Portland is one of the most upbeat cities in the country, and at Christmas, it’s especially buzzing and beautiful. I seriously love this time of year! Whether you live in Portland or are visiting the city during the holidays, there’s plenty of fun and awesome stuff that you can do here.
From sightseeing to Christmas tree decorations to theatrical performances, the city offers a wide range of activities to make your Christmas even more special. Here are my personal favorite things to do at Christmas in Portland, Oregon…



Christmas Tree Lighting, Pioneer Courthouse Square
Pioneer Courthouse Square is a public venue referred to as the ‘living room of Portland.’ Pioneer Courthouse Square presents two months of family-friendly holiday events and Portland’s beloved traditions that start in November with the arrival of a 75-foot tall Douglas fir I love it here this time of year, the atmosphere is incredible!
I’d recommend going to the annual tree lighting ceremony held at Pioneer Courthouse Square every Christmas Eve. The ceremony showcases a musical journey that features local high school bands, regional artists, and choral groups that lead Portlanders in a live sing-along.
Pioneer Courthouse Square features 25 steps of seating where people sit and watch the annual Christmas tree lighting, although the event has been presented virtually for the last two years.
Pros
Iconic holiday tree lighting ceremony
Vibrant live musical performances
Involves local high school bands and regional artists
Offers two months of family-friendly holiday events
Cons
Limited seating for the live event
Recent virtual presentations due to circumstances
Nearby Attractions
Pioneer Courthouse
The Meier & Frank Building
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Must Do Things
Experience the live music and sing-along
Explore two months of holiday events at Pioneer Courthouse Square
Facilities
Various food stalls and vendors
Live performances and other entertainment
Portland Winter Wonderland at PIR
If you want to enjoy your Christmas while helping the local community of Portland, you must travel through Portland Winter Wonderland on Christmas. Portland Winter Wonderland is a drive-through light show that takes place at Portland International Raceway.
As you drive your vehicle through the track, you can view over 250 colorful light set pieces and fully animated scenes. You see every corner of the raceway sparkling as you drive through it.
It is one of the best ways to celebrate the spirit of Christmas with families and friends while extending support to the local community. The profit earned through the event goes to Sunshine Division, a food bank that provides emergency clothing and food to people in need.
Pros
Fully animated scenes for a magical experience
Profits help the local food bank
Great for celebrating with family and friends
Spectacular holiday light display
Cons
Drive-through format limits interaction
May experience traffic while driving through
Nearby Attractions
Inn At The Meadows
Portland International Raceway
Portland Model Rocket Park
Must Do Things
Experience the enchanting light displays
Visit the nearby Portland Model Rocket Park for a fun day
Facilities
Nearby dog park for your furry friend
Christmas Lights at Pittock Mansion
Pittock Mansion is one of the best destinations for Christmas celebrations in Portland. Every year, the chateau celebrates Christmas with unique themes, such as the animal world.
Pittock Mansion features 23 well-appointed rooms, all of which get transformed into engrossing themed rooms featuring unique exhibits. Last year, the Christmas event at Pittock Mansion celebrated the wonderful world of animals with exhibits of polar bears, reindeer, and lions.
You can be a part of Pittock Mansion’s Christmas celebrations by volunteering as a decorator. Many people come to the Pittock Mansion every year to enjoy Christmas lights and colorful displays.
Pros
Animal-themed exhibits offer a unique experience
Mesmerizing Christmas light displays
Opportunity to volunteer and become part of the festivities
A delightful array of festive decorations
Cons
Limited availability during the holiday season
Weather can impact the outdoor experience
Nearby Attractions
Pittock Mansion Park Viewpoint
Witch's Castle
Must Do Things
Stroll through Pittock Mansion's illuminated gardens
Visit the Pittock Mansion Park Viewpoint for a stunning view of the city
Facilities
Offers active military discounts
The facility is Wheelchair accessible
Christmas Festival of Lights, The Grotto
Christmas Festival of Lights is a walk-through event that features several entertainment areas, all of which are either indoor or tented. You can walk through these entertainment areas for 75 to 90 minutes.
Whether you want to see local schools performing at the Chapel of Mary or get amused with a puppet show, the Festival of Lights will entertain you well.
You can also sing along your favorite Christmas songs with local artists in the plaza tent. Every year, the Festival of Lights takes place at The Grotto, an outdoor shrine located in the Madison South district of Portland.
Pros
Indoor and tented spaces for comfort
A wide array of entertainment choices
Showcases local artist performances
Cons
Event duration is relatively short
Religious location may not appeal to all
Nearby Attractions
Namaste Indian Cuisine - Sandy Blvd
Rocky Butte Farmers Market
Must Do Things
Enjoy a puppet show in the festive atmosphere
Sing along with local artists in the plaza tent
Facilities
Nearby restaurants for a bite after the festival
Volunteer opportunities for all
Safeway Providence Festival of Trees
Safeway Providence Festival of Trees is a Christmas event that takes place every year at Seaside Civic & Convention Center. The Providence Seaside Hospital Foundation hosts the event.
