Portland’s Family-Friendly Holiday Events

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.

Courtesy of Tuba Christmas

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, OR

Step 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 […]

Free

Visits with Santa at Bridgeport Village

Bridgeport Village

A 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 […]

$34.95

OMSI on ICE

OMSI

Lace 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 […]

$7
Event Series Santa Clones 2024

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 […]

Free

Visits with Santa at Bridgeport Village

Bridgeport Village

A 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 […]

$34.95

OMSI on ICE

OMSI

Lace 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 […]

$7

Music Together of Portland Seasonal Sing-Alongs

Portland Metro Area Portland, OR

Music Together of Portland invites you to join us for our special Seasonal Sing-Along classes, and to welcome winter with songs of peace, light, and coziness, plus some Music Together® favorites! Seasonal Sing-Along classes are season-themed, individual class experiences offered "a la carte." Register for one or several, and join the musical fun as we […]

$20 – $25
Event Series Winter Village @ Orenco Station

Winter Village @ Orenco Station

Jerry Willey Plaza at Orenco Station Plaza 943 NE Orenco Station Loop, Hillsboro

Find 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 […]

$3 – $19

STORYTIME WITH MRS. CLAUS AT B&N BRIDGEPORT VILAGE

Bridgeport Village

Create magical memories! Attend Mrs. Claus for Storytime inside Barnes & Noble. Mrs. Claus will be the special guest at Barnes & Noble's weekly storytime, greeting children and reading aloud from her favorite holiday storybooks. Make a day of your visit! Enjoy the new play area, lunch at one of Bridgeport Village's family-friendly restaurants, or reserve […]

Free
Event Series Santa Photos at Washington Square

Santa Photos at Washington Square

Washinton Square Mall

Santa 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 […]

Snow Day Village and Santa’s Mailbox

Director Park 815 SW Park Ave., Portland, OR

Warm 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 […]

Free
Event Series Santa Clones 2024

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 […]

Free
Event Series Zoo Lights 2024

Zoo Lights 2024

Oregon Zoo 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland, OR, United States

This 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 […]

$13 – $20

Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto

The Grotto

The 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, […]

$2 – $16.50
Event Series Lightopia: An Illuminated Journey

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 […]

Free

Visits with Santa at Bridgeport Village

Bridgeport Village

A 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 […]

$34.95

OMSI on ICE

OMSI

Lace 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 […]

$7

Music Together of Portland Seasonal Sing-Alongs

Portland Metro Area Portland, OR

Music Together of Portland invites you to join us for our special Seasonal Sing-Along classes, and to welcome winter with songs of peace, light, and coziness, plus some Music Together® favorites! Seasonal Sing-Along classes are season-themed, individual class experiences offered "a la carte." Register for one or several, and join the musical fun as we […]

$20 – $25
Event Series Winter Village @ Orenco Station

Winter Village @ Orenco Station

Jerry Willey Plaza at Orenco Station Plaza 943 NE Orenco Station Loop, Hillsboro

Find 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 […]

$3 – $19

MRS. CLAUS STORY TIME AT WASHINGTON SQUARE

Washington Square Mall 9585 SW Washington Square Rd, Portland, OR. 97223, Portland, OR, United States

Mrs. Claus will host an engaging story time where kids are invited to experience classic Christmas Stories along with two elves bringing holiday spirit to all. In addition, a caricature artist will be on hand drawing keepsake art for families. Mrs. Claus will be accompanied by an ALS interpreter translating all readings for the enjoyment […]

Free
Event Series Nob Hill Christmas + Santaland

Nob Hill Christmas + Santaland

Santaland 2034 NW 26th Avenue, Portland, OR

Its 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 […]

Event Series Santa Photos at Washington Square

Santa Photos at Washington Square

Washinton Square Mall

Santa 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 […]

Snow Day Village and Santa’s Mailbox

Director Park 815 SW Park Ave., Portland, OR

Warm 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 […]

Free

Hipster Santa at Washington Square Mall

Washington Square Mall 9585 SW Washington Square Rd, Portland, OR. 97223, Portland, OR, United States

Washington Square is thrilled to welcome Hipster Santa to his new home! This beloved Portland favorite will be spreading holiday cheer on Thursdays, December 5 and 12, from 4 to 7 pm. Be sure to prebook your spot, as Hipster Santa is always a hit. Whether you're feeling Naughty or Nice, put on your flannel, […]

Event Series North Pole Adventureland

North Pole Adventureland

Jantzen Beach Shopping Center

North 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!

$30
Event Series Santa Clones 2024

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 […]

Free
Event Series The Polar Express Train Ride

The Polar Express Train Ride

Mt Hood Railroad 110 Railroad Street, Hood River, OR 97031

An 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 […]

$49 – $109
Event Series Zoo Lights 2024

Zoo Lights 2024

Oregon Zoo 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland, OR, United States

This 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 […]

$13 – $20

Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto

The Grotto

The 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, […]

$2 – $16.50
Event Series Lightopia: An Illuminated Journey

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 […]

Free
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