Christmas concerts in Portland fill the holiday calendar with live music, while Christmas shows in Portland bring beloved seasonal stories and traditions to stages across the city. From The Nutcracker and Christmas dance performances to choral concerts and seasonal theater, the Rose City offers plenty of ways to fill your December nights with holiday entertainment throughout the 2026 season.
The Best Christmas Shows in Portland This Season
From classical music to lively stage productions, Portland Christmas performances bring plenty of seasonal entertainment to venues throughout the Rose City.
1. Derek Hough Dance for the Holidays — Portland
Emmy Award winner Derek Hough brings his festive dance production to the stage at Keller Auditorium. A cast of professional dancers performs energetic routines set to classic carols and modern holiday pop hits. The show features choreography directed by creative duo NappyTabs alongside vibrant stage lighting and winter visuals. Styles ranging from ballroom and tap to contemporary dance unfold throughout the performance. The production offers an upbeat theatrical concert suitable for audiences of all ages.
- Dates: Sunday, November 8th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: 222 SW Clay St, Portland, OR 97201
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No (Service dogs only)
- Parking: Paid parking garages and surface lots available within walking distance of Keller Auditorium
- Website: https://www.portland5.com/event/derek-hough-dance-holidays
Insider Tip: Reserve parking spots online in advance through downtown garages near Clay Street to avoid post-show traffic delays.
2. Straight No Chaser: Making Spirits Bright Tour — Salem
Nine-man a cappella group Straight No Chaser stops at the historic Elsinore Theatre for a single evening concert. Operating without backing instruments, the vocalists weave complex harmonies through updated holiday classics and pop medleys. The performance combines tight vocal arrangements with lighthearted comedic banter between songs. Held inside Salem's vintage auditorium, the venue provides strong acoustics from every seat in the house. This tour delivers a lively musical experience focused purely on human vocal skill.
- Dates: Wednesday, November 18th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: 170 High St SE, Salem, OR 97301
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No (Service dogs only)
- Parking: Free street parking and public parking garages available in downtown Salem
- Website: https://www.bandsintown.com/e/108404147
Insider Tip: Plan to arrive 45 minutes early to grab drinks at the historic theater bar before the auditorium doors open.
3. A Magical Cirque Christmas — Portland
World class circus artists take the stage at Keller Auditorium for an evening of holiday entertainment. Acrobats, illusionists, and contortionists perform gravity defying stunts alongside comedic stage acts. This live production is set to a musical soundtrack featuring modern renditions of seasonal song favorites. Dazzling costumes and stage sets enhance the visual spectacle for attendees. The touring production offers a fast paced theatrical alternative to traditional holiday stage plays.
- Dates: Wednesday, December 30th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: 222 SW Clay St, Portland, OR 97201
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No (Service dogs only)
- Parking: Paid multi-level parking garages located adjacent to Keller Auditorium
- Website: https://www.magicalcirquechristmas.com/
Insider Tip: Take public transit via the MAX Light Rail directly to downtown Portland to drop off steps from the theater entrance.
4. Gospel Christmas — Portland
The Oregon Symphony joins forces with the Northwest Community Gospel Chorus for an annual holiday concert at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Conductor and orchestrator Charles Floyd leads the ensemble through a lineup of traditional gospel arrangements and seasonal songs. High energy choral harmonies and orchestral backings fill the auditorium for a multi-day performance run. This concert serves as a long standing regional tradition highlighting local gospel vocal talent. Attendees can choose between weekend matinee and evening showtimes in downtown Portland.
- Dates: Saturday, December 5th, 2026 & Sunday, December 6th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: 1037 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No (Service dogs only)
- Parking: Paid parking garages and metered street parking available across downtown Portland
- Website: https://www.orsymphony.org/productions/2627/gospel-christmas-2026
Insider Tip: Reserve your tickets early through the Oregon Symphony box office to secure central orchestra seats for the best acoustics.
5. Merry-achi Christmas with Mariachi Sol de México® de José Hernández — Portland
Ten-time Grammy nominated ensemble Mariachi Sol de México returns to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall under the direction of José Hernández. This visiting group performs a program combining traditional mariachi compositions with classic holiday songs. Note that the Oregon Symphony does not perform during this guest presenter showcase. Their single night show brings authentic Mexican holiday musical traditions and vibrant brass arrangements to the stage. This performance offers a lively cultural celebration for music lovers of all ages.
