Experience the magic of Portland, OR, this holiday season with a variety of festive events that cater to all ages and interests. From the dazzling displays at the Portland Christmas Light Festival to the enchanting wildlife-themed illuminations of ZooLights, there's something for everyone. Whether you're a local or a visitor, you'll find joy and serenity at The Grotto's Christmas Festival of Lights, complete with candlelit pathways and choral performances in a unique cave chapel.
Embrace the spirit of Christmas as Portland transforms into a winter wonderland with light shows, cultural festivities, and handcrafted holiday displays. From picturesque botanical gardens to the heart of the city, each event offers a distinct and memorable way to celebrate the season. Discover the warmth and creativity that make Portland a perfect destination for holiday cheer.
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The Top Christmas Events in Portland
- Portland Christmas Light Festival
- ZooLights
- The Grotto's Christmas Festival of Lights
- Peacock Lane Lights
- Christmas Ship Parade
- Pittock Mansion Christmas
- Holiday Ale Festival
- ScanFair
- Singing Christmas Tree
- Portland Christmas Bazaar
Portland Holiday Light Displays
Portland Christmas Light Festival
What to Expect:
Interactive light art installations
Description:
The Portland Christmas Light Festival illuminates the city with innovative light art installations. Visitors can interact with luminous sculptures, creating their own light shows. This event transforms Portland's urban landscape into a glowing canvas, blending technology and creativity. You'll discover how light art has evolved since the festival's inception in 2016. Stroll through the radiant displays and capture stunning photos of the city bathed in colorful lights. The festival showcases local artists and their cutting-edge light designs, fostering a unique celebration of Portland's artistic community.
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Portland Christmas Light Festival
ZooLights
What to Expect:
Animal-themed light sculptures
Description:
Zoo Lights at the Oregon Zoo brings wildlife to life through dazzling animal-themed light sculptures. Millions of LED lights form intricate displays of exotic creatures, from towering giraffes to playful penguins. This event combines conservation education with holiday cheer, offering a unique twist on traditional light displays. Ride the zoo train for a panoramic view of the illuminated exhibits. The tradition began in 1988, making it one of Portland's longest-running holiday events. Zoo Lights not only entertains but also raises awareness about wildlife preservation, connecting visitors with nature in a vibrant, nocturnal setting.
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The Grotto's Christmas Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Spiritual and contemplative atmosphere
Description:
The Grotto's Christmas Festival of Lights offers a serene and reflective experience amidst the holiday bustle. Set in a 62-acre botanical garden, this event blends natural beauty with spiritual significance. Visitors can explore candlelit pathways and admire the soft glow of over 500,000 lights. Attend a choral performance in the cave chapel, a unique venue carved into the cliff face. The Grotto, established in 1924, serves as a Catholic shrine and has been hosting this festival for decades. This event provides a peaceful retreat, allowing guests to connect with the deeper meaning of the season.
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The Grotto's Christmas Festival of Lights
Peacock Lane Lights
What to Expect:
Historic neighborhood tradition
Description:
Peacock Lane Lights transforms a quaint Portland street into a twinkling spectacle. This cherished tradition dates back to the 1920s when residents began decorating their Tudor-style homes. Each house on the lane boasts unique decorations, from classic nativity scenes to whimsical cartoon characters. Stroll down the pedestrian-friendly street and admire the intricate displays. The aroma of hot cocoa wafts through the air as visitors enjoy this community-driven event. Peacock Lane embodies Portland's neighborhood spirit, showcasing how a small street can create a big impact during the holiday season.
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Christmas Ship Parade
What to Expect:
Floating light parade on the river
Description:
The Christmas Ship Parade illuminates the Willamette and Columbia Rivers with a fleet of decorated boats. This unique aquatic procession features vessels of all sizes adorned with dazzling light displays. Captains and crews volunteer their time and resources to create this floating spectacle. Watch from the shore as the twinkling armada glides by, reflecting off the water's surface. This tradition began in 1954 with a single sailboat and has grown into a beloved regional event. The parade combines Portland's maritime heritage with holiday cheer, offering a distinctly Northwestern celebration.
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Portland Holiday Markets and Shopping
ScanFair
What to Expect:
Celebration of Nordic culture and traditions
Description:
ScanFair brings Scandinavian holiday traditions to life in the heart of Portland. This vibrant event showcases Nordic culture through authentic food, crafts, and entertainment. Savor the taste of freshly baked Danish pastries or try your hand at traditional folk dancing. Browse handcrafted gifts from Nordic artisans, including intricate woodcarvings and colorful textiles. The fair has been a Portland tradition for over 30 years, reflecting the city's diverse cultural heritage. ScanFair offers a unique opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of Scandinavian yuletide customs, transporting visitors to the fjords and forests of Northern Europe.
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Portland Christmas Bazaar
What to Expect:
Largest holiday craft show in the Northwest
Description:
The Portland Christmas Bazaar stands as the largest holiday craft show in the Northwest, featuring over 1,000 booths of handcrafted items. This expansive event showcases the work of local artisans and craftspeople, offering a vast array of unique gifts and decorations. Wander through aisles of handmade jewelry, artisanal foods, and one-of-a-kind holiday decor. The bazaar has been a Portland institution for over 30 years, growing from a small local fair to a major regional event. Discover the rich tradition of Pacific Northwest craftsmanship as you explore this treasure trove of holiday creativity.
