Free and Fun Holiday Events

The City of Roses transforms into the city of lights as Portland celebrates the Festival of Lights, now through Monday, Dec. 14. A Portland Hanukkah tradition, the lighting of a giant menorah in the center of downtown, continues at sundown each night in Director Park.

At nearby Pioneer Courthouse Square, music will be in the air throughout the month. The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition, presented by Portland Mall Management, Inc., will bring caroling groups of all ages to the heart of downtown. This free caroling competition will be held on Friday, December 11, from 5:30-7:30pm and prizes will be awarded to the top caroling groups and the winner will receive the grand prize of $1,000.

On Saturday, December 12, the downtown blocks will pulse with the melodic sounds of big brass as Pioneer Courthouse Square hosts more than 275 tubas performing festive songs of the season. Tuba Christmas is a unique 25-year Portland tradition that unites members of our musical community in seasonal celebration.

While you're down there, get inspiration for your inevitable ugly sweater party from Portland's iconic sculptures, which will be decked out in locally designed knitwear that would win any office contest. In the Pioneer District on Southwest Yamhill and Morrison streets (between Fifth and Sixth avenues), a team of local fiber artists are yarn bombing Animals in Pools, Allow Me (aka "Umbrella Man") and Kvinneakt. Come take selfies and tag with #uglysweaterpdx.

With your help, it won't just be the statues staying warm this holiday season. The Transition Projects warm clothing drive welcomes donations of new or gently used warm winter clothing. You can drop off donations at the following locations now through Thursday, December 24:

  • Boys Fort– 902 SW Morrison
  • Nordstrom– 701 SW Broadway
  • Pioneer Place– customer service kiosk, lower level near the Gap
  • PDX Pop-Up Shops 438 NW Broadway and 341 NW 5th Avenue
  • Travel Portland Visitor Information Center at Pioneer Courthouse Square

And if you're driving on Sundays, SmartPark is the best deal on parking you can find: it's free! On Dec 13 and 20, customers who park at a SmartPark garage can visit the customer service kiosk at Pioneer Place (lower level near the Gap) or Boys Fort (902 SW Morrison St.) or PDX Pop Up Shops (at 438 NW Broadway and 341 NW 5th Avenue) any time between noon and 5 p.m. to show their eligible Smart Park ticket for the day and receive one $5 parking voucher to cover their parking for the day.

For more information on downtown events and happenings this season, please visit www.downtownportland.org, Facebook: Downtown Portland, Twitter: InDowntownPDX; and Instagram: DowntownPDX. Join the conversation using hashtags #uglysweaterpdx and #pdxpopupshops. For more information on all of the free holiday programs at the Square, please visit www.thesquarepdx.org.

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