Celebrate the season with festivals, markets & Christmas lights in Portland and Beaverton.
‘Tis the season, so Portland and Beaverton are officially decked out in millions of twinkling lights. That means it’s time for our favorite holiday activity: oohing and ahhing from all the stunning Portland light festivals!
So you can share in our merriment, here’s a helpful list of the best places to see Christmas lights in Portland and Beaverton.
ZooLights at Portland’s Oregon Zoo
Visit Portland ZooLights, the city’s famous experience at the Oregon Zoo, through Jan. 7, when you can walk through the zoo to catch sights of animal-themed holiday light displays. There’s so much to see, like the Twinkly Cone Tree, the Rainbow Tunnel, the Galactic Tunnel, Sea-lebration and Tropic Trail. And, of course, you’ll find tasty treats (i.e. hot cocoa stations, french fry and churro stands, and a donut house) along the way.
Menorah Lighting at Pioneer Courthouse Square
Celebrate each night of Chanukah at the Pioneer Courthouse Square. From Dec. 7-15, the Chabad of Oregon will light Portland’s Public Hanukkah menorah. Together, crowds will sing “Maoz Tzur Yeshuati” – “O mighty stronghold of my salvation.”
Winter Wonderland: Portland International Raceway Christmas Lights
You don’t want to miss Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway! This Christmas light show is known throughout the Pacific Northwest as the “Largest holiday light show west of the Mississippi.” This Portland winter light festival spans the entirety of the race track and features 250 light set pieces and animated scenes. You can drive through this immersive experience now through Dec. 31, and all proceeds go to the Sunshine Division.
Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto
Some of the best Christmas lights in Portland, Oregon, can be found at The Grotto through Dec. 30. The Christmas Festival of Lights captivates all five senses as you walk through a quarter-mile holiday display, featuring concerts, carolers, puppet shows, storytimes, holiday treats and so much more.
Christmas Ships Parade Along the Columbia & Willamette Rivers
Line up along the Columbia and Willamette Rivers through Dec. 17 to watch a fleet of over 50 decorated sailboats and yachts parade down the waterfront. The best places to see the Christmas Ships Parade are South Waterfront Park, Milwaukie Bay Park, Cottonwood Bay Park or Elk Rock Island. Just remember to wear your winter gear and bring some hot chocolate!
Portland Christmas Lights on Peacock Lane
Get a classic Christmas lights experience by driving or walking down Peacock Lane to view its thousands of lights. Peacock Lane residents decorate their homes with incredible displays, nativity scenes, rotating Christmas trees, inflatables, and Santa Claus and Frosty replicas. Residents keep their decorations up through Dec. 31, but Dec. 15-17 are car-free nights!
Silverton Christmas Market at the Oregon Garden
Arm yourself with multiple shopping bags because the Silverton Christmas Market has arrived! Even better, it combines an authentic German market experience with an immersive light display. Through Dec. 13, you can stroll down a pathway with more than one million lights. While ogling the magical display, you can shop for goods from artisan vendors, share your list with Santa Claus, enjoy music and take a ride down the snowless tubing hill.
Both VIDA Coworking locations are located mere minutes from these holiday attractions. Learn more about the shared workspace by booking a tour today!