27+ Best Places to See Christmas Lights in Portland

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The City of Roses has no lack of dazzling displays this holiday season. This year you can go to the Zoo, run a 5K, walk your dog, or paddle a canoe under the glow of Portland’s best light shows! Here’s our list of the 15 best places to see Christmas lights in Portland, plus over a dozen other locations in Oregon.

Related post: 11 Best Christmas Lights in Salem Oregon

(If you’re looking for even more Christmas activities to do with your family, check out our family Christmas bucket list with FREE printable! And for non-Christmas ideas, here’s our list of 75+ Winter activities for teens and families.)

1. ZooLights

Our daughter stands awestruck under a huge glowing boa constrictor at Zoo Lights. Zoo Lights is one of the 9 best places to see christmas lights in Portland.
Total astonishment at ZooLights.

Oregon Zoo’s ZooLights has been our long-time Christmas favorite. Each night the Zoo lights up with life-sized light displays of animals, tunnels of color, and even a lighted train. ZooLights can be enjoyed a variety of ways this year.

Here’s a quick run down of what’s offered, but be sure to check the calendar for specific dates, times, and schedule changes.

LED lights form life size shapes of wolves and deer at Zoo Lights. best places to see christmas lights in portland

2024 ZooLights Events:

  • ZooLights: November 22, 2024 to January 5, 2025
  • Zoo Member Preview Night: November 17, 2024
  • Sensory Night: November 18, 2024
  • Value Nights: November 22-25, December 2-5, January 1-5.
  • Brew & Lights (21+): November 17th & 18th
Zoolights train in motion. Best places to see Christmas lights in Portland
ZooLights Train

2024 ZooLights Tips:

  • Bring Enough Adults: ZooLights is a popular nighttime attraction that’s spread over several acres. Visit ZooLights with enough loving, responsible adults to keep your children safe.
  • Download a Map: A map makes for much less stress. Get your download before you go.
  • Be Sure to Bundle Up: Think zoo day on a chilly winter night. You’ll be outside for several hours, so be sure to dress you and your little ones in layers. Base layers are a great way to keep warm.
Our young children enjoy Elephant Ears and Hot Cocoa at Zoo Lights. best places to see christmas lights in portland
Cold + Excitement + Walking = “I’m Hungry!”
  • Dress in Water Resistant Clothing: Choose synthetic over cotton, boots instead of sneakers, and pack an umbrella.
  • Expect Children to Forget: Pack extra hats, gloves, and handwarmers.
  • Plan to Buy Some Hot Sugar: You’ll get your steps in at the zoo. A hot snack such as the Zoo’s famous elephant ears will ward off Christmas crankiness.

2. Lightopia

Giant snow flakes dominate this photo of Lightopia in Hillsboro, Oregon.
A glance at Hillsboro’s Lightopia.

Portland’s west metro area has its own drive-through experience at Lightopia in Hillsboro. Lightopia was a bright spot in our pandemic Christmas season. The arrangement and drive was super easy and the decorations were impressive.

Last year Lightopia included a Holiday Hustle Event that allows you to walk, run, or bike through the lights. Lightopia is held at the Gordon Faber Recreation Complex, a stadium that is conveniently located next to Highway 26.

2024 Lightopia Details:

  • Season runs from Dec. 6th to Dec. 30th.
  • Reservations required on Fridays and Saturdays only.
  • Monday to Thursday Hours: 5:30 to 8:00 PM
  • Friday and Sunday Hours: 5:30 to 9:00 PM
  • Closed on Monday December 9, Thursday December 19, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day
A multicolored tunnel of Christmas lights welcome visitors into Hillsboro's Lightopia display. Lightopia is one of the 9 best places to see Christmas lights in Portland.
An entrance to Lightopia, one of the best places to see Christmas lights in the Portland area.

