Best Thanksgiving Weekend Events in Vancouver, WA & Portland, OR – November 28–30, 2025

Looking for the best things to do in Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR from November 28–30, 2025? This Thanksgiving weekend is packed with festive holiday events, including magical reindeer encounters, community tree lightings, holiday markets, charitable turkey trots, and enchanting train rides with Santa. Whether you're planning a family outing to meet real reindeer in Vancouver, running for a good cause, shopping for unique artisan gifts at downtown holiday markets, or experiencing the magic of Portland's beloved tree lighting ceremony at Pioneer Courthouse Square, these events highlight the very best of the Southwest Washington and Portland area. Don't miss your chance to kick off the holiday season with community celebrations, local shopping, and unforgettable family memories this November weekend!

Turkey Trot

📅 Date: Wednesday, November 27, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM
📍 Location: Klineline Pond and Salmon Creek Park, 1112 NE 117th St, Vancouver, WA 98685
💲 Price: $25 all races, $5 Polar Bear Plunge
📞 Contact: (360) 693-0939
🔗 Website: Clark County Food Bank

About the Event

Start your Thanksgiving morning with purpose at the Turkey Trot, benefiting the Clark County Food Bank! This community favorite features a 5K run/walk and 10K run, with 100% of race proceeds donated directly to help people experiencing hunger in our community. Over the years, Turkey Trotters have raised enough funds to provide hundreds of thousands of meals to food-insecure individuals in Southwest Washington. Join your neighbors for a healthy start to the holiday while making a meaningful difference.

What to Expect

🏃 5K run/walk and 10K run options
❄️ Optional Polar Bear Plunge for the brave
🍗 100% of proceeds benefit Clark County Food Bank
👨👩👧 Family-friendly community event
🌳 Beautiful course at Salmon Creek Park
💪 Feel-good way to start Thanksgiving Day

Pro Tips

✔️ Register early to secure your spot and race packet
✔️ Dress in layers — mornings can be chilly in late November
✔️ Arrive 30 minutes early for parking and warm-up
✔️ Bring the whole family — the 5K walk is perfect for all fitness levels
✔️ Consider the Polar Bear Plunge if you're feeling adventurous (and cold!)

Vancouver Holiday Market

📅 Date: November 28–30, 2025
⏰ Time: Friday 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Saturday & Sunday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Hilton Vancouver WA, 301 West 6th Street, Vancouver, WA 98660
💲 Price: Free
🔗 Website: Vancouver Holiday Market

About the Event

The beloved Vancouver Holiday Market returns to the Hilton Hotel in Downtown Vancouver, showcasing the best of local businesses and artisans! This three-day shopping extravaganza coincides with the Community Tree Lighting on Friday and Small Business Saturday, making it the perfect opportunity to support local makers while getting your holiday shopping done. Discover unique handcrafted gifts, artwork, jewelry, home décor, clothing, gourmet treats, and so much more—all while celebrating the season in the heart of downtown Vancouver.

What to Expect

🎁 Local artisans and makers with unique handcrafted items
🛍️ Arts, crafts, jewelry, home décor, and clothing
🍪 Gourmet food items and treats
🎄 Coincides with Community Tree Lighting on Friday
💳 Support Small Business Saturday
👨👩👧 Free admission for everyone

Pro Tips

✔️ Visit on Friday evening to catch the Community Tree Lighting nearby
✔️ Bring reusable bags for your purchases
✔️ Start your holiday shopping early for the best selection
✔️ Parking available at downtown Vancouver garages and street parking
✔️ Check vendor social media for previews of what they'll be selling

Reindeer Magic

📅 Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Dennis' 7 Dees Vancouver Garden Center, 10006 SE Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98664
💲 Price: $11 per person (free for children under 1 year)
🔗 Website: Dennis' 7 Dees

About the Event

Bring the whole family to meet Santa and his real live reindeer for a magical holiday experience! This community-favorite event at Dennis' 7 Dees Garden Center offers festive fun for all ages. See real reindeer up close, visit with Santa, and take part in merry family activities. Additional vendor offerings include face painting, winter treats, toasty beverages, and professional Santa photos from Smirk Photobooth. It's the perfect way to create lasting holiday memories and experience the magic of the season!