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Portland Holiday Giving Opportunities
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Elaborately decorated trees for charity
Description:
The Festival of Trees transforms ordinary evergreens into extraordinary works of art for a good cause. Professional designers and local organizations create elaborately decorated trees, each with its own unique theme and style. Marvel at the intricate ornaments and creative concepts that adorn these festive masterpieces. Bid on your favorite tree in a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting local charities. This event has been raising funds for community organizations for over three decades. The Festival of Trees exemplifies Portland's commitment to combining creativity with philanthropy, turning holiday decorating into a force for positive change.
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Portland Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Singing Christmas Tree
What to Expect:
Multi-tiered choir performance structure
Description:
The Singing Christmas Tree presents a spectacular choral performance unlike any other. A massive, multi-tiered structure in the shape of a Christmas tree holds over 350 singers, creating a living, singing holiday icon. This unique configuration allows for stunning visual and auditory effects as the choir performs classic carols and contemporary holiday songs. Watch as the "tree" comes alive with harmonious voices and coordinated movements. This Portland tradition has been delighting audiences for over half a century, evolving from a small church event to a grand production. The Singing Christmas Tree combines music, artistry, and engineering to create a truly distinctive holiday experience.
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Portland Other Holiday Activities
Pittock Mansion Christmas
What to Expect:
Historic mansion decorated in period style
Description:
Pittock Mansion Christmas transports visitors to a bygone era of elegance and opulence. This Edwardian-era château, built in 1914, is adorned with period-appropriate decorations that reflect different historical themes each year. Marvel at the intricate details of vintage ornaments and lavish holiday decor. Explore the mansion's 23 rooms, each telling a story of Portland's past through its festive embellishments. The event highlights the cultural significance of the Pittock family in shaping Portland's early development. Pittock Mansion Christmas offers a glimpse into how the city's elite celebrated the holidays in the early 20th century.
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Holiday Ale Festival
What to Expect:
Rare and specialty winter beers
Description:
The Holiday Ale Festival celebrates Portland's renowned craft beer scene with a focus on rare and specialty winter brews. Held in the heart of downtown, this event showcases limited-edition ales from over 50 breweries. Sample unique flavors like bourbon barrel-aged stouts and spiced winter warmers. The festival takes place in heated tents, creating a cozy atmosphere despite the winter chill. Learn about the art of brewing from expert craftsmen and discover the history of winter ale traditions. This event embodies Portland's innovative spirit in the craft beer industry, offering a taste of the city's hoppy holiday cheer.
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Stumptown SantaCon
What to Expect:
Costumed Santa pub crawl
Description:
Stumptown SantaCon turns Portland into a sea of red suits and white beards for one jolly day. This unconventional event sees hundreds of Santas, elves, and reindeer parading through the city's bars and pubs. Participate in themed challenges and spread holiday cheer to unsuspecting bystanders. The event often incorporates charitable aspects, encouraging participants to donate toys or food. SantaCon originated in San Francisco in 1994 and has since become a global phenomenon. Stumptown SantaCon embodies Portland's quirky spirit, blending holiday traditions with the city's vibrant nightlife and social activism.
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Portland Christmas Paddle
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed kayak and paddleboard event
Description:
The Portland Christmas Paddle brings holiday cheer to the Willamette River with a flotilla of festively decorated kayaks and paddleboards. Participants don Santa hats and deck out their watercraft with lights and ornaments, creating a twinkling procession on the water. Paddle under bridges adorned with holiday lights for a unique perspective of the city. This event, started by local water sports enthusiasts, has grown into a beloved community tradition. The Portland Christmas Paddle showcases the city's love for outdoor recreation and its rivers, even in the midst of winter festivities.
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Nearby Events
French Prairie Gardens Holiday Festivities (St. Paul)
What to Expect:
Farm-to-table holiday experience
Description:
French Prairie Gardens Holiday Festivities offer a rustic, farm-fresh approach to seasonal celebrations. This working farm transforms into a winter wonderland, showcasing the agricultural heritage of the Willamette Valley. Pick your own Christmas tree from the farm's fields or select handcrafted wreaths made with locally grown greens. Enjoy farm-to-table holiday treats featuring ingredients harvested on-site. The farm, which has been family-owned for generations, provides insight into Oregon's agricultural traditions. French Prairie Gardens combines the nostalgia of an old-fashioned country Christmas with sustainable, locally-sourced holiday experiences.
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French Prairie Gardens Holiday Festivities
Christmas in the Garden (Silverton)
What to Expect:
European-inspired outdoor holiday market
Description:
Christmas in the Garden brings the charm of European holiday markets to the lush setting of the Oregon Garden. This outdoor event features artisan vendors in wooden chalets, selling handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats. Glide across the ice-skating rink surrounded by towering evergreens adorned with twinkling lights. The garden's 80 acres provide a picturesque backdrop for this winter celebration. Established in 2011, the event has quickly become a beloved regional tradition. Christmas in the Garden offers a unique blend of Old World charm and Pacific Northwest natural beauty, creating an immersive holiday experience.