PORTLAND, Ore. — Looking for the best places in the Portland metro(ish) area to see holiday lights? We did all the work for you by compiling this list. Make sure you check the links for masking/vaccination protocol at each event.
1. Peacock Lane: December 15-31
Peacock Lane has announced it'll return this year from December 15-31 after a cancellation in 2020 due to COVID-19. Peacock Lane is a Portland tradition dating back to 1932, as each house on the street in Southeast Portland decorates for the holidays.
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2. Portland’s annual tree lighting
Due to COVID-19, the live event was canceled this year but KGW (hey, that’s us!) televised the event and streamed it on our website, YouTube channel and Facebook page on Nov. 26. The half-hour special, hosted by KGW Sunrise’s Nina Melhalf, also showcased regional high school bands and choruses.
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3. Zoo lights walk-thru or drive-thru: Nov. 19 - Jan.9
Zoo Lights at the Oregon Zoo shouldn’t be missed. For kiddos and adults alike, it’s great to see the zoo all lit up. This year, you can walk through the lights or drive, which was a new option adopted in 2020 due to COVID-19. Tickets have to be purchased online and in advance, as they are still for specific time slots.
More info and tickets
4. The Grotto Christmas Festival of Lights: Nov. 26 – Dec. 30
You and yours can stroll through The Grotto and soak in all the lights. There will be no petting zoo this year, the website says. But you can hear choirs perform and ogle at more than 2,000,000 lights, which is a sight to see at any age.
More info and tickets
5. Winter Wonderland at PIR: Nov. 26 – Jan. 1
Portland International Raceway decks its track for, what it calls, the largest light show in the Northwest. This is also an event you can feel good about going to as all the proceeds from the event will go to the Sunshine Division’s hunger relief efforts. This is a drive-thru light show so you can supply your own tunes, too. There is also a “Bike the Lights” event for cyclists too!
More info and tickets
6. Pittock Mansion Critters Make Merry: Nov. 22 – Jan. 4
This year, the theme for Pittock Mansion is “Critter Make Merry” and will feature all manner of animals through its rooms, all in the festive spirit. You can see some cute critters and take in the stunning view of Portland from its grounds.
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7. Christmas Ships Parade: Dec.3 – Dec. 21
If you want to sit by the water and let your holiday lights float by, then the Christmas Ships Parade won’t disappoint. You’ll want to check the schedule because there are different fleets on different nights and some nights will have more ships than others.
More info and tickets
8. Holiday Fa La La Trolley
On the Fa La La Trolley in Lake Oswego, you and the kiddos in your life can hop aboard a decorated trolley and enjoy the lights in Lake O and Riverwood while you carol or enjoy the holiday music. You’re encouraged to bring your own drinks (may we suggest hot chocolate with a candy cane in it?).
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9. Silverton Christmas Market: Nov. 26 – Jan. 9
Take a magical stroll along paths draped in over one million lights at the Oregon Garden Resort in Silverton! You can also find artisan holiday gifts at their authentic German Christmas Market or visit Frosty and Santa for a festive photo-op.
10. Vancouver Community Tree Lighting: Now – Jan. 1
The city of Vancouver's annual tree lighting ceremony is canceled this year due to COVID-19, but you can still see Esther Short Park lit up for the holidays. The park's community tree will be aglow with thousands of lights 24 hours per day, no until Jan. 1.
11. Chanukah Menorah Lighting: Nov. 26 – Dec. 5
Chabad of Oregon will light Portland's public menorah at Pioneer Courthouse Square at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 28. There will be lots of music and traditional foods. Can't make it the first night? The menorah will be lit each day through Sunday, Dec. 5, which times varying depending on the day.
12. Kwanzaa Bridge Lighting: Dec. 26 – Jan. 1
If you're traveling through Southeast Portland, you may want to look for the Morrison Bridge. It will be lit up for Kwanzaa between Dec. 26 and Jan. 1.