What to Expect

🦌 Meet real live reindeer
🎅 Visit with Santa
📸 Professional Santa photos from Smirk Photobooth
🎨 Face painting for the kids
🍪 Winter treats and hot beverages
🎄 Festive family activities
🎟️ Limited tickets available

Pro Tips

✔️ Purchase tickets in advance — availability is limited
✔️ This is an outdoor event, so dress warmly for the weather
✔️ Professional photos, activities, food, and drinks cost extra
✔️ Arrive early for shorter lines to see Santa and the reindeer
✔️ Bring cash for vendor purchases
✔️ Plan for about 1-2 hours to enjoy all activities

Portland Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

📅 Date: Friday, November 28, 2025
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM
📍 Location: Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97221
💲 Price: Free
🔗 Website: Pioneer Courthouse Square

About the Event

Kick off the holiday season with Portland's most beloved tradition—the 41st Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pioneer Courthouse Square! This magical evening features a joyful community sing-along led by Portland's own Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini, joined by many of Portland's finest musical artists and chorale singers. Watch as Santa Claus flips the switch to illuminate nearly 10,000 colorful lights on the city's spectacular 75-foot Douglas fir tree. This free community celebration marks the official start of the holiday season in downtown Portland and fills the air with festive cheer.

What to Expect

🎄 75-foot Douglas fir illuminated with 10,000 colorful lights
🎅 Santa Claus flips the switch
🎶 Community sing-along led by Thomas Lauderdale (Pink Martini)
🎤 Portland's finest musicians and chorale singers
🎉 Free admission for the whole community
📸 Perfect photo opportunities with the lit tree

Pro Tips

✔️ Arrive early (by 5:00 PM) to get a good viewing spot — this event draws huge crowds
✔️ Dress warmly in layers — it's an outdoor evening event
✔️ Use public transit (MAX) to avoid parking challenges downtown
✔️ Bring a thermos of hot cocoa to enjoy during the ceremony
✔️ Stay after the lighting to enjoy the tree and explore downtown holiday decorations

Holiday Express Train Excursion

📅 Date: November 28–30, 2025 (and select dates through December)
⏰ Time: Friday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Oregon Rail Heritage Center, 2250 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214
💲 Price: Varies by date and time
🔗 Website: Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation

About the Event

Experience the magic of the season on Portland's favorite holiday train at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center! The beloved Holiday Express returns for its most anticipated event of the year. Climb aboard with Santa Claus and his elves for a festive 45-minute round-trip ride behind the historic 1912 Polson #2 steam locomotive. Relax in the warm, beautifully decorated vintage train cars as you travel along the Willamette River. After your journey, step into the cozy enginehouse for complimentary cocoa, holiday treats, and plenty of festive cheer.

What to Expect

🚂 45-minute round-trip ride on historic 1912 steam locomotive
🎅 Santa Claus and his elves aboard
🎄 Beautifully decorated vintage train cars
☕ Complimentary cocoa and holiday treats in the enginehouse
🌊 Scenic route along the Willamette River
📸 Photo opportunities with Santa and the train

Pro Tips

✔️ Book tickets early — this event sells out quickly every year
✔️ Multiple dates available throughout November and December
✔️ Dress warmly, though the train cars are heated
✔️ Arrive 15-20 minutes early to enjoy the enginehouse before your ride
✔️ Perfect for creating magical family holiday memories
✔️ Consider visiting during evening rides for a more enchanting experience

Thanksgiving Weekend Events Vancouver WA & Portland OR 2025

This Thanksgiving weekend, Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR come alive with holiday magic and community spirit. From charitable turkey trots supporting local food banks to enchanting reindeer encounters, free tree lighting ceremonies, and festive train rides with Santa, there's something for everyone to enjoy. These events showcase what makes the Pacific Northwest such a special place to call home—vibrant communities, family-friendly activities, and a genuine commitment to supporting local businesses and neighbors in need. Whether you're a longtime resident or new to the area, this is the perfect weekend to explore all that Southwest Washington and the Portland metro area have to offer.

Sign up for my monthly newsletter to receive expert advice, important local updates, and insider knowledge on the best ways to thrive in this unique region. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply curious about life in the Pacific Northwest, I've got you covered.

👉 Join my newsletter today and never miss a beat! Just enter your email below and get exclusive access to all things Southwest Washington. Let's stay connected!

Cassandra Marks (Realtor Cas)
REALTOR® · REAL Broker · Licensed in WA & OR
⭐ 5.0 Rating | 48 Google Reviews | 109 Homes Sold | $58.8M in Sales

Written by Cassandra Marks, known as Realtor Cas, is a top-rated real estate agent helping families and retirees relocate to Vancouver, WA, and Portland, OR. With over a decade of industry experience and a reputation for tough-but-kind negotiation, she makes moving organized, confident, and even fun.

📞 Contact Cassandra