2024 Lightopia Tips:

  • RSVP: Lightopia is a free event, but it does require reservations on Fridays and Saturdays
  • Make a Day of It: Hillsboro offers a good selection of holiday events including

3. Pioneer Courthouse Square

“Portland’s Living Room” is a natural place to see holiday splendor. Pioneer Courthouse Square takes its name from the historic landmark that overshadows it, the Pioneer Courthouse. But every holiday season the formidable courthouse is dwarfed by a massive Christmas tree. 

A grand Christmas tree towers over Pioneer Courthouse Square. Pioneer Courthouse Square is one of the best places to see Christmas lights in Portland.
Portland’s Living Room, all decked out. Image by Visitor7 / Wikimedia Commons.

Pioneer Courthouse Square’s central location makes it a great place to grab some holiday joy when you’re on the go. The square is right on the MAX line and within walking distance of several of Portland’s main stores and attractions.

My wife and I smile for a selfie next to Portland's biggest Christmas tree.
A kinda-blurry selfie from Pioneer Square. It was COLD!

You can take a break from your Black Friday shopping to enjoy the lights, listen to live music, and grab some glorious food cart grub.

2024 Pioneer Courthouse Square Calendar

A uniformed composer directs the Oregon National Guard as the preform holiday music at Pioneer Courthouse Square.
Pioneer Square often features holiday concerts. Image by Oregon National Guard.

Portland’s Living Room” is practically brimming with goodies this year. Here’s the line-up:

Pioneer Courthouse Square Main Events

4. Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights

Giant lighted Christmas Tree welcomes crowds at the Grotto in Portland.

Northeast Portland holds one of the city’s most appreciated light displays. The Grotto is a peaceful catholic shrine and garden not far from the 205 Freeway. Every holiday season the Grotto transforms into a magical landscape.

The Shrine of Mary at the Grotto, lit up for Christmas.

The Grotto is even better known for its sounds than its sights. The Chapel of Mary hosts choral performances.

A choir sings for the audience inside the Chapel of Mary.

Puppet shows, outdoor caroling, and other live entertainment can be found in the Grotto’s plaza area. The Grotto’s abundant, creative entertainment makes it a beloved holiday tradition in Portland.

@dinkumtribe Northeast Portland holds one of the city’s most appreciated light displays. The Grotto is a peaceful catholic shrine and garden not far from the 205 Freeway. Every holiday season the Grotto transforms into a magical landscape. The Grotto is even better known for its sounds than its sights. The Chapel of Mary hosts choral performances. Puppet shows, outdoor caroling, and other live entertainment can be found in the Grotto’s plaza area. The Grotto’s abundant, creative entertainment makes it one of the best places to see Christmas lights in Portland. #christmastiktok #portlandoregon #christmas2023 #christmasmusic @Travel Portland ♬ Christmas – Big Dreams

2024 Christmas Festival of Lights Details:

  • Season runs from Nov. 29th to Dec. 30th
  • Value Nights: Nov. 27-30th & Dec. 4-7th
  • Closed on Christmas Day.
  • Note: The Grotto doesn’t accept cash payments.

5. Winter Wonderland: Portland International Raceway

Holiday light display of Santa driving a race car.

North Portland has an even grander lights show. In fact, the Portland International Raceway’s Winter Wonderland is the largest light show in the Pacific Northwest. The drive-through experience raises funds to support Portland families and individuals in need.

You don’t have to buckle your seat belt to see the Winter Wonderland lights. You could opt for an exercise suit, a bike, or a dog leash at one of their special events (below).

A bike is entirely wrapped with Christmas lights. There is no way to actually ride the bike because of all of bulbs and the wiring.best places to see christmas lights in portland
Get that bike ready for Bike the Lights! Image by Alan Levine.

Winter Wonderland is one of the few light displays that’s open through the entire holiday season, including holidays. You’ll find Portland International Raceway in North Portland near the Washington border.

2024 Winter Wonderland Details

  • Winter Wonderland Runs from Nov. 29th to Dec. 31st
  • Bike the Lights: Ride your bicycle on Sunday December 1st
  • Lights and Leashes: Walk the Lights with your pet on December 2nd and 3rd
  • Winter Wonderland is open Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve from 4:30-11:00 PM.
  • Tire chains and studded tires are prohibited.

