Abound in holiday cheer at one of Portland’s many Christmas and holiday light installations this year.
Is there a better way to celebrate Christmas in Portland, Oregon, than to stroll or drive through a glittering wonderland of lights? The answer? Nope! Our city is near-famous for its abundance of light displays all throughout the city. Nearly everywhere you go, you’ll get a glimpse of colorful, dazzling Portland Christmas lights.
If you’re interested in sparking some extra holiday cheer, check out one of these lively Portland light festivals (or all of them!):
Zoo Lights in Portland (ZooLights)
Starting Nov. 23, the Oregon Zoo transforms into a glowing walkway of 1.5 million holiday lights each night for ZooLights. On select nights, family and friends can view the lights from their car in a special driving experience. This event runs through Jan. 5.
Winter Wonderland at the Portland International Raceway
Winter Wonderland at the Portland International Raceway is known as the “largest holiday light show west of the Mississippi.” This drive-through experience, which runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 31, features 250 light set pieces and animated scenes. You’ll enjoy these Portland Christmas lights from the comfort and warmth of your vehicle.
The Christmas Festival of Lights at the Grotto
Running from Nov. 25 through Dec. 30, the Christmas Festival of Lights at the Grotto has an abundance of holiday cheer. In addition to some of the best Christmas lights in Portland, the Grotto has caroling every hour, puppet shows and storytime for the kids, choirs in the chapel and 160 holiday concerts.
Peacock Lane Lights
Peacock Lane Christmas Lights has been well-known throughout Portland, Oregon, since the 1920s. This event runs Dec. 15-31, with the first two nights being pedestrian-only. Each house is adorned with tons of twinkling lights, nativity scenes, Santa and Frosty replicas, rotating Christmas trees and much more.
Christmas Ships Parade
From Dec. 2 through 21, locals and visitors alike can watch the Christmas Ship Parade on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers every night. The fleet of boats, each 14 to 65 feet long, light up the rivers with their incredible holiday displays.
Lightopia
If you’re looking for a free and quick 20-minute drive-through light show for the kiddos, check out Lightopia. This display runs from Dec. 3 to 31 at Gordon Faber Recreation Complex (Hillsboro Stadium).
Clackamas County Winter Fair & Holiday Market
From Dec. 2 to 23, the Clackamas County Event Center holds a winter fair and holiday market fun for the whole family. Enjoy a half-mile pathway with over 200,000 glimmering lights, a 166-foot lighted tunnel, a 200-foot building light display and a Christmas tree show. The fair also features more than 25 local vendors, entertainment, holiday treats and pictures with Santa.
Victorian Belle Christmas Light Display
Holidays at the Belle are unlike any other. The Victorian Belle’s holiday lights display is available on Dec. 4, 9-11, 16-18 and 23. You can also get a picture with Santa every Sunday. The Victorian Belle hosts several other holiday events, including the Krampus Festival, Holiday High Tea and Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
Christmas on the Campground
Open Nov. 25 through Dec. 31, Christmas on the Campground is a must-see. Stroll through the Apostolic Faith Church’s campgrounds to gaze at thousands of shimmering lights, a life-size nativity and the tallest Christmas tree in Southeast Portland.
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
What better way to kick off the holiday season than watch the annual Portland Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Pioneer Courthouse Square? On Nov. 25, at 6 p.m., spectators will gather in the square to enjoy chorale music and countdown to the illumination of 14,000 holiday tree lights.
Menorah Lighting
Join the Chabad of Oregon at Pioneer Courthouse Square Dec. 18 through 26 for the lighting of Portland’s Public Hanukkah menorah. On Dec. 18, spectators can also enjoy live music, festive foods and more.
VIDA Coworking, a locally-owned coworking space, is located just 10 minutes from downtown Portland—the center of all holiday celebrations. Learn more about the shared workspace by booking a tour today!