You can go crazy decorating your own house, but let’s face it – nothing will compare to the professionals. With seven incredible shows to choose from in the Portland area, there are plenty impressive displays to keep you busy for weeks. Whether you want to walk or drive, Portland has something for you when it comes to spectacular holiday light shows, and you are going to want to catch at least one of them.
- Oregon Zoolights
Sam Churchill / Flickr
Matthew / Flickr This Portland tradition features many animal light displays, rides on the decorated train through the park, and a fun opportunity to explore the zoo in a whole new way. Starting November 24 and running through January 7, the show takes place from 5 to 9 pm. There are no ZooLights December 24-25 and January 1-4.
- The Grotto
The Grotto Portland / Facebook
Kari Bluff / Flickr This holiday extravaganza features lights, caroling, concerts and live animals. The family event takes place November 24-December 30, 5 pm-9:30 pm. Closed on Christmas. The Grotto is located at NE 85th and Sandy.
- Peacock Lane
Francis Storr / Flickr
Justin Miller / Flickr This local strip is all decked out for the holidays and definitely worth a visit. The free event gets congested, so it may be the best to park a few blocks away and walk the street instead of waiting to drive. Some nights are also pedestrian-only, but the exact dates remain TBD. Peacock Lane is all lit up from 6 pm-11 pm December 15-31, and is located at SE Peacock Lane between Stark and Belmont
- Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland / Facebook
Winter Wonderland / Facebook The Portland International Raceway is alight in the largest light display west of the Mississippi for the holidays. Drive the route on a cold evening for fun holiday entertainment, or choose from one of the bike, walk, or bring your dog events throughout the season. The Winter Wonderland is open from November 24-December 26. On Fridays and Saturdays it is open from 5 pm-11 pm and Sundays-Thursdays it is open from 5:30 pm-9:30 pm. The Portland International Raceway is located at 1940 N Victory.
- Christmas Ships Parade
Sam Churchill / Flickr
Sam Churchill / Flickr This epic parade of decorated Christmas ships typically draws a fleet of 55 to 60 ships and travels the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. The sailing schedule is different every day, so be sure to check the detailed schedule before heading out to this one.
- Christmas in the Garden
The Oregon Garden / Facebook
The Oregon Garden / Facebook This light show at the Oregon Garden features more than just lights. Ice skating, snowless tubing, Santa, and live music will all combine at this annual event to create lots of holiday cheer. The event takes place November 24-December 31 at the Oregon Garden, located at 879 W Main in Silverton.
- Miracle of a Million Lights
Victorian Belle / Facebook The 2.5 acres of Victorian Belle, a historic home in North Portland, are decorated with over a million lights for this December light extravaganza. This epic light show takes place from December 9-23. Victorian Belle is located at 1441 N McClellan Street.
Which light show will you be visiting this year? Let us know in the comments below.
Sam Churchill / Flickr
Matthew / Flickr
This Portland tradition features many animal light displays, rides on the decorated train through the park, and a fun opportunity to explore the zoo in a whole new way. Starting November 24 and running through January 7, the show takes place from 5 to 9 pm. There are no ZooLights December 24-25 and January 1-4.
The Grotto Portland / Facebook
Kari Bluff / Flickr
This holiday extravaganza features lights, caroling, concerts and live animals. The family event takes place November 24-December 30, 5 pm-9:30 pm. Closed on Christmas. The Grotto is located at NE 85th and Sandy.
Francis Storr / Flickr
Justin Miller / Flickr
This local strip is all decked out for the holidays and definitely worth a visit. The free event gets congested, so it may be the best to park a few blocks away and walk the street instead of waiting to drive. Some nights are also pedestrian-only, but the exact dates remain TBD. Peacock Lane is all lit up from 6 pm-11 pm December 15-31, and is located at SE Peacock Lane between Stark and Belmont
Winter Wonderland / Facebook
The Portland International Raceway is alight in the largest light display west of the Mississippi for the holidays. Drive the route on a cold evening for fun holiday entertainment, or choose from one of the bike, walk, or bring your dog events throughout the season. The Winter Wonderland is open from November 24-December 26. On Fridays and Saturdays it is open from 5 pm-11 pm and Sundays-Thursdays it is open from 5:30 pm-9:30 pm. The Portland International Raceway is located at 1940 N Victory.
This epic parade of decorated Christmas ships typically draws a fleet of 55 to 60 ships and travels the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. The sailing schedule is different every day, so be sure to check the detailed schedule before heading out to this one.
The Oregon Garden / Facebook
This light show at the Oregon Garden features more than just lights. Ice skating, snowless tubing, Santa, and live music will all combine at this annual event to create lots of holiday cheer. The event takes place November 24-December 31 at the Oregon Garden, located at 879 W Main in Silverton.
Victorian Belle / Facebook
The 2.5 acres of Victorian Belle, a historic home in North Portland, are decorated with over a million lights for this December light extravaganza. This epic light show takes place from December 9-23. Victorian Belle is located at 1441 N McClellan Street.
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