7 Holiday Adventures in Portland
Even in winter’s short days and long, dark nights, our hometown is especially sparkly and magical at this time of year. Portland does a great job of lighting up the darkness, and we’re always up for an excuse to celebrate! There are plenty of festive daytime sights to see, as well, making it easy to pack your day end-to-end with merrymaking. Check out a few of our favorites–but be sure to check their schedules and requirements ahead of time for maximum joy!
After the animals have been tucked in for the night, The Oregon Zoo is transformed into a twinkling safari of zoo-themed light displays. This year, choose to walk or drive through and find yourself surrounded by brilliant lions, polar bears, penguins, hippos and snakes. But there are plenty of surprises to be found, too. (Sasquatch sightings, anyone?) This is one of the few area light shows that runs well into January.
The Grotto Christmas Festival of Lights
In addition to some of Portland’s most appealing eye candy, the Grotto serves warm beverages, offers puppet shows and caroling in the plaza, and nightly puppet shows for all ages. Follow the meandering path through display after display of beautiful lights and then warm up while listening to the holiday chorus in the chapel.
If you ever wanted to drive on Portland International Raceway, this is your chance! But pump the brakes, because you’ll want to take in the festive light show as you wind your way around the track. Ticket sales benefit Sunshine Division, making this light show a win-win for you and all the people who Sunshine Division assists.
High in the hills overlooking Portland is this gorgeous mansion-turned-museum, which feels dressed for a party year-round. But this December, volunteers have decorated the rooms with woodland creatures for its Critters Make Merry exhibit. Which is appropriate, given that the mansion sits in the middle of Wildwood…
Portland’s Christmas Street is a decades-old tradition for locals. Walk or drive (very slowly and carefully!) down this storybook lane full of Tudor homes in southeast Portland, and take a moment to appreciate the commitment of everyone who lives on the street to sharing gorgeous lights with us each year. Even Santa has been known to stop by and marvel at the scene…
Pioneer Courthouse Square Tree
As you window shop in downtown Portland, you’re almost guaranteed to spot this beautiful 75-foot Douglas fir standing in the center of “Portland’s Living Room.” Adorned with lights and ornaments, it’s a perfect spot for a holiday photo op, or just sit on the steps and gaze at it while you give your feet (and wallet) a break. And depending on when you stop by, you may catch one of the almost-daily Holiday Performances at the Square by local musicians.
Benson Hotel Gingerbread Display
To call this a gingerbread house would be an extreme understatement. For it’s 50th annual gingerbread display, the artists at the Benson have gone all-out, creating a replica of the Polar Express and the North Pole using over 100 pounds of gingerbread, 50 pounds of white chocolate, 25 pounds of sculpting chocolate and 5 pounds of rice treats. An enormous tree stands at the center of the display, made of–you guessed it–gingerbread!
Wherever your adventures take you this holiday season, celebrate well and celebrate safely–and make sure you’re never far from a Proper Pint of Portland Cider. Cheers!