Find festive ways to celebrate the holiday season. We are adding events as we find them, and — as always — please check with the organizer for the latest information.
MAKE MAGIC AND MEMORIES AT BRIDGEPORT VILLAGE. This post is generously sponsored by Bridgeport Village. Don’t miss their holiday happenings, including visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus story times, musical performances, a whimsical holiday parade, and more! Discover the magic of the holidays with an exclusive family-friendly event calendar at Oregon’s premier shopping destination — the most festive place for holiday ambiance, gift giving, and everything else on your list.
For even more holiday fun, check out our list of places to find Santa and our cheat sheet to the area’s light displays.
You can also check our roundups to find dazzling holiday lights.
Mike Bennett’s Holiday Gift Shop & Giving Tree
Director Park 815 SW Park Ave., Portland, ORStep into a world of magic and wonder at the Mike Bennett Holiday Gift Shop! Known as Portland’s beloved Public Joy Creator, Mike Bennett brings his playful characters and heartfelt designs to life just in time for the holidays. Whether you're a long-time fan or a new friend, there’s something for everyone in this cozy […]
Holiday Express
Oregon Rail Heritage Center 2250 SE Water Avenue, Portland, ORSanta is putting away the sleigh and going by rail! The most highly anticipated event of the year is just around the corner—the beloved Holiday Express! This magical experience will whisk you away for a jolly journey aboard a decorated steam train. You’re invited to Santa’s Enginehouse, where sparkling decorations and scrumptious treats await. Tickets […]
Visits with Santa at Bridgeport Village
Bridgeport VillageA MOMENT OF MAGIC. A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES. Visit Santa for photos and wish taking beginning November 29. Reservations required. Date & Times: November 29th - December 1st Friday, 11am to 8pm (Break 3pm-4pm) Saturday, 11am to 8pm (Breaks 1:30pm-2pm and 4pm-5pm) Sunday, 11am to 7pm (Break 3pm-4pm) December 2nd - December 17th Monday - Thursday, 11am to 7pm (Break 3pm-4pm) Friday - Saturday, 10am […]
OMSI on ICE
OMSILace up your skates and take to the rink this winter at OMSI on a unique indoor synthetic ice rink. Experience all the joys of ice skating together while comfortably indoors in OMSI’s auditorium turned winter wonderland. Tickets coming soon! OMSI members receive 50% off of Ice Rink Admission. Member vouchers are not valid for […]
A Nutcracker Tea
Portland Community College Sylvania Campus Performing Arts Center 12000 SW 49th Ave, Portland, OR, United StatesA family-friendly abridged version of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker is a magical journey that will enchant the whole family. "A Nutcracker Tea" has been a popular sought after Christmas tradition event in the Portland Metro area since 2004. The traditional classic story of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince is presented by NWDT with elaborate sets, stunning costumes, […]
CLASSICAL BALLET ACADEMY: THE NUTCRACKER
Lincoln Performance Hall at Portland State University 1620 SW Park at MarketClassical Ballet Academy has been honored to put on full-length Nutcracker productions in downtown Portland for the past twenty years. Our school produces over ten elaborate shows every December, and we are thrilled to be a significant part of so many families’ holiday traditions. Please join us for these incredible productions December 17-22!
Visit a U-Cut Tree Farm
Check out all the places to get U-Cut Trees this Season here!
Visit a Holiday Market
Check out some local holiday markets here
A Pittock Mansion Christmas: Home for the Holidays
Pittock Mansion 3229 NW Pittock Drive, Portland, Portland, OR, United StatesPittock Mansion Christmas is November 18, 2024, through January 9, 2025. During the holidays, the mansion is adorned with whimsical decorations, thanks to the creative efforts of 75+ dedicated volunteer decorators. This cherished Portland tradition invites guests to immerse themselves in the joyous spirit of the season. Pittock Mansion Christmas is included in general admission, […]
North Pole Adventureland
Jantzen Beach Shopping CenterNorth Pole Adventureland is a magical Christmas experience for the whole family! Join us for a delightful adventure, complete with elf guides, toy making, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from Santa himself. It’s the perfect way to start a new family tradition!
