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Portland has plenty of fun Christmas activities, events, and holiday things to do. From Christmas light displays to holiday arts and performances, holiday markets, and the holiday ale fest. So whether you’re visiting or live in the area, here’s everything you need to know about Christmas in Portland, Oregon – events, best Christmas lights displays and the best holiday things to do in late November through December.
Portland Christmas Events & Light Displays
- Christmas Lights in Portland
- Christmas Performances & Arts
- Holiday Runs, Active Events & Drinking Fun
- Holiday Markets & Popup Shops
- Holiday Trains
- Christmas Tree Permits become available to cut your own tree from US Forest Service – late November
This list has been updated for 2023 – some Christmas events marked as canceled, some still as TBD, and the rest as “2023 CONFIRMED!”. I’ll update this as I get more info!
Christmas Lights in Portland
For a more in-depth look at area Christmas light displays – from free to ticketed events – check out my post on Christmas Lights in Portland.
Tree Lighting at Pioneer Courthouse Square – 2023 Confirmed!
On the day after Thanksgiving, a giant 75′ Douglas Fir Christmas tree in Pioneer Courthouse Square is all lit up. There’s usually a bit of music (this year Thomas Lauderdale from Pink Martini), Santa, and festive atmosphere beyond just flipping the switch. The tree arrives November 10 from Stimson Lumber.
When: Friday, November 24 (5:30pm-6:30pm)
Where: Pioneer Courthouse Square, Downtown Portland
Cost: Free
More Info: The Square PDX
Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto – 2023 Confirmed!
The Grotto is one of our favorite places year round. And it’s especially colorful during the festival of lights. This Catholic shrine and garden is all decked out in lights, there are chorus performances and concerts and of course hot chocolate and meandering.
When: Friday Nov 24 through Saturday Dec 30, 2023 (closed Christmas Day)
Where: The Grotto, 8501 NE Skidmore St, Portland, OR 97220
Cost: $14/adults, $6 kids (age 2 & under: Free) online pre-purchase, plus 8 value nights for $12.
More Info: The Grotto
Christmas Lights at Peacock Lane – 2023 Confirmed!
Every year Peacock Lane in SE Portland has Christmas lights on from mid-December through New Years. It’s just one street Peacock Lane between SE Stark and Belmont St, one block east of 39th/Cesar Chavez Blvd. This street has been hosting Christmas lights since 1932! There are usually some days that allow vehicle traffic and some evenings that are pedestrian only.
When: December 15-31, 2023 6pm-11pm. Pedestrian-only nights Dec 15-17, 2023.
Where: Peacock Lane, one block east of 39th/Cesar Chavez between Stark and Belmont
Cost: free
More Info: Peacock Lane
Portland Winter Wonderland Light Festival – 2023 CONFIRMED!
If you don’t feel like braving the elements to see ZooLights or Light Festival at the Grotto, Winter Wonderland at PIR (Portland International Raceway) is a great option. Their holiday light festival is a drive through on the race track and self-described as “the largest holiday light show west of the Mississippi”. This is also a good accessible option for those that need it. There’s also a “Bike the Lights” Night (Nov 28, 2023) and another night for dog walking (Lights & Leashes Night Nov 27, Nov 29, 2023.)
Bike the Lights is Nov 28, 2023. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $5 for kids ages 6-12 (5 and under free). There will be two time slots to choose from – 4:15-7pm or 7-9:30pm.
When: Friday, November 24, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Time: 5pm-10pm everyday, except 4:30pm-11pm on Fridays-Sundays
Where: Portland International Raceway
Cost: $37-48/car online
More Info: Winter Wonderland
Promo code: Use discount code HOLIDAYLIGHTS2022 until Dec 9, 2022 for $4 off your ticket.
Zoo Lights at the Oregon Zoo – 2023 CONFIRMED!
Zoo Lights is a favorite for families. But you don’t have to have kids to enjoy ZooLights. Families with young kids tend to go right when it opens, and it usually clears out a bit later in the evening before closing. They also have an adults only evening for BrewLights, you guessed it, beer and ZooLights.
When: November 19, 2023 – Jan 7, 2024. This year, offering Walk-through nights, and 2 nights of 21+ only, and 1 member-only preview night, and 1 sensory-friendly night.
Where: Oregon Zoo in Washington Park
Drive-Through: There won’t be a drive-though option this year, as offered in 2020-2022.
Walk-Through Cost: $21/adults, $16/kids (age 2-11). Members 20% off: $16.8/adults, $12.80/kids
More Info: Oregon Zoo
Christmas Ship Parade – 2023 CONFIRMED!
Each year, different routes and dates are announced, so you know where to watch and what direction the boats will be heading on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. Fun fact: The Christmas Ship Parade was one of the only Christmas events NOT canceled during 2020.
When: December 1-17, 2023 usually around 6 or 7p start
Where: Willamette River schedule and Columbia River schedule
Cost: free
More Info: Christmas Ships
Holiday Performances & Arts
Christmas at Pittock Mansion – TBD 2023!
