When I first moved to Portland in 2014 with two preschoolers, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of options for Portland-area family fun in December. If you’re feeling the same way, don’t worry. Here’s the comprehensive roundup I wish I’d had back then when the FOMO was so heavy, and I was too tired to research all the options. Over the past decade, I’ve tried at least one version of everything on this list, and I can tell you they’re all kid- and parent-approved.
Simply scan this list and choose what will make your family merry this month, whether that’s one special activity or a dozen.
Thank you to our sponsor, Winter Wonderland!
Winter Wonderland — the largest holiday light show in the Northwest — is open nightly through New Year’s Eve at Portland International Raceway. With more than two miles of dazzling lights, hundreds of displays, and a brand-new tunnel, it’s a magical holiday outing for the whole family. One ticket covers everyone in your car, and all proceeds support Sunshine Division’s mission to help feed Portlanders in need.
Get a Tree
Visiting a u-cut tree farm is a festive way to start the season, and often includes a Santa sighting, live music, warm drinks and delicious treats. Be sure to reserve tickets in advance if necessary, as many farms require them. Find our full list of farms here.
See the Lights
Our comprehensive list of light displays includes free displays like Peacock Lane or Lightopia, and paid experiences like ZooLights or Winter Wonderland. Another fun option is attending a free community tree lighting ceremony, or — if you missed the lighting event — go on a tree scavenger hunt and see them sparkle all season long.
Chat with Santa
Have a classic experience at a shopping center like Bridgeport Village, find the big guy in red at a u-cut tree farm, or choose a Santa experience from our Santa Sightings post. We’ve tracked down all the Santas, including local favorite Black Santa, so finding him is a breeze. Pro tip: Hipster Santa is coming to Washington Square Mall for two Thursday nights only, so book ASAP if you like your Santa with tattoos. Kids think they’ve outgrown Santa? Find his clones instead.
Watch The Nutcracker
Whether you stream it from your couch or watch professional dancers live, we’ve found all the options for Nutcracker fun.
Go on a Holiday Outing
You can book an adventure on a holiday train or ship, browse our Holiday Calendar, or find an event on our list of Free Things to Do in December. Tuba Christmas (December 13) and The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition (December 12) at Pioneer Square are both free and festive annual traditions. Also free — Director Park has transformed into a Snow Day Village, complete with artificial snow, holiday events, an ornament exchange and letter drop for Santa, plus Mike Bennett Art’s pop-up gift shop.
Take to the Ice
You can visit one of the year-round rinks or try one of this year’s fabulous pop-up ice skating spots. Glide around the indoor rink at OMSI, or skate in Hillsboro at the Winter Village at Orenco Station.
Shop Local
The dreaded task of holiday shopping actually becomes a fun experience when you attend a festive holiday market or shop at one of your Reader Favorites Winners in the Shopping and Services category.
Bake
Is it really Christmas without a little baking? Make your favorite family recipe or try these easy holiday treats your kids will actually want to make and eat. Want to make the mess in someone else’s kitchen? Check out Portland’s 11 best places to decorate cakes and cookies with kids.
Get Away
Sometimes the only time I can really relax is in a house that I’m not responsible for cleaning. If that’s you, too, check out one of these special getaways. They’re a great opportunity to splurge on memories instead of stuff!
Do as much or as little as you like!
Remember it’s about having fun, so do only as much as makes you and your loved ones happy. Now you know the options, but they are just that — optional.
Merry Christmas to all who celebrate, from our PDX Parent family to yours!