Portland and Area Activities Planner - December 27, 2024

CHAMPAGNE BALL
Dec. 31
The Champagne Ball pays special attention to every last detail, starting with the perfect location. This year’s Champagne Ball is at the Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center, including high-energy midnight countdown production. There’s plenty of room for reserved seating and bars, with facilities well-equipped to handle the crowd.

The best entertainers in the Northwest are on the scene, including live bands, DJs, and professional dancers, to steadily build the excitement as the party progresses. With a HUGE video countdown, party favors, balloon drops, confetti cannons, complimentary champagne toast and more.

Event Highlights: 

• Reception: Kick off the evening with live DJ entertainment and delectable passed hors d'oeuvres
• Gourmet Dinner: Indulge in a beautifully curated 5-course dinner by the renowned chef Pedro Almeida
• Entertainment: Dance the night away with the high-energy LA-based variety band, The Red Letter Players
• Beverages: Enjoy an open bar with champagne flowing all night
• Late Night Snacks: Savor delicious late-night bites to keep you energized
• Performers: Be mesmerized by stilt walkers, aerialists, and champagne skirt girls roaming the venue
• Photo Opportunities: Capture the memories with a Step and Repeat Photo Backdrop

A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS
Dec. 30
Embrace the holiday spirit with A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS, a variety show full of nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages. Get ready to be dazzled, enchanted, and filled with holiday cheer as you witness the incredible talents of world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music. Celebrate the magic of the season with the entire family at A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS.

MENORAH LIGHTING
Dec. 27, 2024–Jan. 2, 2025
Chabad of Oregon will light Portland’s Public Hanukkah menorah at Pioneer Courthouse Square each night of Chanukah.

Portland's premier Chanukah celebration, First Night in Pioneer Square. Enjoy an evening filled with joy, warmth, and connection, featuring live music, hot latkes, and the glow of the Chanukah candles.

WINTER WONDERLAND
Nov. 29–Dec. 31
Recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest as the “Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi”, Winter Wonderland will grab your attention with glimmers and glows around every corner. Since 1993, a journey through Winter Wonderland has become a holiday tradition for many families, friends, and social organizations to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season. Spectators can enjoy the region’s most spectacular drive-through light show, viewing over 250 colorful light set pieces and many fully animated scenes from the comfort of their own vehicle.

All proceeds from the event will benefit Sunshine Division‘s year-round hunger relief efforts that provide thousands of free, nutritious meals to Portland families in need.

LES SCHWAB INVITATIONAL
Dec. 26–30
The Les Schwab Invitational (LSI) is one of the premier high school basketball tournaments in the United States, held annually in Portland. This prestigious event attracts top high school teams and elite players nationwide, showcasing future college and professional basketball stars. The tournament is known for its high level of competition, exciting matchups, and the opportunity for players to gain exposure on a national stage. Fans can expect thrilling games, impressive athleticism, and a glimpse into the future of basketball talent. The LSI not only highlights the best in high school basketball but also fosters a sense of community and sportsmanship among participants and spectators alike.

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS VS DALLAS MAVERICKS
Dec 28 @ 7:00 PM
PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS VS PHILADEPHIA 76ers
Dec 30 @ 7:00 PM
Watch the Pacific Northwest's only NBA team, the Portland Trail Blazers compete this season. Cheer along with Rip City at the Moda Center and become part of a Portland tradition.

NEW YEARS CONCERT - BEETHOVEN'S 9TH
Dec. 30
The beauty and drama of this uplifting masterpiece, with its crowning jewel the “Ode to Joy” chorus followed by an exhilarating balloon drop, is a wonderful way to end the calendar year and look boldly to the year ahead. 

David Danzmayr, Conductor  
Oregon Symphony  
Members of Oregon Repertory Singers and Portland State University Chamber Choir 
Alumni of Pacific Youth Choir 

A PITTOCK MANSION CHRISTMAS
Nov. 18, 2024–Jan. 9
There’s no place like Pittock Mansion when it comes to experiencing Portland’s holiday tradition. Enjoy the combined splendor and warmth of the mansion and the charming Gate Lodge decorated with this year’s theme, Holiday Classics. Your admission includes access to the mansion, the Gate Lodge and the Georgiana Pittock and the City of Roses exhibit.

