Portland doesn’t do anything halfway, and that includes holiday light displays. Put on an extra sweater, grab a mug of hot chocolate, and let’s see some lights!
As always, be sure to confirm all information with the organizers as there may be updates at any time.
MAKE MAGIC AND MEMORIES AT BRIDGEPORT VILLAGE. This post is generously sponsored by Bridgeport Village. Don’t miss their holiday happenings, including visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus story times, musical performances, a whimsical holiday parade, and more! Discover the magic of the holidays with an exclusive family-friendly event calendar at Oregon’s premier shopping destination — the most festive place for holiday ambiance, gift giving, and everything else on your list.
ZooLights
It wouldn’t be the holidays in Portland without a visit to the Oregon Zoo’s annual winter festival, ZooLights. In addition to the classic walk through a dazzling display of 1.5 million lights, you can bring your family and friends to explore the lights by car with a drive-through experience on select nights. Check the website for the latest information.
When: Members preview night, November 17. November 22-January 5, closed December 25 and November 26-28. Sensory Friendly Night is November 18.
Where: 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland.
Cost: $13-$35 for adults, $13-$30 for youth. All tickets are timed-entry and must be purchased in advance online. Oregon Zoo members receive discounted admission (20% off) to ZooLights. Find income-assistance discounts here.
Sunshine Division Winter Wonderland at the Portland International Raceway
Sunshine Division Winter Wonderland at the Portland International Raceway
Described as the “largest holiday light show in the Northwest,” this is a great one for chilly days because you drive through it in your car! View over 250 colorful light set pieces and fully animated scenes from the toasty inside of your vehicle. All proceeds from the event will benefit Sunshine Division’s year-round hunger relief efforts in Portland.
When: November 29-December 31. Bike the Lights is December 1, and Lights and Leashes Dog Walk Night is December 2-3.
Where: Portland International Raceway, 1940 N Victory Boulevard, Portland.
Cost: $49/car, price increases for larger passenger vehicles like mini buses and RVs.
Christmas Ships — FREE
The Christmas Ship Parade started in 1954 with one lone sailboat. Today, The Christmas Ship Fleet averages about 55 to 60 boats between the Columbia and Willamette River fleets, with brightly lit displays that can be seen from bank to bank on each river. (If you feel up to a huge splurge, you can book a Christmas Ship Dinner Cruise on the Portland Spirit for an up-close view.)
When: Parade starts between 4:30 pm and 7 pm, depending on the night, on December 5-22. They do have some nights off, so check the fleet schedules for start times and days.
Where: Check their website for a detailed schedule and recommended public viewing spots.
Cost: Free!
Winter Gleam Light Experience at Oaks Park
New this year! Oaks Park is joining the ranks of out-of-this-world light displays. Ride the carousel and historic train, play arcade games and mini golf, and meet Santa. You can buy food and drink and holiday gifts from local vendors at the event, too.
When: Friday-Sunday, November 29-December 29
Where: Oaks Amusement Park
Cost: $18/person, Santa photos start at $20
Clackamas County Winter Fair
The Clackamas County Fairgrounds is excited to bring you the Clackamas County Winter Fair & Holiday Market. This lighted festival will feature over 200,000 lights and scenes. Santa will be at the Winter Fair every night, and visitors may shop a holiday market. Enjoy live music and the sights!
When: November 29-December 21, 5-9 pm, Fridays and Saturdays only.
Where: Clackamas County Fairgrounds,694 NE 4th Avenue, Canby.
Cost: $10/adult, $5/child, 3 and under free.
Beaverton Winter Lights – FREE
Experience the wonder of Beaverton Winter Lights! Enjoy the lights around the city, including displays at Candy Cane Lane and The Grove at City Park, and the Round near City Hall. All displays are wheelchair accessible.
When: December 6-January 3, from 4 pm-8 a.m.
Where: Beaverton City Park on SW 5th St.
Cost: Free!
Drive-By Christmas on the Campground – FREE
Drive by or take a stroll past the campground on Duke Street to enjoy thousands of lights, a life-size nativity, and the tallest decorated Christmas tree in Southeast Portland.
When: Enjoy the lights all season, or attend their special event on December 14-15.
Where: 5414 SE Duke Street, Portland.
Cost: Free!
Holiday Sparkles at Powerland – FREE
Head to this holiday drive through, and watch Powerland sparkle from the warmth and comfort of your own vehicle. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays as you take a ride through Powerland. From 5-8 pm, you may visit Santa!
When: December 7-8, 13-15, 20-22
Where: Powerland Heritage Park, 3995 Brooklake Rd. NE, Brooks.
Cost: Free, donations appreciated.
Silverton Christmas Market
If you are up for a drive, head to Silverton for the Oregon Garden Resort’s Silverton Christmas Market, an outdoor event featuring a million lights, snowless tubing, an artisan market, photos with Santa, fire pits, live music and more.
When: November 21-December 31, closed November 28 and December 24-25. The event is open from 5-9 pm.
Where: 895 W Main Street, Silverton.
Cost: $15-22/adult, $5-8/child, free ages 5 and under. Parking $12, snowless tubing 2 rides for $5, 4 rides for $9.