- Dates: Wednesday, December 9th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: 1037 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No (Service dogs only)
- Parking: Paid multi-level parking garages located within walking distance of the venue
- Website: https://www.orsymphony.org/productions/2627/merry-achi-christmas-with-mariachi-sol-de-mexicor-de-jose-hernandez-2026
Insider Tip: Arrive at least 45 minutes prior to showtime to pick up your drinks and find your seats before the lights dim.
6. Holiday Pops Spectacular — Portland
Conductor Sean O’Loughlin leads the Oregon Symphony and the Oregon Chorale in a seasonal showcase at Schnitzer Hall. This concert program features upbeat holiday music, audience sing alongs, and guest appearances. Electric violinist and aerialist Janice Martin performs featured solos alongside the full orchestra. Santa Claus makes a special appearance on stage during the performance for younger audience members. This show brings a broad variety of orchestral pops arrangements to downtown Portland.
- Dates: Saturday, December 12th, 2026 & Sunday, December 13th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: 1037 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No (Service dogs only)
- Parking: Paid parking structures available throughout the cultural district
- Website: https://www.orsymphony.org/productions/2627/holiday-pops-spectacular
Insider Tip: Take the MAX Light Rail directly to the Pioneer Square stops to avoid parking hassles near Broadway.
7. Holiday Brass — Salem
Members of the Oregon Symphony brass and percussion sections travel to Salem for a dedicated holiday performance. Held inside the Rose Auditorium at South Salem High School, this concert offers an intimate acoustic setting. The musicians present a curated program mixing classical compositions with popular seasonal favorites. This single evening event gives local audiences a chance to experience symphony players in a small venue environment. Their performance highlights dynamic brass fanfares and festive percussion arrangements.
- Dates: Thursday, December 17th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: 1910 Church St SE, Salem, OR 97302
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No (Service dogs only)
- Parking: Free on-site parking available in the South Salem High School parking lots
- Website: https://www.orsymphony.org/productions/2627/holiday-brass
Insider Tip: Park in the main school lot off Church Street for the quickest access to the Rose Auditorium entrance.
8. Home Alone in Concert — Portland
The Oregon Symphony performs John Williams' score live to picture while the full feature film screens inside the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Conductor Evan Roider leads the orchestra as Macaulay Culkin's character Kevin McCallister defends his house on screen. This live musical accompaniment adds dramatic flair and comedic energy to the classic 1990 holiday movie. The event offers a cinematic concert experience for families and film fans alike. Two showtimes span across the weekend to accommodate holiday moviegoers.
- Dates: Saturday, December 19th, 2026 & Sunday, December 20th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: 1037 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No (Service dogs only)
- Parking: Paid parking garages and metered street parking available in the surrounding neighborhood
- Website: https://www.orsymphony.org/productions/2627/home-alone-in-concert
Insider Tip: Secure seats in the dress circle or balcony for an unobstructed view of the main projection screen.
9. The Nutcracker — Portland
Oregon Ballet Theatre brings George Balanchine’s classic holiday ballet to life on stage at the Keller Auditorium. Dancers perform Marie's magical journey to the Land of Sweets set to Tchaikovsky’s famous score. Every show features live musical accompaniment played by the full OBT Orchestra. Elaborate sets, seasonal costumes, and classic choreography fill the stage throughout the multi-week run. It stands as one of Portland's most enduring and traditional holiday theater traditions.
- Dates: December 5th, 2026 through December 24th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: 222 SW Clay St, Portland, OR 97201
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No (Service dogs only)
- Parking: Paid multi-level parking garages located directly adjacent to Keller Auditorium
- Website: https://www.obt.org/event/the-nutcracker-2026-27/
Insider Tip: Look into family ticket package options if you plan to purchase tickets for multiple ballet productions this season.
