Holiday Light Displays Around Portland

The Grinch on Peacock Lane - click for larger image

During the holidays, I don’t care if you’re Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Atheist, Pagan, whatever, you’ve got to be a real Scrooge if you can’t find a little joy in the beautiful light displays that illuminate our city.  I make it a point to take a different route home during the holidays just so I can see that one gem that’s not written up in the Oregonian or featured on other local websites while singing Christmas Carols at the top of my lungs – I’m a holiday dork and not ashamed to say so.

So, here’s a list of some famous and less famous light displays you might want to check out this holiday season.

Christmas Ship Parade
2009 marks the 55th year for the Christmas Ship Parade on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers in Portland, Oregon.  The parade runs nightly now until December 20, 2009.  For those of you who require a nice warm watch spot, you most likely have missed out on dinner reservations at the many restaurants and hotels that flank the rivers so you’ll need to buck up and bundle up – it’s well worth braving the frigid elements.  Cost: FREE from the river banks or the cost of dinner and a cocktail depending upon your watch site.   

Peacock Lane
Since the 1920s, each house in this quaint southeast neighborhood has been decorating for Christmas.  A little local insider tip, just park the car and even better, park a few blocks away.  The intersection at 39^th & Stark can become a nightmare (so word to the wise, avoid this stretch of SE 39^th until the New Year).   Although it’s a popular destination, when you park away from the traffic congestion you just saved yourself a ton of aggravation and walking down the street really gives you the full experience.  There are carolers, a hot chocolate stand, Santa is often found walking the street with candy canes in hand, I’m telling you, it doesn’t get much better.  If you’re of the legal drinking age and have a DD – I also suggest hot cider with a cinnamon stick and a splash of Marker’s Mark.  Happy Holidays! Cost: FREE 

Oregon ZooLights
See the zoo transformed into a winter wonderland, aglow with a million lights.  ZooLights run from now until December 23, 2009 (see the site for specific times).  Admission to ZooLights is almost as much as the regular Zoo admission but members at the “Plus” levels get in FREE.  Seriously, if you have a family of 4 or more, just get the membership!  For $94 you get admission to ZooLights, the Zoo for the next year (remember, they offer free Zoo Tunes concerts in the summer with zoo admission… you go for FREE as a member), member discounts at the Oregon Zoo, discounts with Zoo partners and other member benefits.  If you think you’ll go to the Zoo more than once a year, it’s worth the investment (I don’t even have kids and I have a Zoo membership).  

Candy Cane Lane
Sorry, the link doesn’t take you to a website but I included a link to a map of the general area.  As I’m thinking about it, the name of the light display may not be “Candy Cane Lane” but that’s what I’ve always called it since childhood and I’m not changing now (although, maybe there is a website if I do have the name incorrect).  Anyway, at the southwest corner of Mt. Tabor is a little street with houses on only one side; don’t let that discourage you from taking a peek at this mid-century modern neighborhood and their fantastic light display.  If you head down SE 60^th, North of Division you can’t miss it.  You’ll turn West off SE 60^th but like I said, don’t worry, you’ll know it when you’re there.

Queen Anne Victorian Mansion
The miracle of a million lights – with over 2.5 million twinkling lights this light display can been seen for miles when traveling down I-5 or Interstate Avenue (map).  The house is also open for viewing in addition to the spectacular exterior display.  Inside guests will see this richly appointed historic mansion all aglow with 10 uniquely decorated Christmas trees and decorations.  Enjoy homemade apple cider, holiday cookies and other refreshments while being entertained by live performances for local schools, churches and other performance groups.  If you’re touring on a dime the exterior lights are a show in-and-of themselves; however, the mansions interior is something to behold.  Admission to the mansion is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children under 10.  Visit the website for a $1 off coupon.    

Enjoy the holidays for what they really represent – joy, generosity and goodwill.  Happy Holidays!

~Kori