Winter Village @ Orenco Station
Jerry Willey Plaza at Orenco Station Plaza 943 NE Orenco Station Loop, HillsboroFind holiday cheer at this outdoor ice-skating rink. Winter Village is a beloved Hillsboro holiday event that is back for the first time since the pandemic. Bring your friends and family to a skate session or rent the rink for your private event. Check out special theme Fridays. Wednesday – Sunday: 10 am to 8 pm Private […]
Santa Photos at Washington Square
Washinton Square MallSanta will arrive in style at Washington Square on November 7 to welcome everyone home for the holidays. Santa will be available for pictures at Washington Square through December 24. We will capture your family’s entire Santa experience with multiple cameras that let you bring home the magic. From your child’s first glimpse of Santa […]
Nob Hill Christmas + Santaland
Santaland 2034 NW 26th Avenue, Portland, ORIts Christmas Time! Nob Hill Christmas + Santaland is now open. Open Most Days till 7pm now thru December 23rd (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) Santaland is free for everyone to visit. Santa will be here on Saturdays and Sundays between Thanksgiving and Christmas and is also free to visit, (photos are $20). Nob Hill Christmas […]
Snow Day Village and Santa’s Mailbox
Director Park 815 SW Park Ave., Portland, ORWarm up by one of our fire pits—perfect for relaxing with friends and family. And don’t miss our snowfall surprise! Snow will drift down three times daily, transforming the park into a true winter wonderland. Snowfall Schedule: 12pm/2pm/4pm Santas Mailbox: This holiday season, bring your letters to Santa’s Mailbox at Director Park! Kids of all ages […]
A Tale of the Nutcracker at Riverside Performing Arts in Vancouver
Fort Vancouver High SchoolNorthwest Performing Arts Alliance and Riverside Performing Arts presents "A Tale of the Nutcracker!". This retro 1950’s themed production is inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” and is directed by RPA’s Dance Director Rebecca Spencer. Join us at a party on Christmas Eve at the Williams residence where Clara eagerly awaits […]
OBT’S 2024 Portland Nutcracker Ballet
Keller Auditorium 222 SW Clay St, Portland, ORThe irresistible holiday tradition of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® returns to Portland’s Keller Auditorium! Join Marie and her Nutcracker Prince as the mischievous Drosselmeier sends them on a magical adventure. Brave toy soldiers battle villainous mice, candy canes leap and snowflakes whirl, all to Tchaikovsky’s wonderous score – and don’t forget about a Portland Holiday favorite, Mother […]
Sounds of the Seasons with Plaid Tidings at Bridgeport Village
Bridgeport VillageSTROLLING MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT with Plaid Tidings December 1, 14, 15, 21 and 22 | 3-5pm Please check here for schedule updates.
Kids Caroling with Wonderwood Bard
Director Park 815 SW Park Ave., Portland, ORGather around and join in the holiday cheer as Wonderwood Spring's beloved Bard leads an evening of caroling! Sing along to timeless holiday classics and create unforgettable memories in the heart of the season's magic.
