10 Things to do in Portland at Christmas

If you are one of those who enjoy exploring new places during Christmas, then you have to live an unforgettable experience in Portland. It is an attractive option, since it is one of the most economical cities to celebrate the holidays with the family. In addition, you'll find food tours that will show you the essence of the city through the palate, as well as colorful festivals and cultural offerings.

During your stay I invite you to discover Portland' s best holiday activities, including light displays, Nutcracker screenings, pine tree fields at holiday farms, and must-see multi-sensory experiences at perimeter flea markets.

Christmas festivals celebrate Portland's local traditions and decorate the atmosphere with lights, music, food and traditional entertainment. It's the best way to find different activities in one place and optimize your Christmas itinerary. Here's a list of the most relevant events of the season so you don't miss a second of fun.

La Gruta Festival of Lights

The Festival of Lights of La Gruta takes place between November and December and you will find a festive atmosphere in what is a Catholic sanctuary and garden located fifteen minutes from downtown. Live entertainment, puppet shows and hot chocolate tastings are usually offered.

You can also see the choirs in the Chapel of Mary and take a night tour to see all the light installations.

Portland Christmas Boat Parade

Another alternative is to go to the seaport to see the Portland Christmas Boat Parade, considered one of the most special shows. It's free and lights up the Willamette River at dusk with decorated boats sailing through the cool December nights.

If you want to experience it and see the lighted catamarans up close I suggest booking a dinner cruise on the Willamette River in Portland on the day of the parade so you can have a nice evening.

ZooLights

Among the festivals that have become popular in recent years is ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo. It is an ideal event if you plan to visit Portland with children, as its charm lies in theatrical evenings and sensory shows. Plus, there are adult areas where you can cool off with a craft beer.

You can slide through glowing tunnels, ride the zoo train and walk through all the installations decorated with millions of lights. Admission ranges from 15 euros for children and 20 euros for adults.

Winter Lights Festival

From December to March winter arrives in Portland, so the holiday season is wrapped up with its colors and events. That's why you also can't miss the Winter Lights Festival, which coincides with the holidays and offers activities from November through December. It features more than 160 light installations and each year there are pop-up locations that expand the festival throughout the metropolis.

It's completely free and features art programs, fire shows and lantern parades along the city's main thoroughfares.

A cultural experience that will leave you fascinated are the Christmas markets, whose mix of smells, sounds, colors and flavors will stimulate your senses and ignite the Christmas flame. In Portland they are usually full of bright lights, handcrafted products, traditional shows and local food.

Here is a list of the most interesting ones:

Crafty Wonderland

The Crafty Wonderland Christmas market is the perfect place to browse for gifts and test out the seasonal cuisine. In addition, it is characterized by giving gifts to the first 175 people who arrive at the event. It's completely free, but only available one weekend in December. If you get organized, this can be an excellent plan for a 3-day stay in Portland.

It is sometimes accompanied by holiday concerts and other entertainment that embellish the season. Keep in mind that the rest of the year offers other interesting events, as well as art passages and seasonal markets.

The Portland Bazaar

The Portland Bazaar is a classic during Christmas, as it has a homey atmosphere that brings together the best traditions of Oregon's largest city. It first opened in 2011 and every December since then brings exciting events, traditional shows and gift booths that represent the local feel.

You will find more than 160 manufacturers and, specifically, the season starts with the European market that is installed in the last days of November. Later, the Christmas market takes place and remains active throughout the month of December.

Every city has special dishes that bring warmth to family tables during the holidays. Portland is no exception and stands out for its rich cuisine, which is influenced by different cultures including Asian, Mexican and Mediterranean. Therefore, there is not a favorite food that accompanies Christmas, rather there is a diversity of emerging proposals.

A guided tour can be the perfect option to create a first contact with its gastronomy, especially in December when the restaurants are crowded and it is difficult to move among so many tourists. This way, it will be easier to taste seasonal flavors that make locals proud, such as:

• Hanukkah Sufganiyot: this is a Jewish dish that resembles a donut and has been adopted in Portland.
• Seafood: there are different dishes with flavors from the sea and to celebrate Christmas the Feast of the Seven Fishes is prepared in some restaurants, with 5 different gastronomic proposals.
• Portland Doughnuts: during the Christmas season you can book the doughnut route through Portland, as special flavors and decorations alluding to the holidays are offered.
• Eggnog or Eggnog: it is a traditional Christmas drink prepared in the United States with milk, eggs and sugar.

Another must-see aspect of Christmas in Portland is the Christmas Tree Lighting, an annual tradition that takes place at the end of November, usually the day after Thanksgiving. You can attend as a family to enjoy Santa's appearance and choral performances.

While it's the most important of its kind, it's not the only option. You will also find the Christmas Wishing Tree that was adopted from the culture of Japan, China and India. Note that these types of displays are set up in northern neighborhoods and encompass a ritual of thanksgiving that requires bringing offerings or letters to fulfill your fondest wishes.

