What to Expect This Christmas in Portland!
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!
Find the best Christmas events in Portland this year!
Top Christmas Events In and Around Portland
- 40th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Annual Tuba Christmas Concert
- Portland Winter Ice Rink
- Portland Trail Blazers Games
- George Balanchine's The Nutcracker
- Peacock Lane Christmas Lights
- Portland Winterhawks Hockey Games
- Christmas Ships Parade
- The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition
- Oregon Buddhist Temple Holiday Craft Fair
🎃 Explore all 10+ featured events below!
Portland Christmas Events
Portland Christmas Movies, Theater and Entertainment (5)
When
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Event Details
Event Description
Experience the mighty sounds of big brass at the 33rd Annual Tuba Christmas Concert. Over 250 tuba players gather to fill Portland's Living Room with festive holiday music. This iconic event is one of the largest of its kind in the nation, drawing participants and audiences from across the region for a truly memorable seasonal performance.
More
When
Friday, December 5, 2025
Event Details
Event Description
Oregon Ballet Theatre presents George Balanchine's beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker. Follow Marie and her Nutcracker Prince on a magical Christmas Eve adventure to the Land of Sweets, all set to Tchaikovsky's enchanting score. This production features stunning choreography, breathtaking sets, and captivating performances.
More
When
Friday, December 12, 2025
Event Details
Event Description
Journey to Scotland with Portland Revels for their Midwinter Revels: Highland Hearth. This enchanting production tells the story of a community's fight to preserve their Yule traditions when faced with opposition. Experience the magic of Scottish music, dance, and storytelling, all brought together to celebrate the solstice and the enduring spirit of community.
More
When
Friday, December 6, 2024
Event Details
Event Description
Embrace the holiday spirit with Portland Gay Men's Chorus's "The Most Wonderful Season." This beloved concert returns to usher in the festive period with a dazzling array of seasonal songs celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, the Winter Solstice, and the New Year. Prepare for an unforgettable experience filled with singing, dancing, spectacular lights, and vibrant costumes, promising joy and surprises for all.
More
When
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Event Details
Event Description
Step into a world of wonder this holiday season with Portland Playhouse's production of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol.' Follow Ebenezer Scrooge's transformative journey as he encounters the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, learning the profound importance of kindness, connection, and love. This musically infused and heartwarming performance is a perfect way to begin a new holiday tradition or continue a cherished one.
MorePortland Christmas Markets and Shopping (5)
Event Details
Event Description
Discover unique treasures and festive cheer at the Oregon Buddhist Temple's 10th Annual Holiday Craft Fair. This vibrant event showcases a wide array of handmade crafts, artisanal goods, and seasonal decorations, offering the perfect opportunity to find distinctive gifts for everyone on your list. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit and support local creators.
More
Event Details
Event Description
The Safeway | Providence Festival of Trees is a beloved Portland holiday tradition celebrating over 40 years of community support. This event raises vital funds for Providence Children's Health, impacting initiatives like the Children's Development Institute and Swindells Resource Center. Attendees can admire beautifully decorated trees and learn about the profound difference their generosity makes in the lives of young patients and their families.
More
When
Friday, December 12, 2025
Event Details
Event Description
Experience the magic of the Crafty Wonderland Holiday Art + Craft Market, featuring over 250 local artists and makers. Browse a vast array of unique, handmade goods perfect for holiday gifting. From intricate jewelry and apparel to art prints and home decor, find one-of-a-kind treasures. Don't miss the special 'First Pick Party' for exclusive early access to the best selections.
More
When
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Event Details
Event Description
Discover the magic of the Portland Bazaars, a premier holiday gift showcase established in 2011. They feature over 200 local makers across multiple themed events, including the European Bazaar and the main Portland Bazaar. Visitors can shop for unique gifts, enjoy festive food and drinks from food trucks, and participate in fun activities like photo booths.
More
When
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Event Details
Event Description
Experience the NAYA Native Made Winter Marketplace, a premier event showcasing the talent of over 50 Native American artisans. Browse a curated selection of unique, handcrafted goods perfect for holiday gifting. Support Indigenous entrepreneurs and discover authentic art and crafts directly from the creators in a festive atmosphere.
