Portland and Area Activities Planner - Dec 12-19, 2025

THE GREAT FIGGY PUDDING CAROLING COMPETITION
Dec 12
The 11th Annual Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition, hosted by KGW’s Drew Carney, is a fun, festive, and joyful competition bringing hundreds of carolers to a ten-block radius the surrounds Portland’s Living Room. Carolers perform in front of Downtown’s favorite nearby shops, restaurants, and hotels with the top three caroling groups holding a “carol-off” at The Square. Members of the public can participate in this free event by registering to perform with a caroling group or by visiting performing caroling groups to vote for your favorite.

THE RESER PRESENTS: MARK O'CONNOR'S AN APPALACHIAN CHRISTMAS FEAT. MAGGIE O'CONNOR
Dec. 19
Mark O’Connor began his creative journey at the feet of American fiddling legend Benny Thomasson, and the iconic French jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli. Today, he has melded these influences into a new American classical music and is perpetuating his vision of an American School of String Playing. Mr. O’Connor has won three Grammys, seven CMA awards and several national fiddle, guitar and mandolin champion titles.

American violinist/fiddler and vocalist, Maggie O’Connor performs a variety of musical styles throughout the U.S. and beyond, most recently as a member of the Grammy award-winning bluegrass group, the O’Connor Band. She spends most of her time now performing with her husband, violinist and composer Mark O’Connor. 

GEORGE BALANCHINE'S THE NUTCRACKER SUITE
Dec. 5-24
A sparkling winter tale set to Tchaikovsky’s festive score. When Marie’s mysterious godfather gives her a magical Nutcracker that comes to life, Marie and her Nutcracker Prince set off on an unforgettable Christmas Eve adventure to the Land of Sweets.

SILVERTON CHRISTMAS MARKET
Nov 21-Dec 31
Experience the award-winning Silverton Christmas Market at the Oregon Garden Resort. Honored as Silver for Best Charity Event by the Best of the Willamette Valley Awards, this event promises a holiday adventure brimming with magic and joy for all ages. Stroll along immersive paths draped in 1.5 million lights, visit the traditional German Christmas Market for handmade gifts, sip on warm gluhwein by a cozy fire, ride down the snowless tubing hill or listen to live music in the Biergarten.

The 2025 Silverton Christmas Market is set to become even more spectacular. Prepare for new light displays and photo ops, a brand new magical train ride, additional local vendors in the authentic German Vendor Market, and more. The Silverton Christmas Market continues to grow, bringing even more magic and wonder to your holiday season.

LIGHTOPIA: AN ILLUMINATED JOURNEY
Dec. 9-28
Drive through a glimmering landscape with colorful characters and holiday icons in bold, beautiful lights. Plan your own seasonal playlist for more fun. Check back for updates on special events at Lightopia.

UKRAINIAN WINTERFEST
Dec 13
Mark your calendars for Dawn’s third annual Ukrainian Winterfest. Join a celebration featuring live music, traditional dances, children’s activities, arts and crafts, food and drink for sale, a holiday bazaar, and more. 

• Taste delicious Ukrainian dishes and drinks
• Enjoy live music and dance performances
• Learn about Ukrainian culture and traditional handicrafts
• Create traditional Ukrainian holiday crafts
• Take a walk through our magical winter wonderland

Experience the holiday magic this winter.

MT HOOD RAILWAY POLAR EXPRESS
Nov. 21–Jan. 3
First told in the award-winning book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express is the story of a child’s Christmas Eve journey to the North Pole. The Polar Express train ride comes alive with interactive storytelling for all ages to enjoy the magic, laughter and fun on a train trip to the North Pole. 

The Conductor and joyful train stewards welcome pajama clad passengers for a magical, family-friendly journey. Before entering the North Pole, enjoy a festive welcome inside the depot. 

Please arrive at least 45-60 minutes early to allow for parking and boarding entertainment. 

During the ride, everyone is served hot chocolate and cookies by the cheerful cast during an interactive journey to The North Pole. Santa and the elves will then board the train to greet each child and present them with the first gift of Christmas — a special bell from Santa’s sleigh. For the remainder of the journey, everyone will enjoy a festive atmosphere with characters from the book, filled with music, laughter, and more interactive moments with the cast.

RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER
Dec. 5–21
Bring the magic of the holidays to life with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, a heartwarming stage adaptation of the beloved 1964 Rankin/Bass television classic. This cherished tale of friendship, acceptance, and Christmas cheer is perfect for families looking to create lasting holiday memories together.

Join Rudolph, the most famous reindeer of all, as he sets out on an unforgettable journey to discover where he belongs. Along the way, he meets Hermey the Elf, who dreams of being a dentist, the courageous Yukon Cornelius, and a host of quirky characters from the Island of Misfit Toys. With timeless songs like “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” “We’re a Couple of Misfits,” and “Silver and Gold,” this delightful musical captures the nostalgic charm and whimsy that generations have grown up with.

CHRISTMAS SHIPS PARADE
Dec. 4–21
Every year, Portland and Vancouver residents line the Columbia and Willamette rivers to watch a fleet of 55 to 60 festively decorated sailboats and yachts parade down the waterfront. These privately owned boats range from 14 to 65 feet (4 to 20 m) long and gather at different locations along the river featuring light displays and inflatable decor.

