Holiday Events in Portland

Portland holiday traditions

Dates change a little every year — check each one's site before you go.

• ZooLights

  Oregon Zoo, Washington Park · SW

  Nightly from 4:30 PM, Nov 20, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 (closed Nov 24–26 and Dec 25). 21+ BrewLights Nov 13–14; Adult Nights Jan 1–2

  The Oregon Zoo's walk-through light show — millions of lights across the zoo grounds, plus the lit-up zoo train. Dated tickets (about $13–35) sell out on peak nights.

• Peacock Lane

  SE Peacock Lane, between SE Stark and SE Belmont · SE

  Nightly Dec 15–31, 2026, from 6 PM (pedestrian-only Dec 15–16)

  A whole block of Tudor-style houses decked out for the holidays, a Portland tradition for more than 90 years. Free.

• The Grotto's Christmas Festival of Lights

  The Grotto, NE Sandy Blvd · NE

  Evenings, usually from the day after Thanksgiving (Nov 27, 2026) through Dec 30, closed Christmas Day

  Hundreds of thousands of lights across the Grotto's gardens, with choirs, concerts and a petting zoo. Ticketed.

• Christmas Ships Parade

  Willamette and Columbia rivers

  24 evenings, Nov 27 – Dec 20, 2026 — separate Willamette (RiverPlace Marina) and Columbia (Gleason boat ramp) fleets Dec 7–9, 11 and 15–18; combined fleet the other nights

  A fleet of decorated boats sails the Willamette and Columbia after dark — a Portland tradition since 1954. Free to watch from the riverbanks; check the schedule for the night's route.

• Winter Wonderland

  Portland International Raceway · N Portland

  Nightly Nov 27 – Dec 31, 2026: Mon–Thu 5–10 PM, Fri–Sun 4:30–11 PM (4:30–11 PM every night Dec 16–25)

  A drive-through light show around the PIR racetrack. Tickets are per vehicle.

• Pioneer Courthouse Square Tree Lighting

  Pioneer Courthouse Square, downtown · Downtown

  Usually the evening after Thanksgiving (Fri, Nov 27, 2026, if it holds)

  The lighting of the Square's 75-foot tree kicks off the downtown holiday season, with carols and a countdown. Free.

• Holidays at Pittock Mansion

  Pittock Mansion, NW Pittock Dr · NW & Pearl

  Daily, usually mid-November through early January (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day)

  The historic mansion's rooms are decorated for the holidays around a new theme each year, with city views from the hilltop. Ticketed.

• Portland Holiday Market

  Portland Expo Center, N Marine Dr · N Portland

  Nov 6–8, 2026

  A big early-season gift market at the Expo Center — hundreds of vendors selling crafts, food, decor and gifts.

• Crafty Wonderland Holiday Art + Craft Market

  Oregon Convention Center · NE

  Dec 11–13, 2026 — Fri 5–9 PM ticketed "First Pick Party"; Sat–Sun 10 AM–5 PM

  One of the city's biggest maker markets — hundreds of local artists, crafters and makers in one hall.

• Festival of the Last Minute

  Portland Saturday Market, Waterfront Park · Downtown

  Daily for the last few days before Christmas

  Portland Saturday Market's holiday stretch for last-minute gifts from local makers, with warming stations and carolers.

• Public Menorah Lighting

  Pioneer Courthouse Square, downtown · Downtown

  During Hanukkah — Dec 4–12, 2026

  Portland's public menorah is lit at the Square during Hanukkah.

• Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition

  Pioneer Courthouse Square, downtown · Downtown

  Usually a December evening

  Caroling groups, many in costume, compete in front of the crowd — a long-running Portland holiday tradition.

• Holiday Express

  Oregon Rail Heritage Center, SE Water Ave · SE

  Usually weekends from late November through December

  A vintage steam locomotive pulls holiday-decorated cars along the Willamette past Oaks Bottom, with Santa aboard. Tickets sell out early.

On the calendar