Search December Events
Celebrate winter with beautiful light displays, belly-warming beer and other great Portland events.
During the year’s final month, Portland overflows with seasonal events and activities. Whether you want to revel in favorite traditional holiday activities, finish shopping for everything on your list or cheer on your favorites, December has it all. Read on for some of our top picks for December events in Portland, or search our full events calendar to see everything on offer.
Holiday Traditions
Revel in the city’s holiday spirit with annual Holiday Events and Activities. Portland gets into the season’s spirit with festive holiday decorations at the Festival of Trees at the Oregon Convention Center. Annual performance traditions include Gospel Christmas by the Oregon Symphony and a moving seasonal performance from the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus. See the dazzling display of twinkling cheer at ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo, featuring over a million colored bulbs. You can see the display without children at BrewLights and sample some local brews and ciders at the same time. Stroll down Southeast Portland’s Peacock Lane, where residents have lit their houses with holiday spirit since the 1920s.
More About Portland in December
What is the average December temperature in Portland?
Is December a good time to visit Portland?
What should I pack when visiting Portland in December?
Holiday Shopping
With no sales tax and an extensive variety of holiday shopping events, Portland is a great place to finish up everything on your list for the holidays. Support artists and entrepreneurs of color at My People’s Market, held in the Oregon Convention Center. The Convention Center also holds the popular Crafty Wonderland, the city’s largest arts and crafts market.
At the Oregon Buddhist Temple Holiday Craft Fair, you can peruse handmade goods from local artisans held by the oldest Buddhist organization in Oregon. Scandinavian traditions are showcased at the annual ScanFair, boasting traditional Nordic musicians, dancers, vendors and treats. Find an authentic German nutcracker or sip traditional German mulled wine at the Silverton Christmas Market.
Catch a Game
Want to take a break from the holidays and experience a different kind of cheer? December in Portland offers many opportunities to get on your feet and cheer on some of your favorite teams.
Portland loves their Blazers, and if basketball is also your sport, you can catch one of the Portland Trail Blazers games at the Moda Center throughout December. If you’re more of a winter sports fan, then get yourself a ticket to see Portland’s junior ice hockey team, the Portland Winterhawks, play at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum all winter.
Sitting trackside at the roller derby can be an exciting (and sometimes dangerous) sport in itself, but it’s worth the risk to see one of Portland’s beloved Rose City Rollers games at Oaks Amusement Park. Or, sit up in the safer bleacher seats and bring the whole family to one of their Rose City Rollers Juniors games.
More December Events 2024
Check out our editor's picks for top things to do in December in Portland.
Haunted Shanghai Tunnel Tour
Old Town Pizza & Brewing is built directly above Portland's infamous Shanghai tunnels. The same tunnels that were used to house kidnapped sailors during the early 1900s. Book a tour and explore the rich history of Portland, and the legacy of Old Town.
Portland Flea + Food
The Portland Flea + Food is a gathering place for the creators, curators and collectors held the last weekend of the month from April to October in Portland, Oregon. Every market features 80+ local artists, makers, and curators of the best vintage, handmade and locally sourced goods in town. Saturdays at Ecotrust: 721 NW 9TH AVE Sundays at Nova…
Portland Saturday Market
Open every Saturday from March–December, Portland Saturday Market is the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the U.S.
Karaoke From Hell
The Northwest's original live karaoke band, Karaoke From Hell, has been rocking Portland for over 25 years and counting. The catalog boasts nearly 700 songs for you to sing, covering every genre from show tunes to skate punk. Catch it every Monday at Dante's and every Thursday at The Spare Room.
Portland Night Market
The Portland Night Market showcases many unique businesses that call Portland home. Blending food, culture, music, drinks and retail for an adventurous evening in the Central Eastside. Meet some of Portland's best makers and creators. With almost 200 hundred makers, the Night Market offers food carts, drinks, clothing, lifestyle goods, home goods, body care and art. The Portland…
Farmers Market at Portland State University
The Portland Farmers Market at Portland State University will be open every Saturday, year-round. April through October hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. November through March hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Market at PSU is located in Downtown Portland in the South Park Blocks between SW College & Montgomery Streets.