Each year, Pittock Mansion gets all decked out for the holidays. You can visit the themed mansion between Thanksgiving and New Years. 2019’s theme was a World of Books with rooms transformed into magical storybook settings. 2020’s theme was “Critters Make Merry”, but since Pittock is had to be closed, they moved it to the Christmas theme for 2021! New for 2022: Music Makes the Season!
When: November 21, 2022 – January 4, 2023.
Where: Pittock Mansion, 3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR 97210
Cost: $15.50/person, $11.50/youth
More Info: Pittock Mansion
Singing Christmas Tree – 2023 CONFIRMED!
Portland’s singing Christmas tree has been going strong for 60 years. This year, Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree is returning to Sunset Presbyterian. Previously at Keller Auditorium.
When: Saturday, Nov 25, 2023 – until Dec 3, 2023.
Where: Sunset Presbyterian Church
Cost: $27-47/person
More Info: singingchristmastree.org
The Nutcracker Ballet – 2023 CONFIRMED!
Portland’s Oregon Ballet Theatre is producing George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker performance for the 19th season. All set to Tchaikovsky musical score, with 12 performances with a live OBT Orchestra in December. Tip: The Dec 9 performance is a $10+ Pay-what-you-will preview performance!
When: 19 performances December 8-24, 2023
Where: Keller Auditorium
Cost: $24+
More Info: obt.org
Oregon Symphony Holiday Concerts – 2023 CONFIRMED!
The Oregon Symphony Orchestra usually puts on a holiday concert. The Oregon Symphony resumed live performances in 2021! And there are several holiday concerts in December – including Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Nov 24; Handel’s Messiah Dec 2-4; Holiday Brass Dec 3, 6; Gospel Christmas Dec 9-10; A Very Merry Mariachi Christmas Dec 11; Comfort & Joy Dec 13, Muppet Christmas Carol Dec 16-17; Pink Martini Home(town) for the Holidays Dec 20-21 and more.
When: December
Where: Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205
More Info: orsymphony.org
Holiday Runs, Active Events, & Drinking Fun
Daimler Holiday Half, 10k, and 5k Race – 2023 CONFIRMED!
What used to be hosted at Adidas in North Portland, is now based on Swan Island at the Daimler headquarters. Each year in early December, the Holiday half, 10k, and 5k options routes through North Portland on possibly the chilliest run in Portland. The race for 2023 has a live and virtual option.
When: Sunday, December 10, 2023
Where: usually North Portland route
Cost: from $49+ for the 5k
More Info: Foot Traffic
Jingle Bell Run – 2023 Canceled
This annual event benefits the Arthritis Foundation of Oregon. It’s a 5k run in downtown Portland in mid December. They went virtual in 2020, just like Daimler Holiday Half, and skipped Portland for 2021 and 2022.
When: last run was in 2019.
Where: World Trade Center, downtown Portland
Cost: from $30 for the 5k
More Info: Jingle Bell Run
Cosmic Tubing at Ski Bowl – 2023 TBD!
Cosmic tubing is just about as funny as it sounds. Lights, music, and sledding up at SkiBowl. It also takes the work out of sledding, as you take the lift up.
When: Starts Thanksgiving weekend
Where: Ski Bowl, Mt Hood
Cost: from $34 kids, $39 adults
More Info: Ski Bowl
Holiday Ale Fest – NEW FOR 2023: Portland Holiday Brew Fest
There’s a new Holiday Ale Fest in town! It’s at the same location as the OG Holiday Ale Fest – Pioneer Courthouse Square – under the giant tree and heated tents. New event organizers, and just 2 days. This event will feature 25 winter beers. It’s nice to see a Portland tradition being reimagined!
What made the Holiday Ale Fest so cool was having a huge Christmas tree above the festival as part of the Square. And the seasonal beer, of course. Just watch the high ABV (alcohol content) of these seasonal beers and use a Lyft to get home! This one was canceled in 2020, 2021, and yes, 2022. In 2020, I made a DIY beer advent calendar, to taste all the local seasonal holiday ales!
When: Saturday, December 2 – Sunday, December 3, 2023
Where: Pioneer Courthouse Square
Cost: $10/entry only or $30 entry and 4 drink tickets
More Info: Portland Holiday Brew Fest // Original Fest: Holiday Ale
Portland Santacon – 2023 TBD
You kind of have to follow a description of Holiday Ale Fest with Santacon right? Hide your children or they may never think of Santa the same way again. Santacon is a bit ridiculous with a bunch of Santas running around town causing trouble or Christmas merriment, depending on how you look at it. Hosted by the Portland Cacophony Society.
When: Saturday, December 17, 2022
Where: it always seems like a surprise, check their Facebook page
Cost: free
More Info: Portland Cacophony Society
Holiday Markets & Popup Shops
Ever year there are numerous holiday markets, popup shops, and craft fairs in Portland. Crafty Wonderland was one of the originals and now they even have a shop downtown. Holiday markets are a really fun to just pop in and browse and always make it on my Portland advent calendar each December.
Crafty Wonderland – 2023 CONFIRMED
Crafty Wonderland takes over the Convention Center for a weekend in early December. It’s the original of the “maker” style crafter holiday markets and still one of the largest, except for the next listing that calls itself the largest.
