Spirit of Christmas
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Artistic rendering โ€“ Event may differ

Spirit of Christmas

Community-wide holiday celebration with Santa and a parade.

About

Gresham's Spirit of Christmas event invites everyone to kick off the holiday season with a day packed with festive cheer. Highlights include a special 'Breakfast with Santa,' a vibrant parade of lights, and a magical tree lighting ceremony. Visitors can enjoy music, free treats, and capture memories with Santa, all set against the backdrop of historic downtown Gresham.

Our Take

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families and community members

Vibe

Festive, community-oriented, cheerful

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Special Events & Promotions

  • Breakfast with Santa
  • Parade of lights presented by Gresham Ford
  • Free photos with Santa hosted by SDF Collective

Tags

community celebrationSanta visitsparadestree lightingfamily friendlyfestive foodholiday traditionfree eventholiday cheer

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Location

Gresham, OR

Event Details

Pricing

FREE

Duration

14 hours

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Historic downtown Gresham

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Center for the Arts Foundation

Practical Information

Pet Policy

No pets allowed

Food & Drink

Free treats and beverages are available, and food vendors are present.

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early for the 'Breakfast with Santa' as it starts at 8:00 am and is located at the Little Theater.
  • For the parade of lights, check the registration details for your car if you wish to participate, and find a good viewing spot along Main Avenue.
  • Plan to stay until the evening for the tree lighting ceremony at the Arts Plaza and subsequent photos with Santa.
  • While many activities are free, consider bringing some money for potential purchases from local vendors during the downtown shopping hours.
  • Check the Spirit of Gresham website for any last-minute updates or schedule changes before attending.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the Spirit of Christmas event start?

The event kicks off at 8:00 am with 'Breakfast with Santa' and activities continue throughout the day until 9:00 pm.

Is there a cost to attend the Spirit of Christmas event?

The event itself is free, including treats, music, and photos with Santa. Some activities or vendor purchases may have associated costs.

Where is the parade of lights held?

The parade of lights begins with Santa making his way down Main Avenue and concludes at the Gresham Arts Plaza.

Can I bring my pet to the event?

The event policy generally does not allow pets, but service animals are typically welcome.

What is the main purpose of the Spirit of Christmas event?

The event aims to celebrate Gresham's diverse holidays and traditions, bringing the community together to spread holiday cheer and light up the town.

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Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 23, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The ChristmasLocal.com editorial team

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