11 listings in Portland, OR: free concerts, festivals, shows and things to do. Each one checked against its official source, every catch spelled out.
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Tue, Nov 10, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Pioneer Courthouse SquarePortland
Kick off the holiday season downtown as Portland's 75-foot Douglas fir is welcomed to Pioneer Courthouse Square. Say hello to Santa and enjoy free hot chocolate.
Verified Oct 27 · thesquarepdx.org
No catch
Sat, Nov 21, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Historic Downtown Hillsboro (HART theatre and Civic Center Plaza)
Historic Downtown Hillsboro's holiday celebration on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, 2–7pm. Kids can get free pictures with Santa backstage at HART theatre from 2–5pm, then parade with him to the Civic Center Plaza, where the mayor leads the countdown for the tree lighting at 6pm. A winter artisan market and downtown shops are open too.
Verified Oct 27 · downtownhillsboro.org
No catch
Fri, Nov 27, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Esther Short ParkVancouver
Festivities start at 3pm with live music, carriage rides and holiday treats. Around 5pm Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive escorted by the Columbia River Christmas Ships, ride a parade of decorated vehicles to the park at 6pm, and the tree is lit at 6:30pm. Lights stay up in the park through New Year's Day.
Verified Oct 27 · cityofvancouver.us
No catch
Fri, Nov 27, 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM
Pioneer Courthouse SquarePortland
A community sing-along led by Pink Martini's Thomas Lauderdale with local musicians and choirs, ending as Santa 'flips the switch' on nearly 10,000 lights on the city's 75-foot tree. The tree stays lit all season.
Verified Oct 27 · thesquarepdx.org
No catch
Tue, Dec 1 – Sun, Jan 3 · check hours
Beaverton City Park
Holiday light displays glow in Beaverton City Park every night from 4pm to 8am, Dec 1 through Jan 3. All displays sit along paved, wheelchair-accessible paths.
Verified Oct 27 · beavertonoregon.gov
No catch
Thu, Dec 3 – Sun, Dec 20 · check hours
Willamette and Columbia riverfronts (Portland, Vancouver, Lake Oswego and more)
Fleets of boats decked out in holiday lights sail evening routes on the Willamette (from RiverPlace Marina toward Johns Landing, Milwaukie and Lake Oswego) and the Columbia (from Gleason Boat Ramp toward the Vancouver waterfront, North Portland Harbor and Camas/Washougal) on most nights Dec 3–20. Watch from public riverbank parks along the route; most runs are 7–9pm. The schedule may change for weather or boating safety, so check each night's route on the official schedule.
Verified Oct 27 · christmasships.org
No catch
Fri, Dec 4, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Beaverton City Park
The City of Beaverton's holiday night: winter markets (including a kids' entrepreneur market) from 4pm, performances and activities from 6pm, and the tree lighting ceremony at 7pm in Beaverton City Park.
Verified Oct 27 · beavertonoregon.gov
No catch
Sun, Dec 6 – Sun, Dec 13 · check hours
Pioneer Courthouse SquarePortland
Chabad Center for Jewish Life lights Portland's public menorah at Pioneer Courthouse Square each evening of Hanukkah, Sunday Dec 6 through Sunday Dec 13. Everyone is invited.
Verified Oct 27 · thesquarepdx.org
No catch
Tue, Dec 15 – Thu, Dec 31 · check hours
Peacock LanePortland
The Southeast Portland street that's been decorating for over 90 years lights up nightly Dec 15–31, 6–10pm. Dec 15 and 16 are pedestrian-only nights. The Cocoa Booth hands out free hot cocoa and cider from 6pm, Dec 15–24, while supplies last (donations welcome).
Verified Oct 27 · peacocklane.org
No catch
Fri, Dec 18, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Pioneer Courthouse SquarePortland
Hundreds of carolers perform in front of shops, restaurants and hotels within ten blocks of Pioneer Courthouse Square, then the top three groups hold a 'carol-off' at the Square. Wander between groups and vote for your favorite.
Verified Oct 27 · thesquarepdx.org
No catch
Sat, Dec 19, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Pioneer Courthouse SquarePortland
The 35th annual Tuba Christmas brings nearly 300 tuba players from across Oregon and beyond to play holiday music in harmony, with the crowd invited to sing along. Attending is free.
Verified Oct 27 · thesquarepdx.org
No catch
