Holiday Entertainment Throughout Oregon
If you’re searching for holiday spirit, you’re in luck! A number of festive holiday events are taking place between now and January 2008, throughout the state of Oregon. From gorgeous light displays and decorations to visits with Santa and holiday bazaars, Oregon is your one-stop-shop for family entertainment.
The staff at Travel Oregon (as well as a few of our friends) have put together a list of our favorite holiday events. So get out there and enjoy the holiday season!
“We have a few Oregon traditions in our family. One is attending the lighting of the tree in Pioneer Courthouse Square. When people in Portland gather to light the tree in our ‘living room’ in the center of town, it is a great community event. The other is the cutting of the tree on Sauvie’s Island just north of Portland. 1000’s of families flock to the island to hunt and cut down their own tree, tie to the roof and whisk it home to their respective neighborhoods in Portland. There is also the ceremonial hot chocolate and fresh made donuts at the tree lot. The final one is visiting Santa at the Macy’s (was Meier and Frank in the downtown location). The trains, lights, songs, and children make this an amazing trip each and every year.”
~Recommended by Dylan B., EROI
“One of the highlights of the holidays is a visit to the Grotto’s Festival of Lights in Portland, Oregon. Although, the Grotto focuses on the religious traditions of the Holiday, this display is so impressive and the setting is so peaceful it is great for visitors of all persuasions. A hidden gem for the holidays inside the city limits!”
~Recommended by Dermot M., Ten Bridges
Winter Wonders in Woodburn
“Visit Santa at his cozy cottage at Woodburn Company Stores and experience a magical snowfall from 6 – 7 pm every evening. Also, check out their new Tree of Wonders and listen to the amazing musical light show happening daily.”
~Recommended by Lisa I., Travel Oregon
“The PGE Festival of Lights Parade in Salem is a blast. It takes place on December 8th. I never miss it!”
~Recommended by Noreen W., Travel Oregon
“Lake Oswego, just a few miles south of Portland, is a great place to view the wonderfully lit up Christmas Ships on the Willamette River. The viewing place will be the beautiful, sprawling, Foothills Park. There’s lots of grass for kids to run around on, and afterwards you can take them to the new Café St Honore at Millennium Plaza for some hot cocoa and pastries (open until 8 pm).”
~Recommended by Holly M., Travel Oregon
“The big-time tuba concert at Pioneer Square in Portland- it’s a blast! Not to mention the Holiday Lights at Shoreacres State Park west of Coos Bay/North Bend – much MORE fun if you have kids to take (lots of marine animals that “move”, hot chocolate in the gift shop, etc.), plus a chance to look out at the Pacific at night and listening to the sea lions on Simpson Reef! In addition, I would also recommend visitng the Guided Elk Tours in North Powder.”
~Recommended by Patti K., Travel Oregon
“The Oregon Zoo is always a fun experience. It’s a beautiful display of lights with fun train rides and you even get to wish a few of the animals Happy Holidays, not all of them are out as it is an evening event.”
~Recommended by Teresa O., Travel Oregon
“The Nutcracker in both Portland and Eugene is so much fun- it’s a great show for all ages. My holiday season isn’t complete without it! If you’re in the Portland area, stop by Southpark Seafood Grill and Wine Bar afterward for dinner. If you travel to Eugene, try Café Lucky Noodle for a delicious post-show meal and a drink.”
~Recommended by Ashley M., Travel Oregon
For more great ideas on what to do this holiday season, please visit our Upcoming Events Section. Happy Holidays!
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