Winter Magic Awaits: Your Guide to Oregon's Best Winter Activities in 2025
Glide Into the Season: Ice Skating Adventures
The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville is bringing its Glide and Gather ice skating rink to the Spruce Goose this holiday season. Picture yourself skating beneath the wings of historic aircraft—a uniquely Oregon experience that combines winter fun with aerospace wonder. The museum itself houses over 150 aircraft and spacecraft, making it the perfect destination for families looking to blend education with seasonal celebration.
Beyond McMinnville, ice skating options across Oregon include the Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink (opening November 21st, 2025) in Ashland ($8 for adults), Bill Collier Ice Arena in Klamath Falls ($10 plus $4 for skates), and Winter Village at Jerry Willey Plaza in Hillsboro. In Central Oregon, The Pavilion in Bend offers covered open-air skating with on-site fire pits, while Seventh Mountain Resort boasts the region's oldest outdoor rink surrounded by festive light displays. Each rink creates its own atmosphere—from the intimate community feel of smaller venues to the bustling energy of resort locations.
A Million Lights and More: The Silverton Christmas Market
The Silverton Christmas Market returns to the Oregon Garden Resort, transforming its scenic grounds into a glowing holiday village from November 21 through December 31, 2025. This isn't just a light display—it's an immersive experience featuring 1.5 million twinkling lights that guide you through themed pathways and photo-worthy scenes.
Stroll through over one million twinkling lights, shop local artisan vendors, listen to live music in the family-friendly Biergarten, go snowless tubing, and more. The German-inspired artisan market offers handcrafted gifts, imported nutcrackers, and traditional treats like lebkuchen and glühwein. Warm up by cozy fire pits, take a ride down the snowless tubing hill, or meet Santa during his scheduled visits. General admission includes access to the walk-through light display, vendor market and family-friendly biergarten with live music, with pricing ranging from $15-25 for adults depending on the day of the week.
The market is closed November 24-25, 27, and December 1-2, 8-9, 24-25, so plan accordingly. Consider booking an overnight package at the Oregon Garden Resort to fully immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere.
Hit the Slopes: World-Class Skiing and Snowboarding
Mount Hood's planned winter ski season for 2025/2026 opens November 28th, 2025, and closes May 2nd, 2026. Oregon's tallest mountain offers something for every skill level, from beginners taking their first runs to experts carving through challenging terrain. Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort, just a half-hour from Bend, is the seventh-largest ski resort in North America and the largest in the Pacific Northwest, boasting 3,365 feet of vertical drop and more than 100 runs.
Timberline Lodge, the historic ski lodge built in 1936, provides the only ski-in/ski-out experience in Oregon. The striking building offers sweeping mountain views and cozy accommodations—perfect for multi-day ski trips. Hoodoo Ski Area has been going strong since 1938 and hosts more than 800 skiable acres, as well as Central Oregon's only night skiing with 23 night runs open until 9 p.m. For those seeking a more intimate experience, Mt. Ashland in Southern Oregon provides excellent skiing with five lifts and twenty-three trails, including terrain parks for freestylers.
Don't forget about snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing opportunities at numerous sno-parks throughout the state. Many offer groomed trails, warming huts, and stunning Cascade views.
Snowshoe Through Winter Wonderlands
Wherever there's snow cover in Central Oregon, there's an opportunity to snowshoe, with marked snowshoe routes at Virginia Meissner and Swampy Lakes Sno-Parks off of Century Drive just outside of Bend. Snowshoeing offers a peaceful way to explore Oregon's winter landscapes at your own pace. The sport requires minimal equipment and welcomes all fitness levels, making it perfect for families and solo adventurers alike.
Snowshoeing is one of the most delightful ways to experience the outdoors in winter, and Crater Lake National Park is one of Oregon's most iconic destinations. Imagine trekking through pristine snow with views of the deepest lake in America—the vivid blue waters contrasting brilliantly against white snow and evergreen forests. Many outfitters offer guided moonlight snowshoe tours, adding an extra element of magic to your winter adventure.
Popular snowshoeing destinations include Tumalo Mountain near Bend (offering incredible summit views), the trails around Tumalo Falls (rewarding you with a stunning 97-foot waterfall), and the extensive trail system at Maxwell Sno-Park in the Willamette Valley. Don't forget your Sno-Park permit—required at most winter recreation areas—and always check conditions before heading out.
Beyond the Snow: Unique Winter Experiences
Winter in Oregon extends far beyond traditional snow sports. Dog sledding is a unique and memorable winter experience available at Mt. Bachelor, with regularly scheduled tours led by qualified guides departing when the resort is open for business. Trail of Dreams, owned by an Iditarod-competing family, takes guests into parts of the forest many people never get to see.
Up to 20,000 gray whales migrate along Oregon's coast every winter and spring, making it prime whale-watching season. Storm-watching from beachfront resorts offers its own dramatic beauty, while winter is also peak crabbing season on the coast. Indoor enthusiasts will appreciate the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum's year-round exhibits, including the iconic Spruce Goose, SR-71 Blackbird, and more than 200 historic aircraft and spacecraft displays.
Oregon WinterFest in Bend celebrates winter in full force with live music, ice carving, food and craft vendors, and lots of activities for kids, including a wine walk through Bend's Old Mill District. The Portland Winter Light Festival in February illuminates the darkness with interactive performances, fire dancing, lantern parades, and pop-up art installations—all free and all-ages.
Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures or cozy cultural experiences, Oregon's winter season offers something magical for everyone. Bundle up, embrace the crisp air, and discover why winter might just be the best time to explore this diverse and beautiful state.