All these holiday activity printables for kids are fun for the whole family. (It’s hilarious to hear both a grandparent and child answer “What’s the hardest part of being your age?”—one of the prompts in my holiday conversation starters printable.)

If you’re looking for a fun activity or icebreaker for after Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, or you’re hunting for a holiday travel printable for kids, these holiday activities, games and cards are right up your alley. Maybe you’ll be like my family and make these a part of a new holiday tradition!

(Another new tradition: taking goofball Christmas-themed photos in front of a wrapping paper backdrop!)

And speaking of new family holiday traditions, I’m obsessed with our matching Christmas jammies from Shinesty. We had so much fun goofing off and taking pictures using the timer function on my phone! Snag your own matching family jammies (affiliate link).

Shinesty’s offbeat patterns perfectly inspired us to go full-on ridiculous. The level of goofiness in this new Christmas tradition is up to you.

In this post, I’ll share downloadable printables, along with recommendations on how to use them, for:

• Holiday conversation starters. Print out these 42 questions for kids and adults to spark both funny and deep conversations.
• Family gratitude booklet printable. Filled with gratitude prompts for kids and grown-ups, plus fun thankfulness activities and quotes, this printable is a fun family activity to do together.
• Holiday Bingo cards. Everyone loves Bingo! It’s fun to play this holiday-themed game whether you’re taking a road trip or just driving around town.

Download the free holiday Bingo cards here!

I’m so excited for you and your crew to do these fun holiday activities for the whole family. Try them in person or over Facetime and Zoom.

I’m wishing you a joyful season, no matter what it looks like this year.

Holiday Conversation Starters printables

The other day, Edie asked how we’re going to celebrate Christmas. We’re still working out how to make it special, but Edie was very concerned about not having our extended family over to celebrate.

“But Christmas is all about being together with your family!” she said.

The holidays are all about family. And one part of the holidays I most love is having the opportunity to slow down and spend quality time together. I made these holiday conversation starter prompts to spark memorable discussions—in person or over Zoom.

I adore lingering at the dining table long after everyone’s plates are clean. It seems as if a full belly helps the conversation flow. My family and I can spend literally hours talking, laughing and joking after a holiday meal.

These holiday conversation starters are meant to help your family do the same.

The questions are all-ages appropriate and will take you beyond the standard questions (like “what are you grateful for?”). And these interesting questions will get everyone in the family, from kids and teens to parents and grandparents, chatting.

I recommend printing these holiday conversation starters on paper that’s thicker than printer paper. That way they’ll hold up for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and beyond. And you can store them with your other Christmas decorations so you can use them again next year.

And even if you’re celebrating apart from family and loved ones this year, you can still use these questions to prompt interesting conversations! Use them over Facetime or Zoom when you virtually get together this holiday.

Download my holiday conversations starters cards here!

Gratitude printable + prompts

In my family, we try to talk about what we’re thankful for at most meals. Maxine loves thanking the sun and rain for helping grow the plants we ate. Edie, bless her heart, usually thanks me for cooking (even if the extent of my cooking is warming up leftovers).

I’m pretty sure you’re like me in that you take your gratitude practice up a notch during Thanksgiving and Christmas—and the whole holiday season.

I designed this family gratitude booklet so families could answer gratitude prompts together. As you fill it out, you’ll create a kind of gratitude journal that everyone contributes to. It makes an amazing keepsake.

Filled with gratitude prompts for kids, this booklet asks families to reflect on what they love about each member of the fam. I also included gratitude quotes and other fun activities.

My family and I are filling this gratitude journal between now and Thanksgiving. By answering gratitude prompts over the course of a week or so, no one gets burned out on thankfulness. Ha!

The free gratitude printable helps us pause during a busy time of year like Thanksgiving. That way, we all stay mindful of what’s truly at the heart of Thanksgiving: gratitude, family and togetherness.

Download the gratitude printable book here!

Free holiday Bingo printables

My family typically alternates between hosting a big family Christmas at our house and traveling to spend the holiday at my parents’ home or flying to relatives’ homes in the Midwest. Along with everything else in 2021, this year looks different.

We’ll be celebrating Christmas just the four of us.

We’re all sad, which is why I’m thinking extra-hard about ways to make this holiday special. I’m also considering how we can carry on family traditions—with a twist to ensure we keep our loved ones and community safe.

So this year, although we’re not traveling anywhere for the holidays, I’m still printing out these holiday Bingo cards to play as a family.

I originally designed them to be played on a road trip or while flying. They can just as easily be played while driving around town or running errands.

My own kids love the excitement of looking for a menorah or someone in a Santa hat. They are totally jazzed about marking off each spotted item, whether they get an actual Bingo or not.

This season, I’m going to keep these holiday Bingo games in the car with us all the time. That way I can hand them back to the kids whenever we’re going on a drive. They can look out the window to spot a wreath or a snowman. They stay entertained—and I don’t have to answer my kids’ favorite question, “What can I do that’s fun for me?” #eyeroll

I sometimes get really down about how much has changed this year. But I do my best to refocus my energy on the wonderful opportunities we still have to make memories and have fun as a family.

The holiday Bingo cards are one way to do that!

