Oregon has 15 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from ZooLights in Portland on November 16 to Christmas Festival of Lights in Portland, which runs through December 30. 9 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in every state.
The short version
- 15 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Oregon for 2026, in Portland, Eugene and Salem
- First: ZooLights, Portland, November 16. Runs latest: ZooLights, Portland, through December 31
- Free: Holiday in the Grove, Winter Family Crafts, Santa Cares, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Build Your Own Gingerbread House, Gingerbread Houses | Casitas de Jengibre, Kids Holiday Dance Party, Holiday Storytime and Black Family Storytime: Winter Joy for the Soul
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Oregon Christmas train rides page.
Oregon Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 15 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Portland, Eugene and Salem
- Season
- November 16 to December 31, 2026
- Free events
- 9
- Kinds of events
- holiday crafts, holiday lights, holiday story time and tree lighting
- Last checked
City guides in Oregon
- Christmas events for kids in Portland, OR (12 events)
Plan your December
When each Oregon Christmas event for kids happens
The first is ZooLights in Portland on November 16; the last runs to December 30. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- ZooLightsPortland · Nov 16 to Dec 31
- 42nd Annual Tree Lighting CeremonyPortland · Nov 27
- Magic at the MillSalem · Nov 27 to Nov 30
- Christmas Festival of LightsPortland · Nov 27 to Dec 30
- Holiday in the GroveForest Grove · Dec 5
- Winter Family CraftsPortland · Dec 5
- Santa CaresPortland · Dec 6
- Tree Lighting CeremonyHappy Valley · Dec 6
- Breakfast with SantaEugene · Dec 12
- Build Your Own Gingerbread HouseBeaverton · Dec 14
- Gingerbread Houses | Casitas de JengibreCornelius · Dec 18
- Winter Solstice CelebrationSpringfield · Dec 20
- Kids Holiday Dance PartyBeaverton · Dec 21
- Holiday StorytimeBeaverton · Dec 23
- Black Family Storytime: Winter Joy for the SoulGresham · Dec 30
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Oregon? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Portland
12 confirmed events for kids in Portland, including nearby Beaverton, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Gresham and Happy Valley, soonest first.
Portland: ZooLights
Holiday lightsOregon Zoo · Portland
- Host
- Oregon Zoo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland, OR 97221
- When
- Mon November 16, Fri November 20, Fri November 27 and Sat December 26, 2026, 4:30 pm
- Cost
- Adults $13 to $35, youth $13 to $30, varies by night
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
ZooLights fills the Oregon Zoo with wildlife-inspired light displays, life-size animal lanterns and walk-through tunnels of glittering lights. Families can snap photos, warm up with hot chocolate, and snack on elephant ears, popcorn and s'mores. Most animals are not on view during ZooLights, so think of it as a lights walk rather than a zoo visit.
ZooLights opens at 4:30 pm each night and runs from November 20 through December 31, closed November 24 to 26 and Christmas Day, with closing times between 8:30 and 10:30 pm depending on the night. Prices vary by date, from $13 to $35 for adults and $13 to $30 for youth, with lower prices on Value Nights. Any Night tickets can be used on any open night and make an easy gift. The zoo also holds a Sensory Friendly Night on November 16, before the public run begins.
Parent tip: Value Nights (such as Nov 20 to 23 and early December weeknights) are the cheapest. Members get 20 percent off regularly priced tickets.
See dates and details from Oregon Zoo (opens in a new tab)Portland: 42nd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Tree lightingPioneer Courthouse Square · Portland
- Host
- Pioneer Courthouse Square (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th Avenue, Portland, OR 97204
- When
- Friday, November 27, 2026, 5:30 to 6:45 pm
- Cost
- Check the host's page
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Portland's Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pioneer Courthouse Square is the downtown highlight of the holiday season. The evening is a community sing-along led by Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini, joined by many of Portland's musicians and chorale singers.
The big moment comes when Santa Claus flips the switch to light nearly 10,000 colorful lights on the city's tree, which then shines throughout the holiday season. The ceremony runs from 5:30 to 6:45 pm on the Friday after Thanksgiving. The square sits in the heart of downtown at SW 6th Avenue and Yamhill, so expect a large crowd and plan to arrive early if you want a spot where little ones can see Santa and the tree. The tree itself arrives at the square earlier in November with its own welcome event.
