2024 Winter Solstice Celebrations in Portland

Photo by Janik Butz

Discover the magic of the Winter Solstice in Portland. Events are taking place throughout the city inviting you to feel the warmth of the season on the shortest day of the year.

This ancient celebration marks a turning point—where the long, dark nights begin to wane, and the promise of light and renewal grows stronger.

True to its quirky and community-focused spirit, Portland offers a variety of ways to honor the solstice. From festive gatherings to outdoor adventures to cozy cultural events, there is something for everyone.

Whether you’re seeking a moment of quiet reflection or a lively celebration, the City of Roses has something to warm your heart and soul.

Check out these Winter Solstice events in and around Portland:

2024 Winter Solstice Celebrations in and around Portland

Winter Solstice Celebration at Leach Botanical Garden

December 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bring your friends and family for fun activities centered around the changing of the season and welcoming the gradual return of light. At Leach Botanical Garden, enjoy scavenger hunts, complimentary tea and hot cider, crafts, storytime and more.

Tickets are $5. Preregistration is required.

The garden is located at 6704 SE 122nd Ave. in Portland. More details here.

Winter Solstice Deal at Salt & Straw

December 21 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Salt & Straw is celebrating the Winter Solstice with a special deal on ice cream scoops. Buy any single scoop and get a free second scoop at any scoop shop. 

To get this deal, you need to sign up with your email. More details here. 

Dongzhi: Winter Solstice Celebration at Lan Su Chinese Garden

December 20-21 from 5-7 p.m.

Lan Su Chinese Garden invites you to celebrate Dongzhi with a blend of tradition, delicious flavors and enchanting lights. Activities include tangyuan treats, tree decorating, AR displays and more.

Tickets are $16 for ages 18-61, $15 for ages 62 and over or students (18+ with I.D.), $13 for ages 6-17 and free for children 5 and under.

The garden is at 239 Northwest Everett St. in Portland. More details here. 

Shortest Day Walkway at Meinig Park

December 21 from 6-7:30 p.m.

Take a drive out to Sandy to participate in a special event at the Meinig Park holiday light display. Go on a scavenger hunt through the decorated park with stops at all of the City of Sandy’s department booths.

The holiday light display is free to visit. Meinig Park is at 17670 Meinig Avenue in Sandy. More details here. 

Solstice Lantern Walk at Happy Valley Library

December 21 from 3:30-5 p.m.

Head to Happy Valley Library for a special solstice celebration. Bring a clean, empty jar to create your own solstice lantern. Afterward, join fellow participants on a night-time lantern walk through Village Green Park.

This event is free to attend. The library is at 13793 SE Sieben Park Way in Happy Valley. More details here.

Winter Solstice and Christmas Ships Viewing at Milwaukie Bay Park

December 21 from 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Take in the view of the Christmas Ships as you enjoy a festive environment at Milwaukie Bay Park’s Winter Solstice celebration. Here’s what is in store:

• Warm up by the bonfire or cozy up to one of the small barrel fires.
• Food for purchase includes Zenner’s hot dogs, chili from Laughing Planet and hot chocolate and coffee from Great American Video & Espresso along with pie, cookies and chips. There’s also a beer garden brought to you by Beer Store Milwaukie.
• Bring your flip flops and towel! SaunaGlo is bringing its mobile, wood-fired sauna near the bonfire. Book a sauna session reservation in advance.
• Watch the Christmas Ships as they make their way past the park from Portland to Lake Oswego and back. 

This event is free to attend. Milwaukie Bay Park is t 11211 SE McLoughlin Blvd. in Milwaukie. More details here. 

The Buds of May Winter Solstice Celebration at White Eagle Saloon

December 21 at 8 p.m.

Put on your grooving smiles and feel the good vibes during the Winter Solstice celebration with the ever-so-Portland band, The Buds of May. The band plays a variety of classic hits from Bob Marley, Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones and The Grateful Dead.

Tickets are $10 online and $12 at the door. This is a 21+ event. 

McMenamins White Eagle Saloon is at 836 N Russell St. in Portland. More details here. 

Here are more events happening on December 21: