jan 5.
Portland’s “Santa Clones”‘ have become a fun holiday hunt over the last several years for Portlanders. A new location for the sea of Santas was revealed to spectators Saturday, December 7, by creator Chris Willis. His Instagram announcement stated, “The space is very ‘Old Portland’ and I was extremely fortunate to be given the opportunity to bring it to life this season.” The Santa Clones will be glowing every evening from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. now through January 1, 2025.
“Lightopia” is underway in Hillsboro, a chance for you to drive through the Gordon Faber Recreation Complex for some spectacular displays. Lightopia is free, but online reservations are required for Fridays and Saturdays.
Peacock Lane Dec 15-31st.
The Holiday History Tours at the Victorian Belle are a magical way to step back into the 1880s. From December 16th to 19th, you can explore three floors of the mansion, each adorned with festive Victorian-era decor. The tours include a 90-minute guided exploration, followed by 30 minutes to wander the mansion and grounds at your own pace.
Just ready to sit down finally and chill with some hot cocoa and a great holiday movie? Here's a fun way to pick one, it's based on your astrological sign.
Have a holiday event to share? We'll be updating throughout the season so let us know!
