Hillsboro Holly Days Celebration
Visitors can browse a bustling outdoor market filled with handmade goods from local artisans and items from downtown retailers. The event features live musical performances on the plaza stage, strolling carolers, and activities for all ages. Guests can also visit Santa at the North Pole at HART and gather for the annual holiday tree lighting and community sing-along.
What to Expect
Handmade local crafts and gifts showcased alongside downtown holiday festivities.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Historic Downtown Hillsboro
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Hillsboro Downtown Partnership
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday shoppers
Vibe
Festive and community-minded
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Know Before You Go
- Hours: 2:00-7:00 pm; tree lighting at 6:00 pm.
- Parking: The Blue Line Max and frequent bus lines stop at Hillsboro Central Transit Center, a few steps from the event.
Tips & Advice
- Dress the family up before heading to the North Pole at HART, because Santa and Friends are there for Christmas card photos.
- Take the Blue Line MAX or a frequent bus to Hillsboro Central Transit Center, which is just a few steps from the event.
- Check the time limits wherever you park, because downtown streets and lots like the Hillsboro Parking Garage and Civic Center lot have posted limits.
- Stay in Civic Center Plaza after the tree lighting and pull up the lyrics with the link or QR code for the Oregon Chorale sing-along.
- Sign up early if you want to volunteer, because every volunteer has to attend the required orientation before their shift on event day.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: live outdoor performances return to the Cultural Arts District Stage, with a lineup of local musicians.
- Holiday Tree procession: the tree parades down Main Street to Civic Plaza on Friday, November 13, and Santa may be there for the installation.
- The tree lighting has a countdown led by the Mayor and is followed by a sing-along with the Oregon Chorale.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do at Holly Days?
You can shop an artisan market of handmade goods, and downtown merchants run in-shop activities and promotions. There are also carolers, live music on the Plaza stage and activities for all ages.
Where can we see Santa?
Santa and Friends are at the North Pole at HART, at 2nd Avenue and Washington Street. Dress up and get your Christmas card photos taken there.
What happens at the tree lighting?
The Mayor of Hillsboro leads a countdown to switch on the lights in Civic Center Plaza, with help from Santa and friends. Hillsboro's Oregon Chorale then leads a sing-along. The lyrics are available through a link or QR code.
What's the easiest way to get downtown?
Take TriMet. The Blue Line MAX and several frequent bus lines stop at Hillsboro Central Transit Center, a few steps from the event.
How can I volunteer?
Hillsboro Downtown Partnership needs volunteers for setup, guest welcome, hospitality and cleanup. Volunteers must be 16 or older unless a guardian comes with them. Everyone has to attend a required orientation before their shift.
More Christmas Events Near Hillsboro
More Christmas Events near Hillsboro
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