Last updated: November 11, 2024
Discover the must-see holiday attractions in Gresham! Explore all the top events with our guide. Whether you're a familiar face or a new visitor, our guide ensures you experience the holiday spirit in Gresham.
This season, the Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto offers a stunning display of lights and festive decorations amidst a serene backdrop, perfect for family outings. Alongside, the Annual Tuba Christmas Concert fills the air with joyful music performed by local tubists, creating a unique and heartwarming atmosphere. And the Winter Wonderland is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring enchanting activities for children of all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Gresham Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Festival Of Lights At The Grotto
- What to Expect
- Largest Christmas choral festival with over 500,000 lights and 150 indoor concerts.
- Description
- The Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto features millions of lights, indoor concerts, and Biblical performances. Visitors can enjoy choir concerts, outdoor caroling, puppet shows, and a life-sized nativity scene. The festival offers a family-oriented blend of traditional celebration and serene reflection.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Christmas Festival Of Lights At The Grotto
Winter Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Largest holiday light show in the Northwest.
- Description
- A spectacular holiday light show at Portland International Raceway featuring over 250 colorful light set pieces and fully animated scenes.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Winter Wonderland
Oregon ZooLights
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
- Description
- Oregon ZooLights features dazzling new light displays, including a brand-new rolling river light show and life-size animal lanterns, along with interactive displays and famous tunnels of sparkling lights.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Oregon ZooLights
Christmas Ships Parade
- What to Expect
- Spectacular display of festivity and lights on decorated ships.
- Description
- The Christmas Ships Parade is a 70-year tradition featuring decorated ships lighting up the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, symbolizing community spirit and unity.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Christmas Ships Parade
Silverton Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Immersive light display with authentic German Christmas Market.
- Description
- The Silverton Christmas Market at the Oregon Garden Resort features over 1.5 million lights, an authentic German Christmas Market, snowless tubing, live music, and visits with Santa. Explore immersive light paths, artisan vendors, and festive food options in a joyous holiday setting.
- Where
- Silverton | More Info : Silverton Christmas Market
Gresham Holiday Markets and Shopping
The North Pole at Eagle Crest
- What to Expect
- Vintage animated displays and a Santa writing station.
- Description
- The North Pole at Eagle Crest is a festive holiday event in Newberg, Oregon, featuring elves making toys, reindeer in stalls, and a polar bear family. It includes vintage animated displays, a Santa writing station, and a North Pole Market with jams, butters, baked goods, and handmade crafts.
- Where
- Newberg | More Info : The North Pole at Eagle Crest
Clackamas County Winter Fair
- What to Expect
- Holiday market with extensive light displays and festive vendors.
- Description
- The Clackamas County Winter Fair & Holiday Market features over 200,000 shimmering lights, a 30-minute Christmas tree show, and over 30 festive vendors selling gifts and seasonal items. Enjoy hot cocoa, kid-friendly crafts, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- Where
- Canby | More Info : Clackamas County Winter Fair
Crafty Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Unique handmade goods from over 250 local vendors.
- Description
- Crafty Wonderland is a biannual art and craft fair featuring over 250 booths of handmade goods from local vendors. The event showcases a diverse array of unique items, including illustrated portraits, pins, patches, metalwork, and more. It provides a platform for local makers to sell their work and connect with customers.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Crafty Wonderland
Portland Bazaar
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience highlighting local artisans and makers.
- Description
- Portland Bazaar is a premier holiday gift showcase and sale featuring 160+ local makers, artists, and small businesses. Enjoy custom gift wrapping and festive cocktails in a vibrant market setting that supports the local economy.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Portland Bazaar
NAYA Native Made Winter Marketplace
- What to Expect
- Unique handmade art and traditional medicines by Native artisans.
- Description
- NAYA Native Made Winter Marketplace features over 50 talented vendors showcasing unique, handmade art, jewelry, and traditional medicines. This event supports Native artisans and offers a variety of special winter gifts.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : NAYA Native Made Winter Marketplace
Gresham Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Portland Revels
- What to Expect
- Celebrating Nordic traditions with music, dance, and storytelling.
