Christmas parades 2026Portland · City of Roses

Christmas parades and tree lightings in Portland, 2026.

We found three Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Portland with 2026 dates: one parade and two tree lightings and lighting nights, all free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.

The quick answersChecked
When’s the Christmas parade?Christmas Ships Parade: Dec 3 · Most nights 7–9pm.1 paradeWhen’s the tree lighting?Tree Lighting at Pioneer Courthouse Square: Nov 27 · 5:30–6:45pm. Plus 1 more.2 lightingsIs it free?Every one listed here is free to watch.3 freeDaytime or after dark?0 daytime, 3 in the evening. Each card is marked.3 evening

Last checked · 3 events · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every parade and tree lighting, soonest first

Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.

27NovFriTree Lighting at Pioneer Courthouse SquareTree lighting · 5:30–6:45pm27NovFriVancouver Rotary Tree Lighting with the Christmas ShipsTree lighting · 4–5pm3DecThuChristmas Ships ParadeParade · Most nights 7–9pm

Christmas parades

Christmas parades in and around Portland

Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.

Dec3to 20

Christmas Ships Parade

Willamette and Columbia rivers; Tom McCall Waterfront Park and the Riverplace Esplanade are good viewing spots · Portland

ParadeFreeEvening
Time
Most nights 7–9pm; Dec 20 finale 5–7pm
Price
Free to watch from shore
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Know one we missed?Send us the organizer’s page and we’ll check the date and add it.Suggest a parade

Tree lightings

Tree lightings and lighting nights near Portland

Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.

Before you go

Three things that make parade night easier

SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.

Keep planning

More for little kids in Portland

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Good questions

Christmas parades in Portland: the FAQ

Christmas Ships Parade: Dec 3 – Dec 20, Most nights 7–9pm; Dec 20 finale 5–7pm (Portland).

Tree Lighting at Pioneer Courthouse Square at Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th Ave.: Fri, Nov 27, 2026, 5:30–6:45pm. Vancouver Rotary Tree Lighting with the Christmas Ships at Grant Street Pier: Fri, Nov 27, 2026, 4–5pm (the ships escort Santa to the waterfront).

All of the ones we list are free to watch: Tree Lighting at Pioneer Courthouse Square, Vancouver Rotary Tree Lighting with the Christmas Ships and Christmas Ships Parade. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.

Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 29, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.

Holiday plans every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Portland that weekend, parades included.

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