Portland is a beautiful city with plenty of unique neighborhoods, restaurants, local breweries, and attractions to explore. The city is especially exciting during the holidays when it comes alive with holiday magic that is fun for the whole family. Let's explore some favorite holiday Portland, Oregon, attractions that you will not want to miss during December.
Holiday Portland, Oregon Activities for the Family
Here is our favorite list of top attractions in Portland for the whole family during the holidays.
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
The holiday season kicks off with the annual tree lighting ceremony on Pioneer Courthouse Square. This ceremony is held at 6:30 PM the day after Thanksgiving. You and the family can enjoy top local performers who will help you welcome in the holiday season before the big event when the magical Christmas tree comes to life.
A Pittock Mansion Christmas
Portland's famous historic Pittock Mansion puts on an impressive display with all 16 rooms filled with a beautiful display of holiday lights, beautiful Christmas trees, and decorations throughout the home. You will want to put this tour on your holiday Portland, Oregon, events calendar because every year they have a different theme. The theme for 2021 features happy, whimsical critters throughout each of the rooms in charming displays everyone will enjoy.
Oregon Zoo Zoolights Display
Each year the Oregon Zoo puts on an enchanting display of holiday lights. This is a fun way to explore the zoo with the entire family as you stroll through the light display that makes the zoo come alive with holiday cheer. This year, the zoo offers something a little different and lets you explore the display of over 1.5 million lights from the comfort of your car.
Christmas Ship Parade
The Christmas Ship Parade is a unique holiday experience that will make your holidays memorable. You can enjoy the parade most nights between December 3-21 at 7:00 PM. The best viewing spots are between the Columbia and Willamette River Fleets. The parade usually features between 55 and 60 boats, each with a beautiful, themed holiday display of lights. The reflection of the lights on the water makes a breathtaking spectacle under the night sky.
A Nutcracker Tea
A Nutcracker Tea is a special children's adaptation of the Christmas favorite. It would not be the holiday season without seeing The Nutcracker at least once. The performance at the Newmark Theater always offers spectacular sets and costumes for this holiday classic.
Favorite Portland, Oregon Sights for Grown-Ups
Holiday Ale Festival
Craft brew fans will love one of Portland’s annual Oregon tourist attractions. The Holiday Ale Festival features over 50 craft brews that local breweries create especially for the holiday season. The festival takes place on Pioneer Courthouse Square December 3-5, 2021, underneath the lights of the region's largest decorated Christmas tree. This event will be sure to get you into the holiday spirit. Wawanesa Insurance encourages you to enjoy this event safely and be sure to designate a driver before you go.
Classical Christmas with the Oregon Symphony
If you are looking for an adult activity that is a little more low-key, you won't want to miss the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall presentation of the Oregon Symphony’s “Comfort and Joy: A Classical Christmas.” You can enjoy this merry holiday singalong with all of your favorite classics. This event will make your holiday a memorable one as you enjoy both old and new favorites.
Mount Ashland Ski Area
If hitting the slopes is your idea of holiday fun, the Mount Ashland Ski Area is one of the favorite Oregon tourist attractions for locals and visitors. This area is fun during the holidays, but it also has plenty to offer all year round. However, it comes alive during the holidays with lights and a cozy atmosphere to get warm after an afternoon on the slopes.
Portland Dinner Cruise
One of the best ways to see the lights of downtown Portland is on the Portland Spirit dinner cruise. The 2.5-hour trip is a relaxing way to enjoy dinner and drinks with friends as you cruise past your favorite Oregon tourist attractions at night. It is a romantic way to enjoy the sunset. If you are a photographer, be sure to bring your camera because there are some breathtaking sights to see.
Portland Art Museum
The Portland Art Museum is always one of our favorite Portland, Oregon sights. The Art Museum is one of the oldest on the West Coast. It features Native American and Asian art, and it has a modern and contemporary wing. It features rotating exhibits, and there is always something new to see.
Favorite Portland, Oregon Christmas Lights Displays
If you are looking for even more holiday lights displays in Oregon, here are a few of our favorites.
- Lights in The Grotto
- Christmas in The Garden at the Oregon Garden
- Pastega Christmas Light Display
- Christmas Fantasy Trail At Wenzel Farms
- Miracle of a Million Lights at the Victorian Belle House
- PIR Winter Wonderland
- Festival of Lights at Riverforks Park
- Aspen Meadow Celebration of Lights
As you can see, Portland gives you many ways to enjoy the holidays. Whether you want a family outing or a special night out with your friends, you have plenty of choices throughout December. Make sure to put a few of these favorites on your holiday calendar this year.
Before you and the family head out to these favorite Portland, Oregon attractions, make sure your insurance needs are in order with Wawanesa Insurance. We offer products for your home, auto, condo, and rental insurance so that your family time together can be worry-free.
Advertisement: Check out our blog articles for answers to common questions. Click to view all blogs.