Winter in Portland

Winter is a time of year that conjures images of snow-capped mountains and people dressed in many layers of warm, puffy clothing. You may have heard that Portland winters are dreary and cold, but we’re here to let you know it isn’t all doom and gloom and rain. In fact, Portland’s winter weather is decidedly mild, and those who visit in the winter can relish the city’s hygge vibes.

Winter Activities in Portland

Parks and Hikes

Home to the Oregon Zoo, Hoyt Arboretum, the World Forestry Center, Portland International Rose Test Garden, and the Portland Japanese Garden, Washington Park is a sprawling hub of culture, parklands, monuments and gardens, offering stops with sights of both manicured and natural landscapes alike. The family-friendly Washington Park Loop Hike is a 3.9-mile (6.27-kilometer) stretch that weaves through many of the aforementioned attractions and offers an excellent route to enjoy the sights.

Meanwhile, the 12-acre (4.9-hectare) Portland Japanese Garden promises tranquility in all seasons. Quiet meandering is encouraged through stone walkways, idyllic streams and natural gardens. Warm up during your visit with stops in the art gallery, which features rotating exhibitions from renowned Japanese artists, and the Umami Café, the on-site Japanese tea house, which specializes in Tokyo-style hot tea pairings and steamy bowls of ochazuke, dashi-simmered rice doused with green tea.

Hardcore hikers may prefer to make the trek from Washington Park to the neighboring Forest Park on foot — numerous trails exist within this 5,100-acre (2064-hectare) expanse, one of the largest urban forest areas in the United States.

The Lower Macleay Trail offers two out-and-back options: a 2.2-mile (3.5-kilometer) hike passing a unique structure (known to weird-loving locals as the “Witch’s Castle”) to the Bird Alliance of Oregon Wildlife Sanctuary or an extended 4.5-mile (7.24-kilometer) stretch that leads hikers to the century-old Pittock Mansion with panoramic views of Portland and the distant Cascade Mountains. Winter visitors are treated to seasonal holiday light displays and indoor decor from mid-December through the New Year.

In Southeast Portland, Laurelhurst Park bustles year-round with a dog-friendly zone, duck pond and numerous free events. However, if you happen to visit Portland when snow hits, this is where crowds of Portlanders gather to zoom down hills on makeshift sleds, using boogie boards, cardboard and even milk crates!

Soaking

While we support year-round soaking and self-care, nothing beats mid-winter soak sesh — especially when cruising down the Willamette River in a stylish floating hot tub — aka a Yacht Tub. The outdoor courtyard soaking pool at McMenamins Kennedy School, the northeast Portland location of the celebrated quirky brewpub and boutique hotel chain, is an affordable, all-ages destination. Other outdoor communal hot tub experiences include the clothing-optional Everett House Healing Community and Common Ground Wellness Cooperative. For an elevated soaking experience, Knot Springs boasts several pools with different temperatures and a steam room alongside a ten-step recommended regimen. Meanwhile, Root Whole Body offers private soaking bathtubs filled with mineral-rich water and a CBD add-on.

Sports

Want to take a break from the holidays and experience a different kind of cheer? Put on your best fan gear, snag a seat from a score of athletic options, and chant your team to the top:

• Basketball: Watch the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center (October through April; see site for schedule)
• Roller Derby: Root for the Rose City Rollers at Oaks Amusement Park (February through June; see site for schedule)
• Soccer: Shout for the Portland Timbers at Providence Park (February through October; see site for schedule)
• Hockey: Cheer on the Portland Winterhawks at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum (October through March; see site for schedule)

Shop Local for Unique Gifts

Discover unique souvenirs or find the perfect holiday gift at local boutiques — all tax-free.

More Shopping

A Local’s Guide to Buying Portland Gifts

These local shops offer consistently cool made-in-Portland gifts and products, from fashionable apparel and accessories to leather goods and tempting treats.

Vintage Shopping in Portland

Browse costume jewelry, tailored suits and racks upon racks of dresses at Portland’s nearly 50 vintage shopping destinations.

Crafty Wonderland

Portland’s biannual art and craft fair boasts unique handmade wares from 225+ local vendors.

Family-Friendly Winter Activities in Portland

Ice Skating

While downtown Portland has been known to host an occasional pop-up ice skating rink for the holiday season, we boast several year-round ice skating rinks in Portland and nearby. Lloyd Center Ice Rink, located in the heart of Northeast Portland’s Lloyd Center Mall, is famously known as the training site of Olympian Tonya Harding. It’s open year-round but the Lloyd Center Ice Rink is merriest during the holidays when a giant Christmas tree stands at the center of the ice.

