Are you ready? Because Christmas is HERE and there’s not a ton of time left to finish off your to-do lists. If you are ready and “kicking back” is on your list, we’ve included plenty of fun events to fill that time before Christmas gets here. Take in a colorful Lion Dance at the Lan Su Garden or have a holiday-inspired beer in McMinnville. There are also plenty of music offerings this week.
If you need more holiday event ideas, check out these links to our seasonal events guide:
Reindeer in Rockwood
Santa’s main form of transportation takes a pitstop in Rockwood Friday to meet their fans and maybe get some treats for themselves. Meet Santa’s reindeer and let him know what’s on your wish list this year.
4-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, Rockwood Market Hall, 458 S.E. 185th Ave.; free; greshamoregon.gov/events/2025.
Dongzhi: A Nighttime Chinese Holiday Party
The Lan Su Chinese Garden turns into an immersive holiday experience this weekend with an illuminated and interactive lion dance, live musical performances, dumpling making demonstrations, and samples. This is a ticketed event.
5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 19-20, at the garden, 239 N.W. Everett St.; admission $23; lansugarden.org/dongzhi.
Peacock Lane car-free nights this weekend
Last to jump into the holiday season, but certainly not the least, is the annual Portland Christmas Street – Peacock Lane. This iconic classic been one of Portland’s “must-do” Christmas traditions for more than 100 years. Car-free nights (walkers only) are Friday and Saturday, Dec. 19-20.
6-11 p.m. nightly through Dec. 31, along Southeast Peacock Lane north of Belmont Street; free; peacocklane.org
Fort Vancouver–Inspired “Nutcracker”
It’s tutus and Tchaikovsky this weekend as Columbia Dance offers its uniquely Pacific Northwest take on the holiday classic “Nutcracker.” Expect fur trappers and and dancing Wapato plants, as well as covered wagons hauling pioneer children to celebrate the holidays at Fort Vancouver, circa 1840. It’s a magical blend of holidays and history. Sensory-friendly performance Friday.
6 p.m. Friday, 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 19-21 Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 N.W. 139th St., Vancouver; tickets $22-$27; columbiadance.org.
McMinnville Wonderland Brew Fest
Head to McMinnville’s Bitter Monk craft beer tap room for a celebration of more than 20 local and international seasonal beers. Sit down and unwind your holiday stress with live music and local artisan pretzels, chocolates and cheese. This is a 21 and older event.
4-9 p.m. Friday, noon-9 Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19-21, Bitter Monk, 230 N.E. Third St., McMinnville; tickets include five tasting tokens and a mug $34; wonderlandbrewfest.com.
Starkwood Holiday Lights
The Starkwood HOA has brightened east Portland holidays for 65 years when it lights up neighborhood homes “to spread warmth and cheer during this special time of year.” Whether you drive through (with lights dimmed) or take a leisurely stroll with a warm drink in hand, it’s an eastside gem worth experiencing. This weekend is the Sunshine Division food drive where donations will go toward helping those with food insecurities in your neighborhoods. If you visit on Sunday, Dec. 21, plan to walk through as the VW Holiday Lighted Parade is happening beginning at 5:30 p.m.
5-11 p.m. nightly through Dec. 31, enter at Stark Street and Southeast 111th Avenue; free; starkwood.org.
Winter Native Arts Market
Shop the handmade works of 17 Native artists and makers in this showcase of jewelry, textiles, carvings, prints, and more. Each purchase supports Indigenous artists and their cultural traditions. Award-winning Native American flute player Sherrie Davis performs.
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec, 20, Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver; free admission; cchmuseum.org/calendar/winter-native-art-market.
“Cool Yule & Hot Jazz”
Head to the Multnomah Arts Center for an afternoon of holiday music featuring the Westside Singers and the Vancouver Community Jazz Combo. It’s Christmas music with more swing! Expect classic carols and toe-tapping rhythms.
2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, Multnomah Arts Center, 7688 S.W. Capitol Highway; tickets $20; westsidesingers.org
In Mulieribus “In the Stillness”
The Portland’s women’s ensemble performs a quiet reprieve from the holiday hustle on the eve of the winter solstice. Expect peaceful, contemplative music including traditional songs and ancient carols from across the world.
8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, St. Mary’s Cathedral, 1716 N.W. Davis St.; tickets start at $26.50; inmulieribus.org/2025-26-season.
10th Annual Stumptown Soul Holiday Spectacular
Celebrate 10 years of this annual holiday event featuring all-star Portland musicians (including Arietta Ward, Norman Sylvester, LaRhonda Steele, Steve Kerin, and others) offering the magic of the season. Expect anything from soulful renditions of classics to heartfelt acoustic and original songs.
3 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 N.E. Alberta St.; tickets $37; albertarosetheatre.com/event/stumptown-soul.
“Voices of Winter”
This concert will feature the new professional Northwest Vocal Arts Olympia Chamber Choir and Evergreen Youth Choir performing works by a variety of composers, from English composer Benjamin Britten, to award-winning R&B singer-songwriter India Aire, to the incomparable Dolly Parton.
2 p.m. Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20-21, Rose City Park United Methodist Church, 5830 N.E. Alameda St.; tickets $39; eventbrite.com/e/voices-of-winter.
Posada Milagro
Celebrate Latin Christmas traditions at this annual retelling of the birth of the Christ child. The event is free, but you must obtain tickets to reserve your place (day of the event only). Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis starting an hour before showtime. All ages are welcome and treats include live music, piñatas, and tamales for sale.
2 and 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, Milagro, 537 S.E. Stark St.; free; milagro.org.
“The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show”
Portland’s own Jinkx Monsoon, made famous by “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” is returning to the Rose City for another edition. If you need to brighten up your holiday, this is the show. The duo promises twists and turns, over-the-top camp spectacle, side-splitting gags, brand new songs, heartfelt storytelling, jazzy dance numbers, and iconic costumes.
7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 S.W. Broadway; tickets start at $54; portland5.com/arlene-schnitzer.
– If you have events you’d like to see highlighted at OregonLive.com or in the weekly printed A&E section of The Oregonian, please email submissions to [email protected] at least three weeks prior to the start of your event. Digital images or links to videos are helpful.