10. A John Waters Christmas — Portland
Filmmaker and cult comedy icon John Waters brings his solo holiday stand-up show to the Aladdin Theater. This adult comedy performance features Waters delivering a fast paced monologue on seasonal absurdities and pop culture. Special Group Therapy VIP ticket add-ons include a post show Q&A session, an autographed poster, and a photo opportunity. This single night show offers an irreverent, humorous alternative to traditional family holiday theater. Doors open one hour prior to the scheduled evening performance time.
- Dates: Tuesday, December 1st, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave, Portland, OR 97202
- Kid-Friendly: No (Adult humor content)
- Pet-Friendly: No (Service dogs only)
- Parking: Street parking available throughout the surrounding Brooklyn neighborhood
- Website: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/52472471/a-john-waters-christmas-portland-aladdin-theater
Insider Tip: Purchase VIP tickets early if you want to participate in the exclusive Q&A session with John Waters after the main show.
11. In the Christmas Mood with the Glenn Miller Orchestra — Portland
The 18-piece Glenn Miller Orchestra brings a big band jazz performance to the stage for a single evening show. Vocalists and instrumentalists perform swing arrangements of classic holiday tunes alongside iconic big band standards. The setlist features seasonal favorites like "White Christmas" alongside band hits such as "In the Mood" and "Moonlight Serenade." Vintage brass sounds and smooth vocal harmonies fill the theater for an evening of nostalgic music. Their production offers an entertaining musical outing for fans of classic swing and jazz.
- Dates: Tuesday, December 8th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: 1037 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No (Service dogs only)
- Parking: Paid garage parking available at adjacent downtown parking structures
- Website: https://www.portland5.com/event/christmas-mood-glenn-miller-orchestra
Insider Tip: Check the box office rules in advance since there is a strict eight-ticket purchase limit per transaction.
12. Christmas with CeCe Winans — Portland
Gospel icon CeCe Winans brings her west coast Christmas tour to Portland with special guest sisters Angie and Debbie Winans. The 18-time Grammy winner performs a selection of her top gospel hits alongside classic Christmas carols. Held at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, this live concert focuses on the inspirational music of the holiday season. Winans' powerful vocal arrangements anchor the evening of faith based musical performance. This tour marks her first west coast holiday concert series in over a decade.
- Dates: Friday, December 11th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: 1037 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No (Service dogs only)
- Parking: Paid parking structures and surface lots available nearby in the cultural district
- Website: https://www.portland5.com/event/christmas-cece-winans
Insider Tip: Arrive when doors open at 7:00 PM to secure parking and find your seats well before the 8:00 PM showtime.
13. The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show — Portland
Drag powerhouses BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon return to Portland with an all new edition of their holiday touring show. This stage production combines camp comedy, original musical numbers, custom costumes, and festive storytelling. Known for side splitting gags and clever holiday parodies, the duo delivers a high energy performance for comedy fans. This show offers a hilarious, community focused celebration of winter traditions with a theatrical twist. VIP ticket add-ons are available for attendees seeking premium seating and perk options.
- Dates: Thursday, December 17th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: 1037 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No (Service dogs only)
- Parking: Paid multi-level parking garages located nearby throughout the downtown area
- Website: https://www.portland5.com/event/jinkx-dela-holiday-show
Insider Tip: Book VIP add-ons online early if you want access to special merchandise options before public inventory runs out.
14. Dominic Walsh’s Storybook Nutcracker — Portland
OBT2 presents a sensory friendly, short form adaptation of the classic ballet designed for young children and neurodiverse audiences. Choreographed by Dominic Walsh, this performance features modified sound levels and relaxed theater lighting. Easy to follow live narration accompanies the dancers as they perform to Tchaikovsky’s familiar score. The morning presentation provides a welcoming and accommodating environment for families introducing kids to dance. The second company dancers of Oregon Ballet Theatre star in this playful holiday production.
- Dates: Wednesday, December 23rd, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: 1037 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No (Service dogs only)
- Parking: Paid parking garages and metered street spots available near the venue
- Website: https://www.portland5.com/event/dominic-walshs-storybook-nutcracker
Insider Tip: Purchase subscription packages through Oregon Ballet Theatre to guarantee access before single tickets go on sale.
