PORTLAND, Ore. — Well, here we are: It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. The Portland Christmas tree is lit, and The Benson Portland will be unveiling its annual gingerbread display — things are looking jolly. This weekend, you've got a tree festival, the Portland Mercury's annual Holiday Drink Week, and more.
The Portland Mercury's Holiday Drink Week
When: Now through Dec. 3
Where: Various bars and restaurants
What's going on: The Portland Mercury's Holiday Drink Week, bringing you holiday-themed drinks for the low. This is the perfect time to explore local, participating bars and restaurants you've been eyeing while sipping delicious boozy concoctions — but please drink responsibly.
Benson Hotel Annual Gingerbread Display
When: Nov. 30- Dec. 30
Where: The Benson Portland, 309 Southwest Broadway, Portland
What's going on: The Benson Portland is taking "decking the halls" to the next level with their annual gingerbread installation. The masterpiece theme has been revealed after a hint: "A famous example of romanticism, this beautiful sight inspired one dreamer and creator to capture the imaginations of millions around the world." It will be on display for the public to see. This is the perfect weekend thing to do with the kids; just don't make sure they don't take a bite of the giant cookie.
Festival of Trees
When: Dec. 1
Where: Oregon Convention Center, 777 Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Portland
What's going on: It seems like every weekend something is always going down at the Oregon Convention Center. This weekend, a Portland tradition returns, bringing Portlanders that holiday magic to kick off the holiday season. Stunning Christmas trees and displays and even a raffle — who doesn't love to win prizes? Proceeds from this event will benefit Providence Children's Health.
Oregon ZooLights
When: Nov. 24 - Jan. 7, 2024, various times
Where: The Oregon Zoo, 4001 Canyon Road, Portland
What's going on: Chief among holiday festivities are the lights at the Oregon Zoo. The Oregon ZooLights are a big deal every year, drawing massive crowds, and this year is expected to be no different. The display will be dazzling and is estimated to have more than 1.5 million individual lights. You can experience this year's lights on foot. The traditional walking tour will give visitors the opportunity to see some of the various lights still on display through the winter months. The driving tour — a COVID innovation that was once available on select dates and featured the animals — will no longer be an option this year. Tickets for the walking tour can range from $12 to $26 depending on the date and tour time.
For more information on this event and the ticket cost, click here.
Christmas Ships Parade
When: Dec. 1 - 17, various times
Where: Multiple locations across the Portland metro area
What's going on: Another great opportunity to see holiday lights can be found on the Willamette and Columbia rivers, where the Christmas Ship Parade is back this year for its 69th season. The fleet will sail up and down the river showing off their colors on select nights through Dec. 17. Popular viewing locations include the North Portland Harbor, McCuddy's Steamboat Landing, the Vancouver waterfront and Hayden Bay. A full list of locations, dates and times are available on the Christmas Ships' website. Each boater designs and illuminates their individual boat, giving the parade character and diversity. For those boaters interested in joining, the Christmas Ship Parade is always looking for new members. For more information, take a look at their New Skippers Guide.
For more information on this event and the ticket cost, click here.
Top 5 Portland holiday light displays
When: Throughout the month of December
Where: Multiple locations across the Portland metro area
What's going on: This month is all about the lights — the Christmas lights. Thankfully, there are five excellent holiday light displays all opening soon in and around the Portland metro area: Oregon ZooLights, Christmas Ships Parade, Peacock Lane, The Grotto Festival of Lights and Winter Wonderland.
Silverton Christmas Market
When: Nov. 17 - Dec. 31, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Oregon Garden Resort, 895 West Main Street, Silverton
What's going on: The Silverton Christmas Market at the Oregon Garden Resort will keep its holiday lights on through Dec. 31. The annual event first opened for the season the weekend after Thanksgiving, and the only nights it won't be open are Christmas Eve and Christmas. This year's event has more than one million lights set up along pathways that wind through the resort's property. The Silverton Christmas Market also features shopping opportunities, with handmade gifts from artisan vendors. There will also be a "snowless" tubing hill that attendees can check out. Tickets to the event are not available at the door. All admission tickets, along with tickets to ride down the snowless tubing hill, must be purchased online in advance on Silverton Christmas Market's website. Food and drink vendor booths are also cashless, so visitors are encouraged to bring a debit or credit card. Tickets range from $5 to $20.
For more information on this event and the ticket cost, click here.
Tree lighting events across the metro area
Nov. 30
Dec. 1
Dec. 2
Dec. 3
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Sabinna Pierre is the curator of "Things To Do" for KGW's digital platforms. Know of any holiday events or events you'd like to see featured? Let her know! Email her at SPierre@kgw.com. Follow Sabinna on Instagram @SincerelyBinna.