Last updated: November 11, 2024
Celebrate the holidays in Portland with our ultimate event guide. Whether you're a longtime resident or a curious visitor, our guide showcases the holiday highlights of Portland.
One of the festive favorites is the Tree Lighting at Pioneer Courthouse Square, a gathering that brings together the community to kick off the holiday season with vibrant lights. The Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto features stunning displays and serene music, creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for all ages. And the Portland Winter Wonderland Light Festival is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a dazzling array of decorations that transform the park into a magical winter scene. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Portland Holiday Light Displays
Tree Lighting at Pioneer Courthouse Square
- What to Expect
- Illumination of a 75ft Douglas-fir with over 9,500 colorful LED lights.
- Description
- The 40th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pioneer Courthouse Square features a joyful sing-along with Portland's own Thomas Lauderdale and Pink Martini, local musicians, and chorale singers. The event highlights the holiday season in downtown Portland as Santa Claus flips the switch to illuminate more than 9,500 colorful LED lights on the City's 75ft Douglas-fir, generously donated by Stimson Lumber Company.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Tree Lighting at Pioneer Courthouse Square
Portland Winter Wonderland Light Festival
- What to Expect
- Drive-thru light display with over 250 installations.
- Description
- Portland Winter Wonderland Light Festival features over 250 light displays spanning the track at Portland International Raceway, offering a unique drive-thru experience with a variety of festive displays and holiday music.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Portland Winter Wonderland Light Festival
ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo
- What to Expect
- Dazzling light displays with life-size animal lanterns.
- Description
- At ZooLights, immerse yourself in dazzling light displays featuring life-size animal lanterns, a rolling river light show, and interactive exhibits. Walk through famous tunnels filled with sparkling lights and pose next to colorful animals to create lasting holiday memories.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo
Silverton Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Immersive light display with over 1.5 million lights.
- Description
- The Silverton Christmas Market at the Oregon Garden Resort features an immersive light display with over 1.5 million lights, an authentic German Christmas Market with artisan vendors and imported goods, snowless tubing, and visits with Santa. Enjoy live music and a brew in the Biergarten, and savor festive food and drinks.
- Where
- Silverton | More Info : Silverton Christmas Market
Portland Holiday Markets and Shopping
Crafty Wonderland at the Oregon Convention Center
- What to Expect
- Unique handmade goods from over 250 local vendors.
- Description
- Crafty Wonderland is an indoor art and craft fair featuring over 250 booths of handmade goods from local vendors. The event showcases a diverse array of unique items, including jewelry, prints, and home decor, all created by local artists.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Crafty Wonderland at the Oregon Convention Center
Portland Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto
- What to Expect
- Largest Christmas choral festival in the world.
- Description
- The Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto in Portland, Oregon, features nearly 160 indoor holiday concerts by local schools, churches, and civic groups. The event includes continuous entertainment in the plaza area with outdoor caroling, puppet shows, and various musical guests. Visitors can enjoy snacks and drinks available for purchase and are encouraged to dress warmly for the walk-through event.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto
Gospel Christmas by the Oregon Symphony
- What to Expect
- 25th annual performance of gospel music with the Oregon Symphony.
- Description
- The Oregon Symphony presents Gospel Christmas, featuring the region's premier gospel singers alongside the Oregon Symphony in a celebration of faith, hope, love, and joy.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Gospel Christmas by the Oregon Symphony
Christmas at Pittock Mansion
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday celebration with volunteer-decorated rooms and special exhibitions.
- Description
- Pittock Mansion transforms into a festive holiday display featuring snow angels, ice skating, elves, and more. The event showcases stunning art exhibitions and the recently re-opened Gate Lodge, offering a charming holiday experience for all ages.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Christmas at Pittock Mansion
A Christmas Carol
- What to Expect
- Heartwarming moments and beautiful musical numbers.
- Description
- A timeless adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" featuring Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve, leading him to a journey of self-discovery and redemption.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : A Christmas Carol
Portland Other Holiday Activities
Festival of Trees at the Oregon Convention Center
- What to Expect
- Inclusive community celebration with sensory-friendly activities.
- Description
- The Safeway | Providence Festival of Trees is a 42-year Portland holiday tradition at the Oregon Convention Center. It features an elegant gala and an inclusive community celebration, offering a sensory-friendly holiday experience and festive activities. Proceeds benefit Providence Children's Health and women's and children's programs.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Festival of Trees at the Oregon Convention Center
Holiday Brewfest at Pioneer Courthouse Square
- What to Expect
- Heated tents with winter beers and a giant lighted tree.
- Description
- The Portland Holiday Brew Fest at Pioneer Courthouse Square features over 25 holiday and winter beers and ciders, heated tents, vinyl DJs, and a giant lighted tree. It is a festive gathering to ring in the holidays with a variety of seasonal beverages and entertainment.
- Where
- Portland | More Info : Holiday Brewfest at Pioneer Courthouse Square