Things to Do in Portland in December

December Weather in Portland

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Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Holiday Markets and Festivities - Portland's famous holiday markets run throughout December, with Pioneer Courthouse Square Holiday Market and multiple neighborhood markets offering local crafts, food, and the city's festive atmosphere at its peak
Indoor Cultural Scene - December is prime time for Portland's renowned theater, music venues, and museums. Powell's Books hosts special events, music venues have holiday shows, and it's cozy season for the city's coffee culture
Winter Storm Watching - December brings dramatic Pacific storms perfect for viewing from the Oregon Coast (1.5 hours west). Cannon Beach and Lincoln City offer spectacular winter wave watching with fewer crowds
Lowest Hotel Rates - December (excluding Christmas week) offers some of the year's best accommodation deals as business travel drops and tourist season hasn't peaked yet

Considerations

Persistent Rain and Gloom - Expect rain on 60% of December days, often as steady drizzle lasting hours. Only 4-5 hours of weak daylight, and the sun might not appear for weeks at a time
Limited Outdoor Activities - Hiking trails above 300m (1,000 ft) often have snow or ice. Many outdoor attractions operate reduced hours or close completely
Seasonal Depression Reality - The combination of 85% humidity, constant overcast skies, and minimal daylight genuinely affects mood. Locals call it 'The Gray Season' for good reason

Best Activities in December

Holiday Market and Downtown Walking Tours

December is the only month to experience Portland's full holiday market scene. Pioneer Courthouse Square transforms into a European-style Christmas market, while neighborhoods like Hawthorne and Alberta have smaller markets. The rain actually adds to the cozy atmosphere when you're ducking between heated vendor stalls. Best visited 4-7pm when lights are most magical.

Booking Tip: Most markets are free entry, budget ฿800-1,200 ($25-40) for food and crafts. Markets run daily except Christmas Day. Check current schedules in booking section below as dates vary yearly.

Brewery and Distillery Indoor Tours

December is perfect for Portland's famous brewery scene - warm, dry environments when it's miserable outside. With over 70 breweries, you can easily spend days hopping between heated taprooms. Many offer winter-specific seasonal beers only available November-February. The rain keeps crowds down at popular spots like the Pearl District brewery corridor.

Booking Tip: Self-guided brewery maps cost ฿150-300 ($5-10), organized tours typically ฿1,500-2,400 ($50-80) including transportation. Book 3-5 days ahead for weekend tours. See current brewery tour options below.

Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Viewing

December transforms the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls into their most dramatic state. Multnomah Falls is 30% fuller than summer, and the mist creates ethereal conditions perfect for photography. The 30-minute drive east takes you above the rain line occasionally. Waterfalls like Latourell and Bridal Veil are practically empty of tourists.

Booking Tip: Self-drive is best option - parking is free and abundant in December. Guided tours typically ฿2,000-3,200 ($65-105) including transport. Waterproof boots essential for trail access. Book tours 5-7 days ahead.

Powell's Books and Literary Portland Tours

December is peak season for Portland's legendary book culture. Powell's City of Books hosts special holiday events, author readings, and extended hours. The cool, wet weather makes this the perfect month for literary pub crawls and coffee shop book tours. Many venues offer special holiday programming only available in December.

Booking Tip: Powell's events are typically free-฿600 ($20). Literary walking tours cost ฿900-1,500 ($30-50) and run rain or shine with covered stops. Book literary tours 7-10 days ahead as December is popular for indoor activities.

Oregon Coast Winter Storm Watching

December brings the Pacific's most powerful storms to the Oregon Coast, creating 6-9m (20-30 ft) waves perfect for safe viewing from coastal hotels and restaurants. Cannon Beach, Lincoln City, and Newport are 90-120 minutes from Portland. Storm watching is an authentic Pacific Northwest winter experience locals cherish.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost ฿600-1,200 ($20-40) in gas, overnight storm watching packages at coastal hotels typically ฿3,000-7,500 ($100-250). Book coastal accommodations 14+ days ahead for weekends. Check storm forecasts before traveling.

Food Hall and Indoor Market Tours

Portland's food hall scene thrives in December when outdoor food carts struggle. Pine Street Market, Cartopia (covered), and various neighborhood food halls offer warm, dry dining with local specialties. December features seasonal items like marionberry treats and Pacific Northwest winter comfort foods unavailable other months.

Booking Tip: Food hall tours typically ฿1,800-2,700 ($60-90) including tastings. Self-guided visits budget ฿450-900 ($15-30) per person for multiple tastings. Most food halls open 11am-9pm daily. Book guided food tours 5-7 days ahead.

December Events & Festivals

Late November through December 30th

Festival of Lights at The Grotto

Portland's premier holiday light display featuring over 500,000 lights in a 62-acre botanical garden and sanctuary. The outdoor walking tour takes 45-60 minutes through illuminated gardens, and there's an indoor concert series most evenings. This is Portland's most attended December event.

Early December (typically first weekend)

Holiday Ale Festival

Four-day festival featuring 50+ rare and specialty winter ales from Pacific Northwest breweries. Held under a heated tent at Pioneer Courthouse Square, it's one of the few major outdoor events that thrives in Portland's December weather. Features exclusive winter brews not available elsewhere.

Mid November through early January

ZooLights at Oregon Zoo

The Oregon Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland with over 1.5 million lights, animated displays, and special exhibits. The zoo train runs special evening tours through the light displays. Popular with families but enjoyable for adults, especially the craft beer garden.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof rain jacket with hood - not just water-resistant. Portland's rain is persistent and will soak through inferior gear within 30 minutes

Waterproof boots or shoes with good tread - sidewalks get slippery from wet leaves and moss. Avoid leather shoes that will stay damp

Merino wool or synthetic layers - cotton stays wet and cold. You'll need 2-3 layers as indoor heating varies dramatically

Compact umbrella - locals debate this, but tourists appreciate having one for market browsing and short walks

Moisture-wicking socks - your feet will get wet. Bring 2-3 pairs and pack extras in your day bag

Light therapy lamp or Vitamin D supplements - if staying longer than 5 days, the lack of sunlight is genuinely challenging

Waterproof phone case or bag - the persistent drizzle will damage electronics over time

Cash for markets and food carts - many December vendors don't accept cards, budget ฿1,500-3,000 ($50-100) cash for markets

Hand warmers for outdoor activities - temperatures feel colder due to 85% humidity and wind

Quick-dry pants or jeans that dry overnight - you'll likely get damp daily and laundry takes forever to dry in the humidity

Insider Knowledge

The 'Sunny Day Rule' - when December offers a rare sunny day (maybe 2-3 per month), locals drop everything for outdoor activities. If you see sun, immediately head to Mt. Hood viewpoints or the waterfront

Coffee shop culture peaks in December - locals spend hours in coffee shops during the dark months. Places like Stumptown, Coava, and neighborhood spots become community centers. Bring a book or laptop and embrace the slow pace

Happy hour starts earlier in December - many restaurants begin happy hour at 3pm instead of 5pm because the darkness makes it feel like evening. Take advantage of ฿300-600 ($10-20) early dinner deals

Powell's Books becomes a social hub in December - locals use the bookstore as a warm, free gathering space. The rare book room and coffee shop upstairs are particularly cozy during storms