Photo Credit: Travel Portland | Jason Quigley | JD Elsey
Christmas lights in Portland turn the Rose City into a nighttime holiday attraction, with glowing neighborhoods, elaborate displays, illuminated gardens, and seasonal traditions throughout the city. From Christmas tree lightings to larger light shows, these are the best Christmas light displays in Portland to take in during the 2026 season!
The Best Christmas Light Displays in Portland This Season
When the sun goes down, Portland Christmas lights take center stage with dazzling displays and neighborhood traditions giving you plenty of reasons to take an evening drive around the Rose City.
1. The Grotto's Christmas Festival of Lights — Portland
Each winter, The Grotto's calm, forested sanctuary brightens into a glowing wonderland of lights that line its walking pathways, while premier choirs from across the Portland Metro area fill the Chapel of Mary with nightly seasonal concerts. This combination of the chapel's natural, soaring acoustics and the surrounding illuminated cliffside forest gives this long running festival a peaceful, reflective feel. Heated indoor areas, holiday gift shopping, and festive family entertainment round out the experience, rain or shine.
- Dates: November 27th, 2026 - December 30th, 2026 (Daily, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM; last tickets sold at 9:30 PM)
- Admission: Ticketed (Value Nights with discounted pricing offered early in the season)
- Street Address: 8840 NE Skidmore St., Portland, OR 97220
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Pet Friendly: Yes (On leashes)
- Parking: Free parking available on-site
- Website: https://thegrotto.org/christmas/
Insider Tip: Bringing a non-perishable food item to donate at the gate is a long standing tradition here that directly supports local food banks. If the primary on-site lot is full, follow the signs to the overflow lot where a free, continuous shuttle connects visitors straight to the front gate.
2. Portland Holiday Brewfest — Portland
Pioneer Courthouse Square hosts an outdoor winter beer and cider festival in the heart of downtown Portland. Guests can sample a wide selection of regional winter ales and craft ciders under large heated tents. Vinyl DJs play music throughout the evening to set a lively atmosphere in the plaza. A giant lighted Christmas tree illuminates the center of the square next to the tasting areas. The venue sits directly on major light rail lines for easy transit access across the city.
- Dates: Friday, December 11th & Saturday, December 12th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: 701 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97204
- Kid-Friendly: No (21+ event)
- Pet-Friendly: Yes (Leashed dogs welcome outdoors)
- Parking: Paid parking garages and metered street parking available across downtown Portland
- Website: https://www.pdxholidaybrewfest.com/
Insider Tip: Note that drink service ends at 9:30 PM each night, so arrive early to use all your tasting tokens.
3. Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway — Portland
Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway is one of the largest drive through Christmas light displays in the Pacific Northwest. The route stretches for more than two miles around the racetrack, with illuminated tunnels, towering displays, holiday characters, and themed scenes. Families can enjoy the Christmas lights from the comfort of their vehicle, making this a convenient option for a rainy Portland evening. Proceeds support Sunshine Division’s hunger relief programs.
- Dates: November 27th - December 31st, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed; one ticket covers the vehicle or carload
- Street Address: 1940 N. Victory Boulevard, Portland, OR 97217
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: Dogs may remain inside the vehicle; there is no designated pet relief area
- Parking: Follow event signage at Portland International Raceway; the display is viewed from your vehicle
- Website: https://winterwonderlandportland.com/
Insider Tip: Weekends and the week leading up to Christmas are popular. Consider a weekday visit for a potentially less crowded drive through the light displays.
4. ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo — Portland
ZooLights transforms the Oregon Zoo into an illuminated holiday attraction, featuring wildlife inspired light displays, glowing tunnels, and life size animal lanterns. Visitors can also ride the zoo train along a route lined with lights and stop for seasonal treats, including hot chocolate and s’mores. This family friendly Portland Christmas light display offers a walking experience with additional attractions throughout the grounds.
- Dates: November 20th, 2026 through January 3rd, 2027; closed November 17th through 19th, November 24th through 26th, and December 25th.
- Admission: Ticketed; adult prices range from $13 to $35, and youth prices range from $13 to $30. Prices vary by date.
