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 walk through stunning displays 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.
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Best Holiday Light Displays in Portland
Oregon ZooLights
November 22, 2024 through January 5, 2025 (Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas day)
The Oregon Zoo’s special holiday attraction lets you walk on the wild side of a holiday celebration. ZooLights features more than 1.5 million lights and gives visitors a whole new zoo experience.
As you walk along the forested pathways, pass through tunnels of sparkling lights, see colorful animal displays, take a ride on the zoo train or carousel, and marvel at the zoo’s biggest ever light display. View event details and ticket information.
Photo courtesy of Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway
November 29-December 31, 2024 (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 on select nights. Tickets are on sale now.
Photo courtesy of Christmas on the Campground
Christmas on the Campground
November 29-December 31, 2024
The annual event illuminates a Merry Christmas with a life-size nativity, thousands of lights and the tallest decorated Christmas tree in Southeast Portland. The display can be viewed from the public streets outside the property.
This year, the display is opening its gates on December 14 and 15 for a free family event.
Lights are on from dusk to dawn. Christmas music will play from 4:30 to 9 p.m. every evening. This light display is free to view. Check out the info on this year’s Christmas on the Campground.
Festival of Lights at The Grotto
November 29-December 30, 2024 (Closed Christmas Day)
In Northeast Portland, there’s a sanctuary nestled among a tranquil forest called The Grotto. During the holidays, The Grotto transforms into the 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 choral concert and peruse the gift shop.
For me, this is the most peaceful light display. I recommend slowing down and really taking in the walk through the woods illuminated by beautiful lights. Tickets are on sale now.
The Lights at Peacock Lane
December 15-31, 2024
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 cutouts of Santa, the Grinch, Jack Skellington (my favorite) and a plethora of other colorful characters.
This event is free to visit. This year, Peacock Lane has designated car-free nights on December 15 and 16.
Photo courtesy of Christmas Ships Parade
Christmas Ships
December 5-22, 2024 on select nights
Did you know this has been a Portland tradition for 70 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 sail 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.
Photo courtesy of Oaks Amusement Park
Winter Gleam
November 29-December 29, 2024 on select nights
Oaks Park is launching its brand new holiday light display, Winter Gleam!
This dazzling event transforms historic Oaks Amusement Park into a winter wonderland. Be illuminated by breathtaking light displays, immersive light tunnels and twinkling pathways.
There’s also games, holiday vendors, photos with Santa, train rides and more. Find out more about the new Winter Gleam.
Holiday Light Displays Outside Portland
Photo courtesy of Clackamas County Fairgrounds
Clackamas County Winter Fair
November 29-December 21, 2024 on select days
Clackamas County Winter Fair features a walk through holiday light display, holiday market and visits with Santa surrounded by the sights and sounds of Christmas.
See more than 200,000 of sparkling lights as you walk along a one-and-a-half mile path at Clackamas County Winter Fair. Tickets are on sale now.
Photos courtesy of City of Hillsboro
Lightopia
December 6-30, 2024 (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 for weekend visits.
Photo courtesy of City of Sandy
Holiday Lights at Meinig Park
November 23, 2024-January 5, 2025
Every year, Sandy’s crown jewel park transforms into a magical holiday experience. Visit the holiday lights at Meinig Park this season every night from 6 to 9 p.m. This year, there are five special events happening on select nights.
View the full schedule for the Holiday Lights at Meinig Park.
Silverton Christmas Market
November 21-December 31, 2024 (Closed November 28 and December 24-25)
Stroll along a one-way path draped in one million lights. The light displays range from immersive storybook creations to magical lit paths with trees full of brilliant lights. Along the route is a traditional German Christmas Market with handmade gifts.
This event takes place at the Oregon Garden Resort. Get your tickets.
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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/