Nearby, two ice skating rinks offer daily public skating sessions and free admission for children five and younger with a paying adult. Beaverton boasts the Winterhawks Skating Center, the official practice facility of the Portland Winterhawks, while the Sherwood Ice Arena is located 30 minutes southwest of Portland.

Games Galore

Credit: Photo by Josh Chang/Mike Bennett

Did you pack light and leave your board games at home? Portland’s vast gaming scene has you covered — from board game bars and stores and escape rooms to immersive experiences and kid- and beer-centric arcades, there’s an opportunity for adventure in every corner of the city. Need more ways to stay cozy indoors? Check out our kids’ guide to Portland.

Story Times

To keep the little ones engaged and having fun indoors, visit Sunrise Books, which hosts story times for babies and toddlers, while Green Bean Books amends its weekly story times with special events like Read to a Therapy Dog and author visits. Beloved Foster-Powell toy store Hammer and Jacks opens their colorful community event space for weekly story times, music hours and more.

The Multnomah County Library system is the largest in Oregon and is second only to the New York Public Library in terms of annual circulation. It’s no wonder it offers an array of free story times with numerous focuses such as Spanish, Vietnamese, and Russian language books, Sensory Storytime (great for neurodivergent children), Native stories and more. 

Best Winter Food and Drinks in Portland

Warm yourself from the inside out at these local hot spots with some of Portland’s best winter treats.

Portland Soup Spots

Whether you’re craving ramen, Mexican pozole or classic chicken noodle, these local soup spots will warm you from the inside out.

Chai in Portland

This guide to Portland chai includes an abundance of house-brewed local brick-and-mortar options and those carrying Portland-made chai blends and concentrates.

Portland Ramen Restaurants

The Portland ramen scene has exploded in recent years, spurred by the arrival of two authentic eateries straight from Tokyo.

Tea: Portland’s Other Hot Brewing Scene

Tea drinkers can enjoy a favorite cuppa or sample exotic varietals in Portland's teahouses. Chai, bubble tea and classic green tea are just a few of the many teas brewed in and around Portland.

Portland Coffee

Portland's passion for fine ingredients and careful craft extends into coffee cups — our guide to the Portland coffee scene will help you find must-try independent roasters and cozy, locally owned coffee shops.

Beer

Portland is the craft beer capital and home to 70+ breweries. (No wonder we call it “Beervana!”)

Doughnut Shops in Portland

Find must-try Portland doughnuts all across the city, from zany creations to tried-and-true classics (think crullers and bear claws) to gluten-free options.

Craft Spirits

Powered by a collective of artisanal spirit makers, Portland's craft distilling era has come of age.

Wine

With wine country in its backyard, Portland overflows with wine bars and urban wineries, offering special varietals from around the world.

Cozy Fireplaces and Firepits in Portland

If you’re feeling chilly, there are all sorts of welcoming places to warm up and eat some s’mores indoors. Take off your coat and relax next to one of the coziest fireplaces and outdoor firepits in Portland.

• Fireside. This aptly named restaurant boasts not one but two large fireplaces. Cozy up to the circular firepit in the back dining room or a second fire in the bar area. As the flames dance, you can imagine you’re camping — the dessert menu even features “fireside s’mores” and “campfire espresso.”
• Hey Love is a jungle plant-filled bar with tropical-themed drinks and eats and a plethora of local DJs nightly. Sharing the first floor of the Jupiter NEXT hotel lobby, it boasts a sleek yet cozy mid-century fireplace where you can enjoy cocktails or coffees.
• Cartopia Food Cart Pod. Don’t let chilly weather stop you from experiencing Portland’s famous food cart scene. Cartopia, one of the city’s favorite pods, keeps patrons warm all year with the help of space heaters and numerous roaring fire pits. Fare includes poutine, crepes, wood-fired pizza and gourmet PB&Js, with myriad vegan options.

Winter Activities Near Portland

Discover evergreen forests, urban hikes and never-ending views in regions near Portland, just a short drive away. Renting a car? Be sure to research your preferred car rental company before booking to ensure your rental has snow chains as added equipment or that your rental is outfitted with all-weather tires.

Snowy Adventures on Mount Hood

Just 69.4 miles (111.7 kilometers) from downtown Portland, Mount Hood is right in the city’s backyard and makes for a heck of a winter playground. From alpine and cross-country skiing to snowshoeing, tubing and sledding, the mountain has something for every snow lover.

