What to Do in Portland on New Year’s Day

Photo by Kevin Bidwell from Pexels

Stay busy on New Year’s Day with these weekend activities.

Welcome to 2026, everyone! January 1 is full for free and cheap activities to get you moving and exploring our wonderful city this year. Whether you like to be indoors or outdoors during the holiday, there is something for you to do.

What to Do in Portland on New Year’s Day

First Day Hikes at Oregon and Washington State Parks

State parks in Oregon and Washington are encouraging people to get outside on January 1. Some parks are hosting guided first day hikes, and all Washington park entrance fees are waived. 

Also, Tryon Creek Natural Area is hosts guided hikes throughout the day. You can get free parking at Portland metro parks.

Go Roller Skating at Oaks Park

The Oaks Park Roller Rink offers year-round fun for Portlanders with skating available seven days a week. This is such a fun, nostalgic activity for your friend group or whole family to enjoy. The roller rink at Oaks Park has open skate from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9:30 p.m. on New Year’s Day. 

Oaks Park is at 7805 SE Oaks Park Way in Portland. 

Visit OMSI

Portland’s science museum is open on Thursday, January 1 starting at 9:30 a.m. See a movie, view the latest exhibit or check out the planetarium. 

Go to the (Cheap) Movies

Want to see a movie without paying $13+ per person? Check out these 8 movie theaters that sell $7 tickets.

Play Mini Golf at Glowing Greens

Go underground downtown for glow in the dark putt putt golf. Glowing Greens is open from 12-7 p.m. on New Year’s Day. 

Peruse Powell’s Books

That’s right. Portland’s beloved bookstore is open for your perusing pleasure. The Burnside, Cedar Hills Crossing and Hawthorne locations are open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on New Year’s Day.

Ride the Free Shuttle at Washington Park

Access all the awesome attractions at Washington Park is on the free shuttle. The shuttle runs on a continuous loop throughout the park, arriving at designated stops every 15 minutes. During the winter, the shuttle runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. See a list of all the stops and attractions.

Get Cheap Admission to Oregon ZooLights

If you aren’t ready for the holiday magic to end, visit Oregon ZooLights on New Year’s Day and pay only $13 per person. Value Night pricing is available January 1-2 and 4. 

For a free light display, take a drive out to Sandy’s holiday lights in Meinig Park. Lights are on through January 5. 

Get Doughnuts at Pip’s

Get your doughnut fix at Pip’s Original Doughnuts and Chai on New Year’s Day. The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

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 15 viewing locations along the coastline.

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