I designed a set of four different Bingo cards so kids will mark off different squares, even if they both spot a candy cane or mistletoe. I recommend sliding them into a clear plastic sleeve: Kids can mark off the squares they find with a dry erase marker, and you can reuse the sheets time and again.

Download the holiday Bingo cards here!

Fun + free holiday activity printables for kids

If I hear the phrase “the new normal” one more time, I may scream. But the reality is we’re all adjusting to how the holidays are different this year. You might be going all-in for a holiday blowout. You might be paring down for a super-simple celebration. You might fall somewhere in between.

Either way, these holiday family activity printables will help keep this holiday season merry and bright.

So if your budget could use a load off, I know you’ll appreciate these free and budget-friendly activities. Download the holiday conversation sparkers, holiday Bingo cards or family gratitude journal—or all three! I’ve already heard so many touching stories from families who have filled out the gratitude booklet together.

So go ahead and get your copies. Please check back in once you’ve had a chance to use them. I’d love to hear how they added to your family’s holiday celebrations!

The post Holiday Conversation Starters, Family Gratitude Book + Free Holiday Bingo printables! appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

Holiday travel looks a lot different this year. (If you want to skip searching for all the latest advice, you’ll want to check out my summary on how to minimize health risks while traveling these days.)

What remains the same: Common holiday travel mistakes can be a major detour on your road to fun, family gatherings or a quick trip out of town.

Read on for the most common holiday travel mistakes—and what to do instead.

Failing to plan stops ahead of time

“We’ll just stop wherever we need to along the way.”

Cue: a kid who has to pee so badly she’s nearly in tears or the child tantrumming because his blood sugar has dropped through the floor.

You’ve heard that old adage that failing to plan is planning to fail. Well, when it comes to holiday travel, failing to plan is planning to have a car full of meltdowns.

Here’s why you need to plan stops in advance, especially when traveling this holiday.

• Without planning ahead, you might end up on a stretch of road with no rest stops or quick food options right when you need the amenities most.
• Waiting until your crew is melting down—and then deciding to stop—makes travel miserable for everyone. Plan to stop before everyone really really really needs it now!
• You’ll feel confident in having a plan. Being in control of this factor—knowing when and where to stop—takes some of the stress out of holiday travel.
• You’ll avoid potty emergencies if everyone uses the bathroom at regular intervals.

So when you’re figuring out your route, look at rest stops, outdoor parks, waysides and quick food options along the way. When we take road trips, I generally stop at a park or playground to let the kiddos burn off energy!

Plan on stopping at least every two hours (adjusting for your family’s needs / temperament / bladder size).

**Want to travel safely but don’t have the time to scour the internet for the latest advice? Then you’ll love my 20-minute training on the travel tools you need today. Click to get my on-demand training!

Ignoring planning for your return trip

We tend to focus on the thing right in front of our nose: the upcoming holiday and everything we need to do to get there.

But too many people forget about planning the return trip.

This is tricky for a number of reasons. First of all, you and your crew might be stretched thin after days of relative together time and extra helpings of pumpkin pie. (That is to say, you’re not all at your best.)

Secondly, most other people fail to plan for the trip home. That means roads and airports are filled with stressed out people who are in a rush.

What’s more, all those thoughtful touches you planned for the first leg of your trip (like a special new activity for your kids or a holiday-themed movie to watch en route) are absent.

(My recommendation: Why not play Holiday Travel Bingo? You can download my free Holiday Travel Bingo printable, which even pre-readers can use!)

So when you’re planning for your holiday trip, think about the return as well.

Some ideas to consider:

• Can you make the return trip special, too? I like to pack a little surprise for my kids, even something as small as a coloring kit from the dollar store.
• Can you make the drive feel new and exciting? Kids love novelty. They’ll be excited for the trip home if you’ve stashed a new movie to watch or queue up an awesome new playlist.
• Can you pack healthy snacks for the trip? When you leave home, you have easy access to the go-to snacks for you and your family (string cheese, whole grain crackers, sliced apples, the works). But if you’re out of town, you have less control over the snacks on hand. So before you head home, make a quick stop at the grocery store so you have a fresh stock of the healthy snacks that will keep everyone nourished (and not hangry or sugar crashed!).
• Why not play a game that’s new for everyone? Remind yourself of the classics and learn brand-new activities with my book, Road Trip Games & Activities for Kids. Download the e-book or order the paperback ahead of time. (It also makes a great gift!

Packing at the last minute

Ahh, the holidays: A season for admiring twinkling lights and snowflakes, leisurely sipping a cup of cheer—and frantically packing up the minivan at the last minute before rushing out the door.

It doesn’t have to be that way!

I recommend pacing the prep of an upcoming trip for at least a few days before you actually leave. You can pack about 90% of your stuff in advance (you’ll just need to add toiletries, shoes and any last-minute items like glasses).

In fact, I recommend packing the car early, too. When you have your suitcases and other gear ready, put it directly into the car the day before you leave.

Packing up and hitting the road will be a breeze.

Not adjusting your itinerary

Most people wake up the morning of their trip, buckle their jammied kids into the car and hit the road. But a common holiday travel mistake is failing to check current conditions—and adjusting accordingly.

That’s why I recommend that one of the first things you do the morning of your trip is to check the weather, road conditions, and traffic.