Comfort and Joy
Make memories together as your Oregon Symphony creates a magical winter wonderland through classic sing-alongs and your favorite holiday music. And, just in case you forget how many fa-la-la-las are in “Deck the Hall,” lyric sheets will be provided. Artists Deanna Tham, Conductor Oregon Chorale
Portland Bazaar
The beloved Portland Bazaar is launching a NEW event happening April 13th and 14th. Known for its elevated holiday shopping experience in November and December, this spring shopping experience is flower market meets maker market. Free, open to the public and family-friendly. This market will also take place in Northwest Portland from 11 – 4…
Gospel Christmas
Feel the spirit of the holiday season with the 25th annual performance of this beloved concert, featuring the region’s premier gospel singers alongside your Oregon Symphony. Experience the joy and uplift of gospel music, performed with passion and feeling by some of the finest musicians in the region. Artists Charles Floyd, Conductor NW Community Gospel…
Rockwood Market Hall Music Series
Each month, on a late Sunday afternoon, the Rockwood Market Hall hosts a local artist to perform for community members who enjoy their food while listening to live music in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. With various cuisine options, the Rockwood Market Hall is a great place to enjoy dinner with family and friends. See you…
Half Day Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland
Species seen nowhere else in the world, dramatic basalt lava flows nearly a mile deep, and some of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls are a few of the sights that await you on this tour. Experience the grandeur of the Columbia River Gorge, one of the United States’ most photographed National Scenic Areas. We will…
Psychedelic Rock Posters and Fashion of the 1960s
Psychedelic Rock Posters and Fashion of the 1960s reveals the passion and creativity of the era through the iconic rock posters of San Francisco and beyond. The Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco was an incubator for ideas, expression, social thought, and, above all, music. Young people from across the nation gathered there to explore alternative ways…
Waterfalls, Mt Hood, and Wine Tour
Prepare for an adventure of epic proportions as passionate guides take you on a journey to the most stunning sights in the Gorge and Hood River Valley. Brace yourself for a spellbinding history lesson on this magical land while you whisk away to one of the most tantalizing wineries that showcase the mesmerizing Columbia River,…
Danny Elfman’s Music From the Films of Tim Burton
Featuring music from Beetlejuice, Batman, Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, and more! Composer Danny Elfman and visionary Hollywood filmmaker Tim Burton have created a unique concert experience, lending music and visuals to celebrate the 25-year partnership of two of Hollywood’s top creators. Experience Tim Burton’s original…
Weird Portland Pub Tour
Experience the eccentricity of Portland, Oregon and visit one of its quirkiest neighborhoods on this walking pub tour. This tour is a must-do for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the fascinating history of the city, including stories of UFO sightings, Bigfoot sightings, exploding whales, wacky bike rides, strange locals, hijackings, hipsters, artists, and…
Closet Cases
A Queer Comedy Storytelling Showcase. Comedians take the stage and share personal stories that don't fit into a classic tight fives. Come laugh, cry, cringe, and cheer with these funny and often heartwarming stories from within the LGBTQ+ community
Country Music Night
Every Sunday Portland's premier country music DJs, The Country Co-Op plays outlaw country and honky tonk music at The Sandy Hut. The bar is always packed with people dancing and singing.
B-Movie Bingo
Every first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm, Hollywood Theater plays B-Movie Bingo, a game that is exactly like it sounds. Or more. It’s simple. They play bingo to the most awesome movie cliches ever committed to celluloid, like “long boring scene or male ponytail," "teamed up with rookie or animal," and "white suit…
Head Games Trivia Night
Live multi-media trivia every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Free to play. Win prizes. Teams of up to 6. Please arrive early for best seats. General knowledge trivia combines movie clips, sound effects, pictures and popular music to give players a one of a kind 2-hour experience. The pace is relaxed so there is plenty of…
Drag Bingo
Get your ass to The Houston Blacklight for DRAG BINGO hosted by the one + only Peachy Springs every first Wednesday of the month. Play your favorite geriatric game-gone-glamorous with the queen of bingo for a chance to win prizes. Get there early cause they've got drink specials, and your girl’s got a following.