Parent tip: Arrive early for a good view, since this is one of downtown's biggest gatherings of the season.
See dates and details from Pioneer Courthouse Square (opens in a new tab)Portland: Christmas Festival of Lights
Holiday lightsThe Grotto (National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother) · Portland
- Host
- The Grotto (National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The Grotto, NE 85th Ave and Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97220
- When
- Friday, November 27, 2026 to Wednesday, December 30, 2026 (nightly; closed Christmas Day), 5 to 9:30 pm
- Cost
- Youth (3 to 11) $6.95 to $9.95; general $15.95 to $19.95; 2 and under free
- Ages
- All ages; 2 and under free
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Grotto's Christmas Festival of Lights runs nightly from November 27 through December 30, closed Christmas Day, from 5 to 9:30 pm with grounds closing at 10 pm. It is a walk-through event of about a quarter mile on paved paths. Kids can catch a puppet show at the top of each hour in the plaza tent, sing along with the Grotto Carolers at the bottom of each hour, and hear school and community choirs in the Chapel of Mary.
Online tickets are $8.95 for youth 3 to 11 and $17.95 for ages 12 and up, with lower value-night prices on select Monday to Thursday nights. Children 2 and under are free. Parking is free, with a free shuttle from an overflow lot on busy nights. Hot chocolate and donuts are sold on site.
Parent tip: Buy online to save, and look at value nights. Dress warmly; most visits last 60 to 90 minutes.
See dates and details from The Grotto (National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother) (opens in a new tab)Forest Grove: Holiday in the Grove
Holiday craftsFreeForest Grove City Library · Forest Grove
- Host
- Forest Grove City Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Forest Grove City Library, 2114 Pacific Ave, Forest Grove, OR 97116 (near Portland)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 am to 12:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Forest Grove City Library teams up with the city's Parks and Police Departments for Holiday in the Grove on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 10 am to 12:30 pm. The morning includes crafts, music, treats, Cocoa with a Cop and other festive activities.
Everyone is invited to swing by, grab a cookie, listen to some music and join in. The event is free and open to all ages, with no registration listed, making it an easy family outing in western Washington County. The library is in downtown Forest Grove, about 25 miles west of Portland, so it is a nice add-on to a weekend morning in that part of the county. Families can stop in for a short visit or stay for the whole morning.
See dates and details from Forest Grove City Library (opens in a new tab)Portland: Winter Family Crafts
Holiday craftsFreeMultnomah County Library · Portland
- Host
- Multnomah County Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Kenton Library, 8226 N Denver Ave, Portland, OR 97217
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10:30 am to noon
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Kenton Library invites families to Winter Family Crafts on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 10:30 am to noon. Library staff help families make special cards and crafts celebrating winter and the holidays, and all supplies are provided.
The program is drop-in, so you can come when you can and leave when you need to. It is free and first come, first served. For disability accommodations, the library asks families to call 503.988.5123 or email help@multcolib.org two to three days before the program. It is a friendly option for families who want an unhurried Saturday morning activity close to home in North Portland, and the finished cards make easy homemade gifts.
Parent tip: Drop in anytime during the 90 minutes; supplies are first come, first served.
See dates and details from Multnomah County Library (opens in a new tab)Portland: Santa Cares
Santa visitFreeWashington Square · Portland
- Host
- Washington Square (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Washington Square, Summit Court, 9585 SW Washington Square Rd, Portland, OR 97223
- When
- Sunday, December 6, 2026, 10 to 11 am
- Cost
- Free visit; photo packages optional
- Ages
- All ages and abilities
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Washington Square hosts Santa Cares on Sunday, December 6, 2026, from 10 to 11 am in Summit Court. This sensory-friendly event lets people of all ages and abilities visit Santa in a calmer setting outside regular public hours.
Accommodations support children with autism and other disabilities or special needs: no music plays in the mall and fluorescent lights and digital signage are turned off. The program is run in partnership with Cherry Hill Programs and Autism Speaks. Visits with Santa are free, and photo packages are available to buy. Space is limited, and the mall asks families to register. Families who find busy, bright holiday crowds overwhelming may appreciate this quieter window.
Parent tip: Space is limited, so register ahead through the event page.