Look for your state’s department of transportation online. This site typically has incredibly detailed information about road conditions like ice, any current closures and even live camera feeds.

You should also check a trip planning app or site such as Waze or the maps app on your iPhone. This should give you an idea of the flow of traffic.

Do you need to leave earlier than anticipated? Do you need to take a different route? Once you’re armed with this info, you’ll know exactly how to adjust your itinerary.

Rushing to your destination

You know that song— “Dashing through the snow” . Whether you’re on a one-horse open sleigh or a sensible minivan, rushing to your holiday destination isn’t the way to go.

I 100% get that you want to arrive as fast as possible. But is speed worth the stress of rushing?

No.

So give yourself extra time for transit. As a rule of thumb, I add an extra half-hour of estimated drive time for every 2 hours on the road while traveling during the winter. That way, I don’t stress if there’s traffic, poor road conditions or just the need for an extra potty break.

So instead of rushing this holiday, take a more leisurely pace. You and your family will end up having fun en route.

(If you really want to have fun on the road, get your copy of my book, Road Trip Games & Activities for Kids, before leaving home!)

Depend on food en route

Raise your hand if this has happened to you: You’re so focused on getting out the door and getting to your destination that you forget about that minor detail of eating.

You know, the activity that your very life depends on.

I know I’ve been there! (I once resorted to eating Baby Edie’s fruit squeezie pouch because I had totally forgotten to pack any food for myself.)

I totally get it: You have plenty on your mind, from checking the weather to confirming your lodging reservation. But figuring you’ll just “find something to eat along the way” is a big holiday travel mistake.

Why? Because you don’t want to be at the mercy of whatever food happens to be around.

Returning to reality at the last moment possible

Look, I get it. You want to make the most of your days off, so it’s understandable to return home right before regular life starts back up.

Unfortunately, too many people do this: get home Sunday night and return to work and school Monday morning.

The days following a holiday feel like a letdown already. All the anticipation of the upcoming holiday has disappeared along with the torn-up wrapping paper piles.

This is a time to be extra-gentle with yourself and your family, not launch into the demands of life-as-usual.

So when you’re planning a holiday trip, leave a buffer day in between getting home and starting back at work / distance learning / the daily grind.

Use that day to sleep in (if your kids let you!). Spend all day in your jammies. Watch a movie. Order takeout. Be kind to yourself and your body. (My favorite way: Do a little yoga. Even 10 minutes on the mat makes me feel sooooo much better.)

When you don’t rush back to regular life, you’ll manage the transition more smoothly.

Holiday travel doesn’t have to be stressful

When you know the common mistakes of holiday travel—and how to avoid them—you’re prepared to make your holiday trip as easy and stress-free as possible.

Do you have more to add? Share your advice in the comments below!

The post Holiday travel mistakes you don’t want to make (+ what to do instead) appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

My own kiddos love playing while we travel. If we’re in an airport, chances are we’re playing I Spy or even Hide and Seek, if the terminal isn’t too full. But when I break out the physical games and printables, that’s when Max and Edie get truly excited.

I have a feeling your kids might be the same. So simply download and print out these Holiday Travel Bingo games before your next trip. If you’re sitting, you can use anything to mark the squares—coins work well. Or if you’re en route, kids can X the squares off with a crayon or pencil. Either way, this free holiday Bingo game will help pass the time for the whole family!

I’m crossing my fingers for you and smooth travels, zero delays and friendly seat mates. But don’t leave your kids’ travel entertainment to chance. Use these Holiday Travel Bingo games to keep your whole family feeling merry and bright this holiday season.

It’s not just you—holiday travel IS busy

On average, travel is about a quarter busier than average around Christmas. And last year, an estimated third of Americans traveled during the holidays. That’s 112.5 million people on the roads, rails, runways—maybe even sleigh trails—according to AAA.

I’m not sharing those stats to scare you into staying home! I’m just validating your sneaking suspicion that holiday travel really is busier than normal.

The potential of winter weather delays also makes holiday travel feel busier than normal. (After all, when people aren’t moving when expected, that means roads and airports are more congested.)

One study researched a year’s worth of data on weather delays and found these to be the most delayed airports in the US:

Worst U.S. Airports for Weather Delays

1. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
2. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
3. Chicago O’Hare international Airport (ORD)

Now you can’t always choose which airport to fly out of, and you can’t miraculously change the weather in your region. But if you are flying out of one of these hubs, keep in mind winter weather delays are more likely than not. Then make sure you’re prepared—including having things on hand to keep kids entertained, like this Holiday Travel Bingo game!

Holiday Travel Bingo game to keep kids entertained

So much of parenthood is recognizing the difference between what you can control and what you can’t, then moving on from there.

Family travel is the same. You can’t control snow and ice, nor can you control how many other people hit the road when you do. But you can control what you plan to keep your kids entertained during holiday travel.

So why wouldn’t you want these free Holiday Travel Bingo cards? They’re easily portable, so you can bring them along wherever you go. They have a good mix of festive and regular travel squares. They’re usable for air travel as well as road trips. (If you’re driving, make sure to be on the lookout during rest stops and potty breaks!)

