2023 Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway

Photo courtesy of Winter Wonderland

Every holiday season, Portland International Raceway transforms its track into the largest light show West of the Mississippi. Starting the day after Thanksgiving, you can visit Winter Wonderland any day of the week.

Since 1993, Winter Wonderland has been one of the must-see holiday light displays in Portland. Visitors view more than 250 colorful light set pieces and many fully animated scenes from the comfort of their own vehicle.

Proceeds from the event support the Sunshine Division, a local nonprofit that provides free emergency food and clothing to families and individuals in times of crisis. 

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Here are all the details for this year’s Winter Wonderland:

2023 Winter Wonderland

The 2023 Winter Wonderland is November 24-December 31, including Christmas Eve and Day and New Year’s Eve and Day. View more than 250 light displays and animated scenes at this drive-through holiday attraction.

Hours are Monday–Thursday, 5-10 p.m. and Friday–Sunday, 4:30-11 p.m. From December 15-25, the light display will have special extended hours from 4:30-11 p.m.

Weekends and the week of Christmas are the busiest times to visit this holiday light display. Saturday nights can have a 50+ minute wait time to get into the event. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, try to get there in the first hour for a much shorter wait time.

Week nights and early December are the best times to visit to avoid crowds (or should I say traffic?). Also, the event is open after Christmas if you want to extend the holiday fun and skip the crowds. 

Special Car-Free Nights

Along with the drive-through nights, Winter Wonderland has three special car-free nights this year: Lights & Leashes Nights and Bike the Lights. 

Lights & Leashes Nights

Take a festive walk with your pup along the light display. This night is for walking only. No cars, bikes or skates will be on the path. This is a special night to dress up with your dog and make the most of the fun evening. If you don’t have a dog, you are welcome to come and walk through Winter Wonderland.

Lights & Leashes Nights is 4:15-9:30 p.m. on Monday, November 27 and Wednesday, November 29. Free parking is available.

Bike the Lights

This night is for bikes only. No cars, skates, strollers, scooters or walking will take place along the path. If you’d like to, you can become part of the fun display by decorating your bike and dressing up. 

Helmets are required for children 16 and under and highly encouraged for all other ages. Make sure you have proper lighting on your bike.

Bike the Lights is 4:15-9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28. Free parking is available.

Tickets

Tickets must be purchased in advance online. You will not be assigned a time slot for your visit, so you’ll have the flexibility to arrive when you want during event hours. Check in with your ticket either printed or on your phone. 

Ticket prices vary depending on the day of your visit. These are the prices for general admission. Larger vehicle pricing and VIP pricing is also available. 

November 24-December 14 and December 26-31

• Monday–Thursday: $37
• Friday- Saturday: $48
• Sunday: $43

December 15-25

Pricing is $48 every day on these dates. 

Also, online tickets do not have additional processing fees.

Discount Tickets 

Beginning the week of Thanksgiving, limited $32 discount tickets are available at Safeway customer service desks, while supplies last.

Tickets for Car-Free Nights

Tickets for Bike the Lights and Lights & Leashes nights are $15 per adult and $5 per kid ages 6–12. Children 5 and under attend for free. Choose from two time slots: 4:15-7 p.m. and 7–9:30 p.m.

Important note: No tire chains or studded tires are allowed on PIR track surface.

If you’d like to give a little extra, you can make an additional donation to the Sunshine Division when purchasing your ticket.

Portland International Raceway is located at 1940 N Victory Blvd in Portland. For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit Winter Wonderland website.

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