Things to Do In Portland on New Years

Time just flies. Guess what? 2023 is nearly at its end. Woah! Soon, we enter into the new year 2024 amid a lot of expectations. Yes, it’s the New Year’s Eve Party. Looking forward to celebrating the NYE with a big bang? If so, Portland has a lot more significant options for tourists and travellers from different parts of the world. 

Portland is the favorite holiday destination for most families, especially for New Year’s Eve. The Rose City offers some fun ways to celebrate the New Year Party in Portland Oregon. As the climate is extremely suitable for growing roses, the City of Portland is prevalently known as the Rose City. People can indulge in several fun-filled activities along with friends and families on new year’s eve at the best places in Portland.

Welcome to 2024, folks! Explore the beautiful city of Portland whilst participating in some free and affordable fun activities on the very first day of the year. Whether you wish to ring in the NYE bash indoors or outdoors, Portland has a lot of action. If you are unsure about the interesting things to do in Portland on New Years, just go through this in-depth guide. Have a glimpse!

Things to Do In Portland on New Years

Portland has geared up to usher in the new year elegantly with live music concerts, extraordinary dance performances, DJ acts, fun-filled comedy events, exceptional parties, spectacular fireworks, and more. As it’s the time to bid adieu to 2023 and embrace the portland new years eve 2023, get ready to enjoy unlimited in Portland with a wide range of entertainment options, delicious foods, free-flowing drinks, and all-night parties.

Planned to wrap up the year with a big bang? Well, most people might love to end the season with an extravagant celebration but, in the budget range. In such a case, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the new year sans turning your bank account with zero balance.

From delicious dishes and excellent dance parties to midnight champagne toast and countdown fireworks, Portland renders the unique ways to kickstart the New Year. Here is a curated list of the Best Things to Do On New Years Eve in Portland Oregon. Take a look!

1. Annual Champagne Ball NYE Bash

Champagne Ball is one of the legendary events held in Rose City on Portland New Years Eve. With thousands of party lovers, exceptional DJ performances, 4  party rooms, unique party favors, special delicious foods, a video countdown, and more, Champagne Ball hosts a perfect New Year Party in Portland Oregon.

If you are a gigantic party adorer and looking forward to celebrating huge parties then, Portland’s Champagne Ball is an ideal event. Since 1990, the organizers have been conducting the Champagne Ball Event in a classic style in the city. Till now, this event has helped more than thousands of people to ring in the New Year brilliantly. 

Every year, the Champagne Ball is held at the Hilton Portland. A total of 18 bars are set up at the party allowing the visitors to spend the whole night dancing on the floor. This year, Portland hosts the 30^th Annual Champagne Ball NYE Event at Hilton Portland Downtown. 

2. Witness Portland’s Biggest NYE Celebrations – Sobriety Powwow

The Native American Rehabilitation Association [NARA] hosts an annual Sobriety Powwow Event every year on 31st December marking the exceptional New Years Eve Portland Oregon. For more than 30 years, Sobriety Powwow has been organizing the annual NYE bash. Sobriety Powwow is considered one of the biggest sobriety new year’s eve celebrations in the city of Portland. 

Sobriety Powwow Event is held at the Convention Center and renders immense fun to the visitors. The largest New Year’s Eve bash in Portland will be held in the city amid classic songs, unique dance moves, drums, and more. The noteworthy thing is that it is an alcohol-free event organized in Rose City. The event begins at 1 PM and wraps up at 12 AM on New Year’s Eve.

3. Kids-Friendly New Year at Gilbert House Children’s Museum

Welcome the New Year with your kiddos at the Gilbert House Children’s Museum on 31st December 2023. Usually, new year’s eve is celebrated at midnight on the very last day of the year. Keeping the sleep timings of the children in mind, the Gilbert House Children’s Museum organizers will ring in the new year at noon. 

Join the kid-friendly New Year Party in Portland Oregon held at Gilbert House Children’s Museum. The major fun-filled activities conducted at the New Year’s Eve celebration in the museum include a hot chocolate bar, fun crafts, a balloon drop at 12 Noon on 31st December 2023. For the members of the museum, the admission cost is $5 while the cost for nonmembers of the museum is $15.

No entry fee is imposed on the kids aged below 1 Year. The New Year’s Eve Party at the Gilbert House Children’s Museum kickstarts at 10 AM and ends at 1 PM on 31st December 2023. Once the clock strikes noon on 31st December, Gilbert House hosts a giant balloon ball drop event. Join the extravagant celebrations at the Gilbert House to make it a memorable event. Make sure you take your kids to this event to give them an unforgettable memory on the special occasion.

4. Experience the Largest Philanthropic Gala at The Governor’s Ball

Experiencing the historic Governor’s Ball NYE bash is one of the Fun Things to do on New Year’s Eve in Portland. Get ready to witness the stunning NYE celebrations organized at Portland’s Governor’s Ball. The event is held at the Sentinel Hotel and mesmerizes the visitors with exceptional dining and dancing options.

Ring in New Year’s Eve stylishly at the Governor’s Ball in a glittering outfit alongside the finest black tie. Every year, The Governor’s Ball annual New Years Eve Portland Event is held at the Sentinel Hotel. The Governor’s Ball conducts the largest philanthropic gala celebrations on the new year’s occasion with an all-night dance. The key highlights of Governor’s Ball include Patrick Lamb’s philanthropic performance, Roger Fisher – original ‘Heart’ Guitarist performance, etc.

The Governor’s Ball event features Hors D’oeuvres and buffet, an all-night dance, one long party, free-flowing drinks, and more. With the admission fee, visitors can even access a complimentary champagne toast and photo booth. Once the gates open at 7 PM, the dinner program with special dishes will be provided between 7.30 and 9 PM. From 9 PM to 1 AM, the visitors and guests can indulge in unlimited entertainment options and all-night dancing.