How to use this holiday Bingo printable

Travel can be complicated. You have to book your trip, get to the airport on time or pack up the minivan for a road trip, deal with traffic and other delays, and keep track of everything from boarding passes to your actual children.

Luckily, using my holiday Bingo printable is easy peasy lemon squeezy (or “easy peasy yemon deezy,” as Maxine says, with her adorable pronunciation).

Here’s how to make the most of this free travel Bingo printable:

1. Sign up to get the free holiday Bingo printable delivered to your email inbox—right away!
2. Print the holiday Bingo cards. I think color is more fun and festive, but black and white is fine, too. Print the right number of cards for the people in your family. The PDF you’ll get includes 4 different cards!
3. [optional step] Laminate the Bingo cards. This is a great option if your trip is long, or if you want to play holiday travel Bingo on the way to and from your destination. Bonus tip: If you laminate, bring along dry erase markers, which you can erase from laminated pages and then reuse!
4. Hand out the holiday Bingo cards to everyone in your family who wants to play. They can mark off squares with crayons or use coins or pompoms as markers.
5. Decide if there will be a prize. You might want to stash some Hershey’s Kisses for winners, or dole out little toys. Or you can just play for funsies!

Make holiday travel easier with fun and games

No matter if you’re visiting loved ones this holiday or going on a getaway that doesn’t involve family and friends, I know you’ll agree you could use all the help you can get making holiday travel a tad bit easier.

I’ve definitely been there, after all. I know firsthand that smoother winter travel makes for a better family trip overall. So I am sure you’ll have as much fun playing this free holiday Bingo game as I did creating it!

Let me know when you use it and tag me on Instagram. I can’t wait to hear all about your holiday travels!

In the meantime, tell me: Are you heading out of town this holiday or staying put at home??

The post Holiday Travel Bingo: Free printables for family travel this holiday appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

But I wouldn’t blame you if you’re nervous at the thought of venturing outside for Portland holiday events during the winter—close to your kids’ bedtime, no less. That’s why I wrote this blog post: To help you make the most of visiting the Portland ZooLights with kids. After all, you want your family holiday outings to be more fun and less freezing or frustrating.

I’ve been there, too! But this year going to ZooLights with kids was my best yet, and I’m excited to share with you the tips and insider recommendations I’ve used to make this Portland holiday event one to remember.

My family received free tickets to the Oregon Zoo ZooLights. As always, opinions in this family travel blog are entirely my own, and I only share experiences I know you will value, too.

Portland ZooLights with kids: 12 tips for holiday fun

We typically say no to family events that might interfere with the girls’ bedtime, but we make an exception for ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo. Here’s how to make this Portland holiday event run smoothly.

1. Dress warmer than you think you have to

It was 48 degrees when my family went to ZooLights this year, but we dressed for a day on the mountain! I broke out the kids’ snow pants (and mine), brought hats and mittens, and made sure everyone was toasty warm.

The Oregon Zoo tends to be about 5 degrees colder than other parts in Portland, so keep that in mind. Also remember you’ll be outside for 1.5-2 hours. And while you’ll be walking around, you’re not generating that much body heat—so dress warmly and in layers!

My kids and I may have looked like marshmallows, but no one was cold. I call that a win.

2. Use the bathroom before you leave home

I knew the kids would be wearing snow pants and coats—layers that are a total pain to take off when you need to pee in a public bathroom. So I made sure everyone had used the bathroom before they got dressed warmly.

3. Dress your kids in PJs

ZooLights opens at 5pm, which means you’ll get your kids home around bedtime. Avoid a power struggle over pajamas by putting them in PJs as their base layer.

This year, I actually gave them their new Christmas jammies right before we left for Portland ZooLights, so they were thrilled to get changed! And I didn’t have to cajole anyone into changing once we got home.

4. Bring a stroller for younger children

My kids are now 3 and 5, and my 3-year-old rode in our double stroller for only a few minutes. We probably won’t bring it next year. If your children are younger, though, definitely bring a stroller.

5. Pack blankets

If you do bring a stroller, bring a blanket for each child. They’ll get colder if they’re sitting instead of walking, so having a cuddly blanket will help keep them toasty.

6. Bring all the snacks

This year, my sister and brother came with us to the Portland ZooLights, and my sister laughed when I recited all the snack options to my hungry kids. I brought a tiny cooler filled with sliced turkey, tofu dogs, peeled apple chunks, Goldfish crackers, string cheese, fruit leather, fruit squeezie pouches, bananas, granola bars and PBJs.

I knew the kids wouldn’t be eating an actual dinner, since we were at ZooLights during our regular meal time, so I needed to get them fed on the go.

I saw another family brought a picnic and ate it at a table between the African Rainforest and Discovery Plaza. I thought that was a great idea! (As long as it’s not raining.)

7. Bring your own souvenirs

One of the first things you’ll see as you walk into ZooLights with kids is a stall selling glow-in-the-dark and light-up toys. I didn’t even pause long enough to check out the prices (since I wasn’t about to buy any for my kids!), but I’m pretty certain they’re out of our budget.

If you think your kids will want to buy light-up toys, grab some glow-in-the-dark wands or jewelry from the Dollar Store before you go to the Portland ZooLights.

