Dec 4, 2024 - Things to Do

The best holiday events, markets and light shows in Portland

Kale Williams

Shoppers browse arts and crafts at a holiday market. — The Portland Bazaar hosts more than 100 vendors at one of several holiday markets in Portland this year. Photo: Courtesy of Portland Bazaar

If you're looking for ways to usher in the holidays, Portland has no shortage of festivities to ring in the season.

Why it matters: While the weather has turned cold and dark, the holidays offer a respite from the winter doldrums with pop-up markets, light shows and other events to brighten up otherwise dreary days.

Here are a few of our favorites.

Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto

Wander the grounds of a Roman Catholic sanctuary illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights with choir performances, a puppet show and carolers caroling at the top of every hour.

Runs 5-9:30pm through Dec. 30 except Dec. 25. Adults $16.50, kids under 12 $7.75, 2 and under free. A couple dollars cheaper on select nights and a few dollars more at the door. No cash sales.

Hanukkah Marketplace

The Mittleman Jewish Community Center and Northwest Jewish Artists are hosting a winter marketplace with children's story hours, musical performances and goods from local artists.

Open Sunday 11am to 4pm; Monday through Thursday, Dec. 12 from 9am to 7pm.

Portland Bazaar

A bonanza of holiday crafts and eats, the Portland Bazaar hosts more than 100 vendors in the runup to Christmas — with everything from Maine lobster to pottery to vintage clothing.

Dec. 14-15 and 21-22 at 1714 NW 17th Ave. from 11am to 4pm.

Wonderland Immersive Art Experience

If you've ever wanted a holiday-themed art experience in a mostly abandoned mall, now's your chance. The Wonderland Immersive Art Experience features work from more than 40 artists described as a "joyful explosion of art exploring the mythology, stories, and traditions of the darkest season of the year," all in a vacant storefront in the Lloyd Center.

Free for all ages; Thursdays and Fridays from noon-7pm, Saturdays and Sundays 11am-5pm, through Dec. 21.

Billie Eilish at the Moda Center

If you're looking for something not holiday-related, Billie Eilish is swinging through town Sunday with a show at the Moda Center.

Tickets are sold out, though many are still available on the secondary market, but they ain't cheap.

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