2021 Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto

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 one of Portland’s best holiday light displays. 

2021 Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto

Details

Two million lights set the stage to 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.

Here’s the schedule for the 2021 Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto. The holiday light display is closed on Christmas day.  

• November 26-December 16 from 5-10 p.m. Entry gates close at 9:30 p.m.
• December 17–30 from  4:30-10 p.m. Entry gates close at 9:30 p.m.

Tickets

Tickets are available for purchase online and onsite. The Christmas Festival of Lights will have nightly capacity restrictions. If you don’t purchase tickets in advance, there is no guarantee tickets will be available at the gate.

Online ticket prices are $14 for adults, $7 for kids age 3-11, and free for kids 2 and under. You will be charged a $1 processing fee per ticket.

Pricing at the event is $16 for adults, $8 for kids age 3-11, and free for kids 2 and under. 

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 admission:

• Monday, November 29-Thursday, December 2
• Monday, December 6-Thursday, December 9

Online advance ticket purchases are $12 for adults and $5 for kids age 3-11. Kids 2 and under are free. You will be charged a $1 processing fee per ticket.

Pricing at the event is $14 for adults and $6 for kids age 3-11. Kids 2 and under are free.

Safety

For everyone’s safety, all guests 12 and older must show proof of vaccination or negative Covid test within 72 hours to enter the Festival. Masks are required for everyone 5 and older. 

The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights will have nightly capacity restrictions as well as capacity limits inside the chapel where the choirs perform. 

There will not be a petting zoo this year. 

The Grotto is located at 8840 NE Skidmore Street in Portland. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit The Grotto’s website. 

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