Portland’s Top Holiday Events

Photo By: Eagpic

It’s the holiday season and you’re looking for things to do– hopefully, something with a little more peace, hope, goodwill to men and a lot less bah humbug. Well, you’ve come to the right place my friend. We’ve put together a list of the best holiday events in Portland that will help you experience the true spirit of the season. So, get out of your Portland apartment, grab some family and friends, and make this holiday season one to remember.

Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto
What do you get when you combine over 6,000 singers and musicians, 500,000 lights, zoo animals, a Catholic shrine, and a 62-acre botanical garden? Portland’s annual Christmas Festival of Lights at the Grotto, of course.

Since opening in 1988, the Grotto has drawn over 50,000 visitors each holiday season. Set in lush garden surroundings, you can’t help but be swept into the Christmas spirit by the beautiful sights and sounds of the Grotto. From November 28th to December 30th the Festival of Lights will host around150 concerts inside their 500-seat chapel, outdoor caroling, a petting zoo with several cuddly animals, a puppet show, and live theatre performances.

Photo By: Michael Klass

Fred Meyer Winter Wonderland
If you’re in the mood to see some lights, you’ll definitely want to check out the Fred Meyer Winter Wonderland. Held at the Portland International Raceway, you’ll be able to drive your car through the largest light show west of the Rockies. Along this 2-mile light-filled journey you’ll encounter a skiing Santa jetting down an 84-foot ski slope, car-hopping reindeer, animated Dinosaurs and much, much more.

With 40 animated scenes, over 250 vibrant displays, a 200-foot Tunnel of Lights, and more, the Fred Meyer Winter Wonderland has been a Portland holiday favorite since 1993. If that isn’t enough to get you into the holiday spirit, a large portion of the money raised from the event goes directly to charities around the Portland area. You can visit the Winter Wonderland lights display any time between now and January 1st, 2009.

Photo By: Josh Bancroft

Peacock Lane
Located between SE Stark and Belmont St., Peacock Lane is one of Portland’s best-decorated and most visited neighborhoods during the holidays. These magnificently decorated homes have been attracting visitors from all over the city since the 20’s. When you see these Tudor homes in person, you’ll see why. When you arrive at Peacock Lane, you can drive, take a leisurely walk or, for a small donation, ride in a horse and sleigh through the streets. This is one Christmas attraction that is sure to become a Christmas tradition with your family for years to come. The neighborhood lights up from December 15the through the 31st. Oh yeah, and it’s free.

Photo By: Mag3737

Christmas Ships Parade
For over 50 years now, a fleet of about 60 boats sails through the Columbia and Willamette rivers during the holidays. For two weeks, December 10th–21st, this group of marvelously decorated boats parades along the Portland waterfront to the joy of onlookers. You can view the ship parade from many waterfront restaurants, hotels, and parks. Check the Christmas Ships Parade website for route details.

The Pittock Mansion: The Night before Christmas
Once home to Portland pioneers, Henry and Georgiana Pittock, the Pittock Mansion is a frequently visited Portland tourist attraction year round. This is especially true during the holiday season.

Every year, from November 24th to December 31st, this one hundred year old mansion transforms itself into a elaborate, festive, winter wonderland. This year Clement Moore’s classic, “The Night Before Christmas,” provides the backdrop at the Pittock Mansion with each room mirroring a line from the well-known poem. This is a Christmas event people of all ages will surely enjoy.

Photo By: Mharrsch

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