- Street Address: 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland, OR 97221
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No pets permitted, except service animals under applicable policies.
- Parking: Paid zoo parking is available. Visitors can also use a TriMet Park & Ride and take MAX to the zoo.
- Website: https://www.oregonzoo.org/lights
Insider Tip: ZooLights opens at 4:30 PM. Check the schedule before booking, as some dates have special admission policies, including adults-only evenings in January.
5. Peacock Lane — Portland
Photo Credit: Edwin Nunez Drone Photography and Videography | Travel Portland
Peacock Lane is a longstanding Southeast Portland Christmas tradition, known for its residential homes decorated with colorful lights, animated displays, Christmas characters, and elaborate seasonal scenes. Visitors can walk or drive along the neighborhood street to admire the displays, which are created by the residents themselves. The annual event is free to visit and is a popular choice for families looking for classic neighborhood Christmas lights in Portland.
- Dates: December 15th - 31st, 2026
- Admission: Free
- Street Address: SE Peacock Lane, between SE Stark Street and SE Belmont Street, Portland, OR 97214
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: Check current event guidance before bringing pets
- Parking: Limited neighborhood street parking; visitors should expect walking and possible traffic restrictions.
- Website: https://www.peacocklane.org/
Insider Tip: December 15th and 16th are pedestrian-only nights for 2026, making them ideal for walking the street and getting a closer look at the displays without vehicle traffic.
6. Beaverton Winter Lights & Tree Lighting — Beaverton
Beaverton Winter Lights & Tree Lighting brings the community together for an evening of holiday lights and seasonal activities at Beaverton City Park. The annual celebration offers families a chance to welcome the holiday season with a public tree-lighting event close to Portland. It is a useful addition for visitors looking for a community-focused Christmas tree lighting in the west metro area.
- Dates: Friday, December 4th, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Admission: Check the official event page for admission details.
- Street Address: Beaverton City Park, 12500 SW 3rd Street, Beaverton, OR 97005
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: Check event guidelines.
- Parking: Check the city’s event information for parking guidance and any street restrictions.
- Website: https://www.beavertonoregon.gov/
Insider Tip: Plan to arrive before the tree lighting portion of the evening so you have time to enjoy the park and any scheduled family activities.
7. Christmas on the Campground — Portland
Christmas on the Campground combines Christmas lights with family activities at Apostolic Faith Church in Southeast Portland. The display features a 50-foot Christmas tree, illuminated scenes, seasonal music, train rides, a petting zoo, and a live Nativity pageant on event nights. The special weekend gathering is free to attend, and the campground lights can also be viewed from public streets and sidewalks during the broader holiday season.
- Dates: Saturday, December 12th and Sunday, December 13th, 2026
- Admission: Free
- Street Address: 5414 SE Duke Street, Portland, OR 97206
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: Not specified; check with the organizer before bringing pets.
- Parking: Check the organizer’s website for event parking instructions.
- Website: https://www.christmasonthecampground.com/
Insider Tip: The live Nativity pageant is scheduled for 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM on both nights. Arrive early if you want time to see the lights and enjoy the other family activities.
8. Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pioneer Courthouse Square — Portland
Photo Credit: Justin Katigbak | Travel Portland
Portland’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony kicks off the downtown holiday season at Pioneer Courthouse Square, often called Portland’s Living Room. Now in its 42nd year, the evening features a community sing-along led by Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini, joined by local musicians and choral groups. The celebration builds to the moment Santa Claus flips the switch, lighting nearly 10,000 colorful lights on the city’s official Christmas tree, which stays lit throughout the holiday season.
- Dates: Friday, November 27th, 2026
- Admission: Check the official event page for admission details
- Street Address: Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th Avenue, Portland, OR 97204
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: Check the venue’s event guidelines before bringing pets
- Parking: Paid downtown garages and street parking are nearby. TriMet MAX also serves Pioneer Courthouse Square
- Website: https://www.thesquarepdx.org/event/42nd-annual-tree-lighting-ceremony/
Insider Tip: The ceremony is short and draws a big crowd, so arrive early to find a good spot near the tree. Taking MAX downtown can save you the hassle of hunting for parking on a busy holiday evening.
