Festive Lights for Magical Nights!
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 24-Dec 30 (closed on Christmas); admission $5-$14
Christmas Ship Parade
he 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 1-17, Free
Holidays at the Belle
This year 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 Lights 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 1-26; donations appreciated
Lightopia: An Illuminated Journey
Head to Hillsboro for a magical drive through winter scenes and dazzling displays at the Gordon Faber Recreation Complex. Dec 5-30 (closed on Christmas Day); Free (reservations required)
Peacock Lane
This Portland holiday tradition is popular for a reason and is back for the 2022 season! The hot cocoa booth (donations requested) will return and Dec 15-17th 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 17-Dec 31 (no market Nov 22-23 & Dec 24-25). See website for pricing and tickets.
Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway
Recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest as the “Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi”, the 31st annual Winter Wonderland event will grab your attention with glimmers and glows around every corner. Check out Bike night on Nov 28th and the “Lights and Leases” (dog-friendly) nights on Nov 27th and 29th. Nov 24-Dec 31. See website for pricing.
Zoo Lights
A Portland holiday tradition, ZooLights boasts over 1.5 million lights. This year’s event sees a return to the traditional walking tours and will not include any drive-through nights. Nov 19-Jan 9 (closed on Christmas). Nov 19-Jan 7 (closed Christmas Day) with a special sensory-friendly evening on Nov 20th; See website for tickets and pricing.
