Celebrating Christmas with Lights in Portland, Oregon

As the air gets cooler and winter comes closer, Portland, Oregon is preparing to celebrate the holiday season with festive lights. From the heart of downtown to the historic districts and beyond, the city is turning on all the lights for Christmas. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the lights of the season.

For those looking to take in the sights and sounds of the holidays, Portland has some of the best holiday light displays in the country. From the iconic seasonal decorations in Pioneer Courthouse Square to the vibrant displays in the Pearl District, Portland has something for everyone.

Portland's Iconic Holiday Displays

Pioneer Courthouse Square is the heart of downtown Portland and home to one of the city’s most iconic holiday displays. Every year, the square is filled with thousands of lights, festive decorations, and a life-size Christmas tree. The holiday display also includes a special holiday parade, carolers, and other festivities. It’s the perfect place to experience the spirit of the season.

The Pearl District is another Portland neighborhood that gets into the holiday spirit. This trendy district is known for its lively nightlife, but during the holidays it comes alive with vibrant holiday decorations. From colorful lights to snowflakes and icicles, the Pearl District transforms into a winter wonderland every year.

Christmas Light Tours

If you want to see the best of Portland’s holiday lights, there are several companies offering Christmas light tours. These tours take you to some of the city’s most stunning displays, from the popular Pioneer Courthouse Square to some of the more hidden gems around town. You can even hop on a trolley and take in the lights while enjoying hot chocolate and holiday music.

For a unique experience, you can book a river cruise on the Willamette River. These cruises offer a chance to take in the beautiful lights of the city from the comfort of a boat. In addition to the lights, you can also enjoy live music, food, and drinks for the ultimate holiday experience.

Family Fun Christmas Activities

Portland has plenty of family-friendly activities for the holiday season. A visit to the Oregon Zoo is always a must, as the zoo transforms into a winter wonderland every December. The zoo features hundreds of lights, a candy cane forest, a 40-foot Christmas tree, and other festive decorations. Santa even makes an appearance each year.

If you want to get into the holiday spirit, you can head to one of Portland’s many holiday markets. From the eclectic Hawthorne District to the vibrant Sellwood District, these markets are filled with festive decorations, handmade gifts, and tasty treats. And don’t forget about the many ice rinks around town where you can skate to your heart’s content.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Portland is the perfect place to experience the joy of the holidays. From iconic light displays to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone. So don’t miss out on all of the fun and start planning your trip to Portland for the holidays.

Portland Area Holiday Light Displays Pdx Pa