See dates and details from Washington Square (opens in a new tab)Happy Valley: Tree Lighting Ceremony
Tree lightingFreeCity of Happy Valley Parks and Recreation · Happy Valley
- Host
- City of Happy Valley Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Happy Valley City Hall, 16000 SE Misty Dr, Happy Valley, OR 97086 (near Portland)
- When
- Sunday, December 6, 2026, 4 to 6 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The City of Happy Valley kicks off the season with its annual Tree Lighting Celebration on Sunday, December 6, 2026, from 4 to 6 pm at City Hall. This free, family-friendly evening includes live entertainment, seasonal treats, hot cocoa, community booths, kids' activities and visits with Santa, ending with a countdown to the tree lighting.
Children can also write letters to Santa and drop them in the North Pole mailbox inside City Hall between November 30 and December 11, and Santa plans to reply by December 23. Operation Santa, a toy and food drive run by Clackamas Fire District firefighters, collects donations at the event. The city says more details are coming.
Parent tip: Bring a letter for Santa's mailbox, which accepts letters Nov 30 to Dec 11 during City Hall hours.
See dates and details from City of Happy Valley Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)Beaverton: Build Your Own Gingerbread House
Holiday craftsFreeBeaverton City Library · Beaverton
- Host
- Beaverton City Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th St, Beaverton, OR 97005 (near Portland)
- When
- Monday, December 14, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Grades K to 5
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Children in kindergarten through fifth grade can build their own gingerbread house out of graham crackers at Beaverton City Library on Monday, December 14, 2026, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm in Meeting Room A.
The library calls it a sweet building project, and it is a fun after-school way to celebrate the season. The program is free, but registration is required through the Beaverton City Library website at beavertonlibrary.org/register, so sign up early to hold a spot. Wear clothes that can handle a little frosting, and plan for a short ride home with a fragile creation. It is a good fit for kids who like building projects and want something festive to show off at home.
Parent tip: Registration is required at beavertonlibrary.org/register.
See dates and details from Beaverton City Library (opens in a new tab)Cornelius: Gingerbread Houses | Casitas de Jengibre
Holiday craftsFreeCornelius Public Library · Cornelius
- Host
- Cornelius Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Cornelius Public Library, 1370 N Adair St, Cornelius, OR 97113 (near Portland)
- When
- Friday, December 18, 2026, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
- Cost
- Free, while supplies last
- Ages
- Everyone welcome
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Cornelius Public Library holds its traditional gingerbread house-making program on Friday, December 18, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. The library supplies all the materials, and families bring their creativity and construction skills to build their own houses.
The program is listed in both English and Spanish, and everyone is welcome. It is free and runs while supplies last, so arriving near the start time is a good idea. The two-hour window gives families flexibility to come after work or school. It is a relaxed Friday evening activity, and families can arrive any time in the window. Since the houses can be fragile, a box or tray for the trip home may help. This program is a good fit for families who want a bilingual, community-centered holiday activity.
Parent tip: Materials run while supplies last, so come early in the window.
See dates and details from Cornelius Public Library (opens in a new tab)Beaverton: Kids Holiday Dance Party
Holiday craftsFreeBeaverton City Library · Beaverton
- Host
- Beaverton City Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th St, Beaverton, OR 97005 (near Portland)
- When
- Monday, December 21, 2026, 11 to 11:45 am
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages 1 to 6 with family
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Beaverton City Library hosts a Kids Holiday Dance Party on Monday, December 21, 2026, from 11 to 11:45 am in Meeting Rooms A and B. Young children can have a merry time dancing to holiday favorites and then make a craft to take home.
The party is designed for ages 1 to 6 with their families, is free, and lists no registration. It is a good way to burn off some energy during winter break, and it pairs well with the library's Holiday Storytime later the same week. Expect a lively, noisy room that is well suited to wiggly toddlers and preschoolers.
See dates and details from Beaverton City Library (opens in a new tab)Beaverton: Holiday Storytime
Holiday story timeFreeBeaverton City Library · Beaverton
- Host
- Beaverton City Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th St, Beaverton, OR 97005 (near Portland)
- When
- Wednesday, December 23, 2026, 10:15 to 10:45 am
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages 1 to 6 with family
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Beaverton City Library marks the season with a special Holiday Storytime on Wednesday, December 23, 2026, from 10:15 to 10:45 am in Meeting Room B. The library describes it as a holiday-themed storytime for children ages 1 to 6 with their families.
