Bright ways to spend a dark December in Portland
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Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios
The sun might set at what feels like 2pm, but there are plenty of ways to keep the darkest part of the year bright as we shop, sip and celebrate our way through the last of 2025.
The big picture: Here are some of the things we're looking forward to this month.
🎄 So many lights
Twinkles abound this time of year with dazzling light displays at the Oregon Zoo's Zoo Lights, Winter Wonderland at the Portland International Raceway, the annual Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto and, of course, Peacock Lane.
- If you prefer to stay in one place and let the lights pass you by, check out the Christmas Ships Parade.
🛍️ All of the markets
We're closing in on three weeks to get your holiday shopping done, so head to the Portland Night Market (Dec. 4-7), Crafty Wonderland (Dec. 12-14) or the Portland Bazaar (Dec. 13-14 and 20-21).
- Or check out this list of more than 30 local businesses put together by our friends over at Stumptown Savings.
🏢 Head downtown
Pioneer Courthouse Square has something for just about everyone this month — a holiday brew fest to start things off (Dec. 5-6), followed by the Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition (Dec. 12), an all-tuba Christmas concert (Dec. 13) and the lighting of Portland's Public Menorah (Dec. 14).
🏟️ Revel in some sports
The Blazers have a full slate of games this month — with some tickets as low as $22 — but most of Oregon's sportswatchers will have their eyes on the Ducks, who are likely to be back in the College Football Playoffs.
- The first round kicks off Dec. 19 and 20.
🕊️ Schedule some me time
This time of year can be hectic, so don't forget to treat yourself to the best gift of all: time to reflect and take in all that our beautiful part of the world has to offer.
- Silence your phone and head to a park, take a rainy-day hike or strap on some snowshoes and tromp around the mountains. Whatever you can do to stay centered.