- Description
- Portland Revels is a community-driven organization celebrating the seasons through song, dance, and storytelling, fostering inclusivity and community across generations and cultures.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Portland Revels
The Nutcracker At The Oregon Ballet Theatre
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- The Nutcracker at the Oregon Ballet Theatre is a classic holiday ballet featuring George Balanchine's choreography to Tchaikovsky's score. The production includes brave toy soldiers, villainous mice, candy canes, and snowflakes, all set in the Land of Sweets. It offers a supportive environment for people with sensory processing challenges and young children through its sensory-friendly performance.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : The Nutcracker At The Oregon Ballet Theatre
Annual Tuba Christmas Concert
- What to Expect
- Largest gathering of tubas in unison.
- Description
- Over 200 tubas play in unison at the 33rd Annual Tuba Christmas Concert in Portland's Living Room, a free holiday tradition.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Annual Tuba Christmas Concert
Christmas Train At Mount Hood Railroad
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with Santa Claus and festive activities.
- Description
- Embark on a scenic train ride through Oregon's stunning winter landscapes, featuring Christmas tunes, storytelling sessions, and a special visit from Santa Claus. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies while taking in breathtaking views.
- Where
- Hood River | More Info : Christmas Train At Mount Hood Railroad
Providence Festival of Trees
- What to Expect
- Elegant gala and sensory-friendly holiday experience.
- Description
- The Providence Festival of Trees is an annual event featuring elegant gala and inclusive community celebrations at the Oregon Convention Center. It includes a sensory-friendly holiday experience with fun activities for all abilities and a gala dinner and auction to support vital programs for women and children.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Providence Festival of Trees
Portland Singing Christmas Tree
- What to Expect
- Immersive nativity and special visit from Santa.
- Description
- Portland's Singing Christmas Tree is a spectacular 90-minute show featuring an immersive nativity, a special visit from Santa, and his dancing elves. The event includes a variety of performances and activities that bring the magic of Christmas to audiences of all ages.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Portland Singing Christmas Tree
Gospel Christmas
- What to Expect
- 25th annual performance of gospel music with the Oregon Symphony.
- Description
- Join the Oregon Symphony and the Northwest Community Gospel Chorus for a 25th annual celebration of gospel music, featuring the region's premier gospel singers.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Gospel Christmas
The Most Wonderful Season by Portland Gay Men’s Chorus
- What to Expect
- Seasonal music and performances celebrating multiple winter holidays.
- Description
- The Most Wonderful Season by Portland Gay Men’s Chorus is a holiday concert featuring seasonal selections celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, and the New Year. The event is packed with singing, dancing, lights, and costumes, making it an audience favorite worthy of becoming a family tradition.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : The Most Wonderful Season by Portland Gay Men’s Chorus
Gresham Other Holiday Activities
Cinnamon Bear Cruises
- What to Expect
- Plated breakfast and character storytelling on a Willamette River cruise.
- Description
- The Cinnamon Bear Breakfast Cruise offers a 2-hour journey on the Willamette River with a plated breakfast, hot cocoa, orange juice, and coffee. The event features character storytelling, autograph sessions, and a souvenir photo with Cinnamon Bear for every child 12 and younger. Reserved seating and a signature cinnamon cookie for each child add to the festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Cinnamon Bear Cruises
Pittock Mansion Holiday Display
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday display with volunteer-decorated rooms and special exhibitions.
- Description
- Pittock Mansion transforms into a holiday spectacle with over seventy-five volunteers decorating the mansion with snow angels, ice skating, elves, snowmen, hot chocolate, and gingerbread. This beloved Portland tradition features stunning art exhibitions and the recently re-opened Gate Lodge.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Pittock Mansion Holiday Display
Holiday Express
- What to Expect
- Historic train ride with Santa Claus and festive decorations.
- Description
- Join Santa Claus and his elves for a historic train ride behind the 1912 Polson 2 steam locomotive along the Willamette River. Heated vintage rail cars offer a comfortable journey through the city, with plenty of holiday fun and unique souvenirs available at the Gift Shop.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Holiday Express