In Portland, the glow of the holiday season shouldn’t belong to just one story. Our city is home to families whose celebrations span continents and traditions—from Kwanzaa and Hanukkah to Diwali, Christmas, and the Winter Solstice. Recognizing these holidays isn’t just about inclusivity; it’s about honoring the people who make Portland what it is.
Multicultural families are one of our region’s greatest strengths. When children see their traditions reflected in public spaces—at Pioneer Courthouse Square’s menorah lighting, the Kwanzaa celebration in North Portland, or Diwali Oregon’s festival of lights—they learn that they belong. They see that their stories matter as much as anyone else’s.
Celebrating multicultural holidays also deepens our connection to one another. It invites us to share rituals of light, generosity, and renewal. Across cultures, the holidays remind us that this season is meant to bring people together—not divide us into “us” and “them.”
Below is a full list of kid-friendly activities around Thanksgiving and the upcoming holiday season in the Portland area, including links, age recommendations, cost/registration notes, and helpful tips.
Portland Metro Arts – Thanksgiving Break Camp
Dates: November 24–26, 2025
Ages: 4–12
What: A three-day arts camp featuring dance, music, theater, and visual arts with a seasonal theme.
Cost/Registration: Pre-registration required.
Why it’s great for kids: Creative, indoor, structured, and fun—perfect for a mid-week break.
Tip: Bring a sack lunch, snacks, water, and arrive by 8:30 a.m. if early drop-off is available.
Link: https://pdxmetroarts.org/event/thanksgiving-break-camp/
Experiment PDX – Thanksgiving Week STEAM Camp
Dates: Before Thanksgiving (e.g., Nov. 20–22), grades K–5
Ages: 5–11
What: Hands-on science, LEGO robotics, interactive exhibits, and craft labs.
Cost/Registration: Limited spots—registration required.
Why it’s great: A STEM-focused, indoor option for unpredictable November weather.
Tip: Plan around early-week holiday commitments.
Link: https://www.experimentpdx.com/event-details/thanksgiving-week-steam-camp-experiment-pdx
DiG PDX – Indoor Play Session
When: Multiple sessions during Thanksgiving week
Ages: 0–12
What: Indoor play space with sandboxes and themed play areas (1.5-hour sessions).
Cost: About $16 per child + fees
Why it’s great: Easy indoor choice, especially for younger kids.
Tip: Fill out the waiver ahead of time; adult supervision required; outside food allowed in designated spaces.
Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DCcYVJrBjws/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Give n’ Gobble 5K/10K (Sherwood)
Date: Thanksgiving morning
Ages: All ages
What: Family-friendly run/walk paired with a food-drive donation.
Cost/Registration: Register ahead; bring non-perishable food if possible.
Why it’s great: Combines exercise with giving back.
Tip: Longer distances may be tough for little ones—consider strollers or walking part of the course.
Link: https://givengobble.com
Turkey Trot at the Oregon Zoo
Date: Thanksgiving morning (around 8 a.m.)
Ages: Tot Trot, Gobble Gallop, and all-ages run/walk
What: A fun run through zoo pathways and Washington Park.
Cost/Registration: Register ahead.
Why it’s great: Animals + movement + fresh air = holiday win.
Tip: Dress warmly; parking in Washington Park can be difficult.
Link: https://orrc.net/events/event-list/turkey-trot/
Un-Thanksgiving at NAYA – Volunteer Garden Day
Date: November 28 (example year), 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Ages: Family-friendly with adult supervision
What: Garden work event at the Native American Youth and Family Center focused on service and cultural awareness.
Cost: Free; registration required.
Why it’s great: Hands-on service that teaches gratitude and community.
Tip: Register early; dress for outdoor work.
Link: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1287334970104495&id=100064840115271
The Wiggle Room – Fall Crafts & Open Play
When: Throughout November (example: Nov. 28, 10 a.m.)
Ages: Toddlers and preschoolers
What: Open play with seasonal crafts included in admission.
Cost: Standard open-play fee.
