Many of our beloved local traditions have been unable to take place in 2020 while many others have been moved to a virtual or socially-distanced format, but there is still festive fun to be had! Please check with individual websites as plans are changing rapidly.

Lights

Candy Cane Lane Holiday Drive-Thru in West Linn

While the annual tree lighting has been canceled, The City of West Linn has created a drive-through experience that will feature a drive through the “seven layers of the candy cane forest and past the sea of twirly-swirly gumdrops.” Festive apparel is encouraged as are canned food donations for the West Linn Food Pantry. 6-7:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday, Dec. 4-5, West Linn Adult Community Center, free

Christmas Ships

A tradition since 1954, the Christmas Ships will sail! Check their website for updates on Columbia and Willamette River schedules. They are requesting that all guests respect the social distancing mandates. For 2020, the dock in St. Helens will not be open for the public to view the boats up close. Times vary, Dec. 4-22, various locations, free (see site for donation info)

Keizer Miracle of Christmas Lights Display

This tradition, dating back to 1984 in the Gubser neighborhood, will go on with a few changes. Instead of food and cash donations, a QR code will be available at the donation tent for direct donations to the Marion Polk Food Share. 6-10 p.m. nightly, Dec. 4-26, Gubser neighborhood, free

Lightopia – An Illuminated Journey

This illuminated and festive 1/3 mile drive through Gordon Faber Recreation Complex in Hillsboro will include a free treat, a 30-minute drive through the route, and a concurrent audio program timed to the light display (must have a working FM car radio). 5-10pm, Nov 27-Jan 3 (see site for registration, days and updated info on donations for toy and food drives), Gordon Faber Recreation Complex, free 

Winter Wonderland at PIR

While this has always been a drive-through event, there are some changes this year. Tickets must be purchased in advance online. In addition, there will be no dog or bike night and donations for Sunshine Division will be online only. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 5-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov 27-Jan. 2, Portland International Raceway, $24-$32

ZooLights Drive

ZooLights is on! The holiday season in Portland would not be complete without a trip to ZooLights. For 2020, this will be a drive-through event. Tickets must be bought in advance and are available 7 days in advance. Please see Oregon Zoo’s website for specific rules. Various times, Nov 23-Jan 10 (see site for exceptions), $40-$65/car (25% member discount)

Family Events & Performances

Christmas Revels

While Portland Revels will not be doing any in-person performances this year and the children’s show has been canceled, there will be three webcasts of their annual welcome to the Winter Solstice, Dec 20 at 2pm, Dec 18 & 24 at 7:30pm. It will then be available to stream on-demand from Dec 25-Jan 6. Tickets will not be sold, but donations of what you would normally spend on tickets are appreciated. 

Pioneer Courthouse Square Tree Lighting

While there will be a tree donated by Stimson Lumber and decorated by Portland Parks & Recreation staff, this lighting and sing-along with Pink Martini will be virtual. The event will be pre-recorded and aired on KGW at 6:30 pm, Nov 27.

Safeway Providence Festival of Trees

The 38th annual fundraising event will go on, but online only. Check their website for updates on the virtual gala auction and livestream event. 

Singing Christmas Tree

This 58th annual event, normally at Keller Auditorium, will be online this year. Tickets go on sale Nov 27th.

The Cinnamon Bear Holiday Show

While the Cinnamon Bear cruises have been canceled for this year, Portland Spirit and Oaks Park have teamed up for a socially-distanced event. Buy tickets online in advance and enjoy the show from your car, streamed through FM radio. 6-7:30 and 8-9:30pm, Thurs-Sun Nov 27-Dec 31, $49/vehicle

The Nutcracker Romp

While the regular performances of Oregon Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker have been canceled due to Covid restrictions, you can connect virtually this holiday and treat yourself to a family friendly Nutcracker-themed party courtesy of Elephants deli and OBT. Tickets must be purchased by Dec 9th at 2pm! Each package is delivered (contact-free) to your home and will include: Food from Elephants | Nutcracker Memorabilia | 10% discount to our 2021 Nutcracker | Access to the “Nutcracker Romp” debut screening. EVERYONE can watch the Nutcracker Romp video for free when it becomes available on demand on OBTV. Enjoy it with your friends and family over the holidays until Jan 1st!⁠ This is a fundraiser for OBT and 50% of proceeds will go to them. Dec 19, 6:30pm. $150-$1000 (see package options on website)

Santa

Bridgeport Village

Virtual visits with Santa, by reservation, are available daily from 11/27-Dec 24. 

Clackamas Town Center

Virtual visits with Santa, by reservation, are available daily now through Jan 7.

Pioneer Place

Check their website for evolving plans. 

Salem’s Riverfront Carousel

While already sold out for visits with Santa at the Carousel, check their site for available Zoom visits and personalized messages. 

Washington Square Mall

This year’s Photos with Santa event will be contactless. See their website for more information and to schedule your time. 

What’s been canceled? 

While many events and performances have been canceled for this season, please consider visiting the websites and social media pages of your favorites to see how we’re able to help them get through this year of lost income. If you’re able, donate! 

Christmas in the Garden 

This annual event at The Oregon Garden in Silverton has been canceled, but there will be a limited light display for resort guests only. 

Christmas at The Grotto

The grounds of The Grotto are closed through at least Dec 16. The gift shop is open and mass will be held daily, both observing social distancing guidelines. 

Christmas Fantasy Trail at Wenzel Farms

This event is canceled. 

Imago Theatre

ZooZoo will not be performed. 

The Lighting of Maddax Woods 

This event is canceled.

Miracle of a Million Lights at Victorian Belle

This event is canceled for 2020.

Peacock Lane

This event is canceled.

Pittock Mansion

Temporarily closed. 

Portland Ballet Theater

“The Nutcracker” will not be performed for in-person shows, but see above for a new option. 

The Oregon Symphony

The Symphony has canceled their Christmas performances. 

Winter Village in Orenco Station

The skating rink has been canceled for the year.