In the winter, The RiverPlace Hotel sits on one of the best seats in town for the Christmas Ships Parade. Add wood-burning fireplaces, a waterfront restaurant downstairs and the city's holiday lights a short ride away, and you have a winter weekend worth planning around.
Portland winters are mild, green and made for gathering. Snow is rare, the lights come out after Thanksgiving, and by February the city fills up again with art and music festivals. Here's a three-day plan for the season.
What is the weather like in Portland in winter?
Expect cool, damp days in the mid-40s to low 50s and nights in the mid-30s. December is the wettest month of the year. Snow is uncommon: Portland averages about 3.4 inches a year across roughly three days, most likely in December and January. A waterproof jacket and comfortable boots will cover almost everything.
Day 1: Fireside check-in and the Christmas Ships
Check-in begins at 4 PM, right as the early winter dark settles over the river. Book a Fireplace Suite or the 625-square-foot Mount Hood Suite, both with wood-burning fireplaces, and let the evening start there.
In December, the Christmas Ships Parade lights up the Willamette on select evenings, a Portland tradition of decorated boats sailing the river. The parade's own viewing guide lists the RiverPlace Esplanade, at the west end of the Marquam Bridge, as a viewing spot, so you can walk out the door and find a place along the rail. Recent Willamette parades have started at 7 PM; check the official schedule for this year's dates.
Day 2: Markets, a courthouse-square tree and ZooLights
The Portland Farmers Market at Portland State University stays open all winter, Saturdays from 9 AM to 2 PM, eight blocks from the hotel. Afterward, head to Pioneer Courthouse Square, known as "Portland's living room." The day after Thanksgiving, it lights the region's largest decorated holiday tree, and it hosts holiday events such as the Tuba Christmas Concert through the season.
In the afternoon, drive 3.8 miles to Pittock Mansion in the West Hills. The early-1900s estate dresses its 23 rooms for the holidays, and the grounds, with views of the downtown skyline and Mount Hood on clear days, are free to explore.
After dark, go to ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo. The 2026 season runs November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027, opening nightly at 4:30 PM, with closures November 24–26 and December 25. The zoo train loops past dozens of life-size animal lanterns, and your ZooLights ticket doubles as a free TriMet pass on your admission date.
Day 3: Waterfalls or festivals
Winter and spring bring the highest water volume at Multnomah Falls, Oregon's 620-foot, two-tier waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge. It's about 30 miles east of Portland, roughly 35 minutes by car without traffic, and the timed-use permit is only required between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Visiting after the holidays? February brings two of Portland's signature festivals. The Portland Winter Light Festival is free, all-ages and citywide, with light installations and performances at 100+ locations. The PDX Jazz Festival fills venues across the city in February, too. Check each festival's site for current dates.
What makes RiverPlace Hotel a good winter base?
Winter is fireplace season, and RiverPlace Hotel has plenty. Beyond the fireplace suites, the one- and two-bedroom River View Residences add a living-room fireplace, full kitchen, washer and dryer, and a balcony over the marina, which makes them a natural fit for holiday family trips.
Start mornings with complimentary coffee and tea. When it's pouring, there's a 24/7 fitness center with a Peloton bike, a board game and puzzle library, and a kid-friendly DVD library. RiverPlace Kitchen + Bar serves brunch daily from 7 AM to 1 PM and happy hour daily from 1 to 5 PM.
Winter FAQ
Does it snow in Portland in winter? Rarely. Portland averages about 3.4 inches of snow a year, most often in December and January.
Where can I watch the Christmas Ships near RiverPlace Hotel? The parade's official viewing guide lists the RiverPlace Esplanade at the west end of the Marquam Bridge, a short walk from the hotel.
Does RiverPlace Hotel have an airport shuttle? No. The hotel recommends rideshare, taxi or a private car service.
What time is check-in and check-out? Check-in is 4 PM and check-out is 12 PM. Early check-in and late check-out may be available on request.