Portland-Area Holiday Light Displays

Find a little sparkle this holiday season! Growing up, many of us had that neighbor—the one with the Santa hanging from the gutter, reindeer on the roof, and a light display so brilliant you had to shield your eyes as you walked by. Y’all, Portland is like one big that neighbor. There are literally millions upon millions of lights collectively decorating these venues. They are spectacular, at times oddly peaceful, and filled with kid-friendly activities, too. So put on an extra sweater, grab a mug of hot chocolate, and let’s see some lights!

2020 Lights at the Oregon Garden Resort by Whitney Ulven Photography

REDISCOVER BRIDGEPORT VILLAGE. This post is generously sponsored by Bridgeport Village. Don’t miss their holiday happenings, including visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus story times, live music, celebrations, and more! Bridgeport Village is busy putting the finishing touches on an extensive refresh, leaving no detail to chance as the successful shopping and lifestyle center prepares for the busy holiday season. Radiating from a new, park-like Village Green, a well-curated assortment of retailers, family-friendly restaurants and entertainment options stand ready to impress guests of all ages. Bridgeport Village is a reimagined four-season destination, artfully blending shopping, dining, and discovery.

As always, be sure to confirm all information with the organizers as there may be updates at any time, as well as changes to events for social distancing and safety.

ZooLights

Photo courtesy Oregon Zoo

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 19. November 24-January 7, closed December 25.
Oregon Zoo members receive discounted admission (20% off) throughout ZooLights.
Where: 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland.
Cost: $12-$26 for adults, $12-$18 for youth. All tickets are timed-entry and must be purchased in advance online.

Sunshine Division Winter Wonderland at the Portland International Raceway

Photo courtesy Winter Wonderland

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 24-December 31. Bike the Lights is November 28, and Lights and Leashes Dog Walk Night is November 27 and 29.
Where: Portland International Raceway, 1940 N Victory Boulevard, Portland.
Cost: $48/car, price increases for larger passenger vehicles like mini buses and RVs.

Christmas Ships — FREE

Photo courtesy Christmas Ships

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.
When
: Parade starts between 4:30 pm and 7 pm nightly, December 1-17. They do have some nights off, so check the Columbia and Willamette River schedules.
Where: Check their website for a detailed schedule and recommended public viewing spots.
Cost: Free!

Clackamas County Winter Fair

The Clackamas County Fairgrounds is excited to bring you the Clackamas County Winter Fair. 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: December 1-December 23, 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

Courtesy of Beaverton Winter Lights

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 1-January 4, from 4 p.m.-8 a.m.
Where: Beaverton City Park on SW 5th St., and The Round at 12655 SW Millikan Way.
Cost: Free!

Drive-By Christmas on the Campground – FREE

Courtesy of Christmas on the Campground

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 9-10
Where: 5414 SE Duke Street, Portland.
Cost: Free!

Holiday Sparkles at Powerland – FREE

Courtesy of Powerland Heritage Park

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 p.m. you may visit Santa!
When: December 8-10, 15-17, and 22-23
Where: Powerland Heritage Park, 3995 Brooklake Rd. NE, Brooks.
Cost: Free, donations appreciated.

Silverton Christmas Market

2020 Lights at the Oregon Garden Resort by Whitney Ulven Photography

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, artisan market, photos with Santa, fire pits, live music and more.
When: November 17-December 31, closed November 22-23 and December 24-25.
Where: 895 W Main Street, Silverton.
Cost: $15-18/adult, $5-8/child, free ages 5 and under. Parking $10, snowless tubing $3/1x, $7/3x.

The Grotto

Photo courtesy 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. Featuring nightly indoor holiday concerts, outdoor caroling, puppet shows, and an assortment of musical guests. Holiday shopping available in the gift shop.
When: November 24-December 30, closed Christmas Day.
Where: NE 85th & Sandy Boulevard, Portland.
Cost: $14/adult, $6/child, infants free.