Why it’s great: Low-stress option for young kids during a busy holiday week.
Tip: Arrive early; craft options differ daily.
Link: https://www.thewiggleroom.com/events/fall-crafts-at-the-wiggle-room
Peacock Lane – Holiday Lights
What: A beloved residential block famous for elaborate holiday lights and decorations.
Why kids love it: Walking or slow-driving through glowing displays is pure magic.
When & Tips: Lights typically begin in December; check the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association for exact dates. Dress warmly and visit early or off-peak.
Bonus: Free and great for photos.
Link: https://www.peacocklane.org
Christmas Ships Parade on the Willamette River
What: A Portland tradition featuring festively lit boats sailing along the river.
Why kids love it: Boats, lights, reflections—always exciting for all ages.
When & Tips: Multiple nights during the holiday season; arrive early for a viewing spot. Bring warm layers—it’s windy by the water.
Bonus: Pair with a warm drink or a nearby park stop.
Link: https://www.christmasships.org
Pioneer Courthouse Square – Annual Tree Lighting
When: The day after Thanksgiving
What: Downtown tree lighting with music and a festive crowd.
Good for kids: Bright lights, holiday atmosphere, and great photo ops.
Tip: Arrive early and dress warmly.
Link: https://www.travelportland.com/event/68e6be3fe5034f339f620dd3/
Holiday Express Train Ride – Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation
What: Vintage steam train decorated for the holidays, featuring Santa and elves.
When: Late November through early January
Good for kids: Trains + holiday magic.
Tip: Book early; vintage cars can be chilly.
Link: https://orhf.org/train-rides/holiday-express/
Bethany Village Tree Lighting & Holiday Market
When: December 2, 4–8 p.m.
What: Tree lighting, Santa’s arrival, vendor market, and performances.
Good for kids: Manageable size and lots of festive fun.
Link: https://www.bethanyvillage.com/tree-lighting/
Providence Holiday Market (Portland Holiday Market)
When: November 14–16, 2025 (Expo Center)
What: Local vendors, toys, décor, food, and Santa photos.
Good for kids: Shopping, treats, and meeting Santa.
Tip: Go early in the day with younger children.
Link: https://www.portlandholidaymarket.com
ScanFair 2025
When: December 13–14
What: Nordic holiday market with handcrafted gifts, Scandinavian food, dancing, and family activities.
Link: https://www.nordicnorthwest.org/scanfair
Portland Holiday Market 2025 (Expo Center)
Holiday shopping and crafting event supporting local makers and family fun.
Link: https://www.portlandholidaymarket.com/
Winter Wonderland Portland 2025
When: November 28–December 31
What: Large-scale drive-through light show at Portland International Raceway.
Link: https://portland.kidsoutandabout.com/content/winter-wonderland-portland-2025
Downtown for the Holidays – Portland
When: November–December
What: A collection of downtown festivities including carolers, pop-ups, and tree lighting events.
Link: https://downtownportland.org/downtown-for-the-holidays/
Community Kwanzaa Celebration 2025
When: December 27, Tualatin Athletic Center
What: Candle lighting, drumming, spoken word, vendors, and community celebration of African-American heritage.
Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ8ND0nkQdd/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Portland’s Public Menorah at the Square
When: December 14–21, 2025
What: Community menorah lighting hosted by Chabad of Oregon, with music, traditional foods, and family festivities.
Link: https://www.thesquarepdx.org/event/portlands-public-menorah-at-the-square/
This holiday season, Portland welcomes families of every background, enriching our city’s tapestry of cultures and traditions. At a time when division often dominates the headlines, we have the chance to model something different—to make room for each family’s way of celebrating. Supporting multicultural holidays isn’t just good for community spirit; it strengthens local artists, businesses, and organizations that bring these celebrations to life. So bundle up, spread some cheer, and celebrate Portland’s true diversity—not as a box to check, but as a joyful expression of who we are together as one big PDX family.
Crystal Bauer Feldman is a Portland writer and community advocate focused on culture, inclusion, and family life.