Thinking about celebrating Christmas in Portland? I have you covered.
Christmas is one of the best times in the city. Between the holiday cheer, knock-out hot chocolate and energetic buzz, you’re bound to have a great time. I grew up in Portland (and still live here) so I’ve done practically everything under the sun (ha!) during the holiday season.
I’d like to offer a quick roundup of the best things to do in Portland during Christmas to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, I’m here to help!
Does it snow in Portland during Christmas?
Short answer: Nope. Long answer: It could, but it probably won’t.
Celebrating Christmas in Portland, Oregon
Portland Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
The holiday celebrations in Portland don’t officially begin until the 75-foot Douglas Fir adorning Pioneer Courthouse Square lights up. The square swells with locals (and tourists) the day after thanksgiving for a reason.
Everyone is eager to hear live music and share in the holiday spirit while counting down the seconds until the tree is lit. The towering tree is a spectacle to behold. It’s put together (piece by piece) in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, before being dressed with more than 20,000 lights!
If you’re eager to get your eyes on the tree before it’s assembled, head to the square mid-November and see how the magic happens.
Drink Your Way Through the Holiday Ale Fest
Swing by the Holiday Ale Festival, typically hosted in early December, to sample more than 50 beers under the canopy of the decorated Christmas tree in Pioneer Courthouse Square. Some folks think this popular Portland beer festival is a tad overrated (it gets really crowded) but I enjoy it.
The event lasts 5 days and the lineup boasts seasonal standouts (think fun winter flavors like pine). The event takes place outside so dress appropriately. Learn more here.
Christmas Festival of Lights (at the Grotto)
The Grotto confused me for many years until I finally visited. I couldn’t, for the life of me, figure out what this thing is about. Well, let me share what I’ve learned.
The Grotto is a 62-acre park located in northeast Portland where folks of all faiths are able to reflect and meditate. By definition, a grotto is a small picturesque cave, especially an artificial one in a park or garden.
The place gets decked out during the Portland holiday season in a dazzling display of beautiful lights that span a quarter mile. The event is called the Christmas Festival Of Lights and visitors are welcome to slowly meander through while reflecting on the season of joy.
If you’re visiting the Grotto in the daytime, head towards the Upper Gardens to catch epic views of Mt. St. Helens. If you’re swinging by after dark expect to find pleasant evening concerts hosted by local churches, schools and civic choirs.
Local’s Tip: This is a beloved holiday tradition during Christmas in Portland, so expect weekend crowds. If you’re looking for solitude, swing by early on a weekday.
Watch the Christmas Ships on the Willamette (Dec 2 – Dec 21)
The charming Christmas Ship Parade on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers dates back to 1954. In true PNW fashion, this Portland holiday tradition has very humble beginnings. It started with a lone sailboat decked out with holiday decorations as it paraded down the river.
By the next year a few more boats joined in and the numbers began to grow from there. The fleet is 60 boats strong today, and you can watch these decked out ships take to the rivers to bring joy to all. The lights are blindingly strong and you can see them from both banks of the river.
This Portland holiday tradition is going on its 68th year and doesn’t show signs of slowing anytime soon. But take note, this is one of the best free things to do in Portland during Christmas, so arrive early.
The Christmas event in Portland attract thousands of spectators, especially on the weekends. Thankfully the event lasts for 15-days, so if you’re not into crowds you can arrive early December (although the fleet is most impressive closer to Christmas Day).
Local’s Tip: Depending on where you plan to catch the parade, you can either view it from your car or along the waterfront. If you plan to view from the waterfront bring layers (and lots of them, it gets very cold!), a blanket, camping chair and some hot chocolate.
Stroll Down Peacock Lane (Dec. 15 – Dec. 31)
No list of the best things to do in Portland during Christmas is complete without mentioning Peacock Lane. I used to love this Portland Christmas tradition as a kid and plan to take my own kids (when I have them – ha!).
