With December’s first weekend upon us, Oregon’s holiday lights are officially doing what they do best: distracting us from the rain and convincing our kids that staying out past bedtime is “tradition.” All across the state, displays are glowing, twinkling, dancing, and—if you squint—possibly judging us for not starting our holiday shopping yet. From Portland’s bustling streets to coastal sparkles and high-desert brilliance, the magic is in full swing. Many of these displays kicked off right after Thanksgiving, offering plenty of time for cocoa sipping, Santa spotting, and wide-eyed little ones pointing at lights like they’ve never seen electricity before. Bundle up, breathe in the crisp air, and let’s chase some glow together.
Portland Metro
Oregon Zoo – ZooLights
Running nightly through January 4, 2026 (except select closure dates like Christmas Day), ZooLights is a 1.25-mile loop lit with over 1.5 million LEDs shaped into prowling wolves, glowing butterflies, and animal lanterns that feel both majestic and slightly mischievous. Enjoy the train ride, interactive tunnels, and sensory-friendly nights on December 8 designed for calmer exploration. Fire pits and marshmallows complete the cozy vibe. Tickets from $13 at oregonzoo.org/lights.
Winter Wonderland – Portland International Raceway
This seamless drive-thru experience dazzles nightly through December 31, 2025, with more than a million bulbs choreographed to your car radio. Families stay toasty while spotting hidden elves along the 30–45 minute loop. Dog-friendly walk nights return December 1 and 2. Vehicle entry is about $35 at winterwonderlandportland.com/drive-the-lights.
Pioneer Courthouse Square Tree
Portland’s 75-foot Douglas fir—wrapped in 9,500 LEDs—lit up on November 28 and shines nightly through the holidays. The kickoff sing-along has passed, but free photos, carolers, and that sweet roasted-chestnut smell keep the magic alive. Pair it with downtown window displays for a quick, festive outing.
Peacock Lane – Southeast Portland
This beloved Tudor-lined street returns December 15–31, 2025 (6–11 p.m.). Expect vintage nativities, spinning trees, and Grinch mischief. Pedestrian-only nights on December 19 and 20 make for perfect stroller-friendly strolls. Free cocoa flows nightly thanks to the community booth. Details at peacocklane.org.
Willamette Valley
Silverton Christmas Market – Oregon Garden Resort
Running most nights through December 31, this half-mile trail glows with 1.5 million lights, nutcracker guards, alpine huts, and snowless tubing for adventurous kids. Warm up with mulled cider, browse the German market, or listen to Santa spin a story. Tickets from $20 at silvertonchristmasmarket.com.
Holiday Village – Salem (Oregon State Fairgrounds)
Weekends through December 21 (Thursday–Sunday), enjoy walkable stalls, carnival rides, funnel cakes, and Santa visits. Pair your trip with the Magic of Lights drive-thru (through January 3) featuring peppermint swirls and glowing polar bears. Village entry is free; drive-thru is about $25 per car via willamettevalley.org/lights-holiday-action.
Eugene / Lane County
Valley River Center – Enchanted Valley
Through December 29, this Fridays–Mondays event brings giant arches, hologram reindeer, puppet parades, and a craft market. It’s mall-adjacent hygge at its best—blend shopping with sparkle. Free entry; reserve at eugenecascadescoast.org/blog/post/holiday-lights.
Southern Oregon
Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights – Winston/Roseburg
Nightly through January 1, 2026, this half-mile drive winds past 500,000 lights across 90 glowing scenes. The final stop: a Santa village with treats, trains, and cheerful chaos. Donation-based entry supports local Rotary scholarships.
Brookings – Azalea State Park Festival of Lights
Running nightly through December 28, this coastal gem features more than three million LEDs sculpting ocean-themed worlds. Expect sea creatures, tide-pool glimmers, and Santa appearances on Friday and Saturday nights. Free and volunteer-run.
Central Oregon
Sunriver Resort – Grand Illumination & Lights Shows
Lights dance nightly through January 3 at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m., synchronized to carols across lawns and lodges. Wander paddle-lit paths, toast s’mores, and mark your calendar for the December 13 river parade with fireworks.
Oregon’s holiday lights continue to prove one thing: we may not get much sun in December, but we absolutely know how to illuminate a dark month. With so many displays in their prime as of December 2, now is the perfect time to gather your crew, grab the cocoa, and let the twinkle therapy begin.
Merry twinkling—and may you always find parking on the first try.
Tiffany Wilson is a 42-year-old stay-at-home mom from Tigard, Oregon, raising three kids—Sophie, Noah, and Riley. She’s a warm, hands-on parent who mixes daily routines with creative fun, whether it’s a backyard scavenger hunt or building a blanket fort in the living room.