Finally there is the Singing Christmas Tree, a majestic fir tree installed at Sunset Presbyterian Church, which is highlighted by performances by Santa and his elves, as well as special appearances by the local chorale.

Portland's most enchanting places come alive during Christmas, emphasizing their beauty through lightings and cultural events. Of course, you can't overlook the local mansions, which have been preserved for decades and simulate palaces in the midst of modern civilization.

Specifically, you have to make room in your itinerary for the following offerings.

Pittock Mansion

The Pittock Mansion is a museum that preserves the legacy of an important family that lived in Portland decades ago. Its facade is striking and throughout the year there are very interesting temporary exhibitions. However, nothing compares to the magic of Christmas. Its interior becomes a winter fairy tale with lights and decorations that are reinvented every year.

This event can be appreciated from November to January and it is recommended to buy tickets in advance to ensure the experience. Children under 5 get in free and adult tickets are available from €15.

Victorian Belle Mansion

Another popular mansion on the perimeter of Portland is the Victorian Belle, whose gardens and spaces are illuminated with the arrival of Christmas. Different types of festivals are organized here, which usually take place between November and December. The most popular are related to the history of the house and offer dramatizations related to the season.

If you'd like to get out of Portland to explore the surrounding area, a great option is the Christmas farms, which offer refreshing and out-of-the-ordinary plans. Want to cut down your own pine trees or just witness the process? Then your first stop is Quail Creek Ranch, which is open the last few months of the year for the Christmas season.

Keep in mind that this particular farm usually operates on the hours of Friday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. In addition, it is located just a few minutes away by car or on the Portland TriMet lines 4 and 44. Another alternative is to visit Hemphill Farms about an hour away by streetcar, where you'll find an enriching experience with Santa shows and pine logging.

One of Portland's most popular theatrical showings at Christmastime is the ballet show The Nutcracker, a classic that has captivated generations for decades. To enjoy a performance, I suggest you head to the Oregon Ballet Theater, where 12 performances are offered in December that will take you back to your childhood.

In this way, you will be immersed in a fairy tale represented through ballet choreographies that are complemented by costumes, scenery and concepts that embellish each scene. Both its traditional version and the adaptations implemented year after year have a special touch that connects with the essence of Christmas.

Depending on the location you can find tickets from 5 euros, but I recommend buying them in advance as they sell out quickly.

A Portland Christmas is not complete without a ride on the vacation train. This experience takes you on a fun ride on the Holiday Express that offers an approximately 75-minute trip along Oregon's North Pole. If you dare to experience this adventure, then you must follow the dress code and wear your best Christmas pajamas on board.

This way, you will follow a captivating itinerary with Christmas stories, music shows in the cars, special surprises and souvenirs of the experience. It is usually only available from November through December and offers eye-catching views of the Willamette River and other natural scenery. If you plan to ride the Christmas train, then you should purchase tickets in advance, as it is an activity that sells out early.

During Christmas you're allowed to succumb to temptations, so don't worry if you're crazy about the idea of a Portland craft brewery tour. It's one of the most interesting plans of the season, as it allows you to indulge in the star drink that usually accompanies the festive atmosphere. In fact, some breweries offer seasonal offerings and limited editions that can only be consumed during this season.

For example, you can try winter ales, spruce ales and spiced ales to keep you warm during the cooler days of the year. People also often sample Oregon hot chocolate, hot cider and classic eggnog. If you don't know where to start, perhaps the best thing to do is to book a Portland beer tour to plan the best tour for you.

The cold weather hits Portland in December and locals organize holiday marathons to keep the mood warm and energetic. There are proposals with different levels of intensity, ideal for family participation. Here is a selection of my favorite roads:

• Daimler Holiday Half: it is an annual race with routes of 5 and 10 kilometers, which can be done comfortably with the family.
• Jingle Bell Run: it is the most popular marathon of the season and takes place the first days of December. Most editions have donation programs for charitable causes, so it is an empathetic gesture in the best time of the year to share.
• Holiday Ale Fest: if you want to merge a marathon with a beer tour around Portland, this is the adventure that best fits. It's a beer event where you can enjoy a mix of activities including themed cider tastings, bratwurst tastings and live music performances.

Another alternative is to participate in SkiBowl's Cosmic Tubing, far from being a traditional road, it is a friendly tubing competition on the river that will take you to an out of the ordinary experience. This way, you'll get to experience the adrenaline rush of sliding down a raft at full speed.

• Weather: Christmas in Portland coincides with winter, so it is advisable to bring warm clothes.
• Reservations: it is usually a time of high tourist influx, so it is advisable to make reservations in advance to ensure accommodation, flights and experiences.
• Excursions: there are many unforgettable plans in the city and if you have enough time you can take advantage and book a trip to Mt. Hood from Portland, where Oregon's North Pole is hidden with hundreds of activities under the snow including hiking, skiing, camping, light aircraft flights and Christmas exhibits at the Mt. Hood Museum and Cultural Center.