Top 10 Things To Do At Christmas In Portland, Oregon

1. Celebrate the Christmas Tree Lighting in the Pioneer Courthouse Square

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The tree lighting tradition is a significant part of the Christmas celebration marking the beginning of holiday festivities. Now in its 38th year, the annual tree-light ceremony is set to happen again this year at Pioneer Courthouse Square. The festivities fairly kicked off upon the arrival of the 75-foot (23-meter) tall Douglas fir in early November. The tree is adorned with 14,000 colorful LED lights.

Set to commence on November 25, 2022, the tree-lighting event will welcome crowds again after two years of virtual celebrations.

Christmas Tree Lighting in the Pioneer Courthouse Square

Address: Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th Ave., Portland, OR 97204, United States

Website: Christmas Tree Lighting in the Pioneer Courthouse Square

Opening hours: Nov 25, 2022: 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Price: Free admission

2. Enjoy the Christmas festival of lights

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Enjoy the different entertainment offerings of the Christmas Festival of Lights. Listen to the lively church songs in the chapel or watch outdoor caroling and live busking in The Grotto’s Plaza area. Your little ones will be delighted to spectate the puppet performances narrated amusingly.

The main highlight of this festival is the 0.25-mile (0.40-kilometer) walk-through exhibit of twinkling lights adorning the open spaces. For added convenience, there is a complimentary parking space for visitors bringing a private vehicle.

Christmas Festival of Lights

Address: 8840 NE Skidmore St, Portland, OR 97220, United States

Website: Christmas Festival of Lights

Opening hours: Nov 25, 2022 - Dec 16, 2022: 5pm - 9:30pm; Dec 17, 2022 - Dec 30, 2022: 4:30pm - 9:30pm

Price: from 12 USD (General Admission); from 5 USD (ages 3-11); free admission (children ages 2 and under)

3. Skate at Lloyd Center Ice Rink

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Are you looking for a place to fulfill your ice fantasies? Then visit this ice unique ice rink in the center court of Lloyd Center. Take your kids and let them enjoy gliding over the ice, a moment that will surely become a core memory.

If you are staying a bit longer in Portland and want your kids to pick up something along the trip, you can also enroll them in skating lessons here, which makes an ideal hobby for fitness and leisure goals.

Lloyd Center Ice Rink

Address: 953 Lloyd Ctr, Portland, OR 97232, United States

Website: Lloyd Center Ice Rink

Opening hours: Mon and Wed: 10am - 5pm; Tue and Fri: 10am -7:30 pm; Thu: 11:30am - 7:30pm; Sat: 1pm - 7:30pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm

Price: 20 USD (Winter Admission)

4. Kick off your holiday with Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The best way to kick off your holiday season is by catching a show from Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree. Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree is to orchestrate starting November 26, 2022, at Sunset Church. This year will be a celebration of the event’s diamond jubilee, making it more special, so you might fancy being part of this momentous milestone.

The holiday tradition will be staged by over 160 choir members and several guest soloists, singing classic and contemporary favorites. There will also be a cinematic Christmas nativity scene, dance performances, live bands, and a special appearance from Santa and his dancing elves.

The show will last on select days from November 26, 2022, to December 4, 2022.

Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree

Address: Sunset Church, 14986 NW Cornell Rd, Portland, OR 97229, United States

Website: Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 2pm, 6pm; Fri: 7pm (no shows on Mon to Thu)

Price: from 27 USD

5. Experience Portland Winter Wonderland

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Portland Winter Wonderland prides itself on the title “The Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi,” spanning the entire track at Portland International Raceway. Witness a combination of over 250 colorful sparkles and animated scenes as you drive through the track—an arresting sight that is surely a feast for the eyes.

If you value convenience, you can buy tickets for the Toyota VIP Lane to avoid traffic and crowds and fully appreciate the light show in comfort. The show dates for this year runs from November 25 to December 31.

Portland Winter Wonderland

Address: Portland International Raceway, 1940 N Victory Blvd, Portland, OR 97217

Website: Portland Winter Wonderland

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri - Sun: 4:30pm - 11pm (special hours apply from Dec 16, 2022 - Dec 25, 2022)

Price: from 15 USD (ticket prices vary per date)

6. Visit ZooLights at Oregon Zoo

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

You have two ways to marvel at the dazzling display of 1.5 million lights illuminating Oregon Zoo. First is through strolling around on foot to enjoy the spectacle at a leisurely pace. Alternatively, you can roll through the place using four wheels for a hassle-free experience on select nights.