6. Christmas Ship Parade (multiple locations)

Brightly colored ships light up the Willamette River at Portland's Christmas Ship Parade. Best places to see Christmas lights in Portland, Oregon.
Bridgetown’s Christmas Ships. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

It’s only fitting that “Bridgetown” would have a nautical lights show. In fact, Portland’s location makes for a host of festive fleets. The Christmas Ship parade is made up of ships from across the Portland Metro area. 

Portland’s Christmas fleets can be seen at a number of locations along the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. You can even catch them at Lake Oswego which is located in the Southeast Portland metro area.

A close up shows just how many light displays can fit on a boat at the Christmas Ship Parade. This event is one of the best places to see Christmas lights in Portland.
Santa’s gone fishing. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

If you plan to watch a Christmas Ships parade, then see if you can get a spot on one of Portland’s iconic suspension bridges. You can find the complete 2024 Christmas Ships Parade schedule here.

7. Peacock Lane

Lights and decor fill this picture of two homes on Portland's Peacock Lane. Peacock Lane is one of the 9 best places to see Christmas lights in Portland.
Peacock Lane is Portland’s OG holiday display. Image by Visitor7 / Wikimedia Commons.

“Portland’s Christmas street” may be the city’s oldest Christmas lights display. The Belmont Area street is a National Historic landmark, known for holiday festivity since 1929. You can enjoy live music and hot cocoa as you walk down Peacock Lane, located in East Central Portland.

2024 Peacock Lane Details:

  • Season runs from Dec. 15th-31st, 6:00-11:00 PM
  • Pedestrian Only Nights: Dec. 15th, 16th, & 17th
  • Dogs are permitted as long as they are leashed.
A decorated home sports a lighted holiday sign that says "Welcome to Peacock Lane, since 1929." Best places to see Christmas lights in Portland, Oregon
Visit the lights at a historic site. Image by Visitor7 / Wikimedia Commons.

2024 Peacock Lane Tips:

  • Plan Your Commute: Parking is difficult around Peacock Lane. We recommend using the MAX line or carpooling if you plan to walk along Peacock Lane.
  • Enjoy a Hot Drink: Peacock Lane serves free Hot Cocoa & Hot Cider from Dec. 15-24th.
  • Arrive Early: Drinks run out quickly when the weather is good.
  • Consider Visiting After Christmas: Peacock Lane’s crowds drop after Christmas.

8. Pittock Mansion

Portland on an overcast day as seen from the Pittock Mansion
Portland from the Pittock Mansion.

Portland’s best-known mansion is another natural place to enjoy the holiday spirit. But don’t go looking for Christmas lights in the ordinary sense. The mansion is impressive, but it’s the building’s location that makes the Pittock famous. 

The Pittocks Mansion’s grounds provide a fantastic view of downtown Portland, the city’s Eastside neighborhoods, and iconic Mount Hood. In fact, clear days yield views of not only Mount Hood, but Mount St. Helen’s Mount Adams, Mount Rainer, and Mount Jefferson as well. This excursion offers a unique way to either begin or wrap up your Portland Christmas experience.

Pittock Mansion (north side) on an overcast day
The Pittock Mansion

9. Beaverton Winter Lights

Beaverton City Park (SW 5th St. and SW Hall Blvd.)

The City of Beaverton hosts a beautiful light display at Beaverton City Park throughout the month of December. One of the best features of this display is that it’s fully wheelchair-accesible with paved pathways.

The Beaverton Winter Lights and Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Friday, December 6 from 6-8 pm. Visitors can enjoy live performances, crafts and activities for kids, and local vendors. Santa Claus is planning a surprise visit too!