8. Buy your tickets online

Instead of standing in line, you can now buy Portland ZooLights tickets online here! The link doesn’t work for discounted tickets (for $5 apiece), which you can get if you use assistance programs including WIC, Head Start, food stamps and others, or if you’re a foster family.

Also remember that your Oregon Zoo membership will also get you into ZooLights. (We are Oregon Zoo members!)

9. Go to ZooLights early

ZooLights starts at 5, and I recommend arriving at the Oregon Zoo by 4:45. That will allow you to park before all the lots are full and you have to drive back to the shuttle parking lot. Then you can pay for parking (at $3/hour) and get your tickets, then be through the gates at 5—before the crowds.

10. Visit ZooLights sooner rather than later

The later in the season you go to ZooLights, the busier it will be. Families cram in holiday events toward Christmas (which is another reason why you definitely need to use my family calendar planning hack), so get ZooLights with kids in your schedule now!

11. Look for the hearts

Throughout the light displays at the Portland ZooLights, you’ll find lit-up hearts. Tell your kids to look for them in this holiday scavenger hunt! My kids were so excited each time we found a heart. And by saying, “Let’s go look for more hearts!” we were able to keep them moving along so we didn’t stay all night.

If you locate all six of the hearts, stop by the gift shop and submit an entry for a chance to win a $75 gift card.

12. Plan ahead if your child has sensory needs

If your child is sensitive to light, noise or other stimulation, plan ahead. You might want to bring a stroller that has a pull-down top (like our BOB) and bring noise-canceling headphones. Also know that there are certain parts of the ZooLights loop that will be more triggering for kids with sensory processing disorders or sensitivities.

The steam train, located at the very end of the loop (just pass the Insect Zoo and tiger habitat), lets out an extremely loud blast when it parks and when it sets off again. And the light tunnel, near the Rainforest Plaza (and the bats), is very bright and stimulating.

13. Let kids run around on the playground

If you’re anything like me, when you go to ZooLights with kids you’ll say “Please don’t touch/lean on/pull the lights” an awful lot. It’s hard for kids to control all their little impulses, which is why you should plan on hanging out at the Oregon Zoo sculpture playground for a while.

Up the hill from the bats, kids can climb on stone bears, camels and rams. It’s well lit, thanks to a wall of lights, and it’s actually meant for kids (and aunties!) to use as a jungle gym. So let them go nuts!

Everything you need to know to visit ZooLights with kids

Now that you are prepped with all the tips to make your ZooLights visit a happy one, here are all your logistical questions, answered.

When is ZooLights 2018?

Portland ZooLights 2018 have already started! They run through January 5 but are closed December 24-25. Also, ZooLights becomes BrewLights for November 27-28, which is a 21+ event that includes local breweries and wineries.

ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo runs 5-9 most nights, except it is open 5-8pm on value nights. See the ZooLights calendar for details. Most animal habitats close at 8pm.

Is the carousel running at ZooLights?

Yes! (My kids and I love the carousel and go every time we visit the Oregon Zoo.) But the carousel is in a different place during this month, which totally threw me off!

The carousel is located between the Rainforest Plaza and the Discovery Plaza, right before the tiger habitat. Tickets are $3 ($2.50 for members), and you’ll save time by buying them with your ZooLights entry tickets.

Are there animals at ZooLights?

Yes, there are some animals at ZooLights! But remember that ZooLights happens at night (from 5-8 or 5-9pm, depending on the day), when the lights go on and animals go to sleep.

Animals you may get to see when you go to ZooLights with kids:

• mountain goats
• sea lions
• otters
• penguins
• elephants (inside Forest Hall, not in the open-air enclosure)
• big cats (in Predators of the Serengeti indoors; the outdoor lion enclosure isn’t lit)
• bats
• insects in the Insect Zoo

My girls were thrilled to see the bats so active. As my three-year-old exclaimed, “That’s ’cause they’re nocturnal!” See, Portland holiday events can be educational!

How long does it take to go through ZooLights?

It took us just over 1.5 hours to walk through ZooLights with kids, but we didn’t go to the elephant area. We also didn’t ride the train. If you plan on seeing everything, plus riding the train and carousel, plan on 2.5 hours to go through ZooLights.

Is there food at ZooLights?

Yes, though most options are what you might expect at zoo food carts: elephant ears, cotton candy, etc. There are also food carts at the Portland Zoo Lights—when we went, Verde Cocina, Olympia Provisions and a few other local restaurants had carts set up for actual meals. You can also eat at the Oregon Zoo restaurant at the zoo entrance (across from the mountain goats).

For adults, you can get beer, wine and spiked hot drinks several places throughout the zoo. Check out the Portland ZooLights map for these places, marked by a red circle with a wine glass.

So if you go to the Portland ZooLights with kids every year or are making this year your first, put this holiday event on your calendar. Now that you have all the info and hacks to make ZooLights a blast for the whole family, I know you’ll enjoy it!

If you’re looking for more ideas on family-friendly holiday activities in Portland, read my post on Portland holiday events 2018. I rounded up more than 20 festive activities for kids!

The post Portland ZooLights with kids at the Oregon Zoo: Holidays in Portland, OR appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

2021 update note: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we celebrate the holidays in Portland and the metro area. Some traditional Portland Christmas things to do have been modified or canceled due to the pandemic. I’ve done my best to collect the most up-to-date information about Portland Christmas events but recommend you check directly with the event organizer before attending.