9. Christmas Ships Parade — Portland Metro Area
The Christmas Ships Parade brings a procession of boats decorated with elaborate holiday lights to the Columbia and Willamette rivers. Visitors can watch from riverfront parks, waterfront promenades, and other public viewing spots throughout Portland and nearby communities. With different routes scheduled on multiple evenings, the parade offers a distinctive way to enjoy Christmas lights without visiting a traditional walk-through display.
- Dates: December 3rd - 20th, 2026; select evenings, depending on the river and route
- Admission: Free for public viewing from shore; paid boat tours may be available through separate operators
- Street Address: Various riverfront viewing locations throughout Portland, Vancouver, and surrounding communities. One viewing location is Riverplace Esplanade near SW Montgomery Street, Portland, OR 97201
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: Check the rules for the specific viewing location
- Parking: Varies by viewing location; some sites have paid parking
- Website: https://www.christmasships.org/parade-schedule
Insider Tip: Check the official parade schedule before choosing a viewing spot. The boats follow different routes each evening, and exact viewing times can change due to weather, river traffic, and other conditions.
10. Magic at the Mill — Salem
Magic at the Mill transforms the historic grounds of the Willamette Heritage Center into a holiday light display, with thousands of lights illuminating the site’s historic buildings and outdoor spaces. The event also features visits with Santa and a holiday night market where guests can shop for gifts and seasonal treats. Located in Salem, it makes a worthwhile evening trip for families seeking Christmas lights and holiday activities beyond Portland.
- Dates: November 27th - 30th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill Street SE, Salem, OR 97301
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: Check the venue’s current event policy before visiting
- Parking: Check the official event website for current parking guidance
- Website: https://www.willametteheritage.org/magic-at-the-mill/
Insider Tip: The event runs for just four nights, so plan ahead and purchase tickets in advance. Arrive early to see the illuminated historic grounds and leave time to browse the holiday market.
Tips for Visiting Christmas Lights in Portland
- Go on a weeknight: Tuesday through Thursday evenings are far less crowded than weekend nights, especially for drive through and ticketed light experiences.
- Time your visit at dusk: Most light displays are best seen in the first hour after sunset, when the lights pop against a deepening sky.
- Dress warm and bring rain gear: Portland Decembers are cold and often wet. Warm layers and a waterproof jacket keep outdoor displays and walking trails enjoyable.
- Book ticketed experiences in advance: Popular walk through and drive through experiences sell out on December weekends. Check the schedule and reserve early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here's what to know before you go to any of the listed Portland Christmas lights this season.
When do Christmas lights turn on in Portland?
Most major Christmas light displays in Portland turn on between mid and late November and run through early January. Tree lighting ceremonies typically take place the weekend after Thanksgiving.
Where can I see free Christmas lights in Portland?
Many of Portland's most iconic Christmas light displays are free to view, including the beloved Peacock Lane neighborhood display, tree lightings, and other neighborhood favorites. Some ticketed experiences offer drive through or walk through light trails for a more immersive experience.
Are Portland Christmas lights kid friendly?
Yes! Most Christmas light displays in Portland are family friendly, with activities, food, and entertainment suitable for all ages. Check individual listings for stroller accessibility and kid specific activities.
When is the best time to see Christmas lights in Portland?
Weeknights are typically less crowded than weekends, especially Tuesday through Thursday. Most displays look best from dusk through 9 PM. Aim for a dry weather window if you can, and avoid the weekend right before Christmas for a calmer experience.
Can I add my event to this guide?
We'd love to feature your Christmas event! Simply share your event through our quick submission form and we will get it added to the list!
Plan Your Complete Portland Christmas Experience
Portland's Christmas lights are just one part of the city's incredible holiday season. Explore our guides to holiday shows and performances, and Portland Christmas markets and holiday shopping for more holiday fun! Whether you're a local or visiting for the season, our Portland Christmas guide has you covered.
