TriMet’s 2025 Holiday Event Megalist

The Portland area transforms during the winter months, bringing cozy markets, dazzling light displays, festive train rides, cultural celebrations and plenty of family-friendly fun to explore. Whether you’re searching for a classic holiday tradition, a creative outing or a chance to discover something new in your community, there’s something for every kind of winter wanderer.

We’ve rounded up some of the most fun happenings and included dates, details and links so you can start planning your winter adventures! And these events are all accessible by TriMet! Plan your trip at trimet.org 🚌

Bundle up in your TriMet holiday gear, grab a warm drink, and check out the fun winter events taking place around the region ✨

*Most descriptions come from event organizers.

🛍️ Mississippi Avenue Third Thursdays

Thursday, December 18 • 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Mississippi Avenue

Eat, sip and shop with your favorite local spots on the Ave while enjoying special sales, pop-up vendors, giveaways and more. It’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and support small businesses along Mississippi Ave! ❤️🔥

More info about Mississippi Third Thursdays

🍿 ELF in Concert

Dec. 20-21
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, Portland

Nobody spreads Christmas cheer quite like Buddy the Elf! This holiday season, relive this heartwarming holiday classic on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live to picture in Elf in Concert! 

More info and tickets to ELF in Concert

Dec. 20 & 21 • 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
1715 NW 17th Ave, Portland

The flagship holiday shopping experience shines a spotlight on Portland’s most skilled artists, makers and small businesses. There will be be 160+ vendors selling their goods! Join us for TWO weekends this holiday season!

Free and open to all ages.

More info about Portland Bazaar

Monday, December 22
Mike Bennett Studios, 707 NE Fremont St, Portland

Wanna make some ornaments with local Portland artist Mike Bennett? His first batch of classes are live! Paint a wooden ornaments or come with an idea and we’ll see what we can create! (Feel free to bring trinkets to transform too!)

There will be three sets of classes on Monday December 22nd, tickets $25 per person. (Limited space per class!)

11am – 12:30pm – All Ages
2pm – 3:30pm – All Ages
6pm – 7:30pm – 21+ Only
Reserve your tickets to the ornament-making event here

🎶 Portland Cello Project Holiday Show

Tuesday, December 20
The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, 12625 SW Crescent St, Beaverton

Put on your mittens and scarves and join Portland Cello Project for The Reser’s Winter Holiday show! This full-band program featuring singer Sarah Clarke includes beautiful orchestrations of your favorite festive tunes, as well as the true “classical” classics that have stood the test of time. Come to the hall decked out in your coziest (and/or ugliest) sweaters and celebrate the official beginning of Winter.

Tickets start at $45.

More info and tickets to the Portland Cello Project’s Holiday show

⛵️ Christmas Ships Parade

December 4–21
Columbia River and Willamette River waterfronts

Since 1954, the Christmas Ships Parade has been a beloved Pacific Northwest tradition that brings joy, wonder and holiday spirit to families across the region. It’s free to attend, family-friendly and there’s multiple viewing locations. Bundle up and attend one or more of the 15 nights in December.

More info about the Christmas Ships Parade

🎄 A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage

Saturday, December 27 • 3 p.m.
Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St., Portland

Peanuts’ timeless holiday television special comes to life with the national tour of A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage, coming to Portland this December. This critically acclaimed holiday celebration that the whole family can enjoy brings Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts gang together live on stage as they uncover the true meaning of Christmas and perform songs from the unforgettable musical score of legendary composer Vince Guaraldi.

The Broadway-style production complete with immersive sets, lighting, choreography and colorful costumes!

More info and tickets to A Charlie Brown Christmas

Various Fridays • Movies begin at 5:30 p.m.
431 SW Harvey Milk St, Portland

Come to this free movie series on the big screen under the heaters! You can purchase food from 27 carts and sip on a cocktail from Fracture Brewing. Complimentary popcorn and candy canes for all in attendance.

12/5 • The Santa Clause
12/12 • Violent Night
12/19 • ELF

All movies begin at 5: 30 p.m.

Learn more about the Midtown Beer Garden Holiday Movie Series

Various days and times
6712 SE Milwaukie Avenue, Portland

Whether you’re catching a matinee for just $8 or an evening show for $10 (and only $5 on Tuesdays!), Moreland is your go-to spot for great films in a cozy theater!

Holiday movies coming up include ELF, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Carol and more.

Get tickets to movies at Moreland Theater

🍿 Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Who Stole Christmas at Hollywood Theatre

December 12-18
Hollywood Theatre, 4122 North East Sandy Blvd., Portland

On the outskirts of Whoville lives a green, revenge-seeking Grinch (Jim Carrey) who plans to ruin Christmas for all of the citizens of the town. This movie will be shown in 4K restoration for the 25th anniversary!

General admission tickets $12, senior/student/child $10.

More info and tickets to The Grinch

🩰 The Nutcracker at Keller Auditorium

Dec. 5-24
Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St., Portland

A sparkling winter tale set to Tchaikovsky’s festive score. When Marie’s mysterious godfather gives her a magical Nutcracker that comes to life, Marie and her Nutcracker Prince set off on an unforgettable Christmas Eve adventure to the Land of Sweets.

Tickets start at $35.

More info and tickets to The Nutcracker ballet at Keller Auditorium

🐘 ZooLights

Through January 4
Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd., Portland

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. 

On-site parking fills fast and early. Skip the lots and get to the lights faster and easier by taking TriMet. Bonus: Your ZooLights ticket is your TriMet fare!

