Hi - I moved with my two little boys and husband to the Portland OR area January of this year. Because of that, I don't know what the events are around town for Thanksgiving. My family (brothers, niece, nephew & mom) is thinking of visiting for the holiday and I want to make sure that there's things for us to go and do during that time. I know it will be cold so what is there to do in Portland?!
Zoolights and The Grotto have been mentioned. There is also the tree lighting at Pioneer Square. On Thanksgiving morning, there is a Turkey Trot race in the zoo. There is an adult event as well as a great fun run for the kids. It's put on by ORRC (Oregon Road Runners Club).
You'll find info on the Internet at the Portland Chamber of Commerce Site and the Portland Visitors' site. There may be other sites too. Try googling things to do in Portland, OR.
I've lived in Portland for 40 years and know that there are activities around that time but I can't think of any specific ones right now. Mostly I stay home and enjoy family. Sorry!
The Oregon Zoo opens its Zoolights on Thanksgiving weekend and it is always lots of fun and a great tradition for lots of families. There are train rides and hot cocoa, choirs singing, etc. It is generally COLD, especially up there, but fun. The newspaper generally publishes upcoming events a few weeks ahead of time for holiday times. There will be craft shows, maybe even the Christmas festival at the Grotto starting, skiing, fun events in Pioneer Square where you can ride the Max around. Feel free to email me if you need some more ideas. Enjoy your family!
The Macy's Holiday Parade (day after Thanskgiving day) is a good one. You can watch from downtown, or on the TV. Though you might want to double check that it is being aired this year. There is also the tree lighting in Pioneer Square. I don't exactly remember when, but it is the city's kick off to the Christmas Season. You might also look into any special fall weekend runs of the Mt. Hood Railroad. Its a gorgeous drive to the station and a beautiful trek into orchard country. Good Luck. Welcome to town. Have Fun.