BENSON HOTEL ANNUAL GINGERBREAD DISPLAY
Dec. 3, 2024–Jan. 5
The Benson Portland Curio Collection by Hilton invites the public back once again for a live unveiling of the 2024 Gingerbread Masterpiece, a 53-year beloved holiday tradition. This event promises an evening of joy, music, and festive surprises for all ages and takes place Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 6 PM in The Benson’s grand lobby..

This year, chef David Diffendorfer has outdone himself, utilizing over 150 pounds of house-made gingerbread, 50 pounds of marzipan, 20 pounds of chocolate, 10 pounds of Rice Krispies treats, and buckets of royal icing to craft a breathtaking gingerbread creation. While the details of this year’s masterpiece will remain a secret until the unveiling, it is inspired by the rich and fascinating history of a whimsical structure that has captivated tourists with its fairy-tale appearances for centuries.

HOLIDAY EXPRESS
Nov. 29, 2024–Jan. 4
Santa is putting away the sleigh and going by rail. The most highly anticipated event of the year is just around the corner — the beloved Holiday Express. This magical experience will whisk you away for a jolly journey aboard a decorated steam train. You’re invited to Santa’s Enginehouse, where sparkling decorations and scrumptious treats await.

Tickets often sell out, so it’s best to buy them early. 

This is a 45-minute round-trip train ride. Departure times vary per day

SILVERTON CHRISTMAS MARKET
Nov. 21–Dec. 31
Join an awe-inspiring light display and market t at the Oregon Garden Resort  This annual event offers a joyous and magical holiday experience for all ages.

The event returns this winter with more lights than ever before, with 1.5 million lights, new and improved dazzling light displays, local artisan vendors, vendor booths dedicated to handmade German-imported goods like nutcrackers, and more.

CHISTMAS ON FRANKLIN ST
Dec. 1-31
If you're looking for a magical winter experience, you won't want to miss Christmas on Franklin Street! Witness the stunning display of 200,000 twinkling lights on 10 beautifully decorated properties located at 46th and Franklin. The main house at 4616 NW Franklin Street is a must-see! The lights will be on every evening, and there are live events, Santa visits, and even snowfall over the property during the month of December. For more information, be sure to visit their website and follow them on social media. Don't miss this holiday wonderland! 

WINTER GLEAM
Nov. 29–Dec. 29
Prepare for a holiday experience unlike any other in Portland. Oaks Amusement Park proudly announces Winter Gleam, the brand-new holiday light extravaganza, making its debut. This dazzling event transforms the beloved historic park into a sparkling wonderland every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening through December. Visitors of all ages are invited to experience the magic of the season at Winter Gleam, featuring an array of festive activities for the whole family.

At Winter Gleam, guests will step into a holiday fantasy world illuminated by dynamic light displays, immersive light tunnels, and twinkling pathways that will brighten the season. The event will offer delightful holiday-themed games, delicious seasonal food and treats, local vendors with unique holiday gifts, and even photo opportunities with Santa Claus himself.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Nov. 29–Dec. 30
Presenting the sights, sounds and sensations of the season, The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. The festival features nearly 160 indoor holiday concerts performed by many of the region’s finest school, church and civic choirs. Offering a family-oriented blend of traditional celebration and serene reflection, the festival theme reflects the special season of hope that Christmas offers many thousands of families around the Pacific Northwest.

ZOOLIGHTS
Nov. 22,–Jan. 5
Dazzling new light displays, plus familiar favorites. This year promises to be the brightest ZooLights yet, with a brand-new magical meadow light show, dozens of life-size animal lanterns along the train route, and more interactive displays than ever. Walk through the famous tunnels of sparkling lights, pose next to colorful animals and make holiday memories to last all year.

CARSON GOLF & SPA RESORT
Year-Round
Driving east on either side of the Columbia River Gorge with Mount Hood filling the windshield, the stunning scenery leads to an enchanted place where you can choose your own adventure, relax and enjoy the magical hot water of Carson Hot Springs. Whether you are looking for luxury and a comfortable overnight stay or something a bit more rustic with a camping option, Carson Hot Springs in Washington has something for everyone.

THE DINNER DETECTIVE MURDER MYSTERY SHOW
Oct. 19, 2024–Mar. 22
Join The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Portland for an evening filled with suspense, laughter, and delicious dining. Step into a world of intrigue as you work to solve a thrilling crime that unfolds around you. But watch out — the culprit could be anyone in the room, and you might even become a Prime Suspect yourself.

Your ticket includes a full dinner, interactive murder mystery experience, waitstaff gratuity, and a special prize for the night’s Top Sleuth. Get ready for a night you won’t forget.