More info and tickets to Zoolights

Skip the parking stress — hop on TriMet and make a day of it! MAX Red and Blue Line drop you off within walking distance at the Oak Street / SW 1st Ave and Old Town/Chinatown stops. You can also ride several bus lines that drop you off nearby.

Learn more about Portland Saturday Market

🎶 The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute to the Beatles

Thursday, December 18 • 7:30 p.m.
Newmark Theater, 1111 SW Broadway Ave., Portland

This acclaimed Beatles tribute features an all-new stage show celebrating the band’s second film, HELP! They’ll also perform other Beatles hits from the band’s various eras. How good is the band? They’re so good, you’ll think you’re watching the real thing, and they won an Emmy to prove it. 

More info and tickets to The Fab Four

🎄 Peacock Lane – Portland’s Christmas Street

December 15-31
SE Peacock Ln., Portland

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the residents of Peacock Lane are happy to share that they will be displaying their lights from December 15 to December 31. Take TriMet so you don’t have to battle traffic!

For 2025, the Pedestrian-only nights will be December 19 and 20. Mark your calendars!

More info about Peacock Lane

Saturday, December 20 • Doors 3:30 p.m.; Event 4 p.m.
📍Tomorrow Theater, 3530 SE Division St., Portland

Pull on your coziest sweater and bring the whole gang for a merry, music-filled screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol: a warm, wonderfully weird holiday classic that mixes genuine heart with full-throttle Muppet mayhem. Watch Michael Caine bring unexpected gravitas to Scrooge while Kermit, Miss Piggy and the rest of the gang turn Dickens’ tale into a tuneful, family-friendly joyride. Perfect for longtime fans and first-timers alike!

Tickets are $15.

More info and tickets to The Muppet Christmas Carol

Through December 24, Open Wednesday through Sundays
Director Park , 815 SW Park Avenue, Portland

Downtown Portland’s holiday season kicks off with a full calendar of free, family-friendly festivities in Director Park, hosted by hosted by Mike Bennett Studios and the award-winning Downtown Portland Clean & Safe.

Back for its second year in a row, Director Park will be transformed into Snow Day Village! Yes, there’s timed snowfalls!

Timed Snowfalls: Noon, 2 p.m., & 4 p.m.

Fire pits and Food Vendors: Noon–5 p.m.

Holiday Goats: November 21st, 22nd, 29th. December 6th & 20th 11: 30 a.m.–2 p.m.

Letters to Santa: Noon–5 p.m.

More information about Snow Day Village

❄️ Winter Village @ Orenco Station

Through Jan. 11
Jerry Willey Plaza at Orenco Station, 943 NE Orenco Station Loop, Hillsboro

Find seasonal cheer at this outdoor ice-skating rink. Winter Village is a beloved Hillsboro event. Bring your friends and family to a skate session, take an ice skating lesson, or rent the rink for your private party. Don’t miss exciting special events and skate days!

More info about Winter Village

⛸️ Ice Skating at Lloyd Center

Lloyd Center, 2201 Lloyd Center, Portland

Glide into the holiday spirit at Lloyd Center! Their seasonal ice rink transforms the mall into a winter wonderland perfect for families, friends and anyone looking to experience a bit of festive magic indoors. Lace up your skates and enjoy a cheerful, active outing.

Prices vary with discount nights available.

More info and tickets to ice skating at Lloyd Center

⛸️ OMSI on Ice

Through Dec. 31
OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave., Portland

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.

$10 Adults (14+), $9 Seniors (63+), $8 Youth (5-13)

More information about skating at OMSI

🎨 Portland Art Museum

All Winter
Portland Art Museum, 1219 SW Park Ave., Portland

Escape the winter chill at the Portland Art Museum. Explore inspiring exhibitions, renovated spaces and take peaceful break from the season’s bustle. Perfect for a cozy date, a family outing or a quiet moment of creativity.

More information and tickets to Portland Art Museum

🏠 Pittock Mansion Home for the Holidays

Through January 31
Pittock Mansion, 3229 NW Pittock Dr., Portland

Enjoy a special “decades” tour theme and a new art exhibit at Pittock Mansion.

Admission for the holiday season is $17 for adults, $15 for seniors, $13 for youth and children five and under.

More info and tickets to Pittock Mansion

🏒 Portland Winterhawks

Through March
Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 300 N Ramsay Way, Portland

Make it a night out with friends or bring the family for a winter tradition! A Winterhawks game is one of the season’s best ways to warm up.

More info about Winterhawks games and tickets

🏀 Rip City Remix Games

November through March
Chiles Center, 5000 N Willamette Blvd., Portland

The Rip City Remix are a professional basketball team in the NBA G League based here in Portland, and are affiliated with the Portland Trail Blazers. Whether you’re a die-hard hoops fan or just looking for a fun night out, a Remix game is the perfect mix of Portland pride, big-talent basketball and good-time energy.

TriMet riders get 25% off single-game tickets – discount is automatically applied

Need the right fit for the holidays?

Grab a limited-edition TriMet Holiday Sweater and get compliments all winter long! We’ve also got train and bus squishies, plus t-shirts that make great gifts! Shop the TriMet Gear Store.

TriMet sweater, scarf, beanie and a MAX train, bus, and FX bus

Past events

More info about Beaverton Winter Lights

More info and tickets to Holiday Brew Fest

More info about the Tualatin Light Parades

More info about My People’s Market

More information about the Milwaukie Umbrella Parade

Learn more about the Kerns Holiday Market

More info about Hillsboro Holly Days

More information about Portland Flea

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