Join in the Festive Spirit of Portland’s Winter Celebrations

Against the backdrop of the snow-capped Cascade Mountains, Portland winters sparkle with festivals that blend traditional holiday cheer with the free-spirited creativity that sets the town apart from typical seasonal destinations.

Rather than hide from the shorter days and rain so characteristic of this time of year, organizers weave the weather into these celebrations. Revelers can sip organic hot chocolate at a market or join a lantern-lit parade. Farmers’ markets feature colder-climate harvests, and galleries showcase winter-inspired art. Eco-friendly holiday markets offer sustainable ways to celebrate. Walkways and blocks are made psychedelic during the Winter Light Festival. Even the darkest nights feel bright with these special winter events.

Portland Winter Ice Rink

South end of the Morrison Bridgehead
499 SW Naito Pkwy

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10am – 10pm, Late November 2024 to January 5, 2025

Each holiday season, from late November to early January, the Portland Winter Ice Rink comes to life at the west end of the Morrison Bridge on Portland, Oregon’s Willamette River Waterfront. Each night of the week a different theme is hosted, such as comedy and musical performances to entertain skaters as they circle the rink, drag shows, and Play Date Sundays.

To glide on the rink, tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids, and they include skate rentals and a ten-minute lessons for beginners. Walk-up tickets can be bought on site as early as 30 minutes before each session begins, but it is recommended that they be purchased in advance from the event’s website in order to avoid arriving at times when they’re sold out. 

In addition to skating, from 12pm to 8pm, revelers can enjoy a variety of activities at the adjoining Winter Woodsy Village or just take a break in its heated lounge along with food and warm beverages served by vendors.

Crafty Wonderland
Holiday Art + Craft Market

Oregon Convention Center, Exhibit Hall D
777 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd

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10am – 5pm, Saturday, Dec 14th + Sunday, Dec 15th
Pre-Show Ticketed Shopping Event
5pm – 9pm, Friday, Dec 13th

 Crafty Wonderland is Portland’s largest arts and crafts show, twice yearly turning the Oregon Convention Center into a maker marketplace, showcasing the works of hundreds of local and regional artists and crafters. Having grown from its humble beginnings as a small holiday sale into a major event, this Portland institution draws thousands of visitors eager to discover unique handmade treasures, from jewelry and clothing to home decor and artisanal foods.

The event’s careful selection process ensures a diverse array of high-quality handmade goods, representing the Pacific Northwest’s thriving maker community. Shoppers can find everything from screen-printed t-shirts and handbound journals to botanical perfumes and ceramic masterpieces, while also getting the opportunity to meet the artists behind the creations and learn about their creative processes.

Beyond shopping, Crafty Wonderland features hands-on workshops, DIY stations, and maker demonstrations throughout the hall, embodying Portland’s creative spirit and support for independent artists. The show’s spring and winter editions have become events that holiday shoppers and art enthusiasts alike anticipate each year, celebrating the city’s robust maker culture and commitment to supporting local artisans.

Pittock Mansion

Home for the Holidays

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Days & Times vary
November 18, 2024 – January 9, 2025
Closed Christmas Day

High up in Portland’s West Hills, overlooking the city below and affording views of distant Mount Hood, the historic Pittock Mansion might just be the best place to come Home for the Holidays and soak in some good ‘ole Yuletide cheer. The mansion in all its elegant glory is decked out in this year’s theme, Holiday Classics, as is its Gate Lodge. Admission includes access to the mansion, the Gate Lodge and the Georgiana Pittock and the City of Roses exhibit.

Enhance your visit by joining one of the Pittock Mansion Portland tours, which presents a deeper dive into the history and holiday spirit of this magnificent landmark. And before you leave, pick up an ornament, photographic book, or other fun gifts at the museum store in the mansion’s converted garage.

Santa Visits Pittock Mansion

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11:00am – 3:00pm (4:00pm on the 24th)
Included with Admission Price
December 15th, 22nd, & 24th
Closed Christmas Day

Each December, Santa Claus takes up residence to meet with visiting children and families in a specially decorated receiving area of this 46-room French Renaissance-style château. 