When: December 8-10, 2023
Where: Oregon Convention Center
Cost: free
The Portland Bazaar – 2023 CONFIRMED
This craft market was at The North Warehouse on Interstate for a few years, then Yale Union in SE, and this year in NW and Pioneer Courthouse Square (Nov 24-26). It usually features some of the same vendors and makers as Crafty Wonderland and other markets. Think letterpress, bamboo planters, leather goods, cocktail mixers, the usual Portland gift suspects.
When: Dec 9-10 and Dec 16-17, 2023
Where: Premiere Gear Machine Works Building 1715 NW 17th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
Cost: free
Renegade Craft Fair – Portland 2023 Canceled
One of the later craft fairs in town, Renegade Craft Fair is a good one for last minute shopping. And is part of a “tour” event from the original Renegade Craft that started in Chicago. There are no 2023 event dates for Portland this holiday season!
When: No 2023 Event Dates
Where: 2019 was at Pure Space in the Pearl
Cost: free
Portland Flea – 2023 (CURRENTLY NO DECEMBER DATES)
While not a holiday only event, Portland Flea used to run once in December as well, as Holiday Flea + Food. Portland Flea was a monthly market popup that went weekly in 2022, that takes over outside Rejuvenation at the cross streets of SE 6th and SE Salmon St. with vendors, snacks, and crafts.
When: last Portland Flea of 2023 will be October
Where: Nova Building, 240 SE Clay St, Portland, OR 97214
Cost: free
America’s Largest Christmas Bazaar – Canceled
This Christmas bazaar is huge, a little too big for my shopping style, but they’ve been going strong since 1982, except for 2020 and look to be canceled ever since. You’ll find pretty much everything at this holiday market.
When: This event ended in 2019
Where: Expo Center
Cost: $3+
Portland Night Market – 2023 CONFIRMED
This is another not holiday-only event, but especially fun during the holiday season. On the Central Eastside, in an old warehouse street, with food carts and shopping as part indoor/outdoor night market.
When: quarterly, November 30-Dec 3, 2023
Where: Central Eastside, 100 SE Alder St, Portland, OR 97214
Cost: free, or $10 to not wait in line
Portland Saturday Market – Festival of the Last Minute – 2023 TBD
And of course, I have to end with the Portland Saturday Market’s Festival of the Last Minute! The last few days before Christmas. It’s your usual Portland Saturday market with a holiday twist.
When: weekly usually, and December 19-24, 2021
Where: Portland Saturday Market, 2 SW Naito Parkway
Portland, OR 97204
Cost: free
Holiday Trains
The Holiday Express – Oregon Rail Heritage Center – 2023 CONFIRMED
The Holiday Express is a steam train from the Oregon Rail Heritage Center in SE Portland (by OMSI). It follows the Willamette River by the Springwater corridor near Sellwood, departing from Oaks Park. It’s a 40 minute ride and features Santa, hot chocolate, cider and cookies.
When: November 24-December 17, 2023
Where: Oregon Rail Heritage Center 2250 SE Water Ave.
Cost: $31 adults, $25 kids 2023 (additional discounts for families ($99), groups, members)
More Info: orhf.org
Mt Hood Christmas Train – 2023 CONFIRMED
The Mt Hood Christmas train departs from Hood River and makes a one hour roundtrip to the “Christmas Depot” (undisclosed location, lol). Christmas characters entertain on the train, and hot chocolate and a cookie are served, and includes Christmas singing.
When: Nov 24-Dec 27, 2023
Where: Mt Hood Depot, 110 Railroad St, Hood River, OR 97031
Cost: $64+ adults, $54+ kids
More Info: mthoodrr.com
Things to Do for Christmas in Portland & What Bars and Restaurants are Open
There are plenty of non-event things to do in Portland for Christmas as well. Most of them outside or dining related. There is usually a Blazers game near Christmas, and free things to do like browsing holiday markets, walking and window shopping downtown, seeing Christmas lights downtown or on Peacock Lane. Snowshoeing or visiting Timberline lodge is also another festive thing if you’re looking to have a snowy Christmas.
If you’re looking to know what bars and restaurants are open for the holidays, my go to is Eater PDX. They usually have a few different guides for holiday dining every year. And for concerts and other live art events, check out Portland Mercury’s Calendar now by EverOut (tap the star “Recommended” to see best listings).
Portland Christmas Weather
Note: If you want to know about the weather you can visit a weather website. But one of the most frequent texts I get from friends about to visit Portland is about the weather. So that’s why I include this weather section. It’s how to interpret Portland weather forecasts by a local. :)
There’s usually about a 10% chance of having snow on Christmas, according to the National Weather Service. So will we have a white Christmas in 2023? Only time will tell!
Average December Weather by Day
Here is a look at the historical averages for high and low temps in Portland in December:
Merry Christmas and happy holidays, I wish you some holiday fun in what is certainly a very different year. Maybe we’ll get some Christmas snow this winter in Portland. Cheers!
Read more: Portland in December, Best Time to Visit Portland
This post has been updated for 2023.
