Snow Day Village Returns To Downtown Portland, Bringing Holiday Magic And Whimsical Festivities (Photo) - 11/14/25
For Immediate Release
Press Contact:
Monice Wong
Snow Day Village Returns to Downtown Portland, Bringing Holiday Magic and Whimsical Festivities
Director Park transforms with firepits, timed snowfalls, letters to Santa, Las Posadas, Mike Bennett’s Holiday Gift Shop, and more.
Portland, OR—Nov. 21, 2025— A downtown Portland winter favorite, Snow Day Village, is back—transforming Director Park into a festive wonderland filled with free, family-friendly holiday experiences. From cozy firepits to timed snowfalls and even goats in holiday attire, this seasonal celebration invites locals and visitors to experience the heart of the city during the holidays.
Snow Day Village, hosted by the award-winning Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, opens November 21 at 11:00 a.m. with a grand kickoff event, including the opening of local artist Mike Bennett’s interactive Holiday Gift Shop. Located at Director Park (815 SW Park & Yamhill), which is managed by Downtown Portland Clean & Safe in partnership with the City of Portland, the Village will run through December 24.
What to Expect
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Whimsical Attractions: Timed snowfalls, cozy firepits, letters to Santa, and festive décor.
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Special Guests: Goats dressed in holiday attire on select dates, including opening day.
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Interactive Art: Explore Mike Bennett’s Holiday Gift Shop, brimming with art, collectibles, and cheer.
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Cultural Celebrations: Traditional Las Posadas celebration, artisan markets, and wine walks throughout December.
“With its full calendar of events year-round, Director Park has come to feel like Downtown Portland’s family room, a place where families can gather, celebrate, and rediscover the joy of being downtown for the holidays,” said Sydney Mead, Senior Director of Downtown Programs for Downtown Portland Clean & Safe. “For our small retailers, the holiday season is essential, often driving a large portion of their yearly revenue. When people shop and dine downtown, those dollars stay local, support our entrepreneurial community, and help build a stronger, more resilient Portland.”
Emily Halvorson, Director of Activations for Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, added, “We are excited to invite the whole community to enjoy these free, family-friendly moments at Director Park, make a day of it, and explore the shops, cafés, and small businesses that bring Downtown to life.” “It’s one of my favorite times of year to be Downtown, and this is one of the best ways to celebrate the season.”
Key Activities:
Snow Day Village
November 21 – December 24 | Wednesday–Sunday, Noon–5 p.m. | Free
Timed snowfalls, firepits, and festive décor bring winter magic to downtown, alongside more holiday activities by Downtown Portland Clean & Safe and Mike Bennett.
Letters to Santa
November 21 – December 24 | Wednesday–Sunday, Noon–5 p.m. | Free
Kids and kids-at-heart can drop off their letters to Santa. Letters received by December 14 (with a return address) will receive a reply before the holidays.
Mike Bennett’s Holiday Gift Shop
November 21 – January 4, 2026 | Daily from 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Step inside Mike Bennett’s whimsical world of art, collectibles, and holiday cheer. Central City Concern will host a Giving Tree in the gift shop for those wanting to spread holiday cheer to other families.
Goats in Holiday Attire
November 21st 11 a.m. –2 p.m. | Nov. 22nd, Nov. 29th, Dec. 6th, & Dec. 20th 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Enjoy the festivities alongside goats donning holiday accessories!
Pixie Bazar December 6th | Noon – 5 p.m. | Free
A festive holiday market brimming with medieval flair, artisan treasures, and a touch of magic.
Las Posadas December 13th | 1 - 9 p.m. | Free
A traditional Mexican celebration featuring music, food, singing, and kids crafts.
Wine Walk December 18th | 5 – 8 p.m. | Starts at Director Park
Experience the magic of the holidays in Downtown! Sip, stroll and shop at our festive pop-ups and beloved retailers.
PDX Pop-Ups: Now in its 16th year, the PDX Pop-Up Shops program transforms vacant storefronts into vibrant retail destinations, featuring emerging small businesses, artists, and makers. This year’s cohort includes eleven locally-owned shops—more than half women-owned—bringing creativity and fresh energy to Downtown and Old Town Portland. Mike Bennett’s Holiday Gift Shop is one of these magical locations.
INFO:
For more event details and downtown holiday programming, visit downtownfortheholidays.org or follow @downtownpdx.
