I Won’t Be Home for Christmas: 3 Family-Free Ways to Spend the Holiday

The first time I skipped flying home for Christmas, the pandemic forced my hand. Single and child-free, I spent the gray day that was December 25, 2020, solo, scaling Forest Park’s Wildwood Trail.

I could only pity myself for a minute. Then, a family hiked up behind me shouting holiday greetings, their big, shaggy dog begging for pets. I was anything but alone, I realized; if anything, my solo status offered new opportunities to connect and explore. 

Christmas is one of those days when not spending time with family can feel like an indictment. But if circumstances allow (or coerce), there are many to-dos in town—all of which beat a TSA queue. Whether you’re on your own or with local loved ones, here are our favorite non-family Portland Christmas traditions.

Solo Santa

Yawn and stretch in an unshared bed—then head to the café in the Pearl’s Harlow Hotel for a cuppa you don’t have to brew yourself. The light, bright lounge offers a cozy space to curl up, with holiday cocktails available, too (Mrs. Claus’s Kiss comes with a vanilla frosting rim).

After, it’s just a short drive to Forest Park, where you’ll likely encounter your own wagging tails. Though the Pittock Mansion is closed on Christmas, you can still enjoy a stunning view of Mount Hood and the exterior holiday decorations.

Darkness comes early—and when it does, scoot to the Laurelhurst Theater for Nicole Kidman’s spicy performance in Babygirl, where she plays a high-powered executive seduced by a significantly younger intern. (December 25 is the release date.) You’ll be part of a longstanding tradition: The Laurelhurst has been open on Christmas for decades, says co-owner Woody Wheeler, who recalls one snowy season in the early 2000s that had the city mostly shuttered. Wheeler and his childhood friend, Prescott Allen, had bought and revamped the theater in 1999.

“We’d just opened and needed as much business as possible to survive, so we decided to stay open for Christmas,” Wheeler says. But the snow turned the situation grim. Plows deposited a pile in front of the theater’s entry and icy roads left employees AWOL.

“All of a sudden, one of our beer drivers arrived in his own little Toyota pickup truck with a bed full of kegs for delivery. He drove right on top of the snow pile,” Wheeler recounts. “We now had beer, and I knew everything was going to be all right.” 

In short: Treat yourself to a cold one.

Couples’ Carouse

If you’re coupled up (but kid-free) for Christmas, luxuriate in a nice, slow morning at home—perhaps with a hot mug of drinking chocolate from local bean-to-bar factory Creo. The company’s brewed cacao is the drink that inspired the Straub family to become chocolate makers, and co-owner Janet enjoys a daily serving.

With energy to burn, consider getting out of town for a hike; Tom Dick and Harry Mountain offers wintery vistas for moderate effort, or set out to the Willamette or Umpqua National Forest to search for hidden decorations. Once sundown sends you home, take in the lights on Peacock Lane, followed by dinner at Portland City Grill. Find celebration standards like rib eyes and seafood towers alongside less expected dishes, including the popular Kung Pao calamari. Perched on the top floor of Big Pink, take in the sprawling, twinkly view of the city.

Still up for more? Make your way to The Alibi, open 365 days a year, for a one-of-a-kind tiki karaoke experience at a joint that’s been partying since the ’40s—or the pleasure of a flaming cocktail served in a bowl. For a wilder evening, make merry at Mary’s Club, Portland’s oldest adult venue. Couples are common, says Daddy, who routinely dances at Mary’s on holidays (and will do so this Christmas, too). The typical holiday audience also includes folks missing their families—or escaping visiting families, if just for a little while.

“They’re looking to be cheered up, and it totally works,” Daddy says. “Of course, you know—boobs help.”

Fete with Friends

If you’re spending the day with platonic pals, any activity will be a party—even if it’s just getting cozy on the couch with popcorn and cheesy holiday flicks. But if the more is truly the merrier, head down to McMenamins Kennedy School for White Elephant Bingo. Sessions start at 1pm, 2:30pm and 4pm, with holiday-themed cocktail specials and “goofy mystery prizes” for those who who stay coordinated enough to win bingo. It’s free, but be sure to RSVP.

If you’ve elected a designated driver, voyage next to Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway, which claims to be the largest drive-through light show in the Northwest. Splitting the cost between a carload of friends makes it much more affordable—it’s $49 online or $51 at the gate—not to mention fun. You might even go the extra mile (pun intended) and decorate your own vehicle.

If you’ve yet to get one, this might also be the perfect opportunity to snap a selfie in front of the Christmas tree at Pioneer Courthouse Square—before following the lovebirds to Mary’s just six blocks away. Or, if you’d rather sing your heart out (in the comfort of a private room), beeline for Baby Ketten Karaoke. The menu of comfort food is 100 percent vegan, and gluten-free options abound—and the entire score of The Nightmare Before Christmas is on the books.