The holiday season is officially here! Portland is transforming into a winter wonderland. The Rose City has many magical holiday light displays. Whether you want to tour a historic Victorian mansion or see the rivers come to life with decorative ships, Portland has holiday lights for everyone.
Don’t forget to cruise through some of Portland’s neighborhoods for beautiful light displays. Laurelhurst, Westmoreland and Irvington neighborhoods have beautiful homes and awe-inspiring holiday decor. The Nextdoor Cheer Map shows you whose homes are decorated in your neighborhood and throughout the city.
Now that we’ve found each other, stay up-to-date on everything that’s happening this holiday season by signing up for my daily newsletter.
Best holiday light displays in Portland
ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo
November 19-January 9, 2021 (closed Christmas Day)
ZooLights lets you experience the Oregon Zoo like never before. As you walk around the zoo, you’ll see a dazzling display of more than 1.5 million lights.
The event will have walk-through and drive-through experiences. View event details and ticket information.
Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway
November 26-January 1, 2021 (Open Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year’s Eve and Day!)
Every holiday season, Portland International Raceway transforms its track into the largest light show West of the Mississippi. View more than 250 light displays and animated scenes at this drive through holiday attraction.
The Bike the Light Nights and Lights & Leashes Nights are taking place November 29 and 30, respectively. Tickets are on sale now.
Christmas on the Campground
November 25-December 31, 2021 | dust till dawn
The annual event illustrates a Merry Christmas with a life-size nativity, thousands of lights and the tallest decorated Christmas tree in Southeast Portland. This year, the display can only be viewed from the public streets outside the property.
Lights will be on from dusk to dawn. Christmas music will play from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. every evening. This light display is free to view. Check out all the info on this year’s Christmas on the Campground.
Holiday Light Display at the Victorian Belle
December 1-10, 12-24, 2021
What could be more beautiful than a 1885 Victorian home dressed top to bottom in twinkly lights and tasteful holiday trimmings? The Victorian Belle is truly spectacular during Holidays at the Belle, formerly known as Miracle of a Million Lights.
On the outside, take in the dazzling lights on the home and throughout the courtyard. The gazebo features treats for purchase and fun displays. The best part is you get the explore the home, which has every nook and cranny artfully displaying beautiful holiday decor.
This is one of my favorite stops. I usually plan for an after work during the week to beat the big crowds on the weekends. Get your tickets.
Festival of Lights at The Grotto
November 26-December 30, 2021 (Closed Christmas day)
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.
While you’re there, light a rosary candle, swing by the chapel for a live chorus, peruse the gift shop and admire the cute critters in the petting zoo.
For me, this is the most peaceful light display. I recommend slowing down and really taking in the a walk through the woods illuminated by beautiful lights. Tickets are on sale now.
The Lights at Peacock Lane
December 15-31, 2021 | 6-11 p.m.
Since 1932, each house on Peacock Lane has been going all out for the holiday season. The street is filled mostly by charming Tudor-style homes. Each house is adorned with not only beautiful sparkling lights, but also stunningly life-sized replicas of Santa, the Grinch, Jack Skellington (my favorite) and a plethora of other colorful characters.
This event is free to visit. There will not be pedestrian-only nights in 2021.
Christmas Ships
Photo courtesy of Christmas Ships Parade
December 3-21, 2021
Did you know this has been a Portland tradition for 67 years? The Christmas Ships make for such a fun night out on the town. You can see the ships from many different locations around Portland for free.
The ships run at specific locations each night. Make sure you check the schedule for the fleet ships on the Columbia and Willamette rivers.
My favorite spot to watch last year was under the St. Johns bridge. You can walk out onto the pedestrian dock and see the ships just a few yards away.
Holiday Light Displays Outside Portland
Photo courtesy of Clackamas County Fairgrounds
Clackamas County Winter Fair
November 26-December 24, 2021, weekends only
The Clackamas County Fairgrounds is transforming into a winter wonderland for the second year in a row. Clackamas County Winter Fair features a walk through holiday light display and visits with Santa surrounded by the sights and sounds of Christmas.
See thousands of sparkling lights as you walk along a 1/4-mile path. at Clackamas County Winter Fair. Some of the main lighted attractions are a 166-foot lighted tunnel, 200-foot building light display and a 30-minute Christmas tree show. You’ll also see smaller lighted shapes and figures creating a magical landscape.
Once you’ve taken in the splendor of the lights, visit St. Nick at Santa’s Village. Santa will be available for you to take your own pictures every evening until 9 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.
Photos courtesy of City of Hillsboro
Lightopia
December 9-31, 2021 (Closed Christmas day)
Lightopia, Hillsboro’s free drive-through light display, invites you to enjoy the twinkle of the award-winning event this December. The illuminated journey features an awe-inspiring number of lights and light vignettes ranging from funny to dazzling. This event is free, but you do need to register in advance.
Christmas Fantasy Trail at Wenzel Farm
This event has been cancelled for 2021.
Take a festive walk through a lighted, wooded wonderland decorated with thousands of holiday lights. a 40-foot castle features Christmas scenes along with a tunnel, maze, crooked house, suspension bridge and more.
When you’re done warm up around the bonfire, which will be burning every night.
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The Clackamas County Winter Fair is sold out! We tried to buy tickets today and their website says they are no longer selling tickets. We’ll have to check it out next year instead.
Hey Winter! Clackamas County Winter Fair tickets are still available. I have updated the link on this post: https://portlandlivingonthecheap.com/clackamas-county-winter-fair/