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NEW YEARS EVE DRONE SHOW
Dec 31
Welcome the return of the New Year’s Eve Drone Show. With two live drone shows and a large-scale dance party, The Square will be the spot to ring in the New Year. In partnership with Pioneer Courthouse Square, Prosper Portland’s Office of Events and Film, and True West Presents, the City of Portland is proud to present a free community New Year’s Eve celebration in the heart of Downtown.
There will be two drone displays viewable from The Square, one at 9:00 p.m. and a final countdown drone show to usher in the New Year at midnight. The event will also feature a dance party presented by Video Dance Attack. Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the event.
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THE RESER PRESENTS: KID'S NEW YEARS EVE
Dec. 31
The Reser is excited to invite families with young children to ring in the New Year! Join them on December 31st from 11am – 2pm.
This event is intended for families with children 10 years old and younger.
Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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NEW YEAR'S EVE BBQ AND BONFIRE BASH
Dec. 31
Get ready to ring in the New Year with sizzling BBQ, cozy bonfire vibes, and an unforgettable night under the stars! We’re roasting a whole hog and firing up a feast fit for the final celebration of the year.
Join us for an evening packed with tasty eats, warm fires, live music, and great company. Whether you’re here to relax by the flames or load up on smoky goodness, this family-friendly bash is the perfect place to make memories.
We’ll be celebrating twice—so everyone gets a chance to toast!
✨ 9:00 PM: Raise your free glass of champagne or sparkling cider as we ring in the East Coast New Year with the Hylo Rodeo Band featuring Chris Robertson.
✨ Midnight: Grab another glass and officially welcome 2026 with a second round of cheers with Uncle DJ.
Event Offerings available for purchase:
🍖 Whole Hog BBQ feast including: Coleslaw, BBQ'd Beans, Mexican Street Corn (Elote), Cornbread
🍺 Beer, cider & wine ☕ Hot Cocoa and Hot Cider
🔥S’mores kit for roasting!
🍬 A variety of sweet treats and the🥂 Champagne or sparkling cider for both toasts—on us!
With covered seating, warm fires, and good vibes all night long, this is the ultimate year-end hangout you won’t want to miss. Let’s kick off the New Year together!
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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.
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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.
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BLOCKBUSTER HOLIDAY: A BRICK BUILDING CONTEST
Dec. 8, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026
Calling all Brick Builders. Create your best holiday movie-themed brick display for a chance to win a grand prize of an all-expenses-paid weekend getaway at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront. Second- and third-place prizes will also be awarded. This contest offers free admission and public viewing. Displays must have a 500-brick minimum and must be holiday movie themed. Drop off your display by December 7 at the front desk at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront.
Displays will be open to the public daily from 12–9 p.m., December 8 to January 4. Come stop by the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront for some holiday brick building fun. Contest winners will be announced January 7.
Happy building!
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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.
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THE WIZARD OF OZ
Nov. 29, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026
Spend the holidays with your favorite foursome for a trip down the yellow brick road. Northwest Children’s Theater presents The Wizard of Oz LIVE on stage for the holidays. With a shortened run time, this youth edition is perfect for young theater-goers.
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PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS VS BOSTON CELTICS
Dec. 28
Watch the Portland Trail Blazers take on the Boston Celtics in a regular-season NBA game. Cheer along with Rip City at the Moda Center and become part of a Portland tradition.
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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.
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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.
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COWBOY DISCO BALL NEW YEAR"S EAVE BASH
Dec. 31
Make your plans now for New Year’s Eve shenanigans and get ready for a night packed with dancing and live music, plus a champagne toast and balloon drop to mark the turn of the new year.
The Saloon Ensemble is a Portland-based band, conceived and born on the open playa of Nevada’s Burning Man festival. Many members are also musicians in Portland’s favorite bands, including March Fourth Marching Band, Vagabond Opera, and Trashcan Joe. Their specialty is rocking contemporary tunes with a swingy, jazzy, campy, loungey, wild and crazy flair.
With over 4 hours of material, ranging from comic and stomping originals to clever covers of familiar hits from every genre imaginable. The Saloon Ensemble embodies the spirit of one thing above all else: fun. Crazy Costumes, Kazoos, Tap Dancing, Shark Attacks, and Whiskey Sipping… You never know what to expect at one of their shows.
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NEW YEAR'S DAY BRUNCH
Jan. 1, 2026
Start the year on a delicious note with Bellpine’s signature brunch, offered exclusively on New Year’s Day. Savor chef-inspired dishes, seasonal flavors, and breathtaking views of the city and mountains from the 20th floor — the perfect way to start the year.
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OMSI ON ICE
Dec. 26–Dec. 31
Put on your skates and take to the rink this winter at OMSI on a unique indoor synthetic ice rink. Experience all the joys of ice skating together while comfortably indoors in OMSI’s auditorium turned winter wonderland.
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MCMENAMIN'S NEW YEARS BY THE SEA
Dec 31
We're celebrating the upcoming year by going back in time! Join us for a New Year's bash harkening back to the wild parties of Gearhart's past. This year, we're going all in on the nautical theme – think mermaids, ship captains, and King Neptune all partying together. Plus, a champagne toast and balloon drop to mark the turn of the new year. Costumes are encouraged, so feel free to dress up to match the theme. And DJ Gregarious is supplying the tunes all night long, so you can do the twist until your heart is content.
Have a groovy New Year!
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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.
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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.
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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
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