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Christmas Lights in Portland

One of the best parts of the season (in our opinion!) is driving around with family and friends to look at all the gorgeous Christmas lights in Portland. And even though we have several large light shows, there are some other great smaller spots to see some really spectacular lights, too. Here’s where to go to see the very best Christmas lights in Portland.

1. The Grotto

The Grotto is an internationally-renowned Catholic shrine open to all. Its beautiful gardens are a retreat to people from all walks of life. During the holiday season, the Grotto hosts its annual festival of lights. Enjoy over 500,000 lights and the choir’s beautiful singing.

November 25–December 30 (closed Christmas Day)
5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (grounds close at 10 p.m.)
Adults ($11), children ($6)

2. Victorian Belle (The Miracle of a Million Lights)

Victorian Belle is a mansion built in 1885. It sits on 2.5 acres of land just a few miles from downtown Portland. This beautiful mansion gets decorated from top to bottom during its Miracle of a Million lights event. Enjoy the 35+ decorated trees and the themed rooms. And don’t miss the train display or arts and crafts for the kids.

December 10–December 23
6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Adults ($6), children ($3)—bring a canned food item for $1 off

 

3. Winter Wonderland at the Portland International Raceway

You can’t see Christmas lights in Portland without stopping at the Portland International Raceway’s Winter Wonderland. It’s the largest holiday light show west of the Mississippi, so it’s kind of a big deal. View fully animated scenes and light sets right from the comfort of your own car.

November 25–December 25
5:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Sunday to Thursday), 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Friday & Saturday)
Car ($20), passenger van ($22)

4. Peacock Lane

Peacock Lane, otherwise known as Portland’s Christmas street, is in Southeast Portland. Full of mostly Tudor homes, see plenty of lights, nativity scenes, and replicas of Christmas characters. This is an incredible neighborhood! (Note: Peacock Lane is closed to vehicles December 15–17, and could be closed for vehicles other nights, as well.)

December 15–December 31
6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Free Admission

5. ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo

The Oregon Zoo’s annual winter festival, ZooLights, is a great time for everybody. Enjoy over 1.5 million lights as you walk around the zoo and experience it in a whole new way. You’re in for a fun kaleidoscopic show as you walk in a loop around the zoo. It’s a great stop if you’re looking for Christmas lights in Portland.

November 25–January 1
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Adult (14.95), child (9.95)

 

6. Geneva House in St. Johns

Don’t miss the Geneva house here in St. Johns! It’s a favorite of many of us here at Farrell. It’s on Geneva Avenue, just one block north of Hudson. A local resident goes all out with Christmas lights, and it really is worth your time to stop by. 

7. Winterville at the Zimmerman Heritage Farm

The Zimmerman Heritage Farm is a turn-of-the-century farmhouse in Gresham. It is a trip back in time, especially during the holidays. Winterville is a brand-new festival that takes place at the farm. Enjoy tours through the house (each room has its own theme), the lights, and the heated tents filled with vendors, food, and drinks.

December 8–11 & 15–18.
6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Thursdays and Saturdays), 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays

Adult ($12), child ($8)

8. Christmas in the Garden

Christmas in the Garden might be an hour south of Portland (it’s in Silverton, OR), but it’s still worth your time to go. This traditional German market is perfect for picking up last-minute Christmas gifts. Plus, enjoy the new snowless tubing track, the ice skating, the 500,000 Christmas lights in the forest, and the beer, spirits, mulled wine, and hot chocolate.

November 25–January 1
See detailed schedule here
Adult ($8), child ($5)

 

9. Christmas Ship Parade

Watch beautifully decorated Christmas ships head down the Willamette or Columbia river. Check the schedule for different routes throughout the season.

December 2—December 18
See detailed schedule here
Free Admission

10. Alpenrose Dairyland

Alpenrose Dairy has been around for an entire century and is still going strong. Its replica of a western town, Dairyville, turns into a winter wonderland during the holidays. Take a walk through nostalgic Storybook Lane and enjoy local choirs, holiday movies, vintage storefronts, and plenty of Santa Claus!

December 2—December 18 (weekends only)
3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Fridays), 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Saturdays and Sundays)
Waiting for a response on admission prices

11. The Tree at Pioneer Courthouse Square

What kind of a list about Portland Christmas lights would this be without a mention of the huge tree at Pioneer Courthouse Square? Go check out the 75-foot-tall tree with 14,000 colorful lights adorning it. It’s pretty awesome.

We hope this helps give you some ideas of places to go see Portland Christmas lights. And if you have any other places that shouldn’t be missed, be sure to leave a comment. We’d love to hear all about them. Happy holidays, and enjoy this magical season!

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