The Pacific Northwest is a great place to be during the magical months of winter. As the rainy season turns to snow, Portlanders have a variety of activities they can enjoy in the backyard of America’s Rip City.
Catch a Free Event at Pioneer Courthouse Square
Portlanders refer to Pioneer Courthouse Square as the “living room” of Portland. Any time of day, and many times at night, you can catch people hanging out on the open spaces long lines of stairs and seating. During the winter, the square is buzzing with holiday activities that are 100% free to the Portland public. In true Portland style, these are extraordinary events you simply cannot miss. Catch the Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition, because you may never catch competitive caroling again. When you think Christmas music, you might not think Tuba- which is exactly why Portland does. 2017 will mark the 27th Annual Tuba Christmas Concert.
Tour the Many Pop-up Shops Popping Up Around Town or Find a Craft Fair
Portland is known for it’s local culture of artisans, craft makers, and creatives. Staying true to local culture is part of what makes Portland unique. For your Holiday shopping needs, drop into one of Portland’s many seasonal pop-up shops with crafts and goods that may only come once a year. You might run into a street fair full of more local artists and gift-makers. Because it’s Portland, you can be sure to find things you need, things you don’t need, and things you didn’t know you needed, but are glad to have found.
Theater and Art
Downtown and all over Portland, there is art, theater, music, festivities, and culture of every kind happening every day. Portland goes above and beyond your average yearly production of The Nutcracker. Find local music gigs, visiting artists, and events at art galleries- many of which might be free.
Road trip to the Coast to Catch Some Whales
One of the most unique things you can do as a permanent or temporary Portland resident during the winter is take a roadtrip to the beautiful Oregon coast and do some whale watching. Mid-December through Mid-January is one of two peak-season times of year to catch a Gray Whale migration. 20,000 whales have been known to swim their way down to the Pacific Mexico coast from Alaska during this time of year. Try Ecola State Park, Cape Meares Lighthouse, Depoe Bay Whale Watching center, or the Neahkahnie Mountain Viewpoint.
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