Holidays in OregonCelebrate the season with lights, music, and merriment

Magic at the Mill

Five acres of historical buildings once again become Salem's own winter wonderland from November 28 – December 1, 2025 - 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM Since 2000, the Willamette Heritage Center has brought the season to life with thousands of lights, Santa, music and other activities.

Activities include

• Kids: Create wool Christmas trees, make "reindeer food," a postcard for Santa and owl ornaments, plus see if you can complete a scavenger hunt.
• Shopping in the Spinning Room: Vendors will sell a variety of products including baked goods, toys, soaps, lotions, clothing, dog treats, clothing and jewelry.
• Demonstrations: Blacksmithing, weaving, lacemaking and spinning demos will happen daily.
• Tours: Talk with living history characters throughout buildings on the property, including the 1841 Jason Lee House and Methodist Parsonage, 1847 John Boon House, 1858 Pleasant Grove Church and 1895 Thomas Kay Woolen Mill.

The lights of Magic at the Mill will shine throughout the holiday season.

https://www.willametteheritage.org/magic-at-the-mill/

Experience a dazzling display of more than 1.5 million lights with your family and friends.

ZooLights runs from Nov. 21, 2025 to Jan. 4, 2026, excluding Dec. 25.

For more than 30 years, the Oregon Zoo’s ZooLights has transformed its space into a sparkly winter wonderland with colorful animal silhouettes and other cheery scenes created from 1.5 million lights. Marvel at the spectacle on foot or by zoo train and make sure to stop for hot cocoa and light-up cotton candy (or beer and wine) at any of the cafes on site.

• All ZooLights tickets must be purchased in advance online. All visitors, including infants, must have a ticket/reservation.
• Additional tickets, including infant comps, will not be available for purchase on-site.
• At least one named adult cardholder must show a valid photo ID with ticket, and the entire party must be present for entry to ZooLights.

The Oregon Zoo, originally the Portland Zoo and later the Washington Park Zoo, is a zoo located in Washington Park, Portland, Oregon, approximately 2 miles southwest of downtown Portland. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi River.

Amtrak Cascades is a proud partner of the Oregon Zoo.

Book your ZooLights Experience (https://go.oregonzoo.org/#/SpecialEventsCategory/ZLWNGA)

Tis the season to find the perfect holiday gift

Show your love to local businesses! Portland is absolutely bursting with independent retailers selling lovely handmade clothing, home goods, accessories and vintage goods by local designers.
Shops all over the city participate in Little Boxes, Portland’s alternative to big-box shopping that takes place the weekend after Thanksgiving, but you can give these stores love well into December and beyond.
For a non-traditional mall experience, head to Lloyd Center for Lloyd Local, featuring 100+ small businesses and brands.

Downtown Eugene and the 5th Street Public Market are the place to go for boutique shopping and special gifts. From classic toy stores to gourmet foods to fashion and fine art, Eugene is a rewarding shopping destination.

Kick off the holiday season with a truly magical experience at 5th Street Public Market's Night of a Thousand Stars! Joyful and exciting for all ages, this annual event boasts beautiful lights, a snowfall show, live Christmas music and a visit from Santa himself. Ring in the holidays at The Market! Join us for Night of a Thousand Stars Friday, November 28th, 5-7 PM.
https://www.5stmarket.com/

For a festive holiday adventure, spend the day at Salem's Waterfront Park and visit the Riverfront Carousel. Check out the schedule of holiday events at: https://www.salemcarousel.org/upcomingevents

A Northwest tradition

The moment we've all been eagerly awaiting is here – the official schedule for the 70th Annual Christmas Ships Parade is now available! This year, we're celebrating a remarkable milestone, marking seven decades of bringing holiday cheer to the waters of the Greater Portland/Vancouver metro areas.

Seventy Years of Twinkling Tradition
Since 1954, our beloved Christmas Ships Parade has been a staple of the holiday season, lighting up the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. This year, as we commemorate our 70th anniversary, we're set to make waves with an even more spectacular display of festivity and lights.

Your Guide to the 2025 Parade
Ready to plan your parade-viewing experience? The full schedule is now available on our website, detailing the dates, times, and viewing locations for each night of the parade. Whether you're a long-time parade enthusiast or a newcomer to this magical tradition, this year's event promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone.

Community and Celebration
The Christmas Ships Parade is more than just a stunning display of decorated ships; it's a symbol of our community's spirit and unity. This event is made possible by the tireless efforts of our volunteers and the support of our local communities. As we sail into our 71st year, we celebrate not only the parade itself but also the people who have made it a cherished tradition.