Peacock Lane – FREE

Peacock Lane, courtesy Meg Asby

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 p.m.-11:00 p.m. nightly.
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 November 27. Follow them on Facebook for the latest, including events like carolers, Santa visits and snowfall.
Where: 4616 NW Franklin Street, Vancouver WA.
Cost: Free!

Walnut Lane Lights – FREE

Check out this animated Christmas light show in Tigard. They’ve got multiple holiday songs, with 14,000 lights dancing along.
When: TBD 2023. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram for the latest.
Where: 13635 SW Walnut Lane, Tigard.
Cost: Free!

Pittock Mansion

Pittock Mansion Christmas celebrates the holiday in style, and this year’s theme is Winter Wonderland. Don’t miss their elaborate decorations!
When: November 19-January 4.
Where: 3229 NW Pittock Drive, Portland.
Cost: $16.50/adult, $12.50/youth, $14.50/senior, under 6 free. Member free.

Victorian Belle Holidays at the Belle

The historical Victorian Belle mansion and its 2.5-acre plot in North Portland is decked out for the holidays. See their website for their calendar of holiday events. Due to a number of challenges in recent years, they have made the difficult decision to no longer offer general admission for holiday lights.
When: See the decorations at high tea or special events.
Where: 1441 McClellan St., Portland.
Cost: Varies by event.

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 1-3, 6 p.m.
Where: Various locations.
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 9, at 5 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Willamette
Cost: Free!

The North Pole at Eagle Crest – FREE

Courtesy of The North Pole at Eagle Crest

A truly magical Christmas display in the Parrett Mountain neighborhood of Newberg, OR. They specialize in vintage animated figures and scenes.
When: December 8-10, 15-17, 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.
When: Free reservation slots will open November 30. Open December 5-30, closed December 25.
Where: Gordon Faber Recreation Complex, 4450 NE Century Blvd.
Cost: Free!

Holidays at the Hangar: Indoor Winter Lights Festival

Courtesy of Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum

The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum hosts an annual indoor winter lights festival. Santa will even arrived on a helicopter on select days!
When: December 8-23. Santa will be there on December 15-17, 22-23, at 4:45 p.m. He will arrive by helicopter, based on helicopter availability.
When: December 15-30
Where: 500 Northeast Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville.
Cost: Free with admission. $22/adults, $10/youth, $16/veterans and seniors, children under 5 free.

Animated Fairy Tales at Storybook Lane

Instagram via @theressasreadingrainbow

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: December 15-25, 5:30 pm-9:00 pm
Where: 4288 SW Bantam Ave., Forest Grove
Cost: Free, donations accepted

Destiny’s Wonderland Christmas Display in Gresham — FREE

New this year is a drive- or walk-through display in Gresham. Follow enter/exit signs. Only standard vehicles will fit, so no lifted trucks or vans. If you’re walking, park on the side of the road, not the driveway. To avoid slipping on rocks or tripping on cords, keep to the paved area, and avoid the yard and trees. Take a fun photo at the motorcycle station and enjoy this fun display full of cut-out characters! Visits from Santa Dog and his Snowman helper happened in 2022.
When: TBD 2023
Where: 28930 SE Powell Valley Rd., Gresham.
Cost: Free, donations accepted.

Schilling Lights on Lark Animated Light Display

Courtesy Schilling Lights on Lark

Don’t miss this animated light show in Milwaukie! Something new is added every year.
When: TBD 2023
Where: 15909 SE Lark Ave., Milwaukie, OR 97267
Cost: Free

Frosty and Friends Drive-Thru Light Display

Enjoy this lovely light display from the comfort of your car. Members can stop in for dinner and a warm beverage after.
When: Friday-Saturday, 6-9 pm, Sunday 6-8 pm.
Where: Hillsboro Elks Lodge #1862; 7553 NE Quatama Street, Hillsboro
Cost: Free, donations to Christmas Basket program for local families greatly appreciated

City of Leavenworth

Courtesy of Visit Leaventworth, WA

If you’re up for a drive, 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.

Photo courtesy Portland International Raceway
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