North Pole Lighting Co. · Portland holiday guide
Portland Christmas lights: where to see the holiday displays
Portland's best-known Christmas lights are Peacock Lane in Southeast Portland, ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo, the Winter Wonderland drive-through at Portland International Raceway, the Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto, and the Christmas Ships Parade on the Columbia and Willamette rivers. Dates below were checked against each event's official site in November 2026; confirm before you go.
Peacock Lane, Southeast Portland
Since 1932, the houses on this short Southeast Portland street have decorated for Christmas. Each resident creates their own display, from nativity scenes to classic characters, and it is free to visit. For 2026, the lights are on December 15–31 from 6 to 10 p.m., with pedestrian-only nights on December 15 and 16. A free cocoa booth opens at 6 p.m. from December 15 to 24, while supplies last.
Peacock Lane is non-commercial and run by volunteers, so leave flyers and sales at home. Police may close the lane to cars at any time. Check peacocklane.org for updates before you go.
ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo
ZooLights fills the Oregon Zoo with wildlife-inspired light displays. The 2026 season runs from November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027. It is closed November 24–26 and on Christmas Day. Timed ticket reservations are required, and a daytime zoo ticket does not include ZooLights. The zoo is at 4001 SW Canyon Road. See dates and tickets on oregonzoo.org.
Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway
Winter Wonderland is a drive-through light show covering more than two miles of the Portland International Raceway track. For 2026, it is open nightly November 27 to December 31, except special nights November 29 to December 1. Tickets are priced per vehicle, not per person, and proceeds support Sunshine Division's local hunger relief. The entrance is at 1940 N Victory Blvd. Plan your drive at winterwonderlandportland.com.
Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto
The Grotto, a sanctuary in Northeast Portland, hosts a walk-through Christmas Festival of Lights with choirs in the chapel, caroling and puppet shows. The 2026 festival runs November 27 to December 30. It is closed Christmas Day and open 5 to 9:30 p.m. Expect to walk about a quarter mile and dress for the weather. The entrance is at NE 85th Avenue and Sandy Boulevard. Get festival details at thegrotto.org.
The Christmas Ships Parade
Since 1954, decorated boats have paraded along the Columbia and Willamette rivers each December. The Christmas Ships Parade has about 80 volunteer boats over 15 nights and is free to watch from many shoreline spots. Weather and river conditions can change or cancel a night's route. Check the parade schedule on the day you plan to watch.
Tips for a Portland lights night
- Check the official site on the day you go. Hours, closures and weather calls change.
- Bring rain gear and warm layers. Most Portland light displays happen outside in December.
- On neighborhood streets, drive slowly, park legally and keep sidewalks and driveways clear for residents.
- Book ticketed events like ZooLights early for the evening you want, especially on weekends close to Christmas.
Want your own home to glow?
North Pole Lighting Co. is an owner-led crew based in Sellwood. We design and install seasonal Christmas lights for homes across Portland and nearby communities. Our full-service seasonal lighting includes the commercial-grade C9 lights, installation, season-long maintenance, takedown after the celebration and off-season storage.
Browse our Portland-area holiday lighting work, read the Christmas lighting quote guide, or check our service areas. Then request a free phone quote and consultation.
Put your plan in Maarten’s hands.
North Pole Lighting Co. is based in Sellwood, with an owner-led local crew. Tell us your lighting goals and send optional home photos for a free phone quote and consultation tailored to your home.