‘Tis the season of celebrations with loved ones. After you’ve got your fill of festive meals, it’s time to explore the holiday light displays of Oregon. Light up your spirit with these dazzling traditions across the state.
Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights
Late November — Early January
Roseburg, Southern Oregon
Every year thousands flock to the Festival of Lights at River Forks Park for 90 holiday displays featuring a half-million lights. Admire it all via car or wagon ride and be sure to snap a photo with Santa Claus and the “world’s largest nutcracker.” Special nights offer benefit local organizations.
Christmas Festival of Lights
Late November — Late December
Portland
Held annually at The Grotto, formally known as the National Sanctuary of our Sorrowful Mother, the Christmas Festival of Lights is considered the largest Christmas choral festival in the world, featuring more than 160 holiday concerts. The grounds are lit with holiday displays and entertainment tents offer warm retreats.
Pastega Christmas Light Display
Late November — Early January
Corvallis, Willamette Valley
Since 1981, the Pastega Christmas Light Display has brightened holiday spirits in Corvallis. Take a slow drive through illuminated scenes at the Benton County Fairgrounds. Admission to the event is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring canned food donations.
Holiday Lights at Shore Acres
Late November — Late December
Charleston, Oregon Coast
Oregon’s famed botanical garden state park gets a makeover for the holidays with a quarter-million lights and animated displays (and Santa Claus and choirs too). Holiday Lights at Shores Acres State Park debuts on Thanksgiving Day and runs through the end of year; open from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. each night. It’s a festive family tradition for many.
Nature’s Coastal Holiday Festival of Lights
Late November — Late December
Brookings, Oregon Coast
Since 1997, Nature’s Coastal Holiday Festival of Lights has transformed Azalea Park, the crown jewel of Brookings city parks, into a fantasy world. More than 2 million lights illuminate scenes and pathways as visitors delight in the displays that expand every year.
Peacock Lane
Second half of December
Portland, Portland Region
The residents of Peacock Lane in Southeast Portland go all out with their dazzling holiday displays. Visit during the evenings from Dec. 15-31, or for a special experience Dec. 15-17 during their pedestrian-only nights.
Silverton Christmas Market
Late November — Early January
Silverton, Willamette Valley
A million lights twinkle for Silverton Christmas Market, one of the Oregon Garden’s biggest annual traditions. The annual event includes ice skating and snowless tubing. Shop for local gifts at a traditional European-style Christmas market featuring mulled wine and craft vendors.
Christmas Ships Parade
Most of December
Portland, Portland Region
A Pacific Northwest tradition since 1954, the Christmas Ships Parade hosts a festive display on the Willamette and Columbia rivers. Some 60 boats are proudly custom-designed with holiday lights, which can be admired from the riverbanks.
Keizer Miracle of Christmas Lights Display
Most of December
Keizer, Willamette Valley
Since 1985, the Gubser neighborhood of Keizer has shined with lights and decorations for the holiday. The Keizer Miracle of Christmas Lights Display is part fundraiser, part community competition. The event is free, but it’s encouraged to bring food and cash donations for Marion Polk Food Share.
ZooLights
Late November — Early January
Portland
Wintertime brings a special joy to the Oregon Zoo with the annual ZooLights festival held the day of Thanksgiving through the new year (excluding Christmas). When night falls, the zoo becomes a dazzling display of illuminated animals with more than 1.5 million lights. Visitors can spot wildlife, ride the train, enjoy hot drinks and more. Choose to brave the weather and walk through, or stay cozy in your car and drive through. Either way, reserve your timed-entry tickets early. Save room for treats and snacks from local food carts along the route, including hot cocoa, elephant ears, popcorn and more. If you’re walking through, consider riding the MAX to the zoo to skip the hassle of parking.
Winter Wonderland
Late November — Early January
Portland
Known as the largest light show in the Northwest, Portland International Raceway’s Winter Wonderland is fun for the whole family, no matter your age or abilities. Cruise through the dazzling light displays on the famous race track. Food donations accepted for the Sunshine Division.
Aspen Meadow Celebration of Lights
Second half of December
Colton, Willamette Valley
Bring your yuletide greetings to Aspen Meadow Celebration of Lights, where holiday displays come in full force. Canned food donations to the Oregon Food Bank are welcomed. Open to the public nightly, 5-10 p.m; check website for special events.
Illuminate the Pacific
November — Late December
Gold Beach, Oregon Coast
Returning to the Pacific Reef Hotel in Gold Beach on Oregon’s South Coast, Illuminate the Pacific is a unique light show synchronized to classic holiday songs and videos. It runs nightly at the hotel’s outdoor theater, spanning six acres from oceanfront rooms to the sea.
Christmas Fantasy Trail
Most of December
Oregon City, Portland Region
Wander the illuminated Christmas Fantasy Trail in the woods at Wenzel Farm, decorated with thousands of lights for the season. The unique grounds include a castle, tunnel, maze, crooked house and suspension bridge.