At about 30 minutes, it fits easily into a busy holiday week and works well for toddlers and preschoolers with shorter attention spans. The program is free and no registration is listed, so families can simply arrive a few minutes early to find a spot. Holiday programs at the library tend to draw a crowd, especially during winter break, so plan on a little extra time to park and settle in. It is a calm, low-cost way to share holiday books and songs with very young children.
Parent tip: Held in Meeting Room B; arrive a few minutes early.
See dates and details from Beaverton City Library (opens in a new tab)Gresham: Black Family Storytime: Winter Joy for the Soul
Holiday story timeFreeMultnomah County Library · Gresham
- Host
- Multnomah County Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- East County Library, 475 NW Division St, Gresham, OR 97030 (near Portland)
- When
- Wednesday, December 30, 2026, 5:30 to 6:15 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Birth to age 6 with adults
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Multnomah County Library's Black Family Storytime: Winter Joy for the Soul takes place Wednesday, December 30, 2026, from 5:30 to 6:15 pm at East County Library in Gresham. The program celebrates African and African American heritage, joy and culture during the winter season.
Children from birth to age 6, with their favorite adults or family members, share a winter-themed book, songs and movement activities in a positive, affirming setting that centers Black joy. The storytime also builds the early language and literacy skills children need for kindergarten. Attendance is limited and first come, first served. It is one of the few family storytimes during the week between Christmas and New Year's.
Parent tip: Space is limited and first come, first served, so arrive early.
See dates and details from Multnomah County Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Eugene
2 confirmed events for kids in Eugene, including nearby Springfield, soonest first.
Eugene: Breakfast with Santa
Breakfast with SantaRiver Road Park & Recreation District · Eugene
- Host
- River Road Park & Recreation District (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- River Road Park & Recreation District, 1400 Lake Drive, Eugene, OR 97404
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 8:30 am
- Cost
- Donations accepted at the door
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
River Road Park & Recreation District hosts its community Breakfast with Santa on Saturday morning, December 12, starting at 8:30 am. The district describes it as a chance for the neighborhood to come together and celebrate, with a visit from Santa, holiday music and plenty of festive decorations.
Everyone is welcome, from little ones to grandparents, and the breakfast is open to all community members. Rather than a set ticket price, donations are accepted at the door to help cover the cost of food. It is a low key, local option for families in north Eugene and the River Road and Santa Clara neighborhoods who want a holiday meal and a Santa visit without a big price tag. The district's office is at 1400 Lake Drive, and you can call (541) 688-4052 with questions.
Parent tip: Bring a donation for the food. Call the district at (541) 688-4052 if you have questions about timing.
See dates and details from River Road Park & Recreation District (opens in a new tab)Springfield: Winter Solstice Celebration
Holiday story timeWillamalane Park and Recreation District · Springfield
- Host
- Willamalane Park and Recreation District (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Dorris Ranch, 205 Dorris Street, Springfield, OR 97477 (near Eugene)
- When
- Sunday, December 20, 2026, 4:30 to 7 pm
- Cost
- $8 ages 17 and under, $12 ages 18 and up
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Willamalane marks the longest night of the year with a one-hour Winter Solstice Celebration at historic Dorris Ranch in Springfield. Families gather around a campfire for storytelling, make crafts, enjoy sweet treats and warm drinks, and finish with a luminary walk through the Dorris Ranch orchards.
There are two sessions on Sunday, December 20, one from 4:30 to 5:30 pm and another from 6 to 7 pm, so you can pick the time that suits your kids' bedtime. Tickets are $8 for ages 17 and under and $12 for ages 18 and up, and they went on sale October 1, so buy ahead. Much of the evening happens outdoors in the orchard after dark, so dress everyone warmly and bring a flashlight if you like.
Parent tip: Tickets are sold in advance by session; the earlier 4:30 pm slot works well for younger children.
See dates and details from Willamalane Park and Recreation District (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Salem
1 confirmed event for kids in Salem, soonest first.
Salem: Magic at the Mill
Holiday lightsWillamette Heritage Center · Salem
- Host
- Willamette Heritage Center (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St SE, Salem, OR 97301
- When
- Fri November 27, Sat November 28, Sun November 29 and Mon November 30, 2026, 5:30 to 8 pm
- Cost
- $17 adults, $14 seniors, $12 youth 4 to 17; free for members, kids 3 and under and veterans; $7 Museums for All
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Magic at the Mill transforms the historic grounds of the Willamette Heritage Center in Salem into a glowing winter scene with thousands of sparkling lights. Families can stroll the grounds after dark, take photos with Santa and browse a Holiday Night Market where local vendors sell gifts and seasonal treats.