If you plan to visit with adult friends, you might want to experience BrewLights on November 18-19, 2022, and sample beers along the way. The regular ZooLights will operate from November 23, 2022, to January 5, 2023, except on Christmas day. ZooLights Drive is possible on select Tuesday to Thursday nights.

ZooLights

Address: Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221, United States

Website: ZooLights

Opening hours: Nov 23, 2022 - Jan 5, 2023: 4:30pm - 8pm

Price: from 21 USD (for adults); from 16 USD (for children ages 2 to 11); free admission (for infants)

7. View the Christmas Ships Parade

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

On its 68th edition, Christmas Ships Parade is set to take off and entertain spectators with a light-filled parade. Guests can view the beautifully curated fleet of boats that sail afloat from the banks of the Willamette River or the Columbia River.

If you have what it takes to ornament and maneuver boats, take this chance to decorate a vessel and be part of the boater group. Lessons are also provided for those who are willing to learn. The membership perks include belonging to a non-profit organization that supports a cause—something that will make you feel fulfilled in the season of giving.

Christmas Ships Parade

Website: Christmas Ships Parade

Opening hours: Timings differ per date and fleet

Price: Free

8. Enjoy a ride in Portland’s The Holiday Express

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Each Holiday Express train departs from Oregon Rail Heritage Center and hits the trails of the Oregon Pacific Railroad along the Willamette River. Hop on a vintage rail car and be transported into the world of magic. Plus, get the chance to meet Santa Clause onboard.

During a daytime ride, you can witness the fantastic lookouts of the river and wildlife. Meanwhile, passengers can view the enchanting holiday lights adorning the trains at dusk. Whether you opt for a daytime or dusk schedule, the roundtrip ride will undoubtedly be worth remembering.

The Holiday Express

Address: Oregon Rail Heritage Center, 2250 SE Water Ave., Portland, OR 97214, United States

Website: The Holiday Express

Opening hours: Nov 25, 2022 - Nov 26, 2022: 10am - 8:30pm / Nov 27, 2022: 10am - 7pm / Dec 2, 2022: 4pm - 8:30pm / Dec 3, 2022 - Dec 4, 2022: 10am - 8:30pm / Dec 9, 2022: 4pm - 8:30pm / Dec 10, 2022 - Dec 11, 2022: 10am - 8:30pm / Dec 16, 2022: 4pm - 8:30pm / Dec 17, 2022 - Dec 18, 2022: 10am - 8:30pm

Price: from 28 USD (for adults); from 23 USD (for children ages 3 to 12); from 92 USD (family of two adults and two children)

9. Explore the Victorian Belle

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Victorian Belle, an 1885 Victorian home, is steeped in tasteful holiday lights and decors yearly. This is a prime example of a winter wonderland coming to life. Saunter around the house and the courtyard and catch sight of the light-drenched trees and animated displays, accompanied by vibrant music. Soak up nostalgia and the warm season’s ambiance as you explore the artfully restored historic home.

Aside from the spectacular light display, Santa’s visitation, kids’ crafts, and caroling performances are added to the attraction on select nights to let you experience the holiday cheer in full blast. As of writing, the schedule for 2022 has yet to be announced.

Victorian Belle

Address: Victorian Belle LLC, 1441 N Mcclellan St., Portland, OR 9721, United States

Website: Victorian Belle

Price: 12 USD (for adults); 5 USD (kids ages 5 to 11); 9 USD (for students and seniors); free admission (for children 4 and under)

10. Attend the Gospel Christmas by Oregon Symphony

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Watch the awe-inspiring holiday concert of the premier gospel singers and the Oregon Symphony. Gospel Christmas is set to hold its 23rd annual celebration this year and is expected to draw thousands of concert-goers. Catch the show on December 10, 2022, and December 11, 2022, consisting of Christmas carol singalongs and great musical stages.

This annual event gathers families together and lets them soak in the warmth of the holiday season with a wide range of family-friendly holiday-themed performances. It promises to infuse your holiday season with festivity, glee, and entertainment.

Gospel Christmas by Oregon Symphony

Address: Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205

Website: Gospel Christmas by Oregon Symphony

Opening hours: Sat: 7:30pm; Sun: 4pm

Price: from 25 USD

Plan a holiday trip to Portland

Portland has a vibrant offering to make your Christmas pursuits extra special. Spectate in several Christmas-themed outdoor events, including light shows, cruise parades, and holiday concerts. A trip to this magical city will yield loads of excitement and memorable experiences you will never forget. If you are wondering what else you can do here, check out the list above for your reference.