  • Admission: free.
  • Dates: December 1-January 3.
  • Hours: 4-8 pm.
Our son looks at the holiday lights with joy and wonder. You can find great light shows all over Oregon. These shows are just as good as the best places to see Christmas lights in Portland.
Holiday wonder at Azalea Park.

10. The North Pole at Eagle Crest (Newberg)

31727 NE Wilsonville Road Newberg, OR 97132

This is a vintage community display that includes a little bit of everything: a polar bear family, elves in Santa’s Workshop, reindeer and more. The North Pole Market will be selling locally made goods as well, and kids can leave a letter to Santa at the mailbox.

Red mailbox with gold lettering that says "Letters for Santa".

The North Pole at Eagle Crest is free, but donations are gladly accepted and benefit St. Jude’s Research Hospital. Free hot cocoa is available, and Santa plans to visit on the last weekend before Christmas.

  • Dates: December 6-8, 13-15, 20-22.
  • Hours: 5 pm-9 pm.

https://www.facebook.com/christmasateaglecrest

11. Winter Gleam at Oaks Amusement Park

7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland, OR 97202

Portland’s newest holiday light destination is hosted at The Oaks Amusement Park and transforms the Park into a sparkling wonderland. Ride the Carousel or Train all decked out for the season, meet Santa, enjoy some yummy seasonal food and drinks and be merry!

  • Admission: Adults $18, kids ages 6-12 $15, kids 5 and under FREE. Tickets here.
  • Hours: 5-10 pm.
  • Dates: Fridays-Sundays November 29-December 29.

12. Clackamas County Winter Fair (Canby)

694 NE 4th Ave., Canby, OR 97013

The Clackamas County Fairgrounds hosts a quality, walk-through lights show. With over 200,000 lights and festive displays, plus a grand finale of a 30-minute light show, this is a fun family destination.

Holiday craft and food vendors, local school bands, Santa and Mrs. Claus will all be there to make this event a new holiday favorite. You’ll find the Fairgounds in Canby, a little ways south of the Portland Metro area.

  • Admission: Adults $10, kids 4-12 $5, kids 3 & under FREE. Tickets here.
  • Hours: 5-9 pm
  • Dates: Fridays and Saturdays November 29- December 21.
@dinkumtribe The Neighborhood Church at Stafford Road in Tualatin puts on a huge walkable lights display every year. It includes lots of Nativity scenes and other Christmas themes, as well as a petting zoo featuring the church’s farm animals. #christmaslights #holidaylights #oregon #christmas2024 ♬ Christmas Rock Party – Beat-Hoven

13. Nativity Lights at the Neighborhood Church (Tualatin)

21065 SW Stafford Road, Tualatin, OR 97062

Large trees covered in Christmas lights reflected in a pond at the Neighborhood Church in Tualatin.

The Neighborhood Church at Stafford Road in Tualatin puts on a huge walkable lights display every year. It includes lots of Nativity scenes and other Christmas themes, as well as a petting zoo featuring the church’s farm animals.

Our sons petting a goat in a pen at Nativity Lights

Hot chocolate and snacks are available for purchase on select nights.

  • Admission: $25 recommended donation (donations allow those less fortunate to enjoy the displays).
  • Hours: 5-8 pm.
  • Dates: Fridays and Saturdays November 29-December 21
Jenn in front of a white Nativity cutout with the words "For God so loved the world" written in lights in the background.

14. Goose Lights: Holidays at the Hangar (McMinnville)

500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville, OR 97128

The Evergreen Air and Space Museum decks out their extensive collection of aircraft with holiday lights throughout and stays open into the evening. But by far the coolest part is Santa’s arrival by helicopter on select Saturday evenings!

  • Admission: $10 adults, kids under 12 FREE.
  • Hours: 5-8 pm.
  • Dates: December 14-29.

15. Holidays on Franklin (Vancouver, WA)

46th and Franklin Streets, Vancouver, Washington

4616 Franklin Street home decorated to the hilt with Christmas lights, decorations and more. Part of the Holidays on Franklin group in Vancouver, Washington.