The festival runs for just four evenings, November 27 through 30, from 5:30 to 8 pm, so it is a good way to start the season over Thanksgiving weekend. Tickets are $17 for adults, $14 for seniors and $12 for youth ages 4 to 17 or students with ID. Children 3 and under, veterans and center members get in free, and Museums for All participants pay $7. Tickets are sold online through the event page. Much of the walk is outdoors in the evening, so bundle up.
Parent tip: Buy tickets through the link on the event page; kids 3 and under are free. Dress warmly for an evening walk outdoors.
See dates and details from Willamette Heritage Center (opens in a new tab)Near a state line? Our guides to Christmas events for kids in Washington, Christmas events for kids in Idaho and Christmas events for kids in California list more confirmed events, and the national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonOregon Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Oregon in 2026?
We confirmed 15 Christmas events for kids in Oregon for 2026 on each host’s own page: ZooLights in Portland (November 16), 42nd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Portland (November 27), Christmas Festival of Lights in Portland (November 27), Magic at the Mill in Salem (November 27), Holiday in the Grove in Forest Grove (December 5), Winter Family Crafts in Portland (December 5), Santa Cares in Portland (December 6), Tree Lighting Ceremony in Happy Valley (December 6), Breakfast with Santa in Eugene (December 12), Build Your Own Gingerbread House in Beaverton (December 14), Gingerbread Houses | Casitas de Jengibre in Cornelius (December 18), Winter Solstice Celebration in Springfield (December 20), Kids Holiday Dance Party in Beaverton (December 21), Holiday Storytime in Beaverton (December 23) and Black Family Storytime: Winter Joy for the Soul in Gresham (December 30). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Portland, Oregon?
For families in and around Portland, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: ZooLights (Nightly Nov 20 to Dec 31 from 4:30 pm (closed Nov 24 to 26 and Dec 25), adults $13 to $35, youth $13 to $30, varies by night); 42nd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony (Fri, Nov 27, 5:30 to 6:45 pm, see the host for cost); Christmas Festival of Lights (Nightly, Nov 27 to Dec 30, 5 to 9:30 pm (closed Dec 25), youth (3 to 11) $6.95 to $9.95; general $15.95 to $19.95; 2 and under free); Holiday in the Grove (in Forest Grove, Sat, Dec 5, 10 am to 12:30 pm, free); Winter Family Crafts (Sat, Dec 5, 10:30 am to noon, free); Santa Cares (Sun, Dec 6, 10 to 11 am, free visit; photo packages optional); Tree Lighting Ceremony (in Happy Valley, Sun, Dec 6, 4 to 6 pm, free); Build Your Own Gingerbread House (in Beaverton, Mon, Dec 14, 3:30 to 4:30 pm, free, registration required); Gingerbread Houses | Casitas de Jengibre (in Cornelius, Fri, Dec 18, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, free, while supplies last); Kids Holiday Dance Party (in Beaverton, Mon, Dec 21, 11 to 11:45 am, free); Holiday Storytime (in Beaverton, Wed, Dec 23, 10:15 to 10:45 am, free); Black Family Storytime: Winter Joy for the Soul (in Gresham, Wed, Dec 30, 5:30 to 6:15 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Portland section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Eugene, Oregon?
For families in and around Eugene, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Breakfast with Santa (Sat, Dec 12, from 8:30 am, donations accepted at the door); Winter Solstice Celebration (in Springfield, Sun, Dec 20, 4:30 to 5:30 pm or 6 to 7 pm, $8 ages 17 and under, $12 ages 18 and up). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Eugene section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Salem, Oregon?
For families in and around Salem, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Magic at the Mill (Nov 27 to 30, 5:30 to 8 pm nightly, $17 adults, $14 seniors, $12 youth 4 to 17; free for members, kids 3 and under and veterans; $7 museums for all). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Salem section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Oregon?