Amidst the twinkling lights, garlands, themed Christmas trees, and the mansion’s Victorian-era architecture and decor, families can get in on a holiday photo opportunity far more classy than the typical mall Santa visit, at the same time catching a glimpse into how Christmas might have been celebrated in the mansion’s heyday.

Portland Night Market

A Celebration of Local Culture After Dark

4pm – 11pm, December 5 – 8
100 SE Alder Street

The Portland Night Market turns a sprawling Industrial Southeast warehouse into an after-hours bazaar teeming with local goods and culture, uniting the city’s diverse maker community, food vendors, and artists.

Held quarterly, this event draws market-goers by the thousands to wander through the maze of stalls of over 175 vendors spread across 100,000 square feet while perusing the handcrafted jewelry, vintage finds, artisanal foods, craft beverages and much, more set out for purchase. Accompanied by live music, local breweries, wineries, distilleries, food carts and pop-up restaurants serve up their fare.

Ensconced within the gritty core of the Central Eastside District, the market’s industrial-chic setting — complete with exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and twinkling lights — fits right in with Portland’s  no-nonsense, entrepreneurial character.

Holiday Vegan Night Market 2024

The Pacific Northwest’s Largest Vegan Food Festival
Returns for Two Days

The Factor Building, 226 SE Madison Street
Saturday, December 7, 3-9pm (VIP 3 –4 pm & 18+ 7 – 9pm)
Sunday, December 8, 2–-8pm (VIP 2-3pm)

The Holiday Vegan Night Market, hosted by Veggies Do It Better Events, is back and bigger than ever, spanning two full days of festivities. This highly anticipated event invites attendees to eat, drink, shop, and celebrate the holiday season while supporting a meaningful cause.

Benefiting Organizations

• Veganville Animal Sanctuary: This sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates farmed animals while offering educational programs that highlight the plight of these animals, the environmental impacts of factory farming, and its implications for human health.
• Project Pooch: This program pairs incarcerated youth with shelter dogs, teaching responsibility, patience, and compassion as they work together to help the dogs find forever homes.

 Event Highlights

• Bring To-Go Containers: With over 75 vegan restaurants, small businesses, nonprofits, and grassroots organizations participating, including out-of-town favorites like Cena Vegan, Prime Roots, and Social Illz, there’s no shortage of delicious options to try.
• Raffle Extravaganza: Enter for a chance to win one of 20+ prize packs, with proceeds benefiting Veganville Animal Sanctuary and Project Pooch.
• Crafty Corner: Join Blue Barn Sanctuary in a cozy crafting area suitable for all ages. Enjoy storytime for kids and unleash your creativity.
• Games Galore: Challenge friends to corn hole, Jumbo Jenga, Connect 4, and more.
• Winter Wonderland Photo Booth: Snap a free Polaroid souvenir and enter the ugly sweater contest with prizes for adults, couples, groups/families, kids, and pets.
• Drink Up Grinches Bar: Sip on holiday-inspired boozy and zero-proof beverages crafted by mixologist Sarah Motter.
• Live Music: Groove to tunes from DJ Retrobot and DJ Skratch & Spliff.

Other Details

• Leashed companion animals are warmly welcomed.
• The Factor Building is ensuring attendees’ comfort with its heated indoor space and additional outdoor heaters.

Come prepared for an inspiring night of vegan food, community, and holiday cheer!

Omiyage Holiday Store

A Japanese Gift-Giving Tradition in Portland

411 NW Flanders Street, Suite 100
November 29 – December 22
Thursday-Saturday: 10am-4pm; Sunday: 11am-4pm
Or by appointment 503-224-1458

Each winter, the Japanese American Museum of Oregon reimagines its gift shop as the Omiyage Holiday Store, a space that honors the Japanese custom of thoughtful gift-giving. The concept of omiyage — picking out meaningful gifts and souvenirs for loved ones — is made possible at the store through its provision of authentic Japanese goods, ranging from traditional ceramics and textiles to modern designs and seasonal treasures.

