White Stag Sign - Image 1
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White Stag Sign Portland

4.6
·491k reviews·Portland, United States

Portland's iconic neon sign, a glowing beacon in Old Town Chinatown, famous for its stag's red nose during the holidays.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Dusk to early morning

Sign is illuminated

CrowdLow
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White Stag Sign - Image 1

White Stag Sign Portland

Best Time

Dusk to early morning

Sign is illuminated

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Portland's iconic neon sign, a glowing beacon in Old Town Chinatown, famous for its stag's red nose during the holidays.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The White Stag sign is a must-see Portland icon, especially magical when lit up at night!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Catch the Glow

The sign typically lights up from 4 PM to 7 AM in fall/winter. :flashlight:

👟 Comfy Footwear Essential

Exploring Old Town Chinatown is best on foot, so wear your most comfortable shoes! :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic White Stag Sign

The Iconic White Stag Sign

Old Town Chinatown

Portland's beloved neon sign, a beacon of the city, especially when its stag's nose glows red during the holidays.

Instagram+1
Holiday Red Nose

Holiday Red Nose

White Stag Sign

Witness the magical transformation as the stag's nose turns bright red, a festive tradition usually starting the day before Thanksgiving.

Instagram+1
Historic Old Town Chinatown

Historic Old Town Chinatown

Downtown Portland

Wander through Portland's historic district, soaking in the architecture and vibrant atmosphere surrounding the famous sign.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

The iconic White Stag sign lights up nightly, but its exact on-time can vary. For the best chance to see it illuminated, aim for dusk. During winter, it's typically lit from 4 PM to 7 AM, perfect for evening strolls or early morning photos. Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Exploring the area around the White Stag sign, especially Old Town Chinatown, is best done on foot. Many visitors recommend wearing comfortable shoes to make the most of your exploration of Portland's historic districts. TikTok

Best Times

When
Dusk to early morning
Why
Sign is illuminated
Crowd
Low
When
Late November
Why
Festive red nose appears
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This is the ultimate adult playground, wear your comfy shoes :) Plus, tickets sell out fast so plan ahead! #portlandor #portlandthingstodo #pdx101 #pdxnow #portlandart
@kimberlynnpdx
2.2K likes • 85.6K views

🎯 Catch the Glow

The sign typically lights up from 4 PM to 7 AM in fall/winter. Reddit :flashlight:

👟 Comfy Footwear Essential

Exploring Old Town Chinatown is best on foot, so wear your most comfortable shoes! TikTok :athletic_shoe:

Things to do in Portland Oregon! 🌲 Remember to click the link in my bio for a small itinerary and map! #oregon #portlandoregon #portland #thingstodoinportland #creatorsearchinsights
@travel.with.lala
2.2K likes • 93.5K views
It didn’t always say Portland Oregon! 🦌 The White Stag sign greets locals and visitors with glistening lights every night, and in the winter time - a shiny red nose. The more you know! 🌲🌹 #Portland #pnw #oregon #portlandoregon #pacificnorthwest #travelportland #pdx
portland
5.7K likes • 139.2K views

🎁 Holiday Magic

The stag's nose turns red before Thanksgiving – a truly festive sight! Instagram+1 :gift:

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Great spot for engagement photos or just capturing Portland's iconic skyline. Reddit :camerawithflash:

Every year, on the day before Thanksgiving, the Portland Oregon/White Stag sign gets a red nose for the holidays. Click the link in our bio to read more #Oregon #WhiteStag #RedNose
theoregonian
8.4K likes • 205K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Catch the Glow

The sign typically lights up from 4 PM to 7 AM in fall/winter. Reddit :flashlight:

👟 Comfy Footwear Essential

Exploring Old Town Chinatown is best on foot, so wear your most comfortable shoes! TikTok :athletic_shoe:

🎁 Holiday Magic

The stag's nose turns red before Thanksgiving – a truly festive sight! Instagram+1 :gift:

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Great spot for engagement photos or just capturing Portland's iconic skyline. Reddit :camerawithflash:

💡 Sign History

Originally built in 1940, the sign has evolved over the years. Instagram :bulb:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the White Stag Sign as an iconic and essential Portland landmark, especially when illuminated at night. The festive red nose during the holidays is a particular highlight. Some find the surrounding Old Town Chinatown area can be a bit gritty, but the sign itself remains a beloved symbol of the city.

What People Like

Iconic city symbol
Beautiful at night
Festive holiday nose

What People Dislike

Gritty neighborhood feel

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The White Stag Sign is located in Portland's Old Town Chinatown. It's easily accessible by public transportation, including buses and the MAX light rail. Driving is also an option, but parking in the area can be challenging and expensive. Many visitors find it convenient to walk or bike to the sign, especially if they are already exploring downtown Portland. TikTok

Yes, there are several parking garages and street parking options near the White Stag Sign in Old Town Chinatown. However, parking can be competitive, especially during peak hours or events. It's advisable to check parking apps or websites for real-time availability and rates. TikTok

Absolutely! If you're staying in or exploring downtown Portland, walking to the White Stag Sign is a great way to experience the city. It's a pleasant stroll through historic streets. TikTok

