Some of my favorite family outings have started with a simple question: What do we want to learn about together? A festival or community event can introduce children to new foods, music, and traditions in a way that feels natural and inviting.
ScanFair, a Nordic holiday market returning to Portland this December, offers that kind of opportunity. Families can browse handmade goods, try Scandinavian food, listen to music, and take part in activities inspired by Nordic culture.
The 2026 event takes place December 12 and 13 at the Oregon Convention Center. Saturday’s hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday’s hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
An Introduction to Nordic Traditions
ScanFair brings together food, crafts, entertainment, and community organizations with ties to Scandinavia and the wider Nordic region. For children who haven’t encountered those traditions before, the event offers a chance to see and hear something new without needing much preparation.
You might notice a handmade decoration and talk about how it was made. Or you might listen to a piece of music and ask your children what instruments they hear. Those small conversations can be just as meaningful as any item you bring home.
If your family has Nordic roots, the event may also be a way to share a tradition with the next generation. Children often enjoy hearing how a grandparent or another relative celebrated when they were young.
Let Your Children Help Plan the Visit
With two daughters, I’ve learned that a successful family outing often begins before we leave home. Giving children a sense of what to expect helps them feel involved, and it also gives parents a better idea of how much time to set aside.
Take a look at the ScanFair event page together before you go. Ask each child to choose something they’d like to see, whether that’s a craft, a performance, or a food they’d be willing to try.
You don’t need to build a detailed schedule around every moment. A few shared priorities can help you enjoy the visit without feeling that you need to see everything.
Make Room for a New Food
Food is often an approachable way for children to learn about another culture. ScanFair includes Scandinavian food and drink vendors, giving families a chance to look at unfamiliar dishes and ask questions about them.
If your children are hesitant, consider choosing one item to share. A small taste can be less intimidating than ordering an entire serving, and everyone gets the chance to decide what they think.
It’s also fine to bring your usual expectations for meals and snacks. A child who isn’t hungry or is tired from walking may be less interested in trying something new, so plan your visit around the rhythm that works for your family.
Give Kids Time to Look at the Handmade Goods
The market features handcrafted gifts and other Nordic items. For children, looking through the booths can be a chance to notice the work that goes into objects they might otherwise pass by.
You could ask your child to find something made from wood, fabric, or another material they recognize. Older children may enjoy thinking about who would appreciate a particular gift and why it suits that person.
If you plan to shop, decide on a budget before you arrive. Letting children know whether they’re looking for a gift or simply enjoying the displays can make the experience easier for everyone.
Plan Your Visit
ScanFair takes place in Halls A and A1 at the Oregon Convention Center, located at 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Portland. Families can choose between Saturday, December 12, and Sunday, December 13, with different closing times each day.
Check ticket information before your visit. Early-bird pricing is scheduled to end November 30, and it’s a good idea to review current prices and event details before making your plans.
Consider how long your children are comfortable spending in a busy indoor space, and leave room for a break when they need one. Families with younger children may prefer to arrive with one or two activities in mind and leave while everyone is still enjoying themselves.
The holiday season offers many ways to spend time together, and not every outing needs to become a new tradition. ScanFair gives families an opportunity to explore a different set of traditions, meet local community members, and take home a few ideas and memories of their own.
