Holiday Lights Guide 2019
Dazzling Lights for Magical Nights!
One of our favorite parts of the holiday season is checking out the light displays – whether it’s our neighbor’s yard or a professional production. Grab a cup of cocoa and a scarf and check out our list of this year’s holiday light displays to plan some magic!
ZooLights
Experience the zoo in a whole new way–ablaze with more than 1.5 million lights! Attendees will also experience a lighted train or carousel ride and a visit with Santa. Nov 29-Jan 5. $12.95 for Youth 3-11, $17.95 for 12 and up.
Christmas Festival of Lights at the Grotto
Enjoy indoor concerts in the Grotto’s chapel and family entertainments from puppet shows to petting zoos in the plaza. Holiday treats and gifts will be available for purchase. See website for concert schedule. Nov 23-Dec 30. $3 for children 3-12, $6 for 12 and up.
Christmas in the Garden in Silverton
Enjoy an immersive holiday event based on a traditional European-style Christmas Market, where you can experience the sights, sounds and smells of the season. Stroll through the forest and our one million lights, while sipping a warm, spicy gluhwein. Nov 29-Jan 5. See website for pricing and tickets.
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.
Lighting of Maddax Woods
Enjoy a magical walk down a lighted, accessible path through the Woods and to the viewing platform on the Willamette River. Search for creatures of the Woods, see Dorothy Maddax’s garden and view new Maddax’s boat history. Nov 16-Dec 31. Free.
Miracle of a Million Lights at Victorian Belle
Explore 2.5 acres of holiday lights! Then come indoors to tour the themed rooms and enjoy hot chocolate and other holiday refreshments. Children will also have the chance to visit with santa and to watch a nightly outdoor movie! Dec 8-28. See website for pricing and tickets.
Peacock Lane
This Portland holiday tradition is popular for a reason! Due to the potentially heavy traffic, visitors are encouraged to explore on foot if possible. Dec 15-31. Free.
Wenzel Farm: Christmas Fantasy Trail
Come down to Oregon City to explore the many delights of the Christmas Fantasy Trail lighted with thousands of holiday lights. Families will also enjoy exploring the 40 foot castle full of Christmas scenes and exploring the onsite maze. Dec 2-28. $6 children 12 and under, $7 for 12 and up (cash only).
Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway
Recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest as the “Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi”, the 27th annual Safeway Winter Wonderland powered by Advantis Credit Union, will grab your attention with glimmers and glows around every corner. Nov 29-Jan 4. $7-$60.