Shoppers will discover an array of Japanese-inspired gifts and crafts by local artists, designers, and authors, as well as handcrafted items sourced directly from Japan, including ornaments, furoshiki wrapping cloths, traditional New Year’s decorations, and contemporary Japanese housewares.

Every piece reflects the museum’s mission of preserving Japanese culture while embracing the festive spirit of the season, blending Eastern and Western holiday customs.

Oregon’s Holiday Express

A Delightful Railway Journey Through Portland’s History

Oregon Rail Heritage Center 2250 SE Water Avenue
November 29, 2024 – January 4, 2025
Days Vary, 10am – 8:30pm
Cost: $25 – $105

All Aboard for Holiday Cheer! Operated by the Oregon Rail Heritage Center near OMSI, the Holiday Express Train takes its riders on a funtastical Christmas adventure that brings Portland’s historic railways to life.

Passengers step into the beautifully restored rail cars of the 1912 Polson #2 steam locomotive, adorned with festive holiday lights and décor. During the 45-minute ride along the scenic Willamette River, Santa makes a special appearance, chatting with children, listening to their wishes, and posing for photos.

Volunteers in charming vintage attire add to the festive atmosphere, sharing tales of Portland’s railway history and leading passengers in joyful holiday carols, and guests can savor seasonal treats like hot cocoa and cookies.

To get the most out of the adventure, plan to arrive early and explore the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. The museum features an impressive collection of historic locomotives, railway equipment, and exhibits that showcase Portland’s rich railroad legacy.

The Great Figgy Pudding

Caroling Competition

Pioneer Courthouse Square 701 SW 6th Avenue
Friday, December 13, 2024, 5:30pm – 8pm
Free

Fa-La-La-La-Let’s Get Festive! The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition draws Christmas carolers of all types to fill Portland’s downtown streets.

The competition has several categories, including traditional carols, modern holiday songs, and even original tunes. Judges evaluate groups on their music, presentation, audience engagement, and how well they capture the holiday spirit. The highlight of the competition is the grand finale, where all the groups come together for a massive community carol sing, uniting hundreds of voices in holiday joy.

Groups often wear elaborate outfits, some in Victorian style. Others choose modern or silly holiday clothes. 

The event supports local charities, with proceeds going to help Portland’s communities in need during the holidays.

Providence Festival of Trees Elf Academy

Portland’s Premier Holiday Fundraising Celebration

Oregon Convention Center
777 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd

Be the Light for Children’s Health. The Providence Festival of Trees is a Portland tradition that unites the community in support of children’s health. Held at the Oregon Convention Center, the festival turns the space into a sparkling winter wonderland showing off 30 artfully decorated trees.

Guests can dive into the festive atmosphere with its live entertainment, raffles, a silent auction, and a holiday craft fair of stained glass, woodworking, handmade purses, totes, jewelry, crocheted animals, and more from 30 vendors — all while contributing to a meaningful cause.

Winter Gleam Festival

Where the Holidays Glow Up!

7805 SE Oaks Park Way
5pm to 10pm Through December 29

Portland’s newest holiday tradition, Winter Gleam, is the Oaks Amusement Park festooned with over 100,000 lights.   

Visitors step into a fantasy world of holiday light displays, glowing tunnels, and sparkling paths. The event features festive games, seasonal treats, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts from local vendors, and chances to snap a photo with Santa.

 Admission also includes rides on the beautifully restored historic carousel or a winter ride aboard the Oaks Park train.

Peacock Lane

A Holiday Lights Tradition

 SE Peacock Lane, between Stark and Belmont Streets
December 15th – December 31st, 2024
December 15 and 16 — Pedestrian-only nights 

Step into the holidays on Peacock Lane in Southeast Portland, a street of Tudor-style homes also known as “Portland’s Christmas Street.” Each December, the residents on this block light up their homes with both traditional and whimsical holiday displays.

The lights typically shine nightly during December, offering plenty of opportunities to stroll amongst the holiday cheer.