The event starts with a public viewing of beautifully embellished Christmas trees and concludes with a gala dinner.
Safeway Providence Festival of Trees is one of the liveliest Christmas events in Portland. At the event, you can meet with different design teams and learn how to decorate Christmas trees. The event also features musical performances by both local and national recording artists.
Pros
Gala dinner for a festive experience
Local and national musical performances
Stunning Christmas tree displays
Interactive tree decorating lessons
Cons
The festival is limited to three days
Potential crowd during the public viewing
Nearby Attractions
Inn At Seaside
Dundee's Bar & Grill
Quatat Park
Must Do Things
Enjoy live musical performances by talented artists
Attend the gala dinner for a festive experience
Facilities
Various nearby hotels to stay for tourists
Offers opportunity to learn tree decorating from design teams
Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree
Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree is an annual event that takes place at Sunset Church.
The two-hour musical production displays both traditional and contemporary musical performances by more than 350 artists that comprise both youngsters and adults.
The event brings Christmas joy to all ages with an excellent line-up of Christmas songs. If you want to have an immersive experience of sound and light on Christmas, you must attend this event.
Pros
Offers a wide range of Christmas songs
Appeals to both youngsters and adults
Provides a captivating audiovisual experience
A festive and magical Christmas ambiance
Cons
Limited hotels for tourists
The musical theme may not suit all
Nearby Attractions
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland
Oak Hills Recreation Center
Must Do Things
Immerse yourself in the festive sound and light show
Learn the history of the Sunset Church
Facilities
Offers ample parking space
Various foods and refreshments
Christmas Ship Parade
Christmas Ship Parade is an annual parade of ships across the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. It is a long-established tradition of Portland that first took place in 1954. It is an annual Christmas event that continues for two weeks.
The event includes two fleets, namely the Columbia fleet and the Willamette fleet. The Willamette fleet parades from the downtown Riverplace area to Milwaukie Riverfront Park before heading back downtown.
The Columbia fleet proceeds from the Gleason boat ramp to Washington’s side before heading down to Hayden Bay.
Pros
Two fleets offer beautiful views
Long-standing holiday tradition since 1954
Unique and memorable Christmas celebration
Cons
Limited to the riverfront
Limited viewing areas
Nearby Attractions
Milwaukie Bay Park
South Hawthorne Waterfront Park
Must Do Things
Enjoy the festive atmosphere along the riverbanks
Join a riverfront gathering for festive holiday cheer
Facilities
Various riverfront gatherings for a community feel
Portland Revels
Portland Revels is a theater production that can make Christmas celebrations even more delightful for you and your family. If you want to add music, dance, drama, and tradition to your Christmas celebrations, you must watch Portland Revels on Christmas.
From choral music to traditional dance to story-telling, Portland Revels adds luster to your Christmas celebration in many different ways.
The audience is also given the opportunity to sing and dance along with professional musicians, dancers, actors, and storytellers. You can also donate to help Portland Revels continue their support to the local community.
Pros
Audience participation in singing and dancing
Offers a unique holiday experience
Diverse choral and dance performances
Professional musicians and dancers
Cons
It may not appeal to all tastes
Limited to Christmas season
Nearby Attractions
Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House
McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
Powell's City of Books
Must Do Things
Participate in singing and dancing with professional artists
Support the local community by making a donation
Facilities
An on-site restaurant for dining
Offers free Wi-Fi and military discounts
Peacock Lane Christmas Lights
Portland’s Christmas Street is a holiday tradition that displays Christmas lights on Peacock Lane. The spectacle of lights extends across four residential blocks in Southeast Portland.
These four residential blocks between Stark and Belmont Streets attract crowds from all over Portland to indulge in the striking display of Christmas lights hanging over the steep roofs of cottage-style houses.
You can relish these breathtaking holiday lights displayed from 15th December to 31st December daily between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Pros
Spectacular Christmas lights display
Ideal family attraction for creating lasting memories
Free admission provides accessible holiday fun
A holiday tradition that captivates all ages
Cons
Crowded during peak hours
Limited parking availability in the area
Nearby Attractions
Laurelhurst Skate Park
El Salto PDX
Must Do Things
Walk along Peacock Lane at night
Take a picture with the various decorations
Facilities
Various stands that offer refreshments
Portland’s Holiday Ale Festival
Portland’s Holiday Ale Festival celebrates Christmas beneath the largest decorated Christmas tree in the city. From delicious holiday-themed food to live music, Portland’s Holiday Ale Festival has everything to make your celebrations more joyful.