The privately owned vessels come from the Portland, Vancouver, McMinnville, Salem and Hood River areas and can be seen at various locations along the Columbia and Willamette riverbanks. There’s no shortage of outdoor and indoor options for viewing the parade, from parks and bridges to restaurants and bars.

WINTER WONDERLAND
Nov. 28–Dec. 31
Recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest as the “Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi”, Winter Wonderland will grab your attention with glimmers and glows around every corner. Since 1993, a journey through Winter Wonderland has become a holiday tradition for many families, friends, and social organizations to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season. Spectators can enjoy the region’s most spectacular drive-through light show, viewing over 250 colorful light set pieces and many fully animated scenes from the comfort of their own vehicle. Studded tires and chains are not allowed at Portland International Raceway.

Bike the Lights is reserved for cyclists. Take a lap or five and see over 250 holiday light displays up close on Sunday, December 1. This event has a dedicated following of bike lovers who attend year after year, decking out their rides in holiday lights and rocking their favorite holiday gear — from Santa suits to reindeer onesies. Bike the Lights is a pedal power-only event (speed limit is 10mph). E-bikes are allowed as long as they have pedals. Safety gear is highly encouraged for all participants, though kids 16 and under must wear a helmet. 

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Nov. 28–Dec. 30
Presenting the sights, sounds and sensations of the season, The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. The festival features nearly 160 indoor holiday concerts performed by many of the region’s finest school, church and civic choirs. Offering a family-oriented blend of traditional celebration and serene reflection, the festival theme reflects the special season of hope that Christmas offers many thousands of families around the Pacific Northwest.

• Choirs in the Chapel: Enjoy the amazing sounds of local schools, churches and civic groups as they perform inside the Chapel of Mary, with its cathedral-like acoustics.
• Fun for Everyone: Continuous entertainment for all ages is offered in The Grotto’s plaza area, including outdoor caroling, puppet shows, and an assortment of musical guests.
• Puppet Show: At the top of each hour in the plaza tent, enjoy our puppet show.
• Caroling: The Grotto Carolers perform every hour at the bottom of the hour in the plaza tent. Sing along to your favorite Christmas songs.
• Snacks and Drinks: Find snacks and drinks available for purchase inside the Interpretive Center, next to the Chapel.

MCMINNVILLE WONDERLKAND BREW FEST
Dec. 12-19
A wintery celebration of local and international beers in the heart of Downtown McMinnville! 21+ Only

RED SLED MARKET
Nov. 1–Dec. 25
Step into the magic of the holidays at The Red Sled Market, a beloved seasonal pop-up store that has been delighting visitors for more than three decades. Featuring over 80 talented local artists, vendors, and crafters, this festive marketplace is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience filled with handmade gifts, home décor, ornaments, jewelry, gourmet treats, and more.

Every corner of The Red Sled Market is bursting with holiday spirit — twinkling lights, themed displays, and cozy charm that make it feel like stepping into a Hallmark Christmas village. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift, something special for your home, or just want to soak up the nostalgic joy of the season, The Red Sled Market is the perfect destination.

ARTIFACT HOLIDAY MARKET
Nov. 7–Jan. 4
Artifact’s Holida y Marketplace returns, filling the showroom with festive, handmade treasures from over 20 Portland makers for two whole months. Shop small and discover handmade ceramics, art prints, cozy candles, sweet treats and gifts even your pets will love.

SANTA PHOTOS AT WASHINGTON SQUARE
Nov. 7–Dec. 24
Experience the Magic of Santa at Washington Square. The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland. Visits with Santa are always free, and photo packages are available for purchase.

CANDLELIGHT: QUEEN VS ABBA
Nov. 14–Jan. 23
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Queen vs. ABBA at The Old Church Concert Hall under the gentle glow of candlelight.

ZOOLIGHTS
Nov. 21, 2025–Jan. 4
Every year, ZooLights dazzles visitors of all ages with vibrant light installations and a whole lot of seasonal fun. It’s the ideal place to gather friends and family, snap photos and make lasting memories. Looking for the perfect holiday date night? Bring that special person in your life to ZooLights.

See the zoo in a whole new light. Check out the magical meadow light show, along with a variety of interactive displays. Hop on the zoo train and see dozens of life-size animal lanterns along the route. Walk through vibrant tunnels of glittering lights and take in the glowing festive atmosphere. Enjoy delicious sweet treats like Elephant ears, hot chocolate, popcorn and s’mores. Or raise a toast with beer, wine and a range of non-alcoholic options. It’s all available at ZooLights.

MONSTERS OF THE ABYSS
Ongoing
Dive back in time to explore what lurked beneath the surface at the newest exhibit in Portland—Monsters of the Abyss: Aquatic Predators Past + Present. Meet massive mosasaurs, a spine-chilling Spinosaurus, and bizarre creatures as you travel through millions of years, witnessing the rise and fall of Earth’s most awe-inspiring aquatic creatures as well as their present-day descendants. Highlighted by amazing fossils, daily educational programming, and some unbelievable live animals, this exhibit brings guests face-to-face with the real-life monsters who defy imagination and have inspired myths and legends. You’l