Some Portland holiday events are a bust, though, and it’s such a drag to go to one and be disappointed. So read all the way through to the bottom of this post to see a few Portland holiday events to skip.

So no matter what you celebrate, there are festive ways to get in the spirit in Portland, Oregon. Bundle up the kids, put on your Raffi Christmas CD, and get ready for the best Portland holiday yet!

The jolliest must-do Portland holiday events for families

1. Portland tree lighting ceremony

Portland gathers together in Pioneer Courthouse Square, aka Portland’s Living Room, to see the lights go on all over this 75-foot-high Christmas tree. There’s also a massive caroling event. You can’t get much more festive than that! See the website for more information.

2021 update: The city of Portland has made this year’s tree lighting ceremony virtual. The event will be live-streamed online, which you can watch from home (while sipping hot cocoa, naturally). You can still stop by Pioneer Courthouse Square to see the lit-up Christmas tree on your own!

2. Christmas lights at The Grotto

Holly jolly news: Christmas at The Grotto is back!

The Grotto is a Catholic sanctuary in East Portland, and during the holidays it’s filled with gorgeous lights, live music, puppet shows and a petting zoo with a camel! We went with a group of friends last year and had a wonderful time. Bundle up, because it gets cold! Read my full review of the Christmas Lights at the Grotto.

Buy your tickets online ahead of time. Tickets are timed and specific to a given night in order to limit the number of people who visit. This year, there will be no animal petting zoo.

What’s more, you can listen to live musical performances at The Grotto. Listen to Christmas carols and other seasonal music performed by choirs and other musicians.

2021 update: The Grotto has brought back its famous annual Christmas Lights at the Grotto event after taking a year off in 2020. Visitors aged 12 and over must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test within the last 72 hours.  

3. Hipster Santa

Sure, regular Santas are a dime a dozen this time of year. But a Hipster Santa? Now that’s uniquely Portland. He’ll be at Pioneer Square Mall on Thursdays and December 1-2, complete with his white man-bun and Naughty/Nice arm tattoos.

2021 update: The Lloyd Center, home of Hipster Santa, is back to hosting the Big Guy for photo ops! Reservations are not required this year but strongly recommended. (Make reservations, for Hipster Santa or regular Santa, here.) 

If you’re not committed to seeing Hipster Santa, other (more regular) Santas sit for photos elsewhere in Portland, too. I have been told that the Santa(s) at Frog Pond Farm is vaccinated, which I feel great about!

4. Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition

Dozens of vocal groups duke it out, The Voice-style, at the Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition in Pioneer Courthouse Square. Bring your kids to this Portland holiday event to sing along or just listen to your favorite seasonal songs. 

2021 update: The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition is back in person this year! And this Portland holiday event is bigger than ever—literally. Caroling groups will sing in public spaces in a 10-block radius around Pioneer Courthouse Square. Then the top three groups will “battle” on stage at The Square on December 4, 2021 from 5:30-7:30. See the Figgy Pudding Facebook page for more info.

5. Tuba Christmas Concert

Roughly 150 tubas will play holiday favorites at this annual outdoor event at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Drop by the Tuba Christmas Concert for a song or two on December 11 from 1:30-3:30pm.

2021 update: The Portland Tuba Christmas Concert returns after a 2020 hiatus. The tuba concert will have social distancing measures in effect to reduce the risk of spreading germs.

6. Portland Zoo Lights

Most of the Oregon Zoo’s animals are asleep and staying warm during Zoo Lights, but you’ll see plenty of Christmas light displays and installations during one of our favorite Portland holiday events. We’re not the only ones who love this Portland holiday tradition: Zoo Lights is popular—and relatively busy.

Ironically, the limitations imposed because of the pandemic have made Portland Zoo Lights more mellow (and enjoyable, IMO). This also means it’s not an epic struggle to find a parking spot. Even better, take public transportation and don’t worry about parking at all!

Read my full post on going to ZooLights with kids for tips and all the details!

2021 update: This year, ZooLights is offering both a walk-through and a drive-through experience. The choice is yours! Buy tickets for timed entry to enjoy the 1.5 million lights, either on foot or from the car.

Zoo Lights runs from November 19, 2021 through January 9, 2022, excluding December 25 (Christmas). Walk-through tickets range from $16-29 and drive-through visits cost $65 per car. All admission is discounted 20% for zoo members.

7. Take a photobooth picture with a giant Christmas tree

If you go to Pioneer Courthouse Square on December 6, you can take a free photobooth picture or boomerang with the 75-foot-tall Christmas tree in the background. The photobooth is sponsored by Stumptown. See the website for more information.

2021 update: The photobooth is not currently operating.

8. Christmas lights on boats

At the annual Christmas Ships Parade, you’ll see regular boats decked out for the holidays—along with more Portlandia-type displays (like a glowing Sasquatch or waterskiing Santa!). See the event’s Facebook page for details on dates, evenings in December. In 2021, the ships float along different parts of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers between December 3 and 21, 2021.

