Celebrating CHRISTMAS in Portland (Local's Holiday Guide)

Thinking about celebrating Christmas in Portland? I have you covered. Christmas is one of the best times to visit the city. Between the holiday cheer, knock-out hot chocolate and energetic buzz, you’re bound to have a great time.

I grew up in the city, so I’ve participated in practically ever holiday event in Portland over the years. I’d like to offer a quick roundup of the best things to do in Portland during Christmas to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. Let’s dive in!

If you’re an out-of-town visitor wondering where to stay while visiting Portland, this is my favorite hotel (I recommend it to my own family and friends).

Celebrating Christmas in Portland, Oregon

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Visiting Portland for Christmas Table of Contents

Celebrating Christmas in Portland, Oregon
Visiting Portland for Christmas | Portland Holiday Guide (Post Summary)
Map: Celebrating the Holidays in Portalnd

Does it snow in Portland during Christmas? Short answer: Nope. Long answer: It could, but it probably won’t.

Catch Portland’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting

The holiday celebrations in Portland don’t officially begin until the 75-foot Douglas Fir adorning Pioneer Courthouse Square lights up for the season the day after Thanksgiving.

Pioneer Square swells with families eager to enjoy live music, seasonal treats and a chance to meet Santa Clause. The crowd waits with bated breath as the count-down begins and the tree lights up for the first time. Decorated with more than 20,000 lights, it’s a sight to behold.

The tree is assembled piece-by-piece a few days before the lighting festival, head to Pioneer Square mid-November to see how the magic happens.

Drink Your Way Through the Holiday Ale Fest

Swing by the Holiday Ale Festival, typically hosted in early December, to sample more than 50 beers under the canopy of the decorated Christmas tree in Pioneer Courthouse Square. Some folks think this popular Portland beer festival is a tad overrated (it gets really crowded) but I enjoy it.

The event lasts five days and features an exciting lineup of holiday-inspired brews (think fun winter flavors like pine). The event takes place outside so dress appropriately, learn more here.

Enjoy the Christmas Festival of Lights

The Grotto is a popular destination in Portland during the holidays. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, the Grotto is a forested 62-acre outdoor shrine and sanctuary associated with the Catholic faith (although everyone is welcome to visit).

The area gets decked out in a dazzling display of bright lights that span a quarter mile, called the Christmas Festival of Lights. The festival starts the day after Thanksgiving and runs until December 30.

If you’re visiting the Grotto in the daytime, head towards the Upper Gardens to catch epic views of Mt. St. Helens. If you’re swinging by after dark expect to find evening concerts hosted by local churches, schools and civic choirs.

Local’s Tip: This is a beloved holiday tradition during Christmas in Portland, so expect weekend crowds. If you’re looking for solitude, swing by early on a weekday. Here’s a complete guide to Visiting the Portland Grotto.

Watch the Christmas Ship Parade

The Christmas Ship Parade on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers dates back to 1954. In true Pacific Northwest fashion, this Portland holiday tradition has humble beginnings. It started with a lone decked-out sailboat parading down the river.

The following year, a few more boats joined in on the fun. The year after? More still. Today, the fleet is 60 strong. Watch as the boaters continue this tradition for the 70th year in 2024.

This Portland Christmas tradition attracts thousands of spectators, especially on the weekends. Thankfully the event lasts for two weeks. If you’re trying to avoid the crowds, I suggest visiting early December (although the fleet is most impressive closer to Christmas Day).

Local’s Tip: Depending on where you plan to catch the parade, you can view it from your car or along the waterfront. If you plan to catch the boats from the waterfront make sure to pack layers (it gets very cold!), a blanket, camping chairs and some hot chocolate.

Stroll Peacock Lane

No list of the best things to do in Portland during Christmas is complete without mentioning Peacock Lane. It was one of my favorite traditions as a kid, so it’s something I plan to continue once I have kids of my own.

Peacock Lane is a beautiful 4-block street of the Sunnyside Neighborhood in Southeast Portland. Lovingly referred to as Portland’s Christmas Street, this area has been drawing locals by the thousands since 1929.

The homeowners put so much love and care into decorating their stunning homes. There’s two ways to partake in this popular Portland holiday tradition: by foot or car. This Christmas event lasts from December 15 – 31st and some nights are reserved exclusively for pedestrians.

Pack the car with your loved ones (and some hot chocolate) and make the dazzling drive over. You’ll instantly see why locals love celebrating Christmas in Portland. You can read more about the event here.

Experience ZooLights

ZooLights probably needs no introduction for those that grew up in the area. Most locals have gone to this super-popular Portland Christmas event many times over the years. Heck, I’ve gone on several dates here.

The Oregon Zoo is adorned in a beautiful display of brilliant lights, giving you an opportunity to meander past dazzling displays with a cup of delicious (albeit overpriced) hot chocolate in hand. More than 1.5 million lights weave their way through clever animal-themed displays and tunnels of awe.