What do you get when eight neighboring properties decide to create an epic Christmas light display? Holidays on Franklin is all that and more, with Santa visits, Grinch appearances, Frozen themed displays, live entertainment and two huge Christmas trees!

Santa figure with Frozen figures in the background at Holidays on Franklin.

These neighbors go all out, and you can either drive past or walk past the beautiful homes. Some nights you may even enjoy a snowfall (check the social media pages for dates and times)!

Classic blue pickup truck covered in lights with a Minion on top and the Grinch and Cindy Lu Who standing next to it. Part of the Holidays on Franklin display in Vancouver, Washington.
  • Admission: Free, but donations gladly accepted.
  • Hours: 5-10 pm.
  • Dates: December 1-26.
@dinkumtribe What do you get when eight neighboring properties decide to create an epic Christmas light display? Holidays on Franklin is all that and more, with Santa visits, Grinch appearances, Frozen themed displays, live entertainment and two huge Christmas trees! These neighbors go all out, and you can either drive past or walk past the beautiful homes. Some nights you may even enjoy a snowfall (check the social media pages for dates and times)! #christmaslights #holidaylights #vancouverwashington #christmasideas ♬ Sparkling Magic – Christy Carew

12 best Christmas lights in the Salem area

Antique Nativity scene in a wooden barn.

Portland isn’t the only place that knows how to put on a good holiday light show. Here are 12 great places to find Christmas lights in and around Salem.

Silverton Christmas Market: Silverton

Purples, pinks, and greens light up the snow at Silverton's Christmas Market.
The Silverton Christmas Market.

Here’s another beloved Christmas destination. The Oregon Garden Resort provides an annual event that delights the senses and warms the heart. 1.5 million lights, plus music, snowless tubing, German food, and craft vendors make for a magical experience that brings people back year after year.

@dinkumtribe Clip from the Silverton Christmas Market during a snowfall. #familytravelblogger #familytravelcreator #familytraveltiktoker #familytravelblog #familytravelinfluencer #familytravelvlog #silvertonoregon #silvertonor #christmaslightsaremyfavoritecolor #oregongardenresort #oregonmoms #oregonfamilyouting #oregonfamily #christmaslightdisplay #familychristmas2021 #oregonchristmas #christmasmarket2021 #germanchristmasmarket #pnwchristmas ♬ Main Theme (From Walt Disney’s “A Christmas Carol”) – Dominik Hauser

The resort borders the beautiful Oregon Garden and the city of Silverton, Oregon, putting you right next to Silver Falls State Park, The Cascades, and the beautiful Willamette Valley. The town of Silverton has several other light displays in town, as well as a Children’s Lantern Parade, Tree Lighting, and North Pole mailbox to drop your letters to Santa.

@dinkumtribe Checking out Silverton’s murals: send a letter to Santa Claus here and get a real response! #silvertonoregon #santaclaus #santaclausiscomingtotown #ibelieveinsantaclaus #ibelieveinsanta #silvertonartwalk #christmastownusa #lettertosanta #letterstosanta #christmasfunforkids #christmasfunfortoddlers #christmastreelighting #artwalks #exploreoregonshistory #oregonexplored #adhdfamilytravel #familytravelcreator #familytraveltiktoker #oregonfamily #pnwfamily #pnwfamilies #oregonfamilies #familytravelvlog #familytravelblog #familytravelblogger #familytravelvlogger #familytravelinfluencer #travelwithkids @dinkumtribe ♬ original sound – DinkumTribe ADHD family travel

Mt. Angel Christmas Celebrations

An enormous off/on switch stands beside a Christmas tree at Mt. Angel, Oregon.
Mt. Angel’s Tree is lit every Christmas by a lucky child every year.

I don’t know of a better way to experience Christmas than in small town Oregon. Most of Oregon is made up of rural communities with deep roots and old, cherished traditions. It’s a real treat to celebrate Christmas in a coastal fishing town, the Willamette Valley countryside, or a Cascade lumber hub.

