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Christmas in Portland

ships While most of the people who travel to Portland for Christmas are probably visiting family (let’s face it, Portland is a great city but it’s not exactly a huge holiday tourist draw), there are several Christmas events in Portland which can be fun to get involved in whether you live here or are just visiting. Here are a few of the highlights. And remember to bring rain gear with you to pretty much all of them, as there’s just no telling what the weather will be like. It rains here a bit in the winter, y’know.

Christmas Tree Lighting - On the day after Thanksgiving, Portland’s official Christmas tree is lit in Pioneer Courthouse Square. In addition to the flicking of the switch, there’s usually music and a little merriment. Find out more on the Pioneer Square calendar.

Christmas Ships - Each year since 1954 there’s been a Christmas Ships Parade on both of Portland’s rivers where boat owners decorate their vessels with lights - sometimes rather intricately designed light shows - and cruise the waters for spectators’ enjoyment. The schedule varies each year (and is different for the Columbia and Willamette Rivers), so check the official Christmas Ships website for more details about this year’s event, including the best places to catch the show.

Oregon Zoo Lights - The Oregon Zoo transforms during the holidays with light shows and light sculptures, and it’s certainly not just for kids. Find out more about this year’s hours and ticket prices at the ZooLights website.

Christmas at Pittock Mansion - Portland’s Pittock Mansion gets dressed up for the holidays each year, generally with a theme in mind, and even though the historic home is no longer lived in the Christmas decor makes it feel warm and inviting. Find out what this year’s theme is, and check ticket prices, at the official Pittock Mansion website.

Winter Wonderland at PIR - Portland International Raceway turns into a festival of lights during the holidays as the “Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi” takes over the racetrack. Find out more about the hours and prices (as well as tips on when the crowds are smallest) at the official website.

Christmas at the Grotto - The Grotto’s real name is “National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother” and it’s both a Catholic Shrine and botanical garden. During the Christmas season, it gets lit up in spectacular fashion and is often the site for choral and other concerts as well. For more information about the hours, see the official Grotto website.

The Singing Christmas Tree - What could be merrier than an enormous singing tree? It’s a popular Portland tradition that’s been going since 1962, and you can find out more at the official website.