A Stroll Down Holiday Lane
The other night my friend was over and he was talking up the number of steps he’d logged on his Apple Watch…some 17,562 steps to be exact. Well, I knew I was in trouble as I hadn’t done nearly that much that particular day and the ultimate comparison was laughable indeed! The result was motivation to get out and walk. Thus, I started upping my walking during the only time available to me, which is later at night. But wow was I in for a delight.
A view down my street the other night. Not quite Peacock Lane, but still quite nice ;). Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
I knew that Christmas lights were all over our neighborhood, on just about every single house, but I’d been driving by quickly (well not too quickly), and not really appreciating the individual efforts. This all changed with my recent night walks. Needless to say, the lights adorning so many houses on my tour has really added a lot to what’s now become a late evening ritual for my dog and I. Here are a few snaps of my neighborhood, along with a list of great places around PDX to see great holiday lights. Perhaps you’ve got a favorite light walk of your own?
Cheer on My Street
Here are some pics from a recent night walk where I topped over 12,000 steps. So many great little scenes that have fueled my spirit!
A busy but festive scene with many blinking lights! Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
A simple and classy display. My kids would be all over that sleigh! Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
Another nice and complete display of lights. Looks sketchy up top though, that’s a long way to fall! Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
This display had a lot going on with many blinking elements. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
Almost all blue here! I walked a bit off course to get this one as I saw the blue glow from far off. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
This house had a LOT going on so I’m featuring it in three pics. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
Picture #2 of the night’s winner. Not quite Christmas Light Fight ready, but darn close! Heck, for the space these folks have, they definitely have maximized and perfected their display. Bravo! Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
Even way off on the edges, this house had the holiday theme running on all cylinders. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
Some Great, Holiday Lights Options in PDX
Here is a quick list of some of the more well-known spots around PDX to see nice, holiday lights, along with a few more obscure ones. Enjoy!
The Grotto: The Grotto is a beautiful, Catholic shrine open to all visitors. Its gorgeous gardens are a retreat to people of all ages and from all walks of life. During the holiday season, the Grotto hosts its annual festival of lights. Over 500,000 lights adorn the grounds and the choir’s beautiful singing can be heard.
November 25–December 30 (closed Christmas Day)
5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (grounds close at 10 p.m.)
Adults ($11), children ($6)
Website: The Grotto
The Victorian Belle: Victorian Belle is a, well, Victorian mansion built in the year 1885. Sitting on 2.5 acres of land only a few miles from downtown PDX, this pretty mansion gets decorated from top to bottom (as well as inside!) during its Miracle of a Million lights event. Enjoy the 35+ decorated trees and the themed rooms. And don’t miss the train display or arts and crafts for the kids.
December 10–December 23
6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Adults ($6), children ($3)—bring a canned food item for $1 off
Website: Victorian Belle
Portland International Raceway (PIR): Feel like driving through a wonderland of lights? Well, Portland International Raceway’s Winter Wonderland is just your ticket. It’s the largest holiday light show west of the Mississippi, so it’s definitely a big deal. See fully-animated scenes and light displays right from the comfort of your own car. Don’t forget the hot chocolate and snacks!
November 25–December 25
5:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Sunday to Thursday), 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Friday & Saturday)
Car ($20), passenger van ($22)
Website: Winter Wonderland
Peacock Lane: Peacock Lane is Portland’s most well-known street for residential Christmas lights. Indeed, folks moving into this neighborhood are essentially expected to participate as to not break tradition. I’m guessing most who are reading this list have made their pilgrimage to Peacock Lane. If not, well, this is a must as it doesn’t get any brighter, on the DIY sect, than this. Worth the visit, but parking can be tough ao plan for that. Note: Peacock Lane is closed to vehicles December 15–17, and could be closed for vehicles other nights, as well.
December 15–December 31
6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Free Admission
Website: Peacock Lane
Zoo Lights: The Oregon Zoo is one of my very favorites spots to see Christmas lights at. We went just over a week ago, on a non-rainy evening, and it was perfect. Well, it was crowded, but hey, the word is out…this is a great, festive place to visit this time of year. And the animals are glad for the attention! ;). Featuring over 1.5 million lights, ZooLights also features a train and carousel for the kids. Too fun.
November 25–January 1
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Adult (14.95), child (9.95)
Website: ZooLights
Geneva House in St. Johns: For a little adventure, check out the Geneva house in St. Johns! It’s on Geneva Avenue, just one block north of Hudson. A local resident goes all out with Christmas lights, and it really is really something. Maybe these folks will be vying for a Great Christmas Light Fight visit!?I?
Zimmerman Heritage Farm: A turn-of-the-century farmhouse, a visit to the Zimmerman Heritage Farm is like taking a trip back in time, especially during the holidays. Winterville is a brand-new festival that takes place at the farm. Enjoy tours through the house (each room has its own theme), the lights, and the heated tents filled with vendors, food, and drinks.
December 8–11 & 15–18.
6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Thursdays and Saturdays), 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays
Adult ($12), child ($8)
Website: Zimmerman Heritage Farm
Christmas Ship Parade: Long a classic event in Portland, well, specifically on the Willamette and Colubmia Rivers, view gorgeously-decorated Christmas ships head down these waterways. See the schedule for different routes throughout the season.
December 2—December 18
See detailed schedule here
Free Admission
Most certainly there are other destinations in and around PDX to view great holiday lights. Perhaps you know of one or two? Or maybe you’re heading out right now to best Clark Griswold!?!? No matter your plans, have a great holiday season and enjoy all the twinkling beauty! Oh, and get those steps in!