MorePortland Christmas Light Displays (3)
When
Friday, November 29, 2024
Event Details
Event Description
Experience the magic of Portland's 40th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pioneer Courthouse Square. This cherished holiday tradition features a heartwarming sing-along led by Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini, alongside local musicians and chorale singers. Join the festive crowd as Santa Claus flips the switch to illuminate a magnificent 75-foot Douglas-fir tree, adorned with over 9,500 colorful LED lights, heralding the start of the holiday season.
More
Event Details
Event Description
Experience the magic of winter at the Portland Winter Ice Rink, a family-friendly outdoor skating destination located on the waterfront. Beyond the ice, the vibrant Winter Village buzzes with activity, offering a marketplace with delicious food, warm beverages, and a cozy lounge. They host weekly theme nights, pop-up markets, and special guest performances, making every visit a unique celebration.
More
When
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Event Details
Event Description
Experience the enchanting Peacock Lane, Portland's beloved Christmas Street, where residents illuminate their homes with spectacular holiday displays from December 15th to 31st. Enjoy dazzling light shows, festive decorations, and a magical atmosphere. Special pedestrian-only nights on December 15th and 16th offer an up-close viewing experience, while other nights allow for driving through the illuminated lane. Warm up with complimentary hot cocoa and cider, and soak in the community's vibrant holiday spirit.
MorePortland Christmas Food, Drink and Parties (2)
When
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Event Details
Event Description
Embark on a magical holiday adventure with the Cinnamon Bear Breakfast Cruise, a cherished tradition for all ages. Enjoy a delicious plated breakfast while whimsical characters entertain with stories, music, and magic. Children will receive a souvenir photo with Cinnamon Bear and a signature cookie, making for unforgettable memories on the Willamette River.
More
When
Friday, December 6, 2024
Event Details
Event Description
Celebrate the holiday season at the Portland Holiday Brew Fest, held at the iconic Pioneer Courthouse Square. Sample over 30 regional winter beers and ciders, enjoy tunes from Vinyl DJs, and gather around a giant 75-foot holiday tree. Families can meet Santa on Sunday, and all attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for a free drink ticket. Festive food and warm drinks are available from a variety of vendors.
MorePortland Other Christmas Activities (5)
When
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Event Details
Event Description
Catch the excitement of the Portland Trail Blazers' 2025-2026 season with thrilling home games at the Moda Center. Experience the fast-paced action, cheer on your favorite players, and soak in the electric atmosphere of professional basketball in Portland.
More
When
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Event Details
Event Description
Get ready for an electrifying season of Portland Winterhawks hockey! Witness the fast-paced action and thrilling competition as they face off against rivals at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Experience the passion of the Western Hockey League and cheer on your team in this exciting sports event.
More
Event Details
Event Description
Experience the magic of the Christmas Ships Parade, a cherished Northwest tradition that illuminates the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Witness a fleet of over 75 brightly decorated boats as they sail nightly, creating a dazzling spectacle of lights and holiday cheer. Thousands gather along the riverbanks to watch this beloved event, making it a memorable experience for all.
More
When
Friday, December 13, 2024
Event Details
Event Description
Experience the festive spirit of the Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition, a joyful event filling downtown Portland with holiday cheer. Caroling groups will perform throughout a ten-block radius, culminating in a "carol-off" at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Witness talented groups compete for a $1,000 grand prize and the People's Choice award, all decided by crowd applause.
More
When
Friday, November 28, 2025
Event Details
Event Description
Embark on a magical journey aboard The Holiday Express, pulled by a vintage 1912 steam locomotive. Join Santa and his elves for a festive ride through the city, enjoying the decorated, heated rail cars. Before or after your trip, explore the Oregon Rail Heritage Center's exhibits and gift shop.
MoreNear Portland
Milwaukie Christmas Events
Lents Christmas Events
Beaverton Christmas Events
Lake Oswego Christmas Events
Tigard Christmas Events
Vancouver Christmas Events
Bethany Christmas Events
West Linn Christmas Events
Oregon City Christmas Events
Gresham Christmas Events
View Our Interactive Map for More Events Around Portland
Discover thousands of christmas events across the country
Explore Other Cities
Find events in different locations
Our Process
With 20 years of experience, we use AI technology to build the most comprehensive list of christmas events events.
Our goal is complete coverage—from major festivals to small community celebrations, ensuring you never miss anything happening in your area.
Learn More About Our Process