The Christmas season is upon us and there is no greater way to get into the spirit than by checking out some of the best Christmas lights near Portland. With many starting just the day after Thanksgiving, it’s time to fish out your warm jacket and gloves to bundle up and hit the streets for an after-dark tour of Christmas in Portland and these brightly lit spots around town.

1. Christmas Festival of Lights at the Grotto
The Grotto, 8840 NE Skidmore St, Portland, OR 97220, USA
Ben Aboleta / Facebook
Billed as the largest Christmas choral festival in the world, the Grotto comes alive with lights at Christmas. This Christmas light display near Portland opens the Friday after Thanksgiving and continues until the end of December. Admission varies based on age. Learn more about The Grotto.
2. Zoo Lights at Oregon Zoo
Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221, USA
Sam Churchill / Flickr
The Oregon Zoo's holiday spectacular of lights is a great place to get in the holiday spirit and catch a glimpse of a couple sleeping animals while you are at it. Zoo Lights runs from the Friday after Thanksgiving until early January. Prices vary, with value nights during the week. This experience will truly make your Christmas in Portland unique. Get more information about Zoo Lights.
3. Christmas in the Garden
The Oregon Garden, 879 W Main St, Silverton, OR 97381, USA
The Oregon Garden / Facebook
In Silverton, the Oregon Garden goes all out with lights and fun, with ice skating included in the admission price, too. Christmas in the Garden takes place from the end of November through early January. Ticket prices for this Christmas light display near Portland vary by age. Check out further reading on Christmas in the Garden.
4. Christmas Ships Parade
Christmas Ships, 2124 Columbia Blvd, St Helens, OR 97051, USA
Christmas Ships Parade / Facebook
Dating back to 1954, the Christmas Ships Parade features Christmas-decorated ships cruising on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. The free event takes place at different locations on the rivers from early December until before Christmas. Get more details on the Christmas Ships Parade.
5. Peacock Lane - Portland's Christmas Street
Southeast Peacock Lane, SE Peacock Ln, Portland, OR 97214, USA
Peacock Lane - Portland's Christmas Street / Facebook
One of the busiest streets in the city come holiday season, Peacock Lane features some of the best Christmas lights near Portland. The free event is open from mid-December through the end, with certain days being only for pedestrians. Find the most up-to-date information about Peacock Lane and its Christmas lights.
6. Sunshine Division Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway
Portland Winter Wonderland, 1940 N Victory Blvd, Portland, OR 97217, USA
Winter Wonderland Portland / Facebook
Considered the largest light show west of the Mississippi, the annual event has been held since 1993. These drive-thru Christmas lights near Portland are lit from the end of November through the end of December. The cost is per car. Learn more about the Winter Wonderland event and what you can expect when you visit.

What do you think are the best Christmas lights near Portland? Let us know in the comments below!

Yearning for more Christmas in Portland? Check out these Christmas towns near Portland.

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Rachel Raimondi | October 28, 2022

Which state parks should I visit in Oregon?

Although there is one national park in Oregon, there are also 361 state parks in Oregon to explore, too! In Coos Bay, there is the 745-acre Shore Acres State Park. A little less traditional than you would expect in a park, here you can take in views of the coast, watch for storms, access the beach, and explore the gardens. If you find yourself in or around Terrebonne, head to Smith Rock State Park. Within this park’s 650 acres in the high desert region, you can rock climb, hike 10 miles of trails, and fish the Crooked River. And if you want to make more than just a day trip out of it, there is also a campground.

What are the best fairs and festivals in Portland?

If you are looking for fairs and festivals in Portland, you’ll find a great deal of them throughout the year. Just some of the winter festivals include the Portland Folk Festival, the Portland Winter Light Festival, the Holiday Ale Festival, and the St. Patrick’s Festival. In the spring, check out the One Moto Show or the Portland Rose Festival. In the summer, there’s the Oregon Midsummer Festival, the Portland Craft Beer Festival, or the Dahlia Festival. For the fall, there’s Portland Fashion Week, the Portland Greek Festival, and the Christmas Festival of Lights.

What are the best Christmas towns in Oregon?

Aside from visiting some of the best Christmas lights near Portland, you can also get into the holiday spirit by visiting one of the many Christmas towns in Oregon. Over in Central Oregon, you’ll find the town of Newport. Although this area of the state rarely gets a white Christmas, you will find tons of Christmas-related happenings here. At the Oregon Coast Aquarium, there’s the annual Sea of Lights, where you’ll find more than half a million lights as well as decorated aquatic displays and Santa. There’s also the Dirty Santa Run, the Holiday Arts and Craft Sale, and much more. Over in Baker County, there’s Sumpter. There’s a great deal to do here, from a Christmas parade to snowmobiling to a Christmas train, the annual Christmas tree lighting, and even a Christmas bazaar featuring baked goods and local crafts.

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