The 13 Best Places to See Christmas Lights in Portland

We love Christmas in Portland. From early December onwards, the City of Roses awakens with a kaleidoscope of twinkling lights, transforming its streets into a winter wonderland that radiates warmth and festive cheer. From intricate displays adorning historic landmarks to neighborhoods illuminated by the magic of the season, Portland offers a dazzling array of spots to witness the splendor of Christmas lights. Whether this is your first year in Portland or your first decade in Portland, there are so many fun ways to celebrate the month of December with good, old-fashioned, holiday fun…looking at Christmas lights! So, without further ado, here are the best places to see Christmas lights in Portland:

Oregon Zoo

The Oregon Zoo, nestled in the heart of Portland, transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the holiday season known as “ZooLights.” ZooLights makes the Oregon Zoo come alive with millions of twinkling lights, creating enchanting animal-themed displays, vibrant tunnels of color, and animated light shows. Families can stroll through the festively adorned pathways, sipping on hot cocoa or cider, while they marvel at the stunning light sculptures. The ZooLights experience is timed-entry only and must be purchased in advance. The Oregon Zoo’s dedication to creating a whimsical and festive atmosphere during the holidays makes it a cherished Portland tradition, and one we highly recommend for Portlanders of any age.

The PNW Report Tip

Don’t forget to visit the petting zoo…especially if you have young ones with you!

📍Oregon Zoo | 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland, OR 97221

Pioneer Courthouse Square

Pioneer Courthouse Square (often referred to as Portland’s Living Room) comes alive during the Christmas season. The square, located in the heart of downtown Portland, transforms into a festive hub of activity and celebration. One of the most iconic features is the enormous Christmas tree, adorned with thousands of dazzling lights, which serves as a focal point for the city’s holiday festivities. Throughout the holiday season, Pioneer Courthouse Square hosts a variety of events, from the annual tree lighting ceremony that draws crowds of excited onlookers, to holiday markets where visitors can shop for unique gifts and festive treats for friends and family members (or maybe even yourself?) 

​Carolers and live musical performances fill the air with joyful melodies, and a bustling outdoor ice skating rink offers a perfect opportunity for families and friends to glide under the city lights. Pioneer Courthouse Square’s commitment to spreading holiday cheer and creating a vibrant, communal space makes it a beloved destination for both locals and visitors during the Christmas season. Talk about winter goals!

📍Pioneer Courthouse Square | 701 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97204

Suspension Bridge

The Suspension Bridge in Portland (famously known as the St. Johns Bridge) becomes most riveting (pun intended) during the Christmas season – this is an annual Christmas tradition in the City of Roses! Illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights, the St. Johns Bridge is a testament to the city’s festive spirit. Visitors and locals alike often gather near the bridge to take in its shimmering beauty, making it a cherished tradition and a symbol of holiday magic in the Portland area. Or, you could just make driving over the St. John’s Bridge on your commute home a priority…nothing beats the post-work blues like being blinded by thousands of sparkling lights!

📍St. John’s Bridge | 8600 NW Bridge Ave, Portland, OR 97203

The Holiday Express

Love trains and Christmas? Then choo-choo-choosing to take a ride on the Holiday Express is one of the best places to see Christmas lights in Portland.

Run by the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation, the Holiday Express is a magical lighted train experience whereby passengers ride in heated vintage rail cars behind a 1912 Polson #2 steam locomotive. With special appearances by Santa and his elves, holiday-themed activities, and storytelling. This 45-minute whimsical train ride starts at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center and travels along the Willamette River until returning back to the ORHC.

Trust us – you’ll have a rail-ly good time!

📍Oregon Rail Heritage Center | 2250 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Silverton Christmas Market at the Oregon Garden Resort

During the holiday season, the Oregon Garden Resort transforms into a winter wonderland with enchanting decorations, thousands of twinkling lights, and festive displays throughout its lush grounds. Visitors can cozy up by the fire in the inviting lobby, savor seasonal treats and cocktails at the restaurant, and immerse themselves in the holiday spirit at the gift shop. The Oregon Garden Resort is also very well-known for hosting the Silverton Christmas Market during the holiday season.

This holiday market features a delightful array of local artisans and vendors offering unique, handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and festive decorations that make for perfect holiday presents. With its cozy, European-inspired atmosphere, the Silverton Christmas Market invites visitors to stroll throughout the vendor stalls, sip on warm mulled wine, indulge in holiday treats, and enjoy live music and carolers. 

📍Oregon Garden Resort | 895 W Main Street, Silverton, OR 97381

SE Peacock Lane

SE Peacock Lane in Southeast Portland is a charming and historic residential street that comes alive with festive splendor during the holiday season. Known as “Portland’s Christmas Street,” this tree-lined drive-through experience has been a cherished local favorite for over 90 years. It’s one of the best places to see Christmas lights in Portland! Every December, the residents of Peacock Lane deck their homes with an array of colorful lights, intricate decorations, and whimsical displays, transforming the street into a winter wonderland. The sense of community and holiday cheer is palpable, as carolers often serenade visitors, and hot cocoa is enjoyed by families bundled up against the winter chill. 

The PNW Report Tip

Check out the Peacock Lane website for more information on pedestrian-only nights and specific dates/hours.

