Winter is upon us, and with shorter nights and colder temperatures, it’s tempting to hunker down at home. Yet Oregon offers plenty of excuses to get out and about during the coziest time of the year. From bedazzling light displays to celebrations of the arts, here are some Oregon events that will have you ready to bundle up and head out the door. For ticketed events, be sure to reserve your spot as some sell out early.
December
Portland Holiday Lights, Portland: Check out the thousands of twinkling lights on display along historic Peacock Lane, or head over to the Christmas Festival of Lights at the Grotto for dazzling illuminations and choral performances. For shimmery displays on the water, don’t miss the Christmas Ships Parade, which brings cheer to the Willamette and Columbia rivers via parading boats decked out with colorful lights and holiday decor.
Victorian Christmas, Jacksonville: Residents and visitors to historic Jacksonville get into the festive spirit in the weeks leading up to Christmas with festive storefront displays, themed Christmas tours of the 19th-century Beekman House, a parade and rides aboard a vintage trolley.
Silverton Christmas Market, Silverton: This Oregon spin on a traditional German Christmas market includes food and gift vendors, visits from Santa and a biergarten with live music. There’s even a light path decked out with over a million twinkling fairy lights, and a snowless tubing hill and hot cocoa for all-ages fun.
Oregon Whale Watch Week, Coast-wide: Trained volunteers are stationed at more than a dozen locations Coast-wide to help visitors spot thousands of gray whales as they make their winter migration along the Coast. Check out the best spots to watch whales, or head to the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay for more.
Nature’s Coastal Holiday Festival of Lights, Brookings: Celebrate the holiday cheer with the largest light festival on the Coast. Over 3 million lights transform Azalea Park into a dazzling holiday wonderland. Plan your trip for a Friday or Saturday night for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Block Party, La Grande: Ring in the new year in Eastern Oregon at La Grande’s annual Main Street Downtown celebration, where the community will gather under a warming tent for activities by local organizations.
January
First Day Hikes (statewide): Bundle up and ring in the new year with some fresh air and gorgeous scenery. Oregon State Parks is hosting its annual First Day Hikes, with rangers and volunteers leading guided hikes at parks across the state. These are free and open to the public, but advance registration is required at some parks. Check posted details on accessibility, pets and winter conditions for the best experience.
New Year’s Day Peace Hike, Yachats: The Yachats Trail Committee will host the annual Peace Hike honoring the memory of a Native American woman named Amanda, who was taken from her home and marched to what is now Yachats in 1864. The ceremonial event is led by tribal members and includes ceremonial drumming, fire lighting, setting of intentions and a walk along the Amanda Trail.
O-Shogatsu Festival, Portland: Japan’s New Year is honored at Portland Japanese Garden with a series of special events for guests of all ages. Highlights include shishimai (lion dance) performances, tea ceremonies and cultural demonstrations.
The Dalles Dam Visitor Center Eagle Watch, The Dalles: Bring your binoculars to this free family event, designed for wildlife enthusiasts looking to see bald eagles at the peak of their winter activity. The annual event includes ranger talks and video presentations. Experts with spotting scopes are also on hand to answer questions.
Winter Music Festival, Florence: This three-day event creates a platform for acoustic music artists, with a particular focus on folk-music performances. The festival hosts concerts, workshops and open jam sessions.
Mt. Angel Volksfest, Mt. Angel: Enjoy live music and entertainment, local craft brews and wines, food and craft vendors, face painting, and more fun at this family-friendly, weekend-long celebration of German sausage hosted by the Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds go directly to the community.
February
Lunar New Year, statewide: Also known as Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year marks a period of renewal in many East Asian and Southeast Asian cultures. Find events including traditional song, dance, crafts and family fun happening across Oregon in early February.
First Taste Oregon, Albany: Taste a huge variety of wines, beers, ciders and spirits at this annual expo. There are also plenty of food booths, so you can sample snacks from some of the region’s best eateries.
Portland Winter Light Festival, Portland: This annual, after-dark event adds a bit of whimsy and sparkle to the late-winter season, with immersive, family-friendly light installations illuminating the city streets.
Winter Waters, Portland and the Oregon Coast: Nutritious superfoods from the sea are the star at this series of culinary events throughout February, including a kickoff event in Portland and a series of programs along the Oregon Coast. There’s a full weekend of events in Newport, complete with seaweed cooking demonstrations and a seaweed-centered meal at Local Ocean. Check the website for more festivities in Seaside, Garibaldi, Lincoln City, Port Orford and Brookings.
Oregon WinterFest, Bend: Winter is celebrated in full force at this high-desert event, with live music, ice carving, food and craft vendors, and lots of activities for kids. Festive highlights include a wine walk through Bend’s Old Mill District and a skiing and snowboarding contest open to all skill levels.
The FisherPoets Gathering, Astoria: Listen to tales about life at sea at venues across town, where poets, songwriters and storytellers share about the joys and challenges of commercial fishing.