The best way to see the White Stag Sign is to visit during the evening when it's illuminated. Many people also enjoy seeing it during the day as part of a broader exploration of Old Town Chinatown. Reddit

While Old Town Chinatown is a historic area, like any urban center, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Stick to well-lit streets and consider visiting with a group if you're concerned. The sign itself is a popular landmark, so there are usually other people around. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to see the White Stag Sign. It's a public landmark visible from the street in Old Town Chinatown. TikTok

The White Stag Sign is typically illuminated nightly. In the fall and winter, it's generally lit from 4 p.m. to 7 a.m. Reddit The exact on-time can vary slightly due to its analog timer. Reddit

There is no admission fee to view the White Stag Sign. It's a free, iconic piece of Portland's cityscape. TikTok

While there isn't a precise, fixed time, the sign usually begins to light up around dusk. In fall and winter, it's generally on from 4 p.m. onwards. Reddit

Yes, the White Stag Sign is a permanent fixture and can be visited year-round. However, its most festive appearance is during the holiday season when its nose turns red. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

For the best photos, aim for dusk or early evening when the sign is illuminated and the city lights are starting to twinkle. This creates a beautiful contrast and captures the sign's glow effectively. Reddit

Yes, the area around the sign offers several vantage points. You can get great shots from the street level, or if you can find a slightly elevated position, it can offer a broader perspective of the sign and the surrounding Old Town Chinatown. TikTok

Many couples choose the White Stag Sign as a backdrop for engagement photos, especially when it's lit up at night. It's a romantic and iconic Portland landmark. Reddit

For night photography, consider using a tripod to avoid camera shake. Experiment with longer exposure times and a lower ISO to capture the neon lights clearly. A wider aperture can also help in low light conditions. TikTok

Yes, during the holiday season, typically starting the day before Thanksgiving, the stag's nose on the sign glows bright red, adding a festive touch. Instagram+1

🎫 📜 History & Fun Facts

The sign was originally built in 1940 by the Oregon Sugar Company. It has changed hands and names over the years, with the White Stag reindeer being added later. It was originally shaped like Oregon and filled with lights. Instagram

No, the sign has evolved. It didn't always say 'Portland Oregon.' Initially, it featured different branding, and the 'Portland Oregon' text was added later as ownership and purpose changed. Instagram

The stag's nose is famously illuminated with a bright red light, especially during the holiday season, usually starting the day before Thanksgiving. Instagram+1

The sign was originally built in 1940 by the Oregon Sugar Company. The shape of Oregon would fill with white lights to resemble sugar. Instagram

The White Stag figure was added to the sign as ownership changed hands over the years, becoming a prominent feature of the iconic landmark. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The White Stag Sign is a fun and accessible landmark for families. Seeing the bright lights, especially the festive red nose during the holidays, can be exciting for children. Instagram+1 The surrounding Old Town Chinatown area offers plenty of space to walk around, and you can make a day of it by exploring nearby parks or grabbing a kid-friendly meal. TikTok Remember to bring comfortable shoes for everyone, as little legs might get tired exploring the historic streets. TikTok

📸 Photographers & Instagrammers

For photographers, the White Stag Sign is a classic Portland shot. The best time to capture its glow is at dusk or early evening, when the neon lights pop against the darkening sky. Reddit Consider using a tripod for sharper images, especially with longer exposures. TikTok The holiday season, with the addition of the red nose, offers a unique and festive opportunity for memorable photos. Instagram+1 Don't forget to explore different angles in Old Town Chinatown for diverse compositions. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Walkers & Explorers

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Evolution of an Icon: History of the White Stag Sign

The White Stag Sign, a beloved landmark in Portland, Oregon, has a rich history that reflects the city's changing industrial and commercial landscape. Originally erected in 1940 by the Oregon Sugar Company, the sign was designed to resemble the shape of Oregon and was illuminated with white lights to symbolize sugar. This early iteration served as a prominent advertisement for local industry. Instagram

Over the decades, as ownership transitioned, the sign underwent several transformations. The iconic White Stag reindeer was added, becoming a distinctive feature. For a period, the Oregon silhouette was filled with the words "Made In Oregon," promoting local products. In 2010, the city of Portland took over stewardship, and the sign was updated to its current prominent display of "Portland Oregon." Instagram+1

Today, the White Stag Sign is more than just an advertisement; it's a symbol of Portland's identity. Its nightly illumination and the special addition of a red nose during the holiday season have cemented its place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike, making it a must-see attraction. Instagram+1

Experiencing Old Town Chinatown

The White Stag Sign is situated in Portland's historic Old Town Chinatown, a vibrant district brimming with culture, history, and unique architecture. Exploring this area on foot is highly recommended, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. TikTok The neighborhood offers a glimpse into Portland's past, with its turn-of-the-century buildings and bustling street life. TikTok

Beyond the sign itself, Old Town Chinatown is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions. Visitors can explore the Lan Su Chinese Garden, a serene oasis, or browse the eclectic shops for souvenirs. The area also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, adding to its dynamic atmosphere. TikTok

When visiting the White Stag Sign, consider dedicating time to wander through the surrounding streets. This allows you to appreciate the historic architecture, discover hidden gems, and truly immerse yourself in the character of this important Portland neighborhood. TikTok

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