Magical holiday light displays in the Rose City
The holiday season is officially here! Portland is transforming into a magical winter wonderland. Below are the seven of the best Portland 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. You can see what houses are participating on the Nextdoor Cheer Map.
An honorable mention is the Clackamas County Winter Fair Holiday Light Display located in Canby at the fairgrounds.
Best holiday light displays in Portland
ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo
November 22-January 10 (closed Christmas Day) | Times vary
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 look a little different this year as a drive-through experience. View event details and ticket information.
Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway
November 27-January 2 (Open Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year’s Eve and Day!)
Tickets are sold by car. Price ranges from $20 to $25 depending on the night you visit.
This light show boasts the largest light show in the Northwest spanning the track at Portland International Raceway.
If you like to beat the crowds, the best time to visit is early December or during week nights.
The Bike the Light Nights and Lights & Leashes Nights have been cancelled for 2020. Ticket reservations will open soon.
Christmas Ships
December 4-22 | Times vary
The event is free.
Did you know this has been a Portland tradition for 65 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.
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.
Christmas on the Campground
November 28-December 31 | dust till dawn
The event is free.
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.
The Miracle of a Million Lights at the Victorian Belle
This event has been cancelled for 2020.
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 the 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. Inside a separate tent, holiday movies are playing on loop. 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 visit during the week to beat the big crowds on the weekends.
The Lights at Peacock Lane
This event has been cancelled for 2020.
This event is FREE.
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.
Avoid the traffic and take the street by foot during pedestrian-only nights December 15, 16 and 17.
This is a very busy event every year. If you can handle it, I suggest moving with the sea of people and then doing a second loop to catch everything you may have missed.
Festival of Lights at The Grotto
This event has been cancelled for 2020.
Along Sandy Blvd is a peaceful forest hidden away from the busy city, 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.
Christmas Fantasy Trail at Wenzel Farm
This event has been cancelled for 2020.
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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