There’s something about holiday lights displays that just make your town feel a little more magical. It’s a part of the season that brings out the childlike awe in otherwise grumpy adults. Whether it’s strolling through Pioneer Square listening to carolers while the glimmering tree towers above or marveling at what the PGE bill must look like for the folks on Peacock Lane, Portland offers enough seasonal sparkle to warm the hearts of the Scroogiest among us.
Light up the night
There’s something about holiday lights displays that just make your town feel a little more magical. It’s a part of the season that brings out the childlike awe in otherwise grumpy adults. Whether it’s strolling through Pioneer Square listening to carolers while the glimmering tree towers above or marveling at what the PGE bill must look like for the folks on Peacock Lane, Portland offers enough seasonal sparkle to warm the hearts of the Scroogiest among us.
Miles Sanguinetti
Get lit: Pioneer Square gets a lot brighter around the holidays.
Pioneer Courthouse Square
Nov. 23–Dec. 25
bemerrydowntown.org
The 75-foot Douglas fir Christmas tree in the center of Pioneer Courthouse Square is an annual beacon of Portland’s holiday spirit. Thousands of lights set downtown aglow, bringing a little slice of Whoville jubilance to the city. The square hosts events throughout the season, including the Holiday Ale Festival, live music, carolers, Tuba Christmas and, of course, Santa. Check the website calendar for more information.
ZooLights
Nov. 23–Dec. 31 (Excluding Dec. 24, 25)
Sunday–Thursday: 5–8 p.m. Grounds stay open until 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 5–8:30 p.m. Grounds stay open until 9:30 p.m.
Free for zoo members; $10 regular admission
oregonzoo.org/visit
More than a million lights create this overwhelming spectacle of stationary, animatronic and roving electric creations at the Oregon Zoo. Each year, the zoo’s luminous savannah comes alive with neon crocodiles, birds and giraffes. Riding the zoo’s light-bedecked steamer train offers a unique look at the displays, including several installations that can only be viewed as a passenger. The grounds stay open a little later during the holidays, allowing you to take your time through this merry menagerie while clutching a cup of hot cocoa and a bag of fresh kettle corn. Warning: Go early or use public transit—the parking situation can be horrible enough to ruin anyone’s holiday spirit.
Peacock Lane
Dec. 15–31
6–11 p.m. (6–midnight on Dec. 24, 31)
Free
peacocklane.net
Holiday lights on Peacock Lane—one block east of Southeast 39th Avenue
(Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard) between Southeast Stark Street and Belmont Street—has been a Portland tradition since the 1920s. The quaint Tudor-style homes that line the street come together to create a holiday scene that might almost be seen from space. The best way to view the lights is on foot, as traffic in the area can quickly jam up and parking is scarce. One good option is to head to the Horse Brass Pub at 4534 SE Belmont St., which features Christmas caroling most nights before the lights turn on. You can enjoy the music, fill yourself up on shepherd’s pie and seasonal ale, and then walk it off on your way to Peacock Lane.
The Grotto Christmas Festival of Lights
Nov. 23–Dec. 30
5–9:30 p.m.
$9 general admission (children 2 and under admitted free)
thegrotto.org/christmas
The Grotto is a Catholic shrine and botanical garden located at Northeast 85th Avenue and Sandy Boulevard. With about a quarter-mile of lighted pathways and more than 150 choral concerts throughout the season—plus a petting zoo and puppet shows—the Festival of Lights is a Christmas tradition for the whole family. The concerts are indoors, but be sure to dress warmly, as the majority of the displays are outside.
