Holiday Fun for Everyone

Created by TravelPortland

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One of the highlights (so to speak) of the holidays is all the festive lighting around town — the city is literally aglow from all of the lights. In that spirit, here’s a guide of some of the places where you can see Portland blink, twinkle and sparkle this season.

A.	Pittock Mansion 3229 NW Pittock Dr Portland, Oregon	Experience 150 years of Christmas traditions at Pittock Mansion this holiday season. In honor of the 150th anniversary of Oregon’s statehood, Pittock Christmas decorated rooms in the Mansion will illustrate different traditions of Christmas, including decorating trees, writing Christmas cards, serving holiday foods, playing Christmas music, and giving gifts. Festivities begin Monday, November 23, and run through Thursday, December 31. Pittock Mansion is open daily from 11am to 4pm. Admission is free for members, $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for children (aged 6-18); children 5 and under are free. The Mansion is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the month of January.
B.	Portland International Raceway 1940 N Victory Blvd Portland, Oregon	From Nov. 26 through Dec. 27, spectators can enjoy the most spectacular drive-through light show in the region, viewing over 250 colorful displays and 40 fully animated scenes from the comfort of their own vehicle .Visitors this year will be amazed to travel through the Tunnel of Lights, a 200 plus foot tunnel of lights that transports visitors to distant and magical lands. Visit http://www.globaleventsgrouppdx.com/wonderland/general.html for times and rates. Make sure to bring cash or check to pay the entrance fee. Credit and debit cards are not accepted.
C.	Oregon Zoo 4001 SW Canyon Rd Portland, Oregon	From Nov. 27 - Jan. 3, the Oregon Zoo will be transformed into a winter wonderland, aglow with a million lights. See the animated animals swing through trees, hide in bushes and appear in places where they're least expected. Not all of the zoo is open. Only a few of the animals will be visible. ZooLights will be closed Dec. 24-25. Visit http://www.oregonzoo.org/Events/ZooLights/index.htm for times and pricing information.
D.	The Grotto NE 85th and Sandy Blvd Portland, Oregon	Continuing a wonderful holiday tradition begun as a gift to our community in 1988, The Grotto's Christmas Festival of Lights welcomes all who seek the true spirit and meaning of Christmas. Through the presentation of spectacular lights, hourly music concerts, outdoor caroling, and other family entertainment, The Grotto's festival surrounds visitors with the traditional sights and sounds of this wondrous holiday season. Open Nov. 27 - Dec. 30 (closed Christmas Day) from 5-9 p.m. Visit http://www.thegrotto.org/index.php/christmas/ for admission prices.
E.	Riverplace Marina Tom McCall Waterfront Park Portland, Oregon	2009 marks the 55th year for the Christmas Ship Parade on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers in Portland, Oregon.The Christmas Ship Fleet averages about 55 to 60 boats between the two Columbia and Willamette River fleets. Both fleets will be out every night for two weeks beginning Dec. 9-20, 2009. 7 p.m. - The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of Riverplace Marina. The parade will begin across the river in front of OMSI and travel downriver to area of the Fremont Bridge. The ships will be out for about two hours.
F.	Pioneer Courthouse Square 705 SW 6th Ave Portland, Oregon	On Dec. 12 from 1:30 - 3 p.m., tuba enthusiasts, music lovers, and the holiday shoppers will rejoice in the sound of nearly 200 tubas playing the festive music of the season. The audience not only listens to the sounds of the powerful tubas, but is encouraged to participate in the sing-a-long carols.
G.	Keller Auditorium 222 SW Clay St Portland, Oregon	Each year, a vibrant storyline is intertwined with more than 300 adult and youth choir voices, a full orchestra, local actors and regionally recognized soloists to create this Portland tradition. For performance dates, times and ticket information, visit http://singingchristmastree.org/dates_and_times.html
H.	Queen Anne Victorian Mansion 1441 N McClellan St Portland, Oregon	Even though it's called a miracle of a million lights, it's actually 2.5 million twinkling lights that illuminate this historic Portland landmark, transforming it into a winter wonderland from Dec. 17-27. The interior of the mansion is open for those curious to view the rooms decorated with period antiques, vintage heirlooms and holiday decorations. For additional information, visit http://www.queenannevictorianmansion.com/holiday.html
I.	Peacock Lane Se stark and se peacock Portland, Oregon	Come see the lights on Peacock Lane from Dec. 15-31 and you'll find nothing but good, old-fashioned holiday spirit. Since the 1920s, each house in this quaint southeast neighborhood has been decorating for Christmas. Mostly Tudors, the houses are adorned with not only beautiful sparkling lights, but also nativity scenes, rotating Christmas trees and stunningly life-like replicas of Santa and Frosty. Be forewarned: this is a very popular Portland tradition and the crowds can get quite thick. It is wise to park several blocks away and walk, rather than drive through the area. Better yet, take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Visit http://www.peacocklane.net/map.html for a map and display times.