Candy Cane Lane

Candy Cane Lane in Portland is a whimsical neighborhood that transforms into a dazzling holiday spectacle each Christmas season. Nestled within a charming residential community, the residents of this festive lane go all out to decorate their homes with an abundance of colorful lights, towering inflatables, and imaginative displays – turning the entire street into a magical winter wonderland. 

Families from all over the greater Portland Metro area flock to Candy Cane Lane to witness the enchanting light displays, often synchronized to music, from the comfort of their cars or on foot. Candy Cane Lane has become a beloved Portland tradition, offering a twinkling and heartwarming escape from the ordinary during the holiday season.

The PNW Report Tip

If you’re looking for something to do on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, this is a great option!

Clackamas County Winter Fair

The Clackamas County Winter Fair is a delightful annual event that brings the magic of winter to the heart to Clackamas County – located one county over from Portland. Typically held during the colder months, the Clackamas County Winter Fair offers a wonderful array of activities and attractions that capture the spirit of the season…and it’s also one of the best places to see Christmas lights in Portland. Visitors can expect to find festive light displays, ice skating rinks, holiday markets featuring local artisans, and a wide range of seasonal treats and warm beverages to savor. Families can also enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, meet Santa Claus, and partake in various winter-themed activities suitable for all ages. 

📍Clackamas County Fairgrounds | 694 NE 4th Ave, Canby, OR 97013

Pastega Christmas Light Display

The Pastega Christmas Light Display is a beloved holiday tradition in Corvallis, Oregon (about a 90-minute drive away from Portland) that has been enchanting visitors for decades. This dazzling spectacle is the result of the dedicated efforts of the Pastega family, who transform their property into a mesmerizing wonderland of lights and decorations each Christmas season. With thousands of twinkling lights, animated displays, and meticulously arranged holiday scenes, the Pastega Christmas Light Display is a true labor of love that radiates the spirit of the season. Visitors from near and far flock to witness this breathtaking display of holiday magic, often set to synchronized music, creating an immersive and joyful experience for all who visit. Don’t forget to bring some coffee or hot cocoa – it can get chilly outside!

📍Pastega Christmas Light Display | 110 SW 53rd Street, Corvallis, OR 97333

Christmas Ship Parade

The Christmas Ship parade is a quintessential Pacific Northwest holiday tradition. Founded by the Portland Yacht Club in 1954, the Christmas Ships Parade is just what it sounds…a flotilla of festively-decorated boats that sail the Columbia River and the Willamette River during the holiday season.

While the Christmas Ship Parade season is in place, many of the restaurants located along both rivers are completely sold out of reservations. Viewers who don’t have restaurant reservations can line up along the banks of the Columbia or the Willamette Rivers to find a perfect viewing spot. Each lighted boat design is completely different; you’ll find that boat owners take great pride in building and maintaining the best Christmas lights as they float down these two rivers, year after year.

Victorian Belle Mansion

Wanna see some lights and feel like you’re in the 18th Century at the same time? The Victorian Belle Mansion, a historic gem in North Portland, transforms into a magical holiday destination during the festive season. This stately mansion, with its elegant Victorian architecture, becomes a beacon of holiday charm as it is adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, wreaths, and seasonal decorations. The mansion offers a variety of holiday-themed events and activities, including festive tea parties, elegant dinners, and joyful gatherings. 

Visitors can tour the lavishly decorated interior, which often includes beautifully adorned Christmas trees and lavish displays that transport them back in time to the Victorian era. The Victorian Belle Mansion’s commitment to preserving the holiday traditions of yesteryear, coupled with its stunning holiday decor, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that captivates guests and provides a unique and memorable holiday experience in the Portland metro area.

📍Victorian Belle Mansion | 1441 N McClellan Street, Portland, OR 97217

Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights

If you don’t already know, the Grotto is an outdoor Catholic sanctuary and altar located in Northeast Portland. The Grotto’s annual Christmas Festival of lights transforms the already beautiful historic landmark into a stunning winter wonderland. This annual event, which typically runs from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, features millions of twinkling lights illuminating the peaceful gardens and pathways, creating a magical ambiance for visitors of all ages.

The festival also hosts nightly choir performances in the stunning Grotto’s chapel, where the acoustics and harmonious voices create a mesmerizing musical experience. This is the perfect place to gather with family and friends to celebrate the Christmas season, and to experience the deep sense of peace and reflection that the Grotto embodies. There’s no better way to get in the holiday spirit!

📍The Grotto | 8840 NE Skidmore Street, Portland, OR 97220

Portland International Raceway

During the holidays, the Portland International Raceway (typically known for its high-speed racing events) transforms into a festive destination for both racing enthusiasts and families alike. The raceway’s holiday festivities often include the renowned Winter Wonderland light display, where a scenic drive-through experience features millions of dazzling lights, animated displays, and festive decorations that light up the track and its surroundings. This outdoor event runs through New Year’s Eve!

Families pile into their vehicles to cruise through the largest holiday light show West of the Mississippi, all with holiday music playing in the background. The Portland International Raceway’s holiday celebration offers a unique twist on the traditional holiday lights experience, combining the thrill of racing with the magic of the season. Don’t forget to pack some hot chocolate!

📍Portland International Raceway | 1940 N Victory Blvd, Portland, OR 97217

So, there you have it – some of the best places to see Christmas lights in Portland. From the colorful brilliance of the Peacock Lane to the nostalgic charm of the Holiday Express, each set of festive lights will be sure to etch a unique impression on your holiday season. 

​- Happy Holidays from The PNW Report Team!