Last year we rung-in the Christmas season at Mt. Angel, Oregon’s best-known German town. Mt. Angel is about as close to Europe as you can get here. A benedictine monastery stands tall on the top of Mt. Angel and a convent can be found nearby.

Mt. Angel is best known for its enormous Oktoberfest, but we were delighted to find that they also host a German Christmas Market.

@dinkumtribe Mt. Angel Christkindl Market was rainy, cold and perfectly festive! @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe #christmasmarket #christmasmarkets #christmastreelighting #bavarianfood #christmasinoregon #christmasinthepnw #pnwchristmas #oregonchristmas #adhdfamilytravel #familytravelcreator #oregonfamily #pnwfamily #pnwfamilies #oregonfamilies #familytravelvlog #familytravelblog #familytravelinfluencer #travelwithkids ♬ A Holly Jolly Christmas – Christmas Music

Mt. Angel’s Christmas market was heartwarming. Artisans sold hand-made Christmas gifts and local business, schools, and charities offered warm, delicious refreshments.

The festivities had their crowning moment when Saint Nick arrived on a Mt. Angel Firetruck. He drew a name out of hat to determine which child would turn on the Mt. Angel Christmas Tree. Everyone counted down and clapped for joy when the switch was flung and the christmas tree lit up. Moments like these make me proud to be an Oregonian.

More excellent holiday light displays in Oregon

Nature’s Coastal Holiday: Azalea Park, Brookings

Lights cover nearly every inch of Azalea Park, Brookings' incredible lightshow.
Azalea Park features acres of illuminated wonder.

Brookings boasts the best holiday light show on the Oregon Coast. We were intrigued so we decided to stop here on our Holiday National Parks Roadtrip. This place is truly exceptional. In fact, we’re not sure that we’ve ever been to a holiday display as immense and immersive as Azalea Park.

@dinkumtribe This incredible lights display is an annual event held at Azalea Park in Brookings on the Oregon Coast. @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @travelsouthernoregon #christmaslights #christmaslightinstallation #christmaslightsaremyfavoritecolor #holidaylights #holidaylights2022 #southoregoncoast #southernoregon #southernoregoncoast #adhdfamilytravel #familytravelcreator #oregonfamily #pnwfamily #pnwfamilies #oregonfamilies #familytravelvlog #familytravelblog #familytravelinfluencer #travelwithkids ♬ Jingle Bells – Christmas Background Music

Brookings’ Azalea Park is made up of no less than 3,000,000 lights that literally cover acres of parkland. Walking paths meander through illuminated lawns, glowing hillsides, and groves of color. All kinds of scenes, creatures, and creations inhabit this lightscape.

@dinkumtribe One section of the holiday lights display was these Christmas trees synced to music. @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe #naturescoastalholiday #christmaslights #holidaylights #holidaylights2022 #southoregoncoast #southernoregon #adhdfamilytravel #familytravelcreator #oregonfamily #pnwfamily #pnwfamilies #oregonfamilies #familytravelvlog #familytravelblog #familytravelinfluencer #travelwithkids ♬ original sound – DinkumTribe ADHD family travel

Our family spent over an hour enjoying the wonders of Azalea Park. We’d arrived on a Tuesday night and found that crowds were few and lines were short. It was the sheer enormity and variety of Christmas lights that kept us occupied so long.

You would think that holiday lights would get redundant at a certain point. But that was not our experience. In fact, we were delighted at some of the creative and unique displays that we found here.

Brookings is one of the warmest places to visit on the Oregon coast and and excellent destination for an Oregon winter roadtrip.

Magical Christmas Murals: Grants Pass

Our three boys watch a Christmas Mural perform the poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas".
Grants Pass may have the most unique holiday display in all of Oregon.

Here’s a light show that surpasses even the best places to see Christmas lights in Portland. The city of Grants Pass sponsors a city-wide display of magical holiday murals. These beautiful murals actually change as you watch them!

