Portland, OR. — Santa Claus is coming to the Oregon Historical Society this weekend, welcoming visitors of all ages for a festive holiday tradition in downtown Portland.
The Oregon Historical Society (OHS) announced that Santa will be available from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Guests are invited to take their own photos with Santa inside the popular Meier & Frank Santaland display, which will remain on view through December 31.
Admission to the OHS museum will be free all day, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Santaland holds a special place in Oregon history, with generations of families remembering visits to the former Meier & Frank department store in downtown Portland. For many, the holiday tradition included a ride on the store’s iconic monorail and a chance to sit on Santa’s lap.
After Macy’s closed its downtown Portland store — which acquired Meier & Frank in 2005 — a small number of original Santaland items were donated to OHS. The museum has displayed the collection annually since 2018.
This year’s Santaland features familiar favorites including Rudolph, animatronic elves, holiday decorations, and a model of the beloved monorail. The well-known Cinnamon Bear costume from Lipman’s holiday traditions is also on display. OHS adds a new hidden “Easter egg” to the exhibit each year, inviting visitors to spot the latest addition during their visit.
OHS encourages families and community members to stop by and share in the holiday cheer.
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