Peacock Lane is a charming 4-block street in the Sunnyside Neighborhood in SE Portland. Lovingly referred to as Portland’s Christmas Street, this spot has been drawing locals by the thousands since 1929!
It’s not hard to see why folks love this stroll so much. The homeowners put so much love and care into decorating their charming (and unique) homes. No wonder this is one of the best things to do in Portland.
There’s two ways to partake in this popular Portland holiday tradition: by foot or car. This Christmas event lasts from December 15 – 31st and some nights are reserved exclusively for pedestrians. However, due to COVID, pedestrian nights will not be available in 2022.
Regardless, pack the car with your loved ones (and hot coco) and make the dazzling drive over. You’ll instantly see why locals love celebrating Christmas in Portland!
Enjoy ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo (Nov. 23 – Jan. 5)
ZooLights probably needs no introduction for those that grew up in the area. Most locals have participated in this super-popular Portland Christmas event once or twice (or many times, if they have kids). Heck, I’ve gone on several dates here.
The Oregon Zoo is adorned in a beautiful display of dazzling lights while eager visitors wander from one display to the next with a cup of (delicious but overpriced) hot chocolate in hand. More than 1.5 million lights weave their way through clever animal-themed displays and tunnels of awe.
Meander past the lights and take in the holiday spirit in Portland. It’s hard to think of a more lively event during Christmas in Portland. Delighted kids mingling with folks on first dates and exhausted parents trying to make it through the night. Oh, to be alive!
Some nights of ZooLights are reserved exclusively for vehicles, while others are reserved for pedestrians. Buy tickets here.
Bonus: BrewLights (November 18-19)
The clever folks at the Oregon Zoo are giving adults something to talk about too. Enter BrewLights, a creative twist on this cherished holiday tradition. The event spans two days and admission allows adult-only access to light displays and beer samples from local breweries. Kids not allowed, buy tickets here.
Ride the Portland Holiday Express (Nov 25 – Dec 18)
The Portland Holiday Express Train is easily the best thing to do in Portland during Christmas with kids. The decked-out holiday (steam) train departs from Oaks Amusement Park and embarks on a 40-minute scenic route down the Oregon Pacific Railroad Line.
Before you ask, yes – the trains are heated (but you’ll still want to bundle up). If you have small kids in tow, you may want to book tickets for earlier in the day. Unless your kids are party animals (of course). Bathrooms and small snacks available at the train station.
The best part? Santa makes the rounds on each train, ensuring your kiddo has a traditional Portland holiday tradition they’ll look forward to year after year.
Best things to do during Christmas in Portland with kids: Ride the Portland Holiday Express Train. Buy tickets here.
Experience a Pittock Mansion Christmas in Portland (Nov 21 – Jan 4)
Visiting the Pittock Mansion during Christmas in Portland is a treasured event I still get excited about (even though I’ve done it like 10 times).
Pittock Mansion is a stunning French-Renaissance style mansion that sits atop the West Hills and spans 16,000 square feet, boasts 46 elaborate rooms and is open to the public.
The house was built so well that the even the original elevator is operational to this day. The tours are really cool because you can see the original furniture from the time period and learn more about the lives of the family that built it.
During the Christmas season, the mansion is covered in era-appropriate holiday decor that’s guaranteed to stun even the most ardent preservation society enthusiast. During the holiday season, you’ll find a celebration focusing on animals (the exhibit is titled “Critter Make Merry).
Polar bears, reindeer and lions (oh my!), each room transformed into an enchanting haven. If you’re visiting Portland at Christmas with an animal love in tow, make a beeline to the Pittock Mansion.
Watch the Nutcracker at the Oregon Ballet
If you’ve ever visiting New York City at Christmas you probably heard that seeing the Nutcracker is non-negotiable. Well, something folks don’t realize is that the Oregon Ballet has an impressive Christmas show in Portland you can’t afford to miss either.
In fact, it’s the same show — George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®. The only difference is the price tag. I paid $200 for a ticket in NYC and only $80 in Portland. Prices vary based on the section selected, but if helpful — the price ranges from $29 – $146.
