It’s December. And that means some big spending holidays are riiiight around the corner. (Some of us have already been given wishlists from our kids). But it’s still possible to have lots of festive fun this month. Here are lots of ideas for getting out of the house with the family — all without spending a dime. Cheers!
Go on a holiday tree scavenger hunt. Did you miss some of the community tree lightings? Never fear! The trees will be sparkling all season long, so pack up your littles and check each one off your bucket list. See our list of tree lightings here.
Mail out that wishlist. Kiddos can mail out their wish list to Santa at Director Park during Snow Day Village now through December 27. Dress warmly, it’s going to “snow” three times in one day! Families can then warm up by the outdoor fire pits. Pro tip: Santa and his helpers will reply to each letter! Just make sure to supply a return address and drop off wishlists by December 14.
Tell Santa. For kiddos that deliver their wishlist in person, visit Oodles Toys for Free Photos with Santa! Santa will be in store on Saturday, December 6 and it’s recommended that families sign up for a guaranteed spot. And representation matters! That’s why we love Black Santa, who’s also available for free photos for kids.
Festive farms. Catch Santa on Sauvie Island during Topaz Farm’s Holiday Market. Choose from Douglas and Noble firs, sip hot cocoa by the fire, visit the animals, and snap a photo with Santa on select days. For Wilsonville families, don’t miss a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Frog Pond Farm!
Aquatic Santa. Join the Randall Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention Program at Clackamas Aquatic Center on Saturday, December 13 for Swim with Santa, a free indoor winter swim! The event also includes water safety education, a special visit from Santa, and one gift per child. Registration required, there’s limited spots!
Ready reindeer. Reindeer in Rockwood is back! Meet Santa’s reindeer before they begin their big journey, enjoy delicious festive treats, and share your holiday wish list with the Big Man in Red himself! The event takes places on Friday, December 19 at Rockwood Market Hall.
Prost! Get ready for Weihnachtsmarkt: A German Christmas Market on Saturday, December 6 at German Haus. A Portland version of the traditional German Christmas Market, the event features craftspeople and artisans from around the Northwest selling their holiday gifts. Local entertainment, food vendors, homemade Glühwein and baked goods all add to the holiday spirit. A children’s activity area will offer also photos with Santa!
Faire time. Celebrate the season at Trackers Earth’s Holiday Faire, where Trackers SE transforms into a festive winter wonderland. Families can explore the artisan craft fair, trade trinkets at the whimsical Winter Goblin Market, and jump into holiday favorites like the Cookie Contest and Ugly Sweater Showdown. Kids and parents alike can enjoy archery, axe throwing, tree trimming, and a visit with Santa (with a possible cameo from Krampus).
Return of the clones. Santa Clones that is! A Portland winter tradition, local artist Chris Willis hides 400 mini, lit up Santas in the city. Can you find their location? Be on the lookout for clues here!
Jolly reads. Head to the Barnes & Noble at Bridgeport Village for Holiday Storytime. Happening six times this month, Mrs. Claus and her North Pole friends will greet kids and read them a festive book.
Festive Fremont. Don’t miss some holiday cheer during the Fremont Holiday Fest on Friday, December 5 . Santa will be on hand for selfies, plus arts and crafts at various neighborhood spots and the Grant Royal Blues will be caroling up and down Fremont.
Merry Multnomah. For families in Southwest, there’s the Holiday Gala in Multnomah Village on Friday, December 5. The Grinch and Santa will make a special appearance, and there’s also a holiday tree lighting, carol sing-a-along, live music, art fair at Multnomah Arts Center, and more!
Constructive cookies. Take in the edible creation that is the Gingerbread Masterpiece at the Benson Hotel downtown on display from December 3 through January 5. The structure is made from 150 pounds of house-made gingerbread, 50 pounds of marzipan, 20 pounds of chocolate, 10 pounds of Rice Krispies treats, and buckets of royal icing.
Bake off. Next, make your own masterpiece with these fun — and easy! — holiday treats.
Under the umbrella. What better way to enjoy Portland’s rainy season than with an only-in-the-PNW parade. Don’t miss the Milwaukie Umbrella Parade and Tree Lighting on December 6, featuring the city’s annual tradition of walking downtown with your festively-decorated umbrellas — both fashion and function.
Be dazzled. Bundle up and check out holiday lights. There’s free displays at the iconic Christmas Street, Peacock Lane; the Beaverton Winter Lights and more. See our full list of light displays here and be on the lookout for “FREE” in the title.
Get outside. What’s that? You don’t want to stay inside? No problem. Check out one of these kid-friendly winter hikes.
Declutter. The holidays can often bring lots of new stuff—toys, clothes, games, decorations and more. Find a new home for your old things with a Buy Nothing Facebook group. You’ll also build community, help out other families and model generosity for your kids. If that doesn’t say “holiday spirit,” we don’t know what does.
Listen to holiday music! There’s a lot happening at the Pioneer Square this month. Don’t miss the 111th Annual Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition on Friday, December 12 from 6-8 pm. The following weekend, Saturday, December 13, from 1:30-3:30 pm, check out the 34rd Annual Tuba Christmas Concert, featuring more than 200 tubas playing holiday songs in unison.
Festooned vessels. Watch the colorful Christmas Ships cruise along the Columbia and Willamette rivers all month long. It’s a Portland tradition since 1954.
Festival of Lights. Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah on Sunday December 14 at Pioneer Courthouse Square with Chabad of Oregon.
Skip the parking fees. The perfect chance to get out and explore. Enjoy free parking at Oxbow and Blue Lake regional parks, Broughton Beach, M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp and Chinook Landing Marine Park on Thursday, December 18.
North Pole adventures. Check out the restored holiday displays from holidays past and see the Big Guy in Red himself at the Nob Hill Christmas.
Give back. Tis the season to make the world a little brighter. You and your kids can volunteer together with many organizations around town.
Create a time capsule. Wrap up 2025 by working on time capsules. Draw pictures, write stories, add photos and include trinkets to help you document the year. Store them in a shoe box and tuck them away for a bit of future nostalgia.
Get crafty. Make one of these crafts with your little from the comfort of your own home, like this DIY snow dough . The best part? You probably already have the items you need to create these one-of-a-kind projects!
Galleries galore. Visit one of the city’s free mini galleries, libraries, dioramas or displays. This is one of the many reasons Portland is the best.
For even more fun, festive events, visit our kids calendar often!