You’ve been to Oregon Zoo Lights, you’ve probably been to the Grotto or the Pittock Mansion, and if you live south of Portland, the chances are you’ve been to Silverton and their holiday festival. If you have lived in the Portland area anytime since the 90s, you may have even tried your luck at Portland International Raceway and its loop of lights.
Those are some of the best holiday displays around, and for good reason, they’re great. But they are also crowded, pricey, and tough for families, especially those with small kids with short attention spans or, if they are anything like mine – short on patience if the lines aren’t moving.
So you want to see all the holiday magic but don’t want to drive to Disneyland or wait in long lines? Have no fear, we have you covered – quite literally in some places.
Nativity Lights on Stafford Road
It’s not the Grotto, but it’s pretty great. If you are ever caught peeking at the big lights display on the hill between Tualatin and Oregon City as you creep down 205, wondering if you should just take a back road home, you probably already snuck a preview of this amazing self-guided outdoor light display. Tickets are free, but reservations are needed, so make sure to get yours before you go.
Check for ticket times and more information here
https://theneighborhoodchurch.org/nativity/
Holidays At The Belle
You are missing out if you haven’t been to the Victorian Belle. And in a sad holiday plot twist, the Belle will not be doing their light shows this season. They are doing holiday-themed high tea, which would be a fun way to spend an afternoon even if you have to find your holiday lights magic somewhere else.
More information on how to get seats for tea can be found here
https://victorianbelle.com/tea/
Magic Of Lights
If you wanted to do Zoo Lights but were mostly interested in their driving version (which is not taking place this year) and are worried about the weather or, more importantly, choosing a rain-free night, you can’t do that at the Zoo this year, but you can get a similar experience if you are willing to drive a little more. The Oregon State Fair is partnering with a traveling light show to give you the Magic Of Lights holiday event at the state fairgrounds in Salem. You will view all the exhibits inside your own vehicle, so you don’t need to worry if the weather is cold or wet or both; you just need to make sure your family has their eyes open. And bring your wallet, because tickets aren’t free, but they aren’t PIR pricey either. Buy tickets in person if you wish, but you will save buying online, especially before December 8th.
Check for tickets and more information here
Hillsboro Lightopia
So you wanted Zoo Lights but wish to drive, but you don’t want to go to Salem? We understand. Hillsboro also does, so they present Lightopia – a driving holiday lights experience with free tickets! It’s a lot of festive fun, and it won’t set you back any funds; that’s the best kind of outing, isn’t it? It’s not as big of an event as Zoo Lights or Magic of Lights, but it also costs 100% less, so it depends on what is more important this year – more lights or more spending cash. We suppose you could always spend the extra cash on one of the not-free events if you get through this one and still need more.
Check for ticket times and more information here
Still need more holiday lights? That’s understandable. You can check out previous Street Of Dreams locations, as they are typically decorated to the max, and they are rarely installed in areas that don’t have other large homes around, most of them decorated. The homes and boats around Lake Oswego are always neat, Bridgeport Village does a really great job with lights around their property, and the main streets in just about any town around you should have some festive stuff going on.
There are more than a few loops of big houses with bright lights in the hills around any city, and if that’s not enough, you can always pick a night with less than usual going on at the house, get the kids and cocoa in the car, and just drive around until you feel like you’ve seen the best your local neighborhoods have to offer.
Casey Mabbott is a husband and parent first, and also an experienced and dedicated writer and researcher. Born and raised in the Portland area, when Casey is not spending time with his family gallivanting around Portland and the surrounding areas, he genuinely enjoys helping people (especially families) find the “hidden gems” in the Pacific Northwest. In today’s world of lightning fast information at our fingertips, it’s truly a wonder to stumble across a place, an experience, or an activity you’ve never heard of.