Credit: mthoodterritory.com via Flickr

Timberline Lodge

Timberline Lodge, the gorgeous historic ski lodge, built in 1936, offers sweeping views of the mountain and was originally constructed as a Works Progress Administration project. If it looks familiar, perhaps it’s because the hotel was used for exterior shots of the infamous Overlook Hotel in “The Shining.” We promise it isn’t spooky — in fact, it’s an ultra-cozy pit stop for hot cocoa or an overnight stay.

Winter Hikes on the Columbia River Gorge

In Oregon, hiking isn’t an occasional summer activity — it’s a way of life. On any given winter weekend, thousands of locals lace up their waterproof hiking boots, zip rain jackets over their down vests, and hit the trails. Multnomah Falls, one of the region’s most popular hikes, can be enjoyed with fewer crowds in winter.

Credit: D. Paul Angel via Flickr

Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast

Up to 20,000 gray whales migrate along Oregon’s coast every winter and spring — this handy guide to whale watching on the Oregon Coast covers prime spots to see migrating whales, top whale-watching charters, when to go and more. Locals love to visit the Oregon coast in the winter to catch sight of sky-high waves, crashing moody clouds and the occasional dusting of snow. Storm-watching at one of Oregon’s many beachfront resorts is an exciting and exhilarating off-season pastime.

Winter Gear and Rentals in Portland

Leave the bulky gear at home and stock up on winter weather wear at excellent prices, tax-free! Whether you want to add new pieces to your collection or rent winter gear for a snowy adventure, stop by these shops on your next visit to Portland.

• Buy new and consigned quality gear at Foster Outdoor.
• Snag winter sports rentals in Northwest Portland via Portland Ski Rentals.
• Shop the incredible bargain basement and sales floor at Next Adventure. Rentals are also available.

Winter Events in Portland

Several spectacular events return to Portland every winter season — and only in winter. Plan ahead to visit during the festivities.

Music

Concertgoers kick off the New Year every January with Portland Music Month, a rollicking month-long array of 100+ shows scattered across the city. Lean into the twangy tunes of yesteryear at the Portland Old Time Music Gathering. Here, bluegrass, honky-tonk, and American folk take center stage through multiple locations alongside a schedule chock full of jam sessions, square dancing and hands-on workshops spanning topics from blues banjo picking to calling.

The Biamp Portland Jazz Festival returns every February for two weeks with a stellar series of concerts and events celebrating Black History Month. Spread across several venues throughout the city, the series spotlights international talent and rising stars alike. February also features the Cascade Festival of African Films, a free month-long showcase of movies from the African continent.

The Winter Music Festival (formerly known as the Winter Blues Music Festival) features a mix of blues, R&B and funk bands every February or March. Aimed to support the community through canned food drives and as a fundraiser, the music feels good, sounds good and does good too. 

Holiday Events

Revel in the city’s holiday spirit with annual holiday events and activities.

More Holiday Events

Christmas Ships Parade

What started as a lone ribbon-clad sailboat from the Portland Yacht Club in the 1950s became a decades-long nautical Christmas tradition with dozens of boats lighting up the riverfront.

Lunar New Year Celebrations in Portland

Portland’s Asian communities celebrate the Lunar New Year with traditional dances, lantern ceremonies and stunning performances.

Portland Winter Light Festival

Brighten your February with glowing sculptures and thousands of twinkling lights at Portland’s annual Winter Lights Festival.

Visual and Performing Arts

Dazzling displays of light installations around the city brighten the Portland winter skyline for several weekends every February. The beloved Portland Winter Light Festival lights up sidewalks with glowing sculptures and thousands of Technicolor bulbs installed at multiple locations around the city.

Every winter brings another production of The Nutcracker ballet performed by the Oregon Ballet Theatre. Although spectacular shows run all year long, this cheery tradition isn’t to be missed.

The annual Northwest Black Comedy Festival at Curious Comedy Theater has been spotlighting some of the funniest Black comics, famous in Portland and internationally, over stand-up, storytelling showcases, live podcast recordings and more since 2016.

Founded in 1997, Portland’s legendary dance event, Portland ValenTango, is the largest and longest-running tango festival in North America. It is filled with thrilling milongas, live orchestras, DJ music, and world-class instruction from some of tango’s best professional dancers.

Events By Month

Every month of winter in Portland offers its own unique array of events and experiences.

See More Events

December Events

Favorite December events in Portland include annual traditions like tree decorating and lighting displays, holiday shopping and cheering on your favorite teams.

January Events

From folk music to dog shows, Portland kicks off the year with an eclectic assortment of events.

February Events

February in Portland is the perfect month to explore live music, dancing, cultural festivals and more.