Join Us on the Water
We invite you to be part of this historic celebration. If you have a boat, join us on the water (see the menu above for how to join us.) If you'd rather watch, gather your friends and family, pick a cozy spot along the river, and enjoy the dazzling spectacle. Don't forget to check out the local businesses and riverside restaurants that offer special viewing opportunities and festive treats.

Thank You for 71 Years of Magic

As we embark on this special 71st year, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported the Christmas Ships Parade over the years. Your enthusiasm and love for this event have kept this tradition sailing strong.

Have a spot of tea.

Grab your reservation now for holiday tea at the stunning Heathman Hotel.

The Tavern at Heathman: A new restaurant, formerly known as Headwaters, is now called The Tavern at Heathman.

Under the helm of Peruvian-born executive chef Alex Diestra, who has worked in some of Portland’s top kitchens including Clarklewis and Andina, The Tavern continues Heathman’s tradition of a local gathering place. Its menu celebrates the Pacific Northwest’s fresh, seasonal bounty by sourcing meat, seafood, and produce from local partners including Corfini Meat & Seafood, Salmon Creek Farm & Apiary, and Groundwork Organics. Whether grabbing dinner before a show at the Schnitzer, hosting a business dinner, or leisurely enjoying weekend brunch, The Tavern embodies the sophisticated yet approachable spirit that has made Portland a culinary destination.

Holiday experience Join us for our annual Holiday High Tea at the Historic Heathman Hotel, a beloved tradition! Indulge in exquisite treats, bites, and delicacies crafted by Chef Alexander Diestra and his culinary team, paired with our festive selection of Smith Tea. Gather with friends and family from every Friday through Sunday after Thanksgiving until the end of the year! Enjoy this special experience for $65 per adult and $25 per child 12 and under. Seating times available at 11am, 1pm, or 3pm and last for 90 minutes. Please arrive on time to ensure the full experience. Elevate your afternoon with luxurious caviar add-ons, indulge in hand crafted seasonal cocktails, and celebrate the magic of the holidays at the Historic Heathman Hotel. Reserve your spot today!

You can make reservations through sites like OpenTable.

Take a stroll along Peacock Lane.

This enduring tradition has continued for decades, as the residents of Peacock Lane in Southeast Portland go all out with their dazzling nativity scenes, rotating Christmas trees and life-like replicas of Santa and Frosty.

Visit during the evenings from December 15 - December 31.

https://www.travelportland.com/event/1100712/

Lace up the ice skates

• Take a spin on the Lloyd Center ice rink, which is open seven days a week for public skating, or register for lessons, which are available for all ages and abilities.
• Or take a spin where the semi-pros play at Winterhawks Skating Center in Beaverton.

There’s nothing quite like dressing up for a live show during the holidays.

• Take the family to see George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, which runs Dec. 5-24 at Keller Auditorium, with performances by the Oregon Ballet Theater.
• Or introduce the kids to Charles Dickens’ classic ghost story, A Christmas Carol, at Portland Playhouse, Nov. 25 - Dec. 29.
• For the adults, there is Miss: Bennet: A Christmas at Pemberley, a clever sequel to Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” running from Nov. 28-Dec. 21.

Holiday celebrations…intimate, relaxed, perfect! Plan now with friends, family and staff.

Wilfs is located on the perimeter of Portland’s Pearl and River districts at historic Union Station.

Celebrating 48 years in business this year, Wilfs remains a family-owned restaurant built on a legacy of fine dining and personal service. Just a few minutes from the Moda Center means you can dine from the main dinner menu or casual bar menu before your event – Blazers’ games, concerts, events and more. Reservations highly suggested for dining room and lounge, reserve at OpenTable

The food and cocktail libations are created according to the seasons and locally sourced, just another great reason to live in the Northwest! Caprese salad drizzled with a balsamic olive oil reduction, Wilfs salad, Dungeness crabmeat, Oregon bay shrimp, romaine, creamy Wilfs dressing, Grana Padano cheese, table-side Steak Diane, are just a few of Wilfs’ offerings.

Jazz notes from the piano drift through the dining room, while in the lounge, you experience the music… upfront and personal. Wilfs has become the best venue to hear Portland’s jazz artists perform, and if you are lucky, national artists may “sit-in” or be relaxing to the music, just like you!