Events and Outings

Holiday Lights Guide 2017

The Oregon steam locomotive passing through the blue tunnel of lights during Zoolights. © Oregon Zoo / photo by Michael Durham.
The Oregon steam locomotive passing through the blue tunnel of lights during Zoolights. © Oregon Zoo / photo by Michael Durham.

 

ZooLights
What would the holidays in Portland be without ZooLights? With more than a million and a half lights it’s an experience you’ll never forget. Buy tickets online before you go so there’s no waiting. Take the train, snack at the food carts, visit the carousel, and take pictures with Santa, all the while visiting the beasties that we love!
When: Nov. 24-Jan. 7 (except Dec. 24, 25, Jan. 1-4), 5-9 p.m. (8 p.m. on Value Nights).
Where: 4001 S.W. Canyon Rd
Cost (regular/Value Nights): $14.95/$9.95 adults (12-64), $12.95/$7.95 seniors (65+) and $9.95/$4.95 youth (3-11), 2 and under free. Ride TriMet to Zoolights and show proof of a TriMet fare for a $5 discount ($1.50 on Value Nights). oregonzoo.org/visit/zoolights

 

Victorian Belle

Victorian Belle: The Miracle of a Million Lights
December at Victorian Belle is The Miracle of a Million Lights. The entire 2.5 acres is filled with a million plus twinkling lights that turn this historic Portland landmark into a Christmas Wonderland! Tour historic Victorian Belle, decorated with more than twenty Christmas trees, take a picture with Santa, roast marshmallows with Rudolph, and meet the resident bunnies and turtles.
When: December 9-23, 6 pm-10 pm nightly.
Where: 1441 McClellan St.
Cost: $8 adults, $5 seniors and $4 children ages 4-17, free under 3. Bring in a canned food item for $1 off.
victorianbelle.com

 

Oregon Garden

Christmas in the Garden
Holiday market, ice skating, photos with Santa, fire pits 600,000 lights and live music each night.
When: Nov. 24-Dec. 3
(closed some weekdays, Dec. 24 & 25)
Where: 879 W Main St, Silverton
Cost: Pricing varies,
averaging $10 per person
oregongarden.org

 

Peacock Lane
Portland’s premier residential Christmas lights never fail to impress. Please be respectful of the neighbors.
When: 6 pm-11 pm Dec. 15-31. Pedestrian only Dec. 15-17.
Where: SE Peacock Lane between
Stark & Belmont
Cost: none
peacocklane.org

Grotto Festival of Lights
The largest choral festival in the world, carolers, puppet shows, and live animals.
When: 5pm-9:30 pm, Nov. 24-Dec. 30. Closed Christmas.
Where: 8840 NE Skidmore St.
Cost: $11 for adults, $10 for seniors.
$6 ages 3-12, free ages 0-2.
thegrotto.org

Christmas Fantasy Trail
Fantasy Trail with thousands of lights,
Christmas scenes, a tunnel, maze,
crooked house, suspension bridge.
When: 6pm-9pm. Dec. 2-30,
Closed Dec. 24 & 25.
Where: 19754 South Ridge, Oregon City.
Cost: $6 adult, $5 ages 12 & under (cash only)
fantasytrail.com

Holiday Express Train
Ride along the Willamette River from Oaks Park on an old Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation train.
When: Varies, Nov. 24-25, Dec. 2-3, Dec. 9-10 and Dec. 16-17;
Where: 7805 S.E. Oaks Park Way
Cost: $10.50-$20.50
orhf.org/the-holiday-express

Christmas Ships
Christmas Ship Fleet averages about 55 to 60 festively-decorated boats between the Columbia and Willamette rivers.
When: Check the website
Where: Check the website
Cost: free
christmasships.org

About Mary Brady

Mary Brady was born and raised in the PNW and has been in Oregon since 2006. She currently lives on the west side of the river with her two children and her golden retriever pup; exploring all that PDX Metro has to offer. Mary is the Editor for NW Kids.