Christmas Day in Portland is one of my all-time favorite days of the year. The streets are quiet. There’s no traffic. It is almost like the whole city is put on pause. Take advantage of this rare sleepy Friday in Portland and check out one of these Christmas Day activities.
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Even this year there are safe, socially distant activities you can enjoy throughout the city. Find one and make some fun holiday memories with your loved ones.
What to Do in Portland on Christmas Day
Have drinks at McMenamins Kennedy School
Put on your best ugly sweater and cozy up by the fire with a tasty drink or snack on the patio at Kennedy School. The day will also include ugly sweater prizes, live music and a special stamp for passport holders.
Go on an urban hike
This is probably the best day to visit some of Portland’s best urban hikes. I recommend the Lower Macleay Park hike, which passes by the Witch’s Castle and ends at the Pittock Mansion.
Go to PIR’s Winter Wonderland
Portland International Raceway transforms into the largest light show in the Northwest. The light show will be open on Christmas Eve and Day. Tickets are selling out fast!
Drive by Christmas on the Campground
Take in the sights at Christmas on the Campground. The light display features life-size nativity, thousands of lights and the tallest decorated Christmas tree in Southeast Portland.
Take a tour of neighborhood holiday lights
The Nextdoor Cheer Map is your guide to home holiday light displays in your neighborhood and throughout the city. Crank the Christmas music, pack a thermos of cocoa and bundle up in the car for a drive around your neighborhood of choice.
Go whale watching
I know this isn’t technically in Portland, but it is whale watching season on the Oregon Coast! Take a spontaneous trip to one of 25 viewing locations along the coastline.
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