It’s hard to think of a more popular Portland Christmas tradition for families, thankfully everyone in the family will enjoy it!

Bonus: BrewLights

The clever folks behind ZooLights introduced a creative twist on this cherished holiday tradition by opening two evenings to adult-only access, giving visitors a chance to experience ZooLights with beer in hand. Kids not allowed, buy tickets here.

Ride the Portland Holiday Express

The Portland Holiday Express Train is easily the best thing to do in Portland during Christmas with kids. The decked-out steam train departs from Oaks Amusement Park and embarks on a 40-minute scenic route down the Oregon Pacific Railroad Line.

The trains are heated (but you’ll still want to bundle up). If you have small kids in tow, you may want to book tickets for earlier in the day. Bathrooms and small snacks available at the train station.

The best part? Santa makes the rounds on each train, ensuring your kiddo has a fun Portland holiday tradition they’ll look forward to year after year. Book tickets here.

Admire Pittock Mansion’s Christmas Decor

Visiting the Pittock Mansion during Christmas in Portland is a treasured event I still get excited about (even though I’ve done it 10+ times).

Pittock Mansion is a stunning French-Renaissance mansion that spans 16,000 square feet. The house boasts 46 elaborate rooms and is open to the public for tours. The tours are really cool because you can see the original furniture from the time period and learn more about the lives of the family that built it.

During the Christmas season, the mansion is covered in era-appropriate holiday decor that’s guaranteed to amaze. The themes vary from year to year, last year’s theme was Winter Wonderland, I’m curious to see what this year brings!

Watch the Nutcracker at the Oregon Ballet

If you ever find yourself visiting New York City at Christmas then you know that seeing the Nutcracker is non-negotiable. Well, something folks don’t realize is that the Oregon Ballet performs George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker as well.

The only difference is the price tag. I paid $200 for NYC tickets and only $80 in Portland. Prices vary based on the section selected but ranges from $30 – $150. But honestly, there’s hardly a bad seat in the house, so go with the option that suits your budget best. You can buy tickets here.

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

One of my favorite holiday traditions in Portland is cutting down a Christmas tree from the national forest. My husband and I do this every year and highly anticipate it. It’s not very hard to do, but there’s a few very helpful things to know before you go. You might want to read: How to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree in a National Forest.

fun things to do in Portland during the holidays

Join Portland’s Santacon

Put on your best Santa costume and join hordes of locals roaming the streets in search of pints. The jovial gathering involves a series of pub crawls, parades, and spontaneous celebrations at various venues across Portland, more info here.

Participate in the Jingle Bell Run

If you’re the active sort, this one is for you. Every year, like clockwork, the Jingle Bell Run kicks off the season of indulgence with a fun 5k run. The run typically takes place the first weekend in December. You’ll have to sign up early because the event is known to sell out.

Go Cosmic Tubing at the Ski Bowl

Cosmic Tubing at the Ski Bowl puts traditional snow tubing to shame. This electrifying nighttime adventure takes place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at the Mt. Hood Ski Bowl, where more than 600,000 LED lights illuminate the tubing lanes to the delight of visitors.

Laser light shows, pop music and delighted screams, locals love it! The only downside is walking back up the mountain after coming down, but I guess you can always take the conveyor belt up, the adventure is up to you!

Experience Winter Wonderland of Lights

Alright, I feel like I’d get some serious flack if I didn’t mention this popular Christmas event in Portland. But if I’m being honest, I wouldn’t consider this a favorite holiday tradition in our home.

The Winter Wonderland of Lights takes place at Portland Race Track. Self dubbed as the “Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi” it’s guaranteed to get your attention.

Miles of cars meander down a set course while taking in massive light displays (tunnels, massive shapes and animations). You can experience this Portland holiday tradition from the comfort of your car (which is a huge perk).

The reason I don’t necessarily recommend it is simple: the long lines are mind-boggling. If you’re visiting on the weekend you’ll spend hours at this event — driving in, driving through and then getting out. It’s nuts! The crowds reduce the overall experience for me and I want to be transparent about that.

Visiting Portland for Christmas | Portland Holiday Guide (Post Summary)

In sum, here’s a quick roundup of the best things to do if you’re visiting Portland for Christmas.

Portland Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
Drink Your Way Through the Holiday Ale Fest
Christmas Festival of Lights (at The Grotto)
Watch the Christmas Ships on the Willamette
Stroll Down Peacock Lane
Enjoy ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo
Ride the Portland Holiday Train
Tour the Festive Pittock Mansion
Watch the Nutcracker at the Oregon Ballet
Get Your Own Christmas Tree for the Forest
Participate in Portland Santacon
Fancy an Active Christmas in Portland? Try the Jingle Bell Run
Holidays at the Belle
Go Cosmic Tubing at the Ski Bowl
Experience the Winter Wonderland of Lights