Once the Thanksgiving table is cleared, all eyes turn toward Christmas, and we’ve got a fair number of holiday-themed events in this list. We’ve also collected a few decidedly NON-holiday entertainment options including the Fungi Film Festival and a night of creepy carnival performers.
If you’re looking for more festive options, see these links for our complete holiday events guide:
“Oliver”
Stumptown Stages musical production of Lionel Bart’s “Oliver!” might be just what your holiday season needs. Coleman Casebeer plays Oliver and is joined by a talent local cast. The score includes all the favorites you remember including “Food, Glorius Food,” “Consider Yourself,” and “You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two.” What “more” could you ask for?
Opens 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, and continues 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 21, Winningstad Theatre, 1111 S.W. Broadway; tickets start at $49; portland5.evenue.net/events.
Portland Tree Lighting
Portland’s big tree lighting event rolls out the welcome mat to Portland’s living room, aka – Pioneer Courthouse Square – the day after Thanksgiving. Expect live music and a traditional singalong led by Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini. The lighting of the 75-foot Douglas fir officially kicks off the holiday season in downtown Portland.
5:30-6:45 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, 701 S.W. Sixth Ave., Portland; free; thesquarepdx.org/event.
“The Storm Large Holiday Ordeal”
Portland’s own Storm Large offers her “whack-a-doodle, rock and rollicking, magic and mirthful Holiday Ordeal” https://www.facebook.com/stormlarge show again this year over two nights at the Aladdin Theater. Large promises to bring a mix of humor and heart to the season, including holiday classics, rock-n-roll ballads, and tongue-in-cheek torch songs.
8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 28-29, Aladdin Theater, 3017 S.E. Milwaukie Ave., Portland; tickets $69.90-$93.26; aladdin-theater.com.
Magic at the Mill (Salem)
The Willamette Heritage Center offers a weekend of living history demonstrations, museum tours, Santa visits, children’s activities, craft demos, model trains, vendors and, of course, evening outdoor light displays.
5:30-8 p.m. Friday-Monday, Nov. 28-Dec. 1, at the Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St. S.E., Salem; $12-$17; willametteheritage.org.
“The Wizard of Oz”
With the popularity of the “Wicked” series on streaming platforms and in theaters, Northwest Children’s Theater’s live production of “The Wizard of Oz” gives younger fans a view into the original story. This version offers a shortened run time and is considered accessible for young theater-goers. Sarah Jane Hardy directs the 90-minute musical. The opening morning performance is sold out. Sensory friendly performance Nov. 30.
Opens 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, and continues 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays (and some weekday shows, check the website) through Jan. 4, The Judy, 1000 S.W. Broadway, Suite T-100; tickets $30-$40; nwct.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket.
“The Enchanted Toyshop”
The Portland Ballet’s annual holiday production returns this weekend with a student-led cast telling the story of two children who accidentally get locked in a toyshop after hours. Created and choreographed by John Clifford, these performances showcase a range of skill levels and international dance styles.
Performances 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, Lincoln Performance Hall, Portland State University, 1620 S.W. Park Ave.; $16-$40; app.arts-people.com.
Penny Dreadful: A Night Carnival of Victorian Horror
While many entertainment options are turning toward sparkle and mistletoe, The Steep And Thorny Way To Heaven celebrates the dark of winter with a variety show that welcomes you in your most gothic attire. Keep the spooky season alive for just a bit longer with a feast of flesh, fantasy, and fortune. Performers include aerial circus acts, burlesque, dance, and live music.
8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, Star Theater, 13 N.W. Sixth Ave.; tickets start at $32; startheaterportland.com/tm-event/penny-dreadful.
Advent concert
Celebrate the first Sunday of Advent with members of the Westminster Chancel Choir and Westminster Concert Bells as they perform music of the season. Audience members are welcome to head to the Fireside Room reception following the concert.
3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1624 N.E. Hancock St.; free; westprespdx.org.
Trio Mediaeval with Caroline Shaw
Friends of Chamber Music welcome Grammy-award winning composer, violinist, and vocalist Caroline Shaw as she joins Trio Mediæval for a celebration of the holiday season. The concert will include medieval sacred music, folk music adapted and arranged by members of the group, and specially commissioned works.
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, St. Philip Neri Church, 2408 S.E. 16th Ave.; tickets $32-$63; focm.org.
Christmas Ships
This metro area favorite holiday tradition celebrated 70 years in 2024. Make sure you check the schedule for an evening trip to watch the ships either on the Willamette or the Columbia rivers (dates vary). Spectators can get an excellent view of the lights from riverside locations in Portland, Milwaukie, St. Helens, Vancouver, Camas and Lake Oswego. Some restaurants book out early on Christmas Ship nights. Get your reservations in soon.
Various nights and times (weather permitting) Thursday, Dec. 4, and nightly through Dec. 21, fleets parade on both the Willamette and Columbia rivers. See the website for a complete schedule; free; christmasships.org/parade-schedule.
Fungi Film Fest
Celebrate these fond forest favorites with films that pay homage to mushrooms and their kin. The festival features 16 films from eight countries. The public can attend one or both live screenings at Cinema 21. Winners of the festival will be announced at the Thursday screening. Those who buy tickets to the live events also get access to two longer-form films that will not be shown at the screenings.
Opening screening 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4. Additional live event 3:30 p.m. Dec. 7, Cinema 21, 616 N.W. 21st Ave.; tickets $16; fungifilmfest.com/2025.
“Christmas In Door County” (sold out)
Broadway Rose Theater offers a warm and cozy way to celebration the holidays with a new musical jam-packed with classic Christmas tunes and some modern hits too. Written by Dan Murphy and Rick Lewis with vocal arrangements by Lewis, the show tells the story of guests who get trapped at an island B&B in Wisconsin when the ferry breaks down. The staff comes together to make everyone’s holiday a good one.
Continues 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through Dec. 21, Broadway Rose New Stage, 12850 S.W. Grant Ave., Tigard; tickets $35-$54; broadwayrose.org/christmas-in-door-county.
– 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.