You’ll want to see the area’s Christmas lights and displays now that the holidays are coming. I’m sure we all remember when we were kids, and our parents would pile us in the car so that we could see all the best displays in town. Now, you can do the same thing for your kids. 

Christmas Ships Parade

One of the best opportunities to see some stunning lights is to see the Christmas Ship Parade. It’s been in business for quite a long time, and for many families, it’s a great tradition. Promising a great season, the lights are already being assessed to ensure families have the best time. Each of the individual boats has a unique look, giving the parade a personalized diversity that makes it stand out. They also have opportunities for boaters to join in.

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland is another excellent option for seeing some holiday love. This year, they are donating the proceeds to families in need and giving to hunger relief, another reason you should take advantage of this. Taking you on a circuit, you can see beautiful displays, and they offer walking nights, bikes, and pets. According to the site, if you want to avoid the crowds, you should come in early December or on weeknights. There is also a VIP fast lane ticket available as well. However, if you’re set on the weekend, you should know there is a fifty-minute wait or more. 

The North Pole

Located at Eagle Crest, this will be a stop on your holiday tour. People have said the experience is magical and you can bring your whole family to see the North Pole. Not only do you get to see the elves, but you can see polar bears too! Hot chocolate is available, and there are plenty of things to see. Be sure to write a letter to Santa and look at how his factory makes presents before you leave!

No reservations are needed to see this display; it runs from early December to right before Christmas. 

Clackamas County Winter Fair

Let’s go to the fair! The fair will always get you into the spirit of fun and family; this one has over two hundred thousand lights. For parents who want to do a little shopping, this is the time to do it because there are local vendors who have fantastic quality and detail in their work. You can also purchase treats to keep you warm and take your picture with Santa. As it’s only open on Fridays and Saturdays and tickets are purchased at the door or online, we’d recommend getting your tickets in advance or showing up early as there will be crowds. 

Silverton Christmas Market

Come here when you want to have fun and see some gorgeous lights. This year, there will be more than one million lights around the property, local vendors with handmade gifts, and a ‘snowless’ tubing hill you can see. Tickets must be purchased online. The food and drink booths are also cashless, so you’ll need a card to pay. This year’s vendors include knitting booths, bakery items, metal, and candles. They’re also going to have imported German goods! 

If you go to the Tube for School Tuesdays on the snowless tubing hill, a portion of the proceeds will go to the local school district, so it’s a terrific way to give back and help the community and help those in need. 

Helpful Tips 

Each of these events is expected to have crowds and to be quite busy. It’s worth checking out the sites in advance to plan your trip accordingly and try to beat out some of the busiest times. If you have children with sensory issues, you may need additional planning as the lights, sounds, and crowds can be overwhelming. It’s also worth getting your tickets in advance and seeing if they can move through the crowds faster. Some venues offer passes that allow this for a fee, while others don’t. However, each site will have information on how to beat the crowds and helpful tips to make the experience more effortless when you want to see everything. 

Happy Holidays!

We hope you have a happy holiday season and enjoy checking out the fantastic displays we’ve recommended. Each one will offer an innovative and unique experience like nothing you’ve ever seen! It makes for a fantastic holiday adventure with your family and an excellent time to be with the people you love.