Santa Clones 2024
Are you ready for a Santa scavenger hunt? Local artist Chris Willis has once again hidden an army of over 400 miniature Santa statues at a secret location. This annual "Santa Clones" tradition started in 2011, and you can head over to Willis's IG to solve the clues and find the jolly display lit from […]
The Polar Express Train Ride
Mt Hood Railroad 110 Railroad Street, Hood River, OR 97031An interactive trip to visit Santa at the North Pole. Before the train departs, there is a welcoming introduction in the depot, so we advise arriving AT LEAST 45 minutes before departure to allow ample time for parking and making your way into the depot for the pre-boarding entertainment Duration: Approx 1.5 hours total (Round […]
Zoo Lights 2024
Oregon Zoo 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland, OR, United StatesThis year promises to be the brightest ZooLights yet, with a brand-new magical meadow light show, dozens of life-size animal lanterns along the train route, and more interactive displays than ever. Walk through the famous tunnels of sparkling lights, pose next to colorful animals and make holiday memories to last all year. BrewLights (21+) is Nov. 15 […]
Winter Wonderland Portland
Portland International Raceway 1940 N Victory Blvd, Portland, OR, United StatesThe 32nd annual Safeway Winter Wonderland powered by Advantis Credit Union (a division of Rivermark Community Credit Union) is open nightly November 29th-December 31st, 2024. Recognized as the largest drive-thru holiday light show in the Northwest, Winter Wonderland is known for its marvelous light displays, shimmering tunnels and magnificent glowing archways all along the two-mile […]
The Nutcracker presented by Columbia Dance
Skyview Concert Hall 1300 NW 139th Street, Vancouver, WAThere will be tutus and Tchaikovsky, magic and mystery – necessary ingredients for all Nutcrackers. However, this one-of-a-kind production will also feature beavers fighting fur trappers, dancing wapato plants, and Oregon Trail children arriving via covered wagon as local Fort Vancouver history is weaved into the plot of a classic ballet. Friday, December 20 at […]
Holidays at the Hanger: Goose Lights at Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
Evergreen MusuemEach year we decorate the Aviation Museum for the holidays and feature 2 weeks of evening access to see our aircraft and museum filled with festive lights and holiday decor. As a special treat for the kiddos, Santa will fly in by Helicopter on Saturday Dec. 14th & 21st. And, he will be at the […]
Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto
The GrottoThe Festival of Lights is a walk-through event and visitors can expect to walk approximately one-quarter mile. Enjoy the amazing sounds of local schools, churches and civic groups as they perform inside the Chapel of Mary, with its cathedral-like acoustics. Continuous entertainment for all ages is offered in The Grotto’s plaza area, including outdoor caroling, […]
Winter Gleam Light Experience at Oaks Amusement Park
Oaks Amusement Park 7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland, ORThe brand-new holiday light extravaganza at Oaks Amusement Park. This dazzling event transforms the beloved historic park into a sparkling wonderland illuminated by dynamic light displays, immersive light tunnels, and twinkling pathways that will brighten the season. Lose yourself in a sparkling winter wonderland, illuminated with over 100,000 lights.
Lightopia: An Illuminated Journey
Drive through a glimmering landscape with colorful characters and holiday icons in bold, beautiful lights. Plan your own seasonal playlist for more fun. Check back for updates on special events at Lightopia. More than 20,000 cars drive through Lightopia. New this year, reservations are required for Fridays & Saturdays only. All other times are first […]
PEACOCK LANE – PORTLAND’S CHRISTMAS STREET
Peacock LaneIt's the most wonderful time of the year, and the residents of Peacock Lane are happy to share that they will be displaying their lights from December 15th - December 31st. We are also excited to bring back the car-free nights on December 15 and 16! We look forward to seeing you all soon and […]
2024 Portland Christmas Ships Parade
Various Locations Vancouver, WA, United StatesDuring the holiday season, up to 60 boats, 14 to 65 feet long, make up two fleets each brightly decorated in lights and displays. The privately owned vessels come from Portland, Vancouver and beyond to put on a show each year. Some of the boat owners have been part of Christmas tradition for more than […]
Holiday Express
Oregon Rail Heritage Center 2250 SE Water Avenue, Portland, ORSanta is putting away the sleigh and going by rail! The most highly anticipated event of the year is just around the corner—the beloved Holiday Express! This magical experience will whisk you away for a jolly journey aboard a decorated steam train. You’re invited to Santa’s Enginehouse, where sparkling decorations and scrumptious treats await. Tickets […]
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