Good news for 2021: The Christmas Ships Parade in Portland is *on*! You can safely watch ships while social distancing, so bundle up and stake out your spot to see this annual Portland Christmas tradition. Look up the schedule to choose a day to watch the Portland Christmas ships. Just remember to bundle up and maintain social distancing while you admire the parade. 

9. Ice skate around a Christmas tree

At the Lloyd Center in Portland, OR, you can skate in a rink in the middle of the mall. During the holidays, they install a tall Christmas tree so you can skate while pretending to be an elf. (If that’s your thing.)

Grown-ups can also skate around the tree to a live DJ on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30-7:30pm. Visit the Lloyd Center skate rink site for more information.

2021 update: Ice skating is on! The Lloyd Center requires face masks for visitors, per Oregon mandates.

10. The Nutcracker

I’ve been taking my older daughter to Portland’s The Nutcracker ballet since she was 2, and we look forward to it all year! The music, the tutus, the dancing—it’s a festive way to kick off the holidays in our family, and will be for yours, too.

Level 10 travel tip: The Oregon Ballet Theater did a discount last year right after Thanksgiving, so follow their Facebook page to keep an eye on cheaper tickets.

2021 update: The Oregon Ballet Theater is once again performing The Nutcracker in-person this year! YAY! In order to attend, members of the audience ages 5 and up must show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test. 

Get excited to twinkle your toes by watching the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy! Then check out my post with 19 top tips to see The Nutcracker with kids.

11. The Nutcracker on Ice

If you’re more into hockey than ballet, you might like seeing The Nutcracker on Ice at the Lloyd Center in Portland. December 12, 11am. Check out this page for more details.

2021 update: The Nutcracker on Ice at the Lloyd Center will be performed on one day only. Dress rehearsal will take place December 11, 2021, and you can watch the performance then, too!

12. Portland Concert-at-Christmas

Can’t decide which holiday musical performance you want to see? Treat your ears to a Christmas smorgasbord of music at the Concert-at-Christmas, performed at the Schnitz.

This concert is like a who’s who of Portland musical performing arts. You’ll see orchestras, wind ensembles and even a percussion-only performance. Each group performs a holiday-ish song or songs, including many you’ll recognize. This year the concert is on December 26 at 7:30pm.

2021 update: The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall requires proof of vaccination or recent negative test result for all concert-goers, including children. All members of the audience are required to wear face masks.

13. Light the night on Chanukah

Every night of Chanukah, communities gather at Pioneer Courthouse Square to light the menorah. This year, Chanukah begins on November 29 and ends December 5, 2021.

The first night of Chanukah, November 29, kicks off the holiday with a uniquely Portland flair: They’ll be carving an enormous menorah made of ice!

Bring the kids each night of Chanukah to sing songs, make crafts and of course play the dreidel! See the Facebook page of Chabad of Oregon for details.

2021 update: The menorah lighting event in Portland is back in person this year. In addition, it is live streaming virtually, so you can Zoom in.

14. Help the Cinnamon Bear save the spirit of Christmas

Toddlers and young children can help the Cinnamon Bear and the rest of this live show’s cast save the spirit of the season. Held at Oaks Park, the performance includes music and interactive elements so your toddler is welcome to shout out responses!

Tickets include a cup of hot cocoa. This Portland holiday event is stroller-friendly. See the Cinnamon Bear site for additional details.

2021 update: Last year this event was a drive-in performance. This year, it’s in person at the Oaks Park Dance Pavilion.

15. Christmas lights and miniature trains at Aspen Meadow

Throughout the grounds of Aspen Meadow south of Portland, kids will see all sorts of holiday lights displays. There are also set-ups indoors, including a miniature village and train display. Visiting the Christmas Lights at Aspen Meadow is free and they accept nonperishable food donations for the Oregon Food Bank. December 8-26; see the website for more information.

2021 update: The event at Aspen Meadow continues to be canceled this year.

16. Ride the Holiday Express with Santa

You and your kids can celebrate Christmas by riding a twinkling vintage steam engine from Oaks Park, through the woods, and back again. Santa meanders through each train car, giving children an opportunity to say hello (and maybe whisper their wish list!). 

Choose from among hourly departure times and buy tickets in advance at the Holiday Express website.

2021 update: The Holiday Express Santa train is BACK!

17. Lights and Christmas events at Victorian Belle

At this historic Portland home that’s open to the public, more than a million lights and 10 Christmas trees make this a beautiful home to tour. Live carolers, Santa and hot cider are inside, too. Admission is between $5-12, most days December 1-26, 2021; see the website for more information.

In addition, the Portland Victorian Belle is hosting other holiday events. You can make a wreath, meet Santa, create kids’ crafts and even a night of live music with a special guest appearance from Krampus himself!

2021 update: The Holiday Belle light display is open again! See the website for general admission tours of the house and holiday events.

18. Holiday displays at Pittock Mansion

Pittock Mansion, the magnificent Victorian house/museum, decorates its many extravagant rooms for the holidays. See more about these events at their website. November 22, 2021 through January 4, 2022.

You’ll want to leave time to wander the grounds in addition to exploring the mansion’s interior. On a clear day, you can see an impressive view of the Portland skyline from the grounds.

This year, the holiday theme is “Critters Make Merry.” Volunteer decorators have turned each room into a themed display.