@dinkumtribe These holiday themed lighted murals are all made by local artists. They are available to view around downtown Grant’s Pass from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @travelsouthernoregon #christmaslights #holidaylights #holidaylights2022 #southernoregon #christmaslightsaremyfavoritecolor #adhdfamilytravel #familytravelcreator #oregonfamily #pnwfamily #pnwfamilies #oregonfamilies #familytravelvlog #familytravelblog #familytravelinfluencer #travelwithkids #youroregon #thatoregonlife #traveloregon #visitoregon #oregonisawesome #bestoforegon ♬ It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year – Andy Williams

Twenty magical murals can be found throughout the city’s downtown area. The murals are made by local artists and are truly remarkable.

Our boys place their hands on the lighted holes of a Magical Christmas Mural in Grants Pass, Oregon.
This was one of the boy’s favorite murals. St. Nick winks with his right eye.

Jacksonville Victorian Christmas: Jacksonville, OR

Jacksonville’s Victorian Christmas was my top Christmas experience of 2022! The frontier town of Jacksonville was once one of Oregon’s most promising and productive cities. Today, Jacksonville is one of the best kept secrets of Southern Oregon. 

Three children enjoy a ride in a horse drawn carriage in historic Jacksonville, Oregon.
Our children loved their carriage ride through Jacksonville’s Victorian Christmas.

Jacksonville has kept most of her 19th century buildings and every Christmas season she transforms into a Victorian Belle. You can step into a Charles Dickens novel and experience the beauty of a traditional Victorian Christmas

Our children explore Jacksonville's historic courthouse, which is now the city hall.

We’d heard about Jacksonville’s Victorian splendor, but we didn’t know about its outstanding parade. Jacksonville’s holiday parade was a superb series of marching bands, festive floats, horses and carriages, historic cars, dancing groups, and more. This top-notch parade lasted over an hour and went off without a hitch.

@dinkumtribe The Christmas Parade in Jacksonville was a festive way to start off the holiday season! @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe #christmasparade #christmasparade2022 #victorianchristmas #christmasinoregon #adhdfamilytravel #familytravelcreator #oregonfamily #pnwfamily #pnwfamilies #oregonfamilies #familytravelvlog #familytravelblog #familytravelinfluencer #travelwithkids #youroregon #thatoregonlife #traveloregon #visitoregon #oregonisawesome #bestoforegon ♬ Here Comes Santa Claus – Gene Autry

Our family loved Jacksonville. A group of us took a carriage ride around the town while the rest enjoyed snacks and explored the shops and boutiques that line Jacksonville’s historic downtown.

Jacksonville’s Victorian Christmas is another destination that rivals even the best places to see Christmas lights in Portland.

Shore Acres State Park: Coos Bay Oregon

Image of Shore Acres State Park shows the parks historic mansion and grounds lit with beautiful holiday lights.
Shore Acres State Park. Image by OCVA.

Shore Acres State Park adds coastal glamour to Oregon’s holiday scene. The park encloses the large estate of Louis J. Simpson, one of Oregon’s timber barons. Simpson’s historic mansion and beautiful gardens are set aglow each holiday season.

Shore Acres State Park is also known for being one of the best places to watch winter storms. See massive waves crash against the Oregon Coastline at this secluded state park.

Image of Shore Acres State Park show the park's historic mansion and grounds lit with holiday lights.
Shore Acres State Park. Image by OCVA.

Twilight Christmas Parade: Baker City, OR

A decorated tractor trailer wears and enormous, bright Christmas star was it works its way down the Baker City Twilight Christmas Parade.
Why fly by reindeer when you can drive a semi? Image by Baker County Tourism Travel Board.

You can experience a charming country Christmas in Baker City, Oregon. The city’s Twilight Christmas Parade sports a host of creative and fun floats and vehicles that you won’t find at your home town. At 3,442 feet above sea level, you have a good chance of enjoying snow with your light show!