15. Handel's Messiah — Portland
Portland Baroque Orchestra performs Handel's masterpiece on period instruments inside Sanctuary Hall at First Congregational. Guest director Gary Thor Wedow leads the orchestra alongside world class soloists and the Portland Baroque Voices vocal ensemble. This performance brings historical accuracy, vocal clarity, and dramatic energy to the iconic Hallelujah chorus and seasonal arias. Ticket holders are invited to attend a pre-concert talk held one hour before each scheduled showtime. This multi-day concert run offers both matinee and evening options in an acoustic hall setting.
- Dates: Thursday, December 10th, 2026 through Sunday, December 13th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: 1126 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No (Service dogs only)
- Parking: Paid surface lots and metered street parking available in the surrounding park blocks
- Website: https://pbo.org/2026-27-season/handels-messiah-2026
Insider Tip: Arrive an hour before the music starts to sit in on the free pre-concert lecture about Handel's composition.
16. Candlelight: Christmas Classics — Portland
The Old Church Concert Hall hosts an intimate multi-sensory musical performance bathed in the glow of thousands of LED candles. A professional string quartet plays classical holiday pieces alongside modern seasonal pop arrangements. This program features selections from The Nutcracker, Carol of the Bells, Let It Snow, and movie soundtracks. Set inside a historic architectural venue, this 60 minute concert creates a serene atmosphere for attendees. Seating is assigned on a first come, first served basis within each purchased ticket zone.
- Dates: Friday, December 18th & Saturday, December 19th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: 1422 SW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97201
- Kid-Friendly: Yes (Ages 8+)
- Pet-Friendly: No (Service dogs only)
- Parking: Metered street parking and nearby public surface lots available in downtown Portland
- Website: https://feverup.com/m/652177
Insider Tip: Plan to arrive 45 minutes early when doors open to claim the best seats available in your ticket section.
17. Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas — Beaverton
Tomáseen Foley’s production brings traditional Irish storytelling, music, and dance to the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts. Set in a remote farmhouse in 1950s western Ireland, the performance recreates a classic Christmas Eve gathering around the fire. Musicians, dancers, and storytellers grace the stage with haunting holiday melodies, traditional step dancing, and native folklore. This single evening event celebrates timeless community traditions and Celtic cultural heritage. It offers an authentic, warm hearted theatrical experience for holiday audiences in the Tualatin Valley.
- Dates: Wednesday, December 2nd, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: 12625 SW Crescent St, Beaverton, OR 97005
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No (Service dogs only)
- Parking: Paid parking structure adjacent to the venue and nearby street parking available
- Website: https://thereser.org/events/tomaseen-foleys-a-celtic-christmas/
Insider Tip: Arrive early to browse the venue's art gallery before heading into the main theater for the show.
18. Kalani Pe’a: Hawaiian Christmas — Beaverton
Four-time Grammy Award winner Kalani Pe’a brings his holiday tour to The Reser stage for an evening of island music. This performance blends traditional Hawaiian songs, western Christmas classics, and contemporary soul arrangements. Local hula dancers join the charismatic vocalist on stage to showcase regional island dance traditions. Celebrated for his powerful vocal range and joyful stage presence, Pe’a offers a warm seasonal concert experience. The show brings the spirit of aloha and vibrant holiday cheer to Beaverton.
- Dates: Friday, December 11th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: 12625 SW Crescent St, Beaverton, OR 97005
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No (Service dogs only)
- Parking: Adjacent Beaverton Central garage parking available with direct plaza access
- Website: https://thereser.org/events/kalani-pea-hawaiian-christmas/
Insider Tip: Take the MAX Light Rail directly to the Beaverton Central station stop located just steps from The Reser's front entrance.
19. Haley Johnsen: Home for the Holidays — Beaverton
Portland singer and songwriter Haley Johnsen returns home for a headline holiday concert at the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts. Known for her powerful vocals and Americana alt-pop style, Johnsen blends raw storytelling with seasonal arrangements. The former American Idol finalist performs both original tracks and beloved holiday favorites alongside her band. This show offers an intimate yet expansive concert experience highlighting Pacific Northwest musical artistry. It stands as a special evening for local indie and roots music fans.
