In Northeast Portland, there’s a sanctuary nestled among a tranquil forest: The Grotto. During the holidays, The Grotto transforms into a Festival of Lights. From sky high trees to small bushes, everything is adorned in twinkling lights.
Take in all the sights, sounds and sensations of the season at this light display.
Here are the details about this year’s event:
2024 Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto
Two million lights set the stage of the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights is a transcendent atmosphere. For me, it is the most peaceful light display of the season. I recommend slowing down and taking in the walk through the woods illuminated by beautiful lights.
The event has nightly indoor holiday concerts performed by some of the region’s best school, church and civic choirs.
While you’re there, light a rosary candle, admire the light displays, listen to the choir sing in the chapel and peruse the gift shop. The plaza area also hosts outdoor caroling, puppet shows, storytime and an assortment of musical guests under a tent.
It takes between 60 and 90 minutes to enjoy this light display. If you want to see a specific concert, arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes in advance of the scheduled concert time.
Schedule
The 2024 Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto is 5-9:30 p.m. from November 29-December 30, 2024. The festival is open every day on these dates, except on Christmas day. On December 21-23, gates open at 4:45 p.m.
Tickets
Tickets are available for purchase online and onsite.
Online ticket prices are $16.50 for adults, $7.75 for kids age 3-11, and free for kids 2 and under.
Pricing at the event is $18 for adults, $8 for kids age 3-11, and free for kids 2 and under. Also, the ticket booth does not accept cash.
This event does not have timed entry. Get there when you can and stay as long as you’d like.
Value Nights
The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights will have eight value nights that save you $2 on adult admission and $1 on kids admission.
Here are the value night dates:
- Monday, December 2-Thursday, December 5
- Monday, December 9-Thursday, December 12
Online advance ticket purchases are $14 for adults and $6.25 for kids age 3-11. Kids 2 and under are free.
Value night pricing at the gate is $16 for adults and $7 for kids age 3-11. Kids 2 and under are free.
Parking and Free Shuttle
Parking is free in the main parking lot and on adjacent streets. An overflow lot is at the Parkrose/Sumner Park and Ride, 9481 NE Sandy Blvd. in Portland. A free shuttle bus runs every night from this lot.
You can also access The Grotto via bus or by taking the MAX red line to the Parkrose/Sumner transit center and then hopping on the free shuttle.
The Grotto is located at 8840 NE Skidmore Street in Portland. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit The Grotto’s website.
Want more Portland freebies, events and deals? Subscribe to my newsletter (only one email a day), and follow me on Facebook and Instagram!
You may also like:
Portland Tree Lighting Ceremony
Peacock Lane: Portland’s Christmas Street
Christmas Tree Permits: Get a $5 Tree from Mt. Hood National Forest
Portland Living on the Cheap is a member of 
[…] 2021 Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto […]