After you finish your turkey, and are looking for something fun to do with the whole family to get into the holiday spirit, consider jumping in the car for this holiday light show road trip. Traveling from one side of the city to another, you can see the best light displays in the Portland area and enjoy a nice road trip as a bonus. Pack plenty of snacks and maybe even a thermos of hot chocolate to keep you going on this fun local trip that is sure to brighten the spirits this holiday season.

To follow along with the Google map, click here.

1. The Grotto
8840 NE Skidmore St, Portland, OR 97220, USA
How I See Life / Flickr
The Grotto is decorated spectacularly with over 500,000 lights for the holidays. Stop by and enjoy the choral celebration while you stroll the light show.
2. Miracle of a Million Lights
1441 N McClellan St, Portland, OR 97217, USA
David Thomas/Google Maps
Six miles north of downtown, this historic home named Victorian Belle, gets all decked out out for the holidays. This 2.5-acre estate is not one to miss.
3. Winter Wonderland at the Portland International Raceway
1940 N Victory Blvd, Portland, OR 97217, USA
Adrian Black / Flickr
Head over to this drive-through show and be met with a parade of lights.
4. Peacock Lane
805 SE Peacock Ln, Portland, OR 97214, USA
Justin Miller / Flickr
Drive or walk down these Southeast blocks in December to see a neighborhood that goes all out for the holidays. Years past have seen some amazing Star Wars and Peanuts-themed displays.
5. Zoo Lights at the Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221, USA
Sam Churchill / Flickr
Explore the animal kingdom in this expansive light show that features some of the best animal and nature displays around.

Enjoy this spectacular and spirited trip. Happy holidays! Explore beyond Portland to see some of the best light displays in all of Oregon. Have you been to any of these? Let us know what it was like in the comments.

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More to Explore

Portland Is Keeping Christmas Weird

William Suphan | October 13, 2022

What are the fun and odd holiday traditions in Portland?

Portlanders love to say "Keep Portland Weird" and they do a great job with whimsical holiday traditions. Imagine 250 tuba players gathering for an all-tuba concert. That's Tuba Christmas, which takes place every year in Pioneer Courthouse Square. The Singing Christmas Tree is a concert that has taken place for almost 60 years where a choir is arranged in tiers to look like a Christmas tree as they sing holiday favorites for the audience. What could be more Portland than a Santa pub crawl? Stumptown SantaCon has hundreds of Santas making their way from brewpub to brewpub.

What are the best holiday markets in Portland?

Portland loves its farmers and craft markets, especially during the holiday season. The Portland Expo Center hosts America's Largest Christmas Bazaar where handcrafted holiday products are available for purchase. You're sure to find some silly selections. The Renegade Craft Fair has strange and wonderful arts and crafts made by over 100 artists and makers who put their individual creativity on display. People love to bring home a bit of holiday whimsy.

What are the best holiday events you can only find in Portland?

Portland likes to be playful and have fun all year round, and the playfulness really comes out during the holidays. The Harry Potter Yule Ball is a charity event where attendees dress up as their favorite Harry Potter characters and enjoy a live concert along with a delightful dinner washed down with local brews. The Cinnamon Bear Cruise is beloved by adults and children alike and characters from a 1937 radio program taking place in magical Maybeland are on board to meet you.

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