5. Go for an Exciting NYE Party Cruise

To gain a memorable cruise ride experience on New Years Eve Portland Oregon, hop aboard the most popular Portland Spirit Cruise in the city of Portland. One can get an unforgettable river adventure experience while riding on the Portland Spirit Cruise. 

Soak yourselves in the brightly illuminating city lights whilst riding on the Portland Spirit Yacht on the river. During the 3-hour cruise ride, the tourists and visitors can enjoy unlimited drinks, appetizers, and music after the cruise begins its ride from the Salmon Street Springs Dock. 

Celebrate the arrival of the New Year Party in Portland Oregon starting from 9 PM on 31st December 2023. The cruise ride ends at 1 AM rendering an elegant experience to the guests. People can get a VIP experience while hopping on the Portland Spirit Yacht. While moving on the cruise, the visitors can watch the spectacular New Year Fireworks in Portland Oregon that brightens the entire skyline of the city.

6. Visit the Portland Art Museum

Portland is a haven for several museums that are fully dedicated to science and wildlife. The Portland Art Museum is one of the most popular museums in the city with a massive collection of art and a wide range of touring exhibitions presented every year. For most kids and adults, visiting a museum is one of the Fun Things to Do On New Year’s Eve in Portland. 

The Portland Art Museum is one of the oldest art museums in the City of Portland that has a massive collection of fine art. The museum also sports a center for modern and contemporary art, an Asian art collection, a public sculpture garden, and more. Head to this museum on the last day of the year with your family members and little ones to share some unknown facts with them.

7. Enjoy World-Famous Street Food  

Portland is widely popular for offering the world’s best street food by topmost outlets. The street food available at the topmost food carts in Portland is quite famous. The mobile eating concept has become extremely popular in Portland comprises more than 600 food carts. From mouthwatering Mexican dishes to scrumptious Peruvian chicken, Portland’s food carts offer a wide range of tasty options to visitors.

Tasting something unique and special foods at the food cart is one of the best things to do on New Years Eve in Portland Oregon. For a portion of classic Thai street food, head to the Nong’s Khao Man Gai food cart. To enjoy some organic street food that comes directly from the fresh farm and local farmers, just visit Aybla Grill. 

Make sure you order lamb gyro, parsley, feta cheese wrapped in grilled pita alongside onion, and other side dishes. Kingsland Kitchen, The Frying Scotsman, Hot Box BBQ, and others are some of the must-visit food carts in Portland that offer highly delicious street food.

8. Family-Friendly NYE Festivity at ZooLights

One shouldn’t miss visiting the Oregon Zoo’s ZooLights in Portland on new year’s eve. With more than 1.5 million lights set up all around the Oregon Zoo, the visitors can witness a dazzling display in a whole next level. Walkthrough the Oregon Zoo whilst watching different animals and species alongside your friends on this special occasion. 

With huge elephants, mountain goats, and an extensive variety of wildlife, visitors can go for a fun ride on the popular lighted train and carousel on the special New Years Eve Portland Oregon. Visitors need to purchase entry tickets worth $16-29 per person or $65 per car to experience the ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo. This special event continues until 5th January 2024 between 5 PM and 9 PM.

Ring in the new year with different animals at the Annual Winter Fest celebrated in Oregon Zoo. People can choose between two options to experience the ZooLights display – drive-through and walk-through. However, the drive-through option is only available to visitors on specific dates. The children and adults who visit the Zoo can enjoy unlimited treats such as hot cocoa, fine wine, and Oregon beer.

9. Thrilling Roller Skating Experience at Oaks Park

Think of ringing in the new year at Oaks Park Skating Rink makes your NYE bash the most memorable event. Visit Oaks Park with your entire family or with your best pals at the New Year Party in Portland Oregon to experience a unique roller rink skating. Besides skating, Oaks Park’s NYE celebrations also feature live DJ performances, party favors, extended skate sessions between 7 PM and 1 AM. 

As the skating session is extended till 1 AM, the visitors can enjoy the whole night watching the live performances, enjoying the party favors, and more with their friends and family members. Purchase your ticket that costs around $22 per person. Without any extra charge, the conventional skate rental is also available at Oaks Park. People willing to visit Oaks Park without skating can purchase a ticket at $5 per person.

As this is an event accessible to all ages, take your kiddos to the park to give them a unique skating experience. People can indulge in a lot of fun-filled activities available on new year’s eve at the park. Once the clock strikes 12, people can watch the beautiful Portland New Years Eve Fireworks. Join the special countdown to midnight with the group of people enjoying the skate games and fun events.

10. Go for a Hike at Tyron Creek

Hiking is one of the Fun Things to Do On New Year’s Eve in Portland with friends and colleagues. Situated in Southwest Portland, Tyron Creek State Natural Area is the topmost urban park. On a special occasion like the new year, people can get a unique hiking experience throughout the park. While choosing from a shorter all-access walk, the visitors can hike for about 2 miles and up to 5 miles. As per the instructions of the guides, go hiking with your beloved ones. Make it one of the memorable moments in your life. 

Final Thoughts

Well, this is everything you need to know about the interesting Things to Do In Portland on New Years. Hopefully, this guide has given adequate information about the New Year Party in Portland Oregon, the best places to ring in the new year, perfect spots to watch the New Year Fireworks in Portland Oregon, and more. If you have any other suggestions in mind, drop them in the comments section. Stay in touch with our website NEWYEARWIKI to know more about the unique New Year’s Eve ideas, how to celebrate new year’s in the best places globally, and more.