Christmas is just days away, and the holiday spirit is in full swing in Portland, Oregon. The Pacific Northwest is always a gorgeous place to be, but especially in the winter around the holidays. There are tons of great holiday traditions to partake in and fantastic sights to see in and around Portland!

The ZooLights

Probably one of the best parts of the Christmas season is the decorations and light displays. Zoos around the country have popularized their light displays, becoming holiday staples for families all over. The Oregon Zoo Christmas lights event is no exception. You can see over a million Christmas lights surrounding the animals in their habitats. It is great fun for all ages!

Christmas Festival of Lights

Another incredible light display is the Christmas Festival of Lights. The Grotto’s grounds in the northeastern part of Portland, includes a cave that is decorated in a beautiful light display and includes a nativity scene, over 150 chorus performances, and incredible sights all around.

The Christmas Train on Mt. Hood Railroad

Nothing beats a train at Christmas. Mt. Hood Railroad’s Christmas Train is one of the best around, going through the Hood River Valley. This train is filled with fun times to be shared with your family, and even includes a special surprise gift from Santa!

Run a Holiday Themed Race

You may know of Turkey Trot runs, but did you know they had races on Christmas Eve and Day as well? Most commonly you can find a half marathon or 5K race to run which is sure to make you feel warm and cozy!

Cosmic Tubing

Tubing, skiing, sledding, and just any snow focused activity is a perfect activity to do at Christmastime. One great place to go tubing is Mt. Hood Skibowl. They offer a cosmic tubing experience in which there are multi-colored disco lights, groovy music, and great slopes to tube down!

SantaCon

What says Christmas better than hundreds of people dressed up like Santa Claus, all bar hopping together? Nothing! That is why it is a recent staple for a Portland Christmas celebration. You can go bar to bar feeling like the jolly, old man himself while having a great time with old and new friends!