Regardless of where you sit, you’re bound to be impressed. The Oregon Ballet Theater has been inspiring audiences with enchanting performances and Tchaikovsky’s classical music to match for ages. Interested? You can buy tickets here.
Get Your Own Christmas Tree for the Forest
One of my favorite holiday traditions in Portland is cutting down my own Christmas tree from a nearby forest. My husband and I do this every single year (and get super excited for it every time!). It’s not very hard to do, but there’s a few very helpful things to know before you go. So read this helpful guide.
Participate in Portland Santacon
Put on your best Santa costume and join hordes of locals as they crawl from one pub to the next. It’s a very popular Portland event for a reason and you’ll have a grand time with your friends in tow. Info here.
Fancy an Active Christmas in Portland? Try the Jingle Bell Run
If you’re the active sort (don’t worry, we won’t hold it against you), this one is for you. Every year, like clockwork, the Jingle Bell Run kicks off the season of indulgence with a fun 5k run. The run typically takes place the first weekend in December and it considered one of the best things to do when visiting Portland during Christmas.
You’ll have to sign up early because the event is known to sell out.
Miracle of a Million Lights at Victorian Belle
The Victorian Belle is a beautiful 1885 Victorian mansion location in North Portland. You can’t miss this thing while driving by even if you tried — it stands out in the best way.
Thankfully the home owners are all about celebrating Christmas in Portland and have the electricity bill to prove it. Every inch of the mansion is decked out in holiday lights, but it’s the 2.5 acre property that steals the show.
Visitors are welcome indoors to tour the decorated rooms while enjoying hot chocolate. Santa will be available to delight kids while they watch an outdoor movie.
If you’re visiting Portland for Christmas with friends in tow, sign up for Krampus (live music!) or the Holiday Wine and Wreath Making Class. With so many fun holiday events planned, no wonder locals consider this one of the best things to do during Christmas in Portland.
Go Cosmic Tubing at the Ski Bowl
Cosmic tubing at the Mt. Hood Ski Bowl is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas in Portland for the young at heart. Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at Mt. Hood open up for epic cosmic tubing. More than 600,000 LED light guide the way as eager folks making their way down the slopes on tubes.
It’s a very fun event! Laser light shows, pop music and delighted screams, locals love it! The only downside is walking back up the mountain after coming down, but I guess you can always take the conveyor belt up — up to you!
Experience the Winter Wonderland of Lights
Alright, I feel like I’d get some serious slack if I didn’t mention this popular Christmas event in Portland. But if I’m being honest, I did this once and am okay passing on it.
The Winter Wonderland of Lights takes place at Portland Race Track. Self dubbed as the “Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi” it’s guaranteed to get your attention.
Miles of cars meander down a set course while taking in massive light displays (tunnels, massive shapes and animations). You can experience this Portland holiday tradition from the comfort of your car (which is a huge perk).
The reason I don’t necessarily recommend it is simple: the long lines are mind-boggling. If you’re visiting on the weekend you’ll spend hours at this event — driving in, driving through and then getting out. It’s nuts! The crowds reduce the overall experience for me and I want to be transparent about that.
Visiting Portland for Christmas (Post Summary)
In sum, here’s a quick roundup of the best things to do if you’re visiting Portland for Christmas.
- Portland Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
- Drink Your Way Through the Holiday Ale Fest
- Christmas Festival of Lights (at The Grotto)
- Watch the Christmas Ships on the Willamette
- Stroll Down Peacock Lane
- Enjoy ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo
- Ride the Portland Holiday Train
- Tour the Festive Pittock Mansion
- Watch the Nutcracker at the Oregon Ballet
- Get Your Own Christmas Tree for the Forest
- Participate in Portland Santacon
- Fancy an Active Christmas in Portland? Try the Jingle Bell Run
- Holidays at the Belle
- Go Cosmic Tubing at the Ski Bowl
- Experience the Winter Wonderland of Lights
What do you think?