2021 update: Pittock Mansion is once again open! You can visit the grounds and tour the mansion.

19. Go caroling on a trolley

So you like to sing but don’t love walking around in the cold? Why not carol from the inside of a vintage trolley? The 2-hour trip around Lake Oswego and South Portland on the Fa La La Trolley will help you sing loud and clear for all to hear, complete with song books and seasonal treats. Kids are welcome! December 13 and 16.

2021 update: As of the time I updated this post, the Christmas trolley has not resumed its holiday runs.

20. Eat free cookies!

Holiday cookies are the best. Holiday cookies that you don’t have to bake (or clean up after) are even better! Get a package of locally made iced cookies for free at Pioneer Courthouse Square on December 17 from 1-2pm.

2021 update: This event is currently on hold.

21. Christmas in the Garden / Silverton Christmas Market

Less than an hour south of Portland, Oregon Gardens holds an annual lights extravaganza, Christmas in the Garden. The outdoor displays use a million lights to create imaginative scenes, tunnels and more.

Christmas in the Garden, which has been renamed the Silverton Christmas Market, also includes food and drink carts, a small holiday market, a snow-less sledding hill and indoor ice skating.

2021 update: After closing to the general public in 2020, this holiday event has returned! Now operating under the name Silverton Christmas Market, the lights event will run November 26, 2021 through January 9, 2022, closed December 25 and 26. Ice skating is not available this year.

22. Portland International Raceway Winter Wonderland

Yes, it’s cold outside—but you can enjoy all the Christmas sights from the warmth of your car at Portland International Raceway’s Winter Wonderland.

The Pacific Northwest’s largest Christmas lights event showcases epic scenes and animated displays. Your car will also drive through stunning lights tunnels.

November 29, 2021 is a special bikes-only event called Bike the Lights. The following night, November 30, is open for people walking their dogs!

Entry costs $28-39 per car (online tickets only) from November 26 – December 31.

2021 update: Winter Wonderland is on! No more than six people per car and one household per car.

23. Clackamas County Winter Fair

Just a few minutes’ drive from Portland, the Clackamas County Fairgrounds have been transformed into a festive extravaganza. Christmas lights tunnels and pretty displays line a quarter-mile pathway, making this an easy distance for young’uns.

Tickets cost $15; children 11 and under get in free. Check the Winter Fair website to buy tickets and see when Santa will be onsite, too!

2021 update: The Clackamas County Winter Fair holiday display is now open for walk-through visits.

24. Christmas Fantasy Trail

Feel like you’re walking through a fairy tail at the Christmas Fantasy Trail at Wenzel Farm. This annual, outdoor event includes a wooded trail brightened with Christmas lights.

Admire adorable cottages and walk across a mini-suspension bridge, too. This Oregon City holiday event isn’t fancy but is charming. Kids in particular love it!

2021 update: The Christmas Fantasy Trail is still canceled.

25. Christmas lights trail at Maddax Woods

Just a short drive from Portland, this holiday event is fun for families—including the dogs! Maddax Woods in West Linn is decorated every year with Christmas lights, including displays of native animals like owls and raccoons. 

This short, wooded trail has only a small parking lot so be prepared to park in the residential neighborhood and walk to the trailhead. It starts out with a short, steep hill but is an easy walk otherwise.

2021 update: As of the day I updated this post, I couldn’t find details about the 2021 plans for Maddax Woods. Considering this is an outside event, I am betting it will take place. Make sure you wear a mask and practice social distancing at this Portland-area Christmas event. 

26. Drive-through community events

COVID-19 can’t dampen our holiday spirits! In response to the many closures and cancelations this holiday, some communities are organizing drive-through events.

(We’ll be going to West Linn’s Candy Cane Lane drive-through this year.)

Simply search your neighborhood and “holiday drive through” to find one near you.

27. Help those less fortunate

Whether you volunteer at a soup kitchen, sing at a retirement community or fill a stocking for the homeless, one of the best ways you can celebrate the holidays is to give back. Make helping others a part of your holiday tradition this year.

Every year we buy gifts for a teen who is in the foster care system, through Project 48. Consider how you can make someone else’s holiday happier in a way that feels meaningful to you.

The Portland holiday events to skip

Not all Portland holiday events are created equal. Here are several I don’t recommend.

Reindeer at 7dees

You’ll never see more depressing reindeer, I guarantee it. They’re kept in a small pen on concrete, and they look so sad. This kind of animal display will not bring you holiday cheer.

Christmas lights at Peacock Lane

I may catch flack for this, but I wouldn’t recommend driving Portland’s Peacock Lane to see the Christmas lights there. It is so trafficked that it becomes a madhouse. The exception: Peacock Lane is closed to cars and open only to pedestrians December 15-17, so carpool or take public transportation!

2021 update: After taking a year off due to COVID-19, residents of Peacock Lane reinstated this Portland Christmas event this year.

How will you be celebrating the holidays? Do you have your eye on any 2021 Portland holiday events?

Want more family activities to do in Portland? See my posts on the Chinese Garden and the Japanese Garden, both kid-friendly destinations in Portland.

The post 27 Portland holiday events for families: 2021 update of Christmas things to do appeared first on To & Fro Fam.