 |
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.
|
|
 |
WINE COUNTRY THANKSGIVING
Nov. 21–30
Adding to the list of all that Portland-area visitors and residents have to be grateful for is the annual Wine Country Thanksgiving, held each year around Thanksgiving.
During Wine Country Thanksgiving, Oregon’s premier tasting and cellar-stocking event, wineries throughout the Willamette Valley open their doors to the public, offering samples of favorite labels and special vintages. With pours from local favorites like Boedecker Cellars, , whose exquisite pinot noirs consistently receive 90+ ratings by Wine Spectator, or Trisaetum Winery, where you can browse an art gallery while sipping an array of award-winning Rieslings, the only problem will be deciding which of the hundreds of wines to choose from.
The holiday weekend festivities include live music, food and wine pairings, and the opportunity to visit with winemakers at some of Oregon’s top wineries — including many not usually open to the public.
|
|
 |
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.
|
|
 |
LA BOHEME
Nov.15-23
Based on Henry Murger’s 1851 novel Scènes de la vie de bohème, Puccini’s soaring arias tell the tender tale of Mimi and Rodolfo as they face the perils of poverty. A story that transcends time and place, its message of love through adversity resonates deeply with our community’s spirit. In its characters we see ourselves—the artists, the dreamers, and the everyday people, who face challenges but never lose sight of love and connection..
|
|
 |
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.
|
|
 |
ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Friday, Nov. 28
A joyful community sing-along led by Portland’s own Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini, with many of Portland’s finest musical artists and chorale singers. Portland’s Tree Lighting Ceremony is the highlight of the holiday season in downtown. Join in this holiday tradition as Santa Claus ‘flips the switch’ to illuminate nearly 10,000 colorful lights on the City’s Tree that will shine bright throughout the holiday season.
|
|
 |
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’ll have to see them to believe them.
|
|
