Holiday fun in Hillsboro that won't break the bank

The holidays have a way of adding up. It’s a whirlwind of gifts, gatherings, travel, décor… and suddenly your calendar is full and your wallet is feeling a little empty. Luckily, getting into the spirit doesn’t have to mean spending a lot. Around Hillsboro, you’ll find plenty of ways to celebrate the season for free (or just a few dollars), from tree lightings and holiday markets to light displays, winter activities, and old-fashioned community traditions.

Whether you’re looking for something to do with the kids, hoping to knock a few gifts off your list, or just want an excuse to get out and enjoy the crisp winter air, we’ve rounded up a dozen affordable holiday activities to add to your calendar this year.

Holiday Food & Gift Festival

November 13–15 | Westside Commons, Hillsboro

This beloved event is one of the largest holiday celebrations in the Northwest, welcoming shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind gifts like crafts, jewelry, toys, décor, clothing, and more. Throughout the festival, you’ll also find gourmet food booths, plus bottles from wineries and distilleries. For anyone who likes to shop small, this is a fun way to turn holiday shopping into a festive outing.

Every Husband’s Nightmare Bazaar

November 16–21 | Westside Commons, Hillsboro

The name alone makes this one worth a visit. This longtime Hillsboro tradition brings together local crafters, vintage finds, handmade goods, jewelry, décor, and plenty of potential gifts. Opening night is just a few dollars, making it a particularly budget-friendly stop for anyone who loves a good treasure hunt.

Hillsboro Holly Days

November 21 | Downtown Hillsboro

When it comes to classic holiday traditions, it’s hard to beat Hillsboro Holly Days. Head downtown for an afternoon of live entertainment, kids’ activities, shopping, and a visit from Santa, then stick around for the annual tree lighting. Best of all, the event is free, so you can soak up plenty of holiday magic without needing to open your wallet.

Design-your-own holiday lights tour

December 1-31 | Reed’s Crossing

Sometimes the best holiday activity is the simplest one. Grab some cocoa, pull on your boots, and make your own tour of the neighborhood’s light displays. The interconnected paved paths make strolling around safe and easy, and this area just loves the holidays! It costs nothing, takes little planning, and might just become a favorite holiday tradition of your own.

Winter Village

Opens November 29 | Orenco Station, Hillsboro

Winter Village brings a little holiday joy to Orenco Station with outdoor ice skating, seasonal activities, and plenty of festive atmosphere. Skating for adults is $19 ($10 for SNAP/EBT) and less for kids, so this can be a fun way to make a regular day feel a little more special. Keep an eye out for events and activities around the village throughout the season.

Walters Artisan Pop-Up Shop

December 1 | Walters Cultural Arts Center, Hillsboro

Give your holiday shopping list a local twist! More than 40 artisans come together with handmade art, jewelry, ceramics, textiles, home goods, and other one-of-a-kind finds at this popular event. There’s no admission fee, and you can browse at your own pace. Come find the perfect gift while directly supporting artists in your community.

Insomnia Coffee Holiday Makers Market

December 5 | Insomnia Coffee at Reed’s Crossing, Hillsboro

Holiday shopping is even better with a tasty beverage in hand. Each year, Insomnia Coffee transforms its Reed’s Crossing café into a Holiday Makers Market featuring handmade gifts and goods from local artisans. From 9 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, December 5th, stop in for your favorite coffee, browse the wares, and check a few names off your gift list—all without having to go too far from home.

Holiday Handmade Market

December 12 | Tamarack Elementary School at Reed’s Crossing, Hillsboro

For a holiday shopping experience with a true neighborhood feel, check out Tamarack Elementary School’s annual holiday market. From 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, December 12th, the school will bring the community together for seasonal shopping and festive fun, making it a great opportunity to support local while finding a few unique gifts along the way. 

Winter Wonderland

December 12 | Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, Hillsboro

Explore a magical Winter Wonderland full of fun for the whole family, including winter crafts, games, and the extra-special guests, baby goats from Portland Goat Parties! You can also take a walk on the Winter Discovery Trail as you learn about wetland creatures and their winter lifestyles. 

Snow Much Fun at Winter Village

December 19 | Jerry Willey Plaza, Hillsboro

Kick off winter break with snow flurries on the plaza at the top of every hour, a visit from Santa, baby reindeer goats, tasty treats, and holiday music all day long. Enjoy a holiday pop-up market around the ice rink featuring more than 30 vendors from the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, support local youth with your holiday shopping, and enjoy musical performances by young artists.

Plan a festive holiday shopping outing

Throughout the holidays | Reed’s Crossing Town Center

Holiday errands don’t have to mean driving all over town. At Reed’s Crossing Town Center, you can grab a beverage, shop for gifts, take a break for lunch or dinner, and check a few to-dos off your list, all in one stop—from elegant wares at White Birch and on-trend gifts at Penney Jaymes to stocking stuffers at Pets on Broadway and foodie gifts at Market of Choice. Make a morning of it or swing by after work; with shopping, dining, and everyday essentials all in one place, it’s easy to find a little holiday magic.

Give back to your community

December & beyond

‘Tis the season of giving, and as the holidays draw near, you may be wondering how you can help those in need in your community. Whether you have a little extra cash to donate, a skill you can share, or a few hours to spare, there are plenty of ways to make a difference. Look for local food drives, toy and clothing donations, volunteer opportunities, and organizations serving Hillsboro and the surrounding area. And remember, it doesn’t have to be complicated to make an impact.

Want to live in a community that makes every day easier? Come visit our Model Home Village & Discovery Park, take a virtual tour, or sneak a peek at what’s in store for the future.