- Dates: Sunday, December 13th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: 12625 SW Crescent St, Beaverton, OR 97005
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No (Service dogs only)
- Parking: Multi-level garage parking available right next to the arts center
- Website: https://thereser.org/events/haley-johnsen-home-for-the-holidays/
Insider Tip: Grab dinner beforehand at one of the surrounding restaurants in the Beaverton Central dining district.
20. Cedric Watson Creole Christmas — Beaverton
Accordionist and fiddler Cedric Watson brings Bijou Creole to The Reser for an exploration of Louisiana holiday music traditions. This ensemble combines ancient French and Spanish contra dances with Cajun tunes, Zydeco, and West African rhythms. Watson's multi-instrumental performance highlights rare Creole melodies alongside original compositions and festive dance numbers. The concert delivers a lively, rhythm driven musical celebration of Gulf Coast heritage. It provides an energetic alternative to traditional holiday concerts.
- Dates: Sunday, December 20th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: 12625 SW Crescent St, Beaverton, OR 97005
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No (Service dogs only)
- Parking: Paid parking available in the attached city garage and surrounding public lots
- Website: https://thereser.org/events/cedric-watson-creole-christmas/
Insider Tip: Purchase tickets early as single-night specialty music performances at The Reser tend to sell out quickly.
21. A Magical Cirque Christmas — Eugene
The Hult Center for the Performing Arts welcomes this touring holiday cirque production to Oregon's Willamette Valley. Soaring acrobats, talented vocalists, and illusionists combine forces to deliver a high-energy stage show overflowing with seasonal spirit. Set inside the impressive Silva Concert Hall, the performance seamlessly blends jaw-dropping physical stunts with lighthearted comedy and classic carols. The venue offers fantastic acoustics and clear stage views that pull audience members right into the action. It gives Pacific Northwest families a memorable theatrical outing to celebrate together the season.
- Dates: Tuesday, December 29th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: Hult Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Seventh Ave W, Eugene, OR 97401
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No (Service dogs only)
- Parking: Parcade parking structure connected directly to the Hult Center via a covered walkway
- Website: https://www.magicalcirquechristmas.com/
Insider Tip: Grab a warm drink at one of the 5th Street Public Market cafes just three blocks away before heading to the hall for showtime.
Tips for Attending Christmas Shows in Portland
- Book early: Popular Christmas shows in Portland sell out weeks, if not months, in advance. The closer to Christmas, the harder it becomes to get seats.
- Consider weekday matinees: Weekday afternoon performances often have better seat availability and lower prices than weekend evening shows.
- Check for family discounts: Many venues offer family packages, student rush tickets, or matinee pricing that can significantly reduce the cost of attending with kids.
- Arrive early for the venue experience: Many of Portland's theaters and performing arts venues are beautifully decorated for the holidays. Build in extra time before curtain to enjoy the atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here's what to know before you go to any of the listed Portland Christmas shows this season.
When do Christmas shows start in Portland?
Most Christmas shows in Portland begin running in late November or early December and continue through Christmas Eve or early January. The most popular productions, including The Nutcracker, typically open the weekend after Thanksgiving.
How much do Christmas shows cost in Portland?
Ticket prices vary widely. Family friendly productions and community choir concerts can start under $20, while marquee ballet and symphony performances at major venues can run $75 to $300 or more. Check individual listings for pricing.
Are Christmas shows in Portland kid friendly?
Most holiday productions are family friendly, especially The Nutcracker, holiday pops concerts, and family stage shows. Weekend matinees are often the most family oriented. Check individual listings for age recommendations.
Do I need to book Christmas show tickets in advance?
Yes! The most popular Christmas shows in Portland sell out weeks, if not months in advance, particularly for the final weekends before Christmas. Book as early as you can for the best seat selection and pricing.
Can I add my event to this guide?
We'd love to feature your Christmas event! Simply share your event through our quick submission form and we will get it added to the list!
Plan Your Complete Portland Christmas Experience
Portland's Christmas shows are just one part of the city's incredible holiday season. Explore our guides to Portland Christmas lights and Christmas markets and holiday shopping in Portland. Whether you're a local or visiting for the season, our Portland Christmas guide has you covered.
