9 Exciting Holiday Events in NW Oregon and SW Washington
Get Your Jingle On
Community: Holiday Activities
By Active Media
Oregon ZooLights
ZooLights is a holiday event at the Oregon Zoo in Portland, Oregon that features millions of lights and interactive displays:
What to see:
The zoo is decorated with lights in the shape of animals, arches, and story themes. There are also life-size animal lanterns along the train route.
What to do:
Visitors can walk through the zoo’s tunnels of lights, pose for photos, and take a train ride for an additional fee.
When to go:
ZooLights typically runs from the day after Thanksgiving until the first week of January. In 2024, the event will take place from November 22, 2024 to January 5, 2025.
How much it costs:
Admission to ZooLights costs between $12–$26. There is also an option to purchase a Zoo Lights Any Night ticket in advance, which can be used on any night and time during the season.
Where it’s located:
The Oregon Zoo is located at 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221
Peacock Lane
Peacock Lane is a four-block street in Portland, Oregon that’s known for its holiday decorations:
What it’s known for:
Peacock Lane is known as “Portland’s Christmas Street” because of its annual holiday light displays and other festive decorations. The tradition dates back to the 1920s.
What to see:
The homes on Peacock Lane are decorated with creative light displays, including nativity scenes, rotating Christmas trees, and life-like replicas of Santa, Frosty, and the Grinch.
What to do:
Visitors can enjoy the decorations up close, and some activities include:
- Drinking hot cocoa
- Singing Christmas carols
- Taking a horsedrawn carriage ride
- Walking the Lane on pedestrian-only nights
When to go:
The 2024 holiday festivities on Peacock Lane include:
- Pedestrian-only nights: December 15–16 from 6–11 PM
- Vehicle access: December 17–31 from 6–11 PM, but traffic can be heavy
How to get there:
If you’re driving, you can check the Peacock Lane Facebook page to see if it’s open to cars. You can also plan to park and walk the Lane. TriMet has two bus stops near Peacock Lane, #15 and #75.
Where it is:
Peacock Lane is located in southeast Portland, between Stark and Belmont Streets.
Christmas Ships Parade
The Portland Christmas Ships Parade is a holiday tradition in which dozens of privately-owned boats are decorated with lights and other festive decor and paraded down the Columbia and Willamette rivers in Portland, Oregon:
What it is:
A parade of festively decorated sailboats and yachts that takes place annually in Portland, Oregon
When it happens:
Typically takes place for 15 nights in December, starting on the 1st and ending on the 21st
Where it happens:
The parade takes place along the Columbia and Willamette rivers in Portland and Vancouver
What to see:
The boats range from 14 to 65 feet long and feature light displays and inflatable decor
How to watch: You can watch the parade from along the shore or at area restaurants. Some local businesses and riverside restaurants offer special viewing opportunities and festive treats.
How it started:
The tradition was established in 1954 by a single boat
Christmas Ship Parade – Christmas Ships
You can check out the schedule at christmaschips.org to find the best spot and time to view the parade.
Crafty Wonderland
Crafty Wonderland is Portland’s premier biannual art and craft market, showcasing handmade goods from over 275 local artists and makers. The 2024 Holiday Art + Craft Market is scheduled for December 13–15 at the Oregon Convention Center.
Event Details:
Dates & Times:
- Pre-Show Ticketed Shopping Event: Friday, December 13, 5:00–9:00 p.m.
- General Admission (Timed Entry): Saturday, December 14, and Sunday, December 15, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Location: Oregon Convention Center, Exhibit Hall D, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Portland, OR.
What to Expect:
- A curated selection of handmade goods, including art, jewelry, home décor, and more.
- Opportunities to meet and support local artisans.
- A festive atmosphere perfect for holiday shopping.
Admission:
- Pre-Show Event: $25 per person, includes one free drink from the cash bar.
- General Admission: $4 per person (kids 5 and under are free).
Getting There:
- Public Transit: The Oregon Convention Center is accessible via MAX Light Rail and several bus lines.
- Parking: On-site parking is available, but public transportation or ride-sharing is recommended due to potential congestion.
For the latest updates and ticket information, visit the Crafty Wonderland website.
Winter Moon Bazaar
The Winter Moon Bazaar is a unique Pagan-inspired event celebrating the season’s magic and history. Scheduled for December 7, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., it will be held at the Wingspan Event & Conference Center in Hillsboro, Oregon.
What to Expect:
Vendors: Explore over 100 booths offering artisanal treasures and unique handcrafted items.
Entertainment: Enjoy live performances and workshops that celebrate Pagan traditions and the season’s enchantment.
Special Features: Meet the Female Krampus and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.
Admission:
Entry Fee: $5.00 per person.
Parking: Free parking is available on-site.
Getting There:
Address: Wingspan Event & Conference Center, 801 NE 34th Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97124.
Transportation: Accessible via local transit options; ample parking is provided for those driving.
For more information and updates, visit the Pagan Fyre website.
West Linn Holiday Tree Lighting
Join the West Linn community for the 23rd Annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Community Celebration on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at West Linn City Hall, 22500 Salamo Rd.
Event Highlights:
Tree Lighting Ceremony: At 6:00 p.m., Santa arrives on a vintage fire engine to illuminate the holiday tree.