Wolf Creek Inn State Heritage Site

Holiday lights welcome travelers to Wolf Creek Inn & Tavern.
Oregon’s historic Wolf Creek Inn & Tavern

A bright oasis of holiday cheer lies right along the Interstate 5. Wolf Creek Inn and Tavern is one of Oregon oldest business, serving weary travelers since 1887. This old stage-coach stop is located along Oregon historic Applegate Trail.

@dinkumtribe The Women’s Parlor at Wolf Creek was all decked out for Christmas! @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe #victorianchristmas #christmasinoregon #adhdfamilytravel #familytravelcreator #oregonfamily #pnwfamily #familytravelblog #bestoforegon #stagecoachstop #applegatetrail #californiahistorictrail #historicoregontrail #oregonstateparks ♬ Carol of the Bells – Christmas Background Music

Wolf Creek has a reputation for good eats and that was certainly the case when we visited. But probably the best part of Wolf Creek was just how fun it was to be there. Our children were welcome here and they enjoyed looking around at their surroundings and the historic pictures of the Inn.

The place was completely decked out for the holidays, and the Women’s Parlor Room was entirely themed on The Christmas Story movie.

The infamous leg lamp of the movie A Christmas Story stands at the window  of the Wolf Creek Inn.
Wolf Creek Inn is a great place to find some Christmas lights and holiday humor.

Happy Holidays!

People admire the lights as they walk through an illumined tunnel at the Silverton Christmas Market.
Last year Jennifer experienced the Silverton Christmas Market.

That wraps up our list of Christmas lights in and around Portland. Did you find this post helpful? If so, please share the post so that others can benefit as well. We’d also welcome your questions and comments!

If you’re visiting Portland for the holidays, be sure to check out our list of best family-friendly day trips from Portland. Happy Traveling and Merry Christmas!

© Copyright Brian A. Warren 2022. Updated: November 29, 2024

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About the author

Brian Warren is a native of California and has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and several other countries. He's husband to Jennifer, Dad of six children, and taught middle school history for several years. His special interests include craft beers, the American Old West, and geology. Brian is also an online marketing specialist and cofounder of Dinkum Tribe, a website dedicated to healthy, happy families. Feel free to send Brian a message at [email protected].

Comments

  1. Wow this is so fun! I had no idea Portland got so festive. We were just there a few months ago. I’d love to visit the Zoo Lights especially with kids!

    1. It’s great with kids, and the elephant ears for snack are great too. Bring hand warmers though, it gets REALLY cold!

  2. Ooooh I love it when places put so much effort into amazing light displays! Christmas lights at the zoo is SUCH a great idea (I mean, as long as the lights don’t disturb the animals nap times!!)

    I’ve never seen anything like a Christmas ship display! I wish we had that in Vancouver too!

    1. The ZooLights are set up in the walking paths not too close to the animals sleeping areas. Also, since Portland is near the 45th parallel, it gets dark by about 5 pm at that time of year, so the light show is off no later than about 8 or 9 pm.

  3. Christmas is coming and it has a pretty view with lights. I would love to visit it this Christmas. Thank you for sharing!

  4. This is a great list of places to see around christmas time, i love looking at christmas lights at christmas time thanks for sharing

  5. Seeing all of these holiday lights brings back fond memories of visiting Candy Cane Lane as a child! Looking forward to this holiday season and all of the light festivities.

  6. Lightopia looks divine! What a way to experience the Christmas season. I’m down here in Texas, so you’ve certainly done a spectacular job at making me want to visit Portland soon. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

  7. Love this post, as it is very unique. The Pittock Mansion with its grounds and beautiful view sounds like an amazing place to enjoy the lights and Holiday decor. I would also love to take in a holiday concert and view the magnificent Cht=ritmas tree at Courthouse Square.

  8. Wow, such an amazing list of the Best Places to See Christmas Lights in Portland. Thank you for offering so much detail! We recently moved to the PNW and have been meaning to get to Portland. It looks beautiful during the holidays!! 🎄🎄🎄

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