At Portland’s Holiday Ale Festival, revelers can sample from over 50 featured beers that keep drinks warm on snowy winter nights. You get to create your beer-inspired carol under a majestic Christmas tree at this festival.
The venues of the festival vary every year.
Pros
Festive atmosphere with a giant Christmas tree
Live music enhances the celebration
Over 50 featured beers for beer enthusiasts
Delicious seasonal treats are available
Nearby Attractions
Vary according to the venue
Must Do Things
Create your beer-inspired carol under a giant Christmas tree
Sample some of the holiday treats
Facilities
Various live performances and seasonal treats
Offers multiple free sample beers
Drive-By Christmas on the Campground
Drive-By Christmas on the Campground is a festival that invites Portlanders to stroll past the campground on Duke Street and revel in the divine Christmas lights display.
This drive-by festival features the tallest Christmas tree in Southeast Portland.
The lights display begins on Thanksgiving weekends and continues through the end of the year. You can also listen to your favorite holiday songs in the evening.
Pros
Tallest Christmas tree in Southeast Portland
Extended display through New Year
Festive holiday songs in the evening
Cons
Limited timeframe for enjoyment
The parking options are limited
Nearby Attractions
Hidden East Tavern
Mehri's Cafe and Bakery
Brentwood City Park
Must Do Things
Stop by a nearby cafe to enjoy a hot cup of coffee
Take a picture by the largest Christmas tree
Facilities
Nativity Pageant is presented each evening by the Sunday school students.
Magic of Christmas, Portland Symphony Orchestra
Magic of Christmas is a Christmas tradition performed by the Portland Symphony Orchestra every year. The event features special guests like Laura Darrell, Ray Cornils, and James Kennerley.
If you want to listen to old and new Christmas classics by your favorite artists, you must become a part of this magical music festival.
Pros
A delightful blend of Christmas songs
Features world-renowned musical talents
A captivating annual holiday tradition
Cons
Getting tickets in advance is recommended
The tickets can be a bit expensive
Nearby Attractions
Maine Historical Society and the Wadsworth
Friends of Fort Gorges
Maine House of Comedy
Must Do Things
Stop by Maine House of Comedy and have a fun night
Enjoy timeless carols and classics
Facilities
Offers a variety of seating arrangements
A variety of events for all
Ice Skate at Oaks Park
Oaks Park is an amusement park that features a large roller skating rink. Oaks Park Roller Skating Rink is one of the largest and oldest skating rinks in the country.
Every year, the rink is fringed by Christmas decorations with a Christmas tree in the center.
If you are looking for something thrilling to do indoors on Christmas, you can go ice skating at Oaks Amusement Park.
Pros
Indoor ice skating during winter
One of the largest roller skating rinks
Festive atmosphere with Christmas decorations
Cons
Potential waits due to crowds
Only limited to indoors
Nearby Attractions
Portland Insectarium
Portland Puppet Museum
Sellwood Riverfront Park
Must Do Things
Enjoy the festive Christmas decorations and tree during the holidays
Go to the haunted house and have some spooky fun
Facilities
Has a bar and restaurant on-site
Offers free Wi-Fi and a children’s playground
Go Christmas Hiking
If you want to start your Christmas morning with an exciting adventure, you should do an urban hike. It is an ideal time for hiking as the trails are deserted during the holiday season.
You can pack some Christmas embellishments in your bag and create your own Christmas tree on the hike.
The best trail to hike on Christmas is the Lower Macleay Park trail, which passes through the Witch’s Castle and ends at the Pittock Mansion. Once you are done with the hike, you can spend some time sightseeing at the Pittock Mansion.
Pros
Unique Christmas morning adventure
Peaceful trails during the holiday
Lower Macleay Park trail's beautiful route
Cons
Some may find the hike strenuous
Limited facilities on the trail
Nearby Attractions
Pittock Mansion Park Viewpoint
Witch's Castle
Pittock Mansion
Must Do Things
Hike to Pittock Mansion to enjoy the Christmas lights at the Mansion
Bring Christmas decorations and decorate a trailside tree
Facilities
Various kid-friendly hikes
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Beth Pinches – writer and photographer
Beth was born under a wandering star, with drama in her veins and ink in her pen. After stints studying theatre in Dublin and Utrecht she used her creative streak to see as much of the world as she could on as little money. She toured Italian Schools with a children’s theatre troop, lived as an au-pair in both Rome and Washington DC, explored the British countryside, worked her way through much of Europe, Salsa danced in Cuba and road tripped down America’s west coast where she discovered her spiritual home; Portland, Oregon. Other places she loves include Croatia, Finland, Japan and India. In between adventures, travel writing and performing she resides peacefully with her family, cats and ukulele. Find Beth on Linkedin or Facebook.
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