Photos with Santa: From 6:15 to 8:00 p.m., visit Santa’s workshop for complimentary photos and treats from Mrs. Claus.
Entertainment: Enjoy caroling by the West Linn Community Chorus starting at 5:45 p.m.
Refreshments: Indulge in cookies, cocoa, and candy canes provided by local sponsors.
Additional Activities:
Face Painting: Available from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Crafts: Engage in holiday crafts from 6:15 to 8:00 p.m.
Virtual Line for Santa Photos:
To minimize wait times, a virtual line system will be in place. Join the queue starting at 5:30 p.m. via a link provided on the event page. You’ll receive a text when it’s your turn to see Santa, allowing you to enjoy other festivities while you wait.
Parking:
Parking is available throughout the Cascade Summit Town Square. Note that the driveway in front of City Hall will be closed from 3:00 p.m. on the event day.
Sponsors:
This event is generously sponsored by Toyota, Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, and Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue.
For more information and updates, visit the City of West Linn’s official event page.
Silverton Christmas Market
The Silverton Christmas Market is an annual holiday event held at the Oregon Garden Resort in Silverton, Oregon. This festive market features over 1.5 million Christmas lights, creating immersive paths and dazzling displays. Visitors can explore an authentic German Christmas market with artisan vendors offering handmade gifts and imported German goods such as nutcrackers, smokers, and ornaments. Additional attractions include snowless tubing, visits with Santa, live music in the Biergarten, and a variety of festive food and drinks.
Event Details:
- Dates: November 21 to December 31, 2024
- Closed on November 28, December 24, and December 25
- Hours: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Location: Oregon Garden Resort, 895 W Main Street, Silverton, OR 97381
Admission:
- Ticket Prices: Range from $5 to $22, with children 5 and under admitted free.
- Purchasing Tickets: Tickets are available online and are recommended to be purchased in advance, as popular dates may sell out.
Activities:
- Light Displays: Stroll through immersive paths adorned with over 1.5 million lights.
- German Market: Shop for handmade gifts and imported German items from artisan vendors.
- Snowless Tubing: Enjoy a thrilling ride down the snowless tubing hill.
- Santa Visits: Meet Santa and share your holiday wishes.
- Biergarten & Live Music: Relax with a brew and enjoy live performances.
Getting There:
- Address: Oregon Garden Resort, 895 W Main Street, Silverton, OR 97381
- Parking: On-site parking is available.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Silverton Christmas Market website.
Vancouver Rotary Festival of Trees
The Vancouver Rotary Festival of Trees is an annual holiday event in Vancouver, Washington, organized by the Rotary Club of Vancouver. This festive celebration features elaborately decorated Christmas trees, musical performances, and community activities, with proceeds supporting local nonprofits.
Event Details:
Dates: Traditionally held during the weekend following Thanksgiving. For 2024, the festival is scheduled for November 29 to December 1.
Location: Historically hosted at the Hilton Vancouver Washington and Esther Short Park. In recent years, the event has partnered with Divine Consign at 904 Main St.
Highlights:
Community Tree Lighting: A central feature of the festival is the lighting of the community Christmas tree in Esther Short Park, accompanied by appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Decorated Trees: Local businesses and organizations sponsor and decorate trees displayed at venues like Divine Consign, with raffle opportunities for attendees.
Musical Entertainment: The festival includes performances by groups such as the Vancouver Pops Orchestra.
Admission:
- Cost: The event is free to attend, with donations and raffle ticket purchases encouraged to support local charities.
Getting There:
Address: Esther Short Park is located at 605 Esther St., and Divine Consign is at 904 Main St., both in downtown Vancouver.
Parking: Available at nearby public lots and street parking; early arrival is recommended due to the event’s popularity.
For the most current information, please visit the Rotary Community Tree Lighting website.
Christmas at Fort Vancouver
Christmas at Fort Vancouver is an annual event that recreates the festive atmosphere of the 1840s at the historic Fort Vancouver in Vancouver, Washington. Visitors can experience period-appropriate decorations, music, dancing, and hands-on crafts, offering a glimpse into the holiday traditions of the Hudson’s Bay Company era.
Event Details:
Date: Typically held in mid-December; for 2023, it was on December 9.
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, 1001 East Fifth Street, Vancouver, WA.
Activities:
Historical Reenactments: Costumed volunteers demonstrate 19th-century holiday customs.
Live Music and Dancing: Enjoy traditional caroling and participate in period dances.
Crafts: Create items like wooden toy tops, wreaths, and potpourri ornaments to take home.
Refreshments: Warm holiday wassail is provided to attendees.
Admission:
Adults: $10
Youth (15 and under): Free
Passes: America the Beautiful Interagency Passes are accepted.
Getting There:
Address: 1001 East Fifth Street, Vancouver, WA 98661
Parking: Available on-site; early arrival is recommended due to the event’s popularity.
For the most current information, please visit the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site’s official website.
Christmas at Fort Vancouver
Note: Event details may vary annually; it’s advisable to check the official website or contact the park directly for the latest updates.
These events showcase the region’s festive spirit and offer opportunities for light displays, shopping, and family-friendly fun. Let me know if you’d like more details about any of these!
