Portland, Oregon, is consistently rated as one of the healthiest, most active cities in the United States. Its vibrant community, strong cultural presence and beautiful outdoor spaces beckon its residents to get involved. On Christmas Day, Portland offers a number of outdoor and indoor activities that no matter the weather will ensure you keep the holiday spirit all day long.
Christmas Fantasy Trail at Wenzel Farm
The Wenzel family has operated the Christmas Fantasy Trail---more than 1,000 feet of walking trails decorated with thousands of glimmering Christmas lights---since the early 1990s. Fun for all ages, Wenzel farm offers a lighted castle with Christmas scenes, a walk-through tunnel, mazes, a "crooked house" and suspension bridges. Traditional Christmas music streams through the air as you delight in the festive outdoor scenery. The Fantasy Trail is open from 6 to 9 p.m. and admission is $4 for adults and $3.50 for children 12 and under as of 2010.
Portland Walking Tours Epicurean Excursion
If you're ready for a food adventure but need a way to walk it off as you go, the Epicurean Excursion is for you. You will need to book far in advance; the 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. tours fill up fast. On this tour, you will visit several restaurants and food vendors in the Pearl District. You'll have a chance to meet the chefs, taste the food and sip a little Christmas cheer. This unique experience is a perfect gift for the foodie on your list.
Catch a Portland Trailblazers Game
Depending on the NBA schedule, you may be able to catch a Portland Trailblazers game at the Rose Garden Arena. The Trailblazers have been Portland's professional basketball team for decades, and the city loves them. Kids will enjoy meeting Blaze the trail cat, the team's official mascot, while the team tries to create a little holiday magic on its home court. When the Blazers are on the road, you can still find plenty of spots to watch the game on television, many of which will offer Christmas promotions and specials for patrons.
The Heathman's Holiday Tea
For a little more relaxing Christmas Day enjoyment, the Heathman's Holiday Tea is a Portland tradition. At the Heathman hotel, guests enjoy holiday tea complete with sandwiches, scones and decadent desserts, all in the midst of the beautifully decorated tea court, complete with a two-story tall Christmas tree, resplendent with twinkling lights. Seatings occur daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. as of 2010 and require reservations.
Winter Wonderland Lights
For the grand finale to a perfect Christmas Day in Portland, visit Portland's International Speedway, transformed for the holidays into a beautiful winter wonderland. The largest holiday light show in the Pacific Northwest, the event has become a family tradition for thousands of area families. Guests drive through a spectacular light show with more than 250 displays and 40 animated holiday scenes. At the end of the drive is the 200 foot Tunnel of Lights, which will certainly infuse you with the holiday spirit.
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