Christmas time is here

Looking for some local places to light up your holidays? Here’s a list of some of the best places in, and close to, Portland.

 

ZooLights

The Oregon Zoo, 4001 S.W. Canyon Road, Portland

Open through Jan. 5 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)

Hours: Sun. – Thur. 5 to 8 p.m., (guests may stay on the grounds until 9 p.m.)

Fri. – Sat. 5 to 8:30 p.m., (guests may stay on grounds until 9:30 p.m.)

Price: $10 for adults, $8.50 for 65 years and older, $7 for children ages 3-11. Age 2 and under are free.

 

To make up for the fact that the zoo train will not be running this year, do to ongoing track reconstruction, more areas of the zoo will be lit up than ever before.

 

Portland metro Toyota dealers are sponsoring the event, and if you want to take advantage of some special offers, head into local Toyota dealers for a 2-for-1 coupon, valid Monday through Thursday nights, Dec. 9-12.

On Dec. 10, all admissions are buy one, get one free.

 

The Grotto Christmas Festival of Lights

The Grotto, 8840 N.E. Skidmore St., Portland

Open through Dec. 30. Closed Christmas Day

Hours: open nightly 5 to 9:30 p.m., (grounds close at 10 p.m.)

Price: $9 general admission, $8 for 65 years and older, $4 for children ages 3 to 12. 2 years and under are free.

The largest Christmas choral festival in the world, with the theme “Angels on High,” reflects the hope of the holiday season. Each evening, five indoor concerts are scheduled in The Grotto’s 600-seat chapel at 5:15, 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m. The festival includes food and drink, outdoor caroling, a live animal petting zoo, and puppet shows. Parking is free.

 

 

The Lights on Peacock Lane

Peacock Lane (a real street), between Southeast Stark and Belmont streets, one block east of Southeast Cesar Chavez Boulevard (39^th Avenue)

Opens Dec. 15, ends Dec. 31

Hours: Dec. 15 to 30, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Dec. 24 and 31, 6 p.m. to midnight.

Dec. 15 and 16 are pedestrian-only nights, no cars allowed.

Price: Free

Portland’s only Christmas street has been decorating since the 1920’s.  Every house on street is lit up, in what has become a popular Portland tradition. Due to the heavy traffic, it is recommended to walk through on foot.

 

Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights

Portland International Raceway, 1940 N. Victory Blvd., Portland

Open through Dec. 25

Hours: Sun. – Thurs. 5 to 9 p.m.

Fri. – Sat. 5 to 11 p.m.

(Closed Dec. 10)

Price: $16 per normal-sized car; prices vary for special events and bigger vehicles. Cash or check only (no credit or debit accepted). See winterwonderlandportland.com for more information.

Special events: Dec. 9, “Bike the Lights” 9 to 5 p.m. $6 per person, children under 13 are free. This is a benefit for the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, and $1 for each paid admission and on-site sales will go to BTA. Cookies and hot chocolate provided to cyclists by the Beaverton Bakery.

The Raceway show is the largest drive-through light display in the Pacific Northwest, and you can enjoy it from the warmth of your car. Themes include “12 Days of Christmas” and many more. More than 100,000 visitors tour the show each year; to beat the crowds, attend on a weeknight or in early December.

 

America’s Largest Christmas Bazaar

Portland Expo Center, 2060 N. Marine Drive

Dec. 6-8

Hours: Fri. – Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Price: $7 adults, $6 seniors 65 and older, $3 for children 12 to 17; free for 11 and under.

 

Want to find the perfect gift for your loved ones? Here’s a great opportunity. With more than 400 booths of hand crafted gifts and 500 booths of commercial products, the massive event has been produced by the same local company for 31 years. The Bazaar benefits the Portland Police Bureau Sunshine Division, which provides clothes and food to those in need.

 

Santa House on The Bricks

Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 S.W. Sixth Ave., Portland. Next to the Christmas Tree

Dec. 12 through 24

Hours: Dec. 12 to 23, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Dec 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Go check out Portland’s natural bearded Santa and get your picture taken; it’s a 27-year Portland tradition. Stay warm under the large rain cover, with heated tents and some hot cocoa.

 

Providence Festival of Trees

Oregon Convention Center, Hall A, 777 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland

Dec. 6-7

Hours: Dec. 6, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Price: $6 for adults, $5 senior citizens, $4 children ages 3-12, children 2 and under are free.

 

This annual event features more than 100 decorated trees, mini-trees and other holiday displays. More than 600,000 people have attended since 1983, and volunteers work all year on the event. The event has raised more than $11 million for charity in 30 years. Check it out for some design inspiration you can use on your own tree!

 

Tuba Christmas Concert

Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 S.W. Sixth Ave., Portland

Dec. 14 at 1:30 p.m.

If Tubas are your thing, or if you just like holiday music, you might want to check this out. More than 250 tuba players perform in unison, and it’s free for the public. You can take a break from shopping and listen to the 23^rd annual Tuba Christmas Concert. If you are interested in playing in the event, visit thesquarepdx.org for more information.

 

Give Back

This is something anyone can do at any time, no time or date needed. Let’s not forget what the holidays are all about: being thankful for what we have and helping those who are less fortunate than us. Anything helps – from donating items to the Salvation Army, to helping a family in need by donating gifts or helping at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter.

For ideas on how you can give back this season, and all year round, visit volunteermatch.org or handsonportland.org