Yes. 9 of the 15 events here are free: Holiday in the Grove in Forest Grove, Winter Family Crafts in Portland, Santa Cares in Portland, Tree Lighting Ceremony in Happy Valley, Build Your Own Gingerbread House in Beaverton, Gingerbread Houses | Casitas de Jengibre in Cornelius, Kids Holiday Dance Party in Beaverton, Holiday Storytime in Beaverton and Black Family Storytime: Winter Joy for the Soul in Gresham. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Oregon this December?
Santa appears at 42nd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Portland (November 27), Magic at the Mill in Salem (November 27), Santa Cares in Portland (December 6), Tree Lighting Ceremony in Happy Valley (December 6) and Breakfast with Santa in Eugene (December 12). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Oregon?
Holiday story times on this page: Winter Solstice Celebration in Springfield, Holiday Storytime in Beaverton and Black Family Storytime: Winter Joy for the Soul in Gresham. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Where can we have breakfast or a meal with Santa in Oregon?
Meals with Santa confirmed for 2026: Breakfast with Santa in Eugene (Sat, Dec 12, from 8:30 am). These usually sell out, so book as soon as you pick a date.
Which Oregon Christmas events are best for toddlers?
These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Kids Holiday Dance Party in Beaverton (Ages 1 to 6 with family), Holiday Storytime in Beaverton (Ages 1 to 6 with family) and Black Family Storytime: Winter Joy for the Soul in Gresham (Birth to age 6 with adults).
Are there kids' Christmas events in Oregon on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: ZooLights in Portland (through December 31), Christmas Festival of Lights in Portland (through December 30) and Black Family Storytime: Winter Joy for the Soul in Gresham (through December 30).
How much is ZooLights in Portland?
Adults $13 to $35, youth $13 to $30, varies by night. ZooLights is on Mon November 16, Fri November 20, Fri November 27 and Sat December 26, 2026, 4:30 pm at Oregon Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
When is 42nd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Portland in 2026?
Friday, November 27, 2026, 5:30 to 6:45 pm, at Pioneer Courthouse Square. The host has not posted a price on its page, so check there before you go.
How much is Christmas Festival of Lights in Portland?
Youth (3 to 11) $6.95 to $9.95; general $15.95 to $19.95; 2 and under free. Christmas Festival of Lights is on Friday, November 27, 2026 to Wednesday, December 30, 2026 (nightly; closed Christmas Day), 5 to 9:30 pm at The Grotto. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Magic at the Mill in Salem?
$17 adults, $14 seniors, $12 youth 4 to 17; free for members, kids 3 and under and veterans; $7 Museums for All. Magic at the Mill is on Fri November 27, Sat November 28, Sun November 29 and Mon November 30, 2026, 5:30 to 8 pm at Willamette Heritage Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday in the Grove in Forest Grove?
Free. Holiday in the Grove is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 am to 12:30 pm at Forest Grove City Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Family Crafts in Portland?
Free. Winter Family Crafts is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10:30 am to noon at Kenton Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Santa Cares in Portland?
Free visit; photo packages optional. Santa Cares is on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 10 to 11 am at Washington Square, Summit Court. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Tree Lighting Ceremony in Happy Valley?
Free. Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 4 to 6 pm at Happy Valley City Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Breakfast with Santa in Eugene?
Donations accepted at the door. Breakfast with Santa is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 8:30 am at River Road Park & Recreation District. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Build Your Own Gingerbread House in Beaverton?
Free, registration required. Build Your Own Gingerbread House is on Monday, December 14, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm at Beaverton City Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Gingerbread Houses | Casitas de Jengibre in Cornelius?
Free, while supplies last. Gingerbread Houses | Casitas de Jengibre is on Friday, December 18, 2026, 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Cornelius Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Solstice Celebration in Springfield?
$8 ages 17 and under, $12 ages 18 and up. Winter Solstice Celebration is on Sunday, December 20, 2026, 4:30 to 7 pm at Dorris Ranch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Kids Holiday Dance Party in Beaverton?
Free. Kids Holiday Dance Party is on Monday, December 21, 2026, 11 to 11:45 am at Beaverton City Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Storytime in Beaverton?
Free. Holiday Storytime is on Wednesday, December 23, 2026, 10:15 to 10:45 am at Beaverton City Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Black Family Storytime: Winter Joy for the Soul in Gresham?
Free. Black Family Storytime: Winter Joy for the Soul is on Wednesday, December 30, 2026, 5:30 to 6:15 pm at East County Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Oregon?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Oregon Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