The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights

A Celestial Holiday Celebration

The Grotto, 8840 NE Skidmore Street
November 29 to December 30, 2024
Daily, 9am – 5pm
Cost: $4.95 – $9.95

During the Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights, the serene sanctuary into a radiant display of holiday magic and religious reverence, creating a truly unique seasonal experience.

Visitors can marvel at the traditional nativity scene, enjoy the warmth of a petting zoo, and stroll through stunning light displays that illuminate the natural beauty of the gardens. Whether you’re seeking a moment of reflection or festive family fun, Christmas at The Grotto promises a memorable blend of wonder and tradition.

Portland’s Christmas Ships Parade

A Floating Festival of Lights on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers

December 5 – 22, 2024
Willamette & Columbia Rivers

For over 50 years, the Christmas Ships Parade has lit up the city’s waterways. Two fleets of festively decorated vessels float along the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, creating a moving maritime display of holiday cheer.

The parade typically runs throughout December, allowing multiple opportunities to enjoy the spectacle from riverbanks, parks, and indoor waterfront venues.

Gospel Christmas

Celebrating 25 Years

Where Classical Elegance Meets Gospel Soul

Oregon Symphony
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway
December 14 – 15, 2024

A soul-stirring holiday tradition takes to the stage at the venerable Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, where the Oregon Symphony and Northwest Community Gospel Chorus unite to deliver an electrifying Gospel Christmas experience. This annual celebration raises the historic venue into a sanctuary of sacred music, blending the orchestra’s classical mastery with the raw, passionate energy of gospel performance. Audiences are transported through a carefully curated program that weaves together time-honored Christmas carols, contemporary gospel interpretations, and symphonic seasonal masterpieces.

For music lovers seeking an unforgettable gospel christmas concert portland oregon, this performance stands as a pinnacle of holiday musical expression. Christian concerts in oregon rarely capture the spiritual and musical depth of this remarkable symphony tradition, making it a must-attend event for those craving a profound holiday musical experience.

Make the Yuletide Gay

Portland Men’s Chorus Holiday Concert

Newmark Theater 1111 SW Broadway
December 8 – 10, 2024

The Portland Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates holiday spirit and community. This annual concert transcends traditional musical performance, weaving together a tapestry of sound that reflects the city’s commitment to diversity, artistic expression, and genuine human connection. With their renowned blend of musical precision, theatrical creativity, and infectious warmth, the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus delivers a holiday concert that is at once deeply moving and joyously entertaining.

The holiday concert program seamlessly navigates between classical seasonal selections and contemporary interpretations, creating a musical journey that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. From traditional carols reimagined with innovative arrangements to modern compositions that speak to the heart of holiday togetherness, each performance is a testament to the ensemble’s extraordinary musical storytelling.

More than just a concert, this annual event is a celebration of community, love, and the unifying power of music—inviting audiences to experience the holidays through a lens of inclusivity, artistry, and shared human emotion.

The Nutcracker Ballet in Portland

Oregon Ballet Theater

December 7 – 24, 2024
Keller Auditorium 
222 SW Clay Street

This classic annual ballet Nutcracker set to Tchaikovsky’s celebrated timeless score sends audiences into young Clara’s imaginative realm of dancing sugar plums, toy soldiers, the Mouse King and the Nutcracker Prince. 

Where to Stay

Portland Eco House

After a day of wintery adventures, warm up at the Portland Eco House, your home-away-from-home in the Alberta Arts District.

This delightful, eco-friendly, vegan-friendly guesthouse offers everything you need to relax after soaking up the holiday cheer.

Its totally private, stylish accommodation options, organic bedding, fully-equipped kitchens, sustainable amenities, and prime location are just a sleigh ride away from Portland’s best winter festivities. Warm up by the gas fire pit and relive the day’s magic. Or come on in and shut out the chilly December nights in the homey Patio Cottage or Patio Suite. Or book the entire Patio Villa to yourselves.

With its strong commitment to sustainability and beautiful decor, the Portland Eco House provides a welcoming and environmentally responsible home base for your stay.