PORTLAND, Ore. — With Thanksgiving over, it’s time to jump into the holiday spirit. From a virtual tree lighting to drive-thru light shows, there are plenty of events you can enjoy this weekend even with COVID-19 restrictions.
Here’s a look at eight holiday events in the Portland area.
Virtual tree lighting in Portland’s Pioneer Square
The 36th annual tree lighting tradition at Pioneer Courthouse Square will not be held in-person this year because of the pandemic. But you can still watch the lighting virtually from the comfort of your own home. Starting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27, KGW will broadcast an hour-long special featuring a caroling sing-along with local band Pink Martini. The tree will remain in the square throughout the holidays, so visitors can enjoy it in-person later.
- What: Portland’s Annual Tree Lighting Sing-Along
- When: Friday, Nov. 27, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Virtual. Watch on KGW at 6:30!
Clackamas County Winter Fair
Clackamas County Fairgrounds is hosting its first Winter Fair this year. It features a quarter-mile drive-thru experience with thousands of lights and a 100-foot light tunnel. Santa will be at the fair on select days (including Friday, Nov. 27 and Saturday, Nov. 28) so children can wave and place a letter in a special mailbox. Space is limited, so get your tickets ahead of time here.
- What: Clackamas County Winter Fair
- When: Nov. 27-29, Dec. 3-6, 10-13, 17-24, 26-31
- Where: Clackamas County Event Center, Canby.
Drive-in holiday show
Oaks Park and Portland Spirit have teamed up with Webracadabra Events to present a live musical that you can watch from the comfort of your own vehicle at Oaks Park’s drive-in theater. The production features a sing-along with the Cocklebur Cowboys Band and appearances by the Cinnamon Bear, Chipper the Squirrel, the Big Red Elf and Santa. All tickets must be purchased in advance here, and all visitors must follow COVID-19 safety protocols.
- What: Cinnamon Bear Holiday Show
- When: Nov. 27-Dec.31 (All Thursdays-Sundays except Dec. 24 and 25), 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. shows
- Where: Oaks Amusement Park, 7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland.
Light show at Portland International Raceway
A Portland holiday staple for decades, the 28th annual Winter Wonderland kicks off on Friday, Nov. 27, at Portland’s International Raceway. Visitors can drive through two miles of holiday fun, with 250 colorful light set pieces and fully animated scenes. All proceeds go to the Sunshine Division, to give food to local families in need.
- What: Winter Wonderland
- When: Nov. 27-Jan. 2, Sunday-Thursday 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., Friday- Saturday 4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. (see website for extended Christmas hours)
- Where: Portland International Raceway, 1940 N Victory Blvd, Portland.
Holiday Market
Coopers Hall, a winery and taproom, is transforming for the holiday season to a one-stop shop for local gifts. The shop has goods from over 25 local vendors, like Floradee Candles, Deadstock Coffee, Goodos for Doggos and more. The garage doors will be open and fans will be on to follow COVID-19 protocols. Coopers Hall is only offering online shopping on its website, with next-day pickup or local delivery.
- What: Coopers Hall-iday Market
- When: Nov. 27-Dec. 20, Thursday-Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Where: Coopers Hall, 404 SE 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
'A Christmas Story' interactive experience
On Friday, Nov. 27, the Vancouver Mall will launch an interactive experience based on the classic holiday film, “A Christmas Story.” It will feature a walk-through set from the film with “selfie museums” and augmented reality interactive experiences. Children will be able to talk with Santa from a distance to share wish lists or place a letter in Santa’s mailbox. All employees and guests will wear masks during their visits and follow COVID-19 safety protocols. The experience is free and open to the public, though guests are strongly encouraged to make a reservation here.
- What: “A Christmas Story”-themed visit with Santa
- When: Nov. 27-Dec. 23, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. (except 3 – 4 p.m.); Dec. 24, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (except 1 – 2 p.m.)
- Where: Vancouver Mall, 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr, Vancouver.
Christmas Tree Farm
Oregon City’s Misty Ridge Tree Farm is one of many tree farms in the Portland area open for u-cut Christmas trees. Misty Ridge offers Noble, Nordmann and Turkish Firs, as well as wreaths. The farm also features a mini donkey and other farm animals, along with a gift shop, hot cocoa and s’mores, and a fire pit.
- What: Misty Ridge U-Cut Tree Farm
- When: Nov. 27-Nov. 29, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Dec. 5-6, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (available for appointment for small groups on weekends)
- Where: Misty Ridge Tree Farm, 19400 & 19304 South Mosier Rd., Oregon City.
Drive-thru ZooLights
Though zoos in Oregon are closed under Gov. Kate Brown's statewide freeze, the Oregon Zoo is still offering people an option to escape from their homes and safely take part in its annual holiday tradition. This year’s ZooLights will be a drive-thru experience with more than 1.5 million animal-themed lights. Tickets must be purchased in advance on the Oregon Zoo's website and can be purchased up to one week in advance.
**As of 2 p.m. on Nov. 27, tickets are sold out through Sunday, Nov. 29, but are available starting Monday, Nov. 30.
- What: ZooLights Drive
- When: Nov. 22-Jan. 10 (with the exception of Dec. 25)
- Where: Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221