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
From festive birdsong and thunderstorms to harvest celebrations and tranquil snowfall, Vivaldi's wildly popular Four Seasons represents Baroque music at its most cinematic. Start the holiday season with this timeless classical favorite performed by your Oregon Symphony. Program Vivaldi: The Four Seasons, Violin Concerti Other works to be announced
Bangerz Comedy
Portland comics Bjorn RG and Eliza Butler host this weekly show at Neighbors Taproom with curated lineups of local and nationally touring comedians. 21+
Goodness the Comedy Show
Goodness is a show that brings the best stand-up comedy in Portland to the incredible Laurelhurst Club. Tickets are only $10, with even more affordable drinks. (21+)
Showdown
The Hunger Games of Comedy. Six players enter the stage. Only one will survive. Curious Comedy Showdown pits Portland’s finest comedians against one another in competitive improv comedy cage matches that will make you laugh until you cry. Armed with only razor-sharp wit and your suggestions, the players must create fast-paced and hilarious scenes on the…
Qabaret Quesa
Join Fuse every First Friday at 10 p.m. for Qabaret Quesa — a monthly live musical drag cabaret featuring and hosted by the cheesy, breezy, bleutiful Quesa D’Mondays. Enjoy the Back Door Theatre’s newly renovated living room space as Quesa serenades and slays with 70-musical minutes of show tunes, parodies, comedy, and more. Sit back, enjoy…
Love Actually in Concert
Funny, irresistible, and heartwarming, this holiday favorite shares nine unique love stories set during December in London — all woven together by the magic and breathless anticipation of Christmas. See this festive romantic comedy on the big screen while the Oregon Symphony plays the score live in an unforgettable movie-concert experience. Artists Deanna Tham, Conductor…
Second Saturdays at The Erin Hanson Gallery
You are invited to a unique and lovely afternoon at The Erin Hanson Gallery. Celebrate the advent of spring with vibrant art, delicious wine, and local cheeses. Enjoy Erin Hanson's impressionist paintings while sipping delicious wine. Bring friends and family to see Erin’s artwork in person. 4/13 Winetasting by Chris James Cellars featuring merlot, sparkling rosé,…
Burly-Q AF
Fuse Theatre Ensemble and Baby B Stiletto proudly announce ‘Burly-Q AF,’ a monthly burlesque celebration of diversity. Enjoy burlesque on the second Saturday of every month.
Drag Brunch at The Pharmacy
Join hostess Devlin Lynn Phoenixx and her cast of talented queens for a Sunday brunch experience you won’t soon forget. Your ticket includes admission to the show, your meal, AND your first mimosa. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. So grab your friends and get down to The Pharmacy for a spectacularly fun time.
Magic Tea Party
In this live Dungeons & Dragons show, comedians and performers take to the stage to play some theatre games, share some jokes, and play some D&D.
Holiday Brass
Gather with members of the Oregon Symphony brass and percussion sections for a heartwarming, joyful, intimate concert featuring a mix of classical and popular holiday favorites. Artists Deanna Tham, Conductor Members of the Oregon Symphony
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy and the entire Peanuts gang are coming to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall to bring this holiday classic to life. With live actors, an animated backdrop, and Vince Guaraldi’s timeless music performed live by the Oregon Symphony, this is a beloved holiday performance you won’t want to miss. This family-friendly…
Game Night at The Houston Blacklight
Gather up some team players and join The Houston Blacklight for Game Night every fourth Sunday of the month starting March 24. The Houston Blackligh provides the drink specials and the family classics — Scrabble, Yahtzee, Jenga, etc. — you bring your niche games and your worthy opponents. The good times will roll all night. …
Queer Movie Night
Every Fourth Sunday of the month, Fuse will be presenting a celebrated film from Queer cinema. After the film, there will be trivia and discussions about the movie and the evolution of the depiction of lgbtqia+ characters over the last 50 years. Check the website for each month's film.
The Tarot Show
Join Kate Mura as she reads the cards for the audience. Every Group Tarot is different, as every group and every tarot reading is a unique constellation. Stories, anecdotes, conversation, philosophy, questions, history, herstory and ourstory come out specifically for your audience, your day and time, your season. By picking cards, conversing, asking questions, and actively,…
Was this page helpful?