The Grotto
Presenting the sights, sounds, and sensations of the season, The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights features over two million lights and is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. The event features nightly indoor holiday concerts, outdoor caroling, puppet shows, and an assortment of musical guests. Holiday shopping is available in the gift shop.
When: November 29-December 30, closed Christmas Day.
Where: NE 85th & Sandy Boulevard, Portland.
Cost: Online tickets are $16.50/adult, $7.75/child, infants free. Prices increase slightly at the gate.
Peacock Lane – FREE
As always, this charming little street will be decked out in its shimmering finest. Don’t miss this Portland tradition, going strong since 1932.
When: December 15-31, from 6:00 pm-11:00 pm nightly. Car free nights are December 15 -16.
Where: SE Peacock Lane between Stark & Belmont.
Cost: Free!
Holidays on Franklin Street – FREE
Each holiday season, ten families on Franklin Street in Vancouver display of 150,000 lights. Drive by for free.
When: Opens December 1. Follow them on Facebook for the latest, including events like carolers, Santa visits and snowfall.
Where: 4616 NW Franklin Street, Vancouver WA.
Cost: Free!
Todd and Michelle’s Winter Wonderland — FREE
For 17 years, this husband and wife team have brought the magic of the holidays to Lake Oswego, and every year they add something new to the display. This year they are supporting Dove Lewis with a QR code on their digital FM tuner display, if you would like to make a donation. Join their Facebook group to know when Santa will make an appearance.
When: Black Friday through New Year’s Day
Where: 19242 SW Indian Springs Rd, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Cost: Free!
Walnut Lane Lights – FREE
Check out this animated Christmas light show in Tigard. They’ve got multiple holiday songs, with 30,000 lights dancing along.
When: Shows nightly starting Thanksgiving night running through NYE. Lights begin at sunset until 9:30 pm, on Sun-Thurs, and are open an extra hour later on Fri-Sat. On December 24-25, 31, they’re open until midnight.
Where: 13635 SW Walnut Lane, Tigard.
Cost: Free!
Pittock Mansion
Pittock Mansion Christmas celebrates the holiday in style, with a new theme every year. This year’s Home for the Holidays theme is “Holiday Classics.” Don’t miss their elaborate decorations!
When: November 18-January 9, 2024. Santa is visiting December 1, 15, 22, and 24, select times.
Where: 3229 NW Pittock Drive, Portland.
Cost: $17/adult, $13/youth, $15/senior, under 6 free. Members free.
City of Tualatin Holiday Lights Parade – FREE
Parades will take place in different parts of the city. Follow them on Instagram for the latest updates, or register now to decorate your car and participate!
When: December 6-8, 6 pm, nightly.
Where: Various locations, North Parade is Friday, South is Saturday, and East is Sunday.
Cost: Free!
West Linn’s Annual Holiday Parade – FREE
Stop by historic downtown Willamette to watch the joy-filled holiday parade. Donations of non-perishable food are gratefully accepted for the West Linn Food Pantry.
When: December 14, at 5 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Willamette
Cost: Free!
The North Pole at Eagle Crest – FREE
Visit a truly magical Christmas display in the Parrett Mountain neighborhood of Newberg, OR. They specialize in vintage animated figures and scenes. This year they’re adding a holiday market. They accept donations for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
When: December 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, from 5-9 pm.
Where: 31727 NE Wilsonville Road, Newberg, OR 97132
Cost: Free!
Lightopia: An Illuminated Journey in Hillsboro — FREE
Drive through this free light show at Gordon Faber Recreation Complex, over a half-mile. Competition is fierce for Friday/Saturday reservations, so book early!
When: Free reservation slots will open November 22. Open December 6-30, closed December 9, 19, 24, 25.
Where: Gordon Faber Recreation Complex, 4450 NE Century Blvd.
Cost: Free!
Goose Lights (Holidays at the Hangar): Indoor Winter Lights Festival
The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum hosts an annual indoor winter lights festival. Santa will even arrived on a helicopter on select days!
When: December 14-December 29. Santa will arrive by helicopter on December 14, and 21, and he will be present at the event each evening December 14-23. Goose Lights will run from 5 pm-8pm.
Where: 500 Northeast Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville.
Cost: $10/person ages 12 and older. Children under 12 are free.
Animated Fairy Tales at Storybook Lane — FREE
This free holiday walk features animated fairy tales, including Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Winnie the Pooh, and more!
When: Odd years only! See you in 2025. Typically open December 15-25, 5:30 pm-9:00 pm
Where: 4288 SW Bantam Ave., Forest Grove
Cost: Free, donations accepted
Schilling Lights on Lark Animated Light Display — FREE
Don’t miss this animated light show in Milwaukie! Something new is added every year.
When: Every evening, 5-10 pm.
Where: 15909 SE Lark Ave., Milwaukie, OR 97267
Cost: Free
City of Leavenworth
If you’re up for a road trip, the lights in Leavenworth are well worth it, where the Bavarian-style village transforms into a magical wonderland.
Where: Leavenworth, WA.
Looking for more holiday fun? Check out our guide to where to find Santa, and our round-up of holiday happenings.
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