One of the best parts of the holiday season is bundling up and heading out to see the local light displays. Check out our roundup of options and start planning your family’s December evenings!
Christmas Festival of Lights at the Grotto
Enjoy indoor concerts in the Grotto’s chapel and family entertainment from puppet shows to outdoor caroling in the plaza. Holiday treats and gifts will be available for purchase. See website for concert schedule. Nov 29-Dec 30 (closed on Christmas); admission $7-$18 (free ages 2 and under). Non-perishable food items are appreciated for SnowCap.
thegrotto.org/christmas-festival-of-lights
Christmas Ship Parade
The Christmas Ship Parade started in 1954 with one lone sailboat from Portland Yacht Club. Bows of green with some ribbon where tied along the rails and it paraded on the rivers. The next year the parade started to grow. Today, The Christmas Ship Fleet averages about 55 to 60 boats between the Columbia and Willamette River fleets. Things have changed from the first lone ship. Now the displays are brightly lit and can be seen from bank to bank on each river. Dec 5-22, Free
Holidays at The Belle
Since Covid, the Victorian Belle has shifted their focus to decorating their historic mansion for High Tea, live performances, and private events! See website for pricing, dates and tickets.
Keizer Miracle of Christmas Light Display
A tradition in the Gubser neighborhood since 1984, this year’s event will raise money for the Marion Polk Food Share. 6-10pm, Dec 6-26; donations appreciated
facebook.com/keizermiracleoflightsdisplay
Lightopia: An Illuminated Journey
Head to Hillsboro for a magical drive through winter scenes and dazzling displays at the Gordon Faber Recreation Complex. Dec 6-30 (closed on Christmas Day); Free (reservations required)
Peacock Lane
This Portland holiday tradition is popular for a reason and is back for the 2024 season! The hot cocoa booth (donations requested) will return and Dec 15-16th will be for pedestrians only. All other days will be drive-through and walk-through. Dec 15-31, Free
Silverton Christmas Market
Stroll along immersive paths draped in more than one million lights. Explore the authentic German Christmas Market for gifts and enjoy snowless tubing and visits with Santa. Nov 21-Dec 31 (no market Nov 28 & Dec 24-25). See website for pricing and tickets.
Winter Gleam at Oaks Park
This dazzling event transforms the beloved historic park into a sparkling wonderland illuminated by dynamic light displays, immersive light tunnels, and twinkling pathways that will brighten the season. 5pm-10pm on Friday-Sundays: Nov 29-Dec 29. See website for pricing
Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway
Recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest as the “Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi”, the 32st annual Winter Wonderland event will grab your attention with glimmers and glows around every corner. Check out Bike night on Dec 1st and the “Lights and Leases” (dog-friendly) nights on Dec 2nd and 3rd. Nov 29-Dec 31. See website for pricing.
ZooLights
A Portland holiday tradition, ZooLights boasts over 1.5 million lights. This year’s event continues the return to traditional walking tours and will not include any drive-through nights. Nov 22-Jan 5 (closed on Christmas) with a member preview on Nov 17th and a special sensory-friendly evening on Nov 18th; See website for tickets and pricing.
