The Christmas Holiday is the best time for any family to get out and see a lot of lights. Here in the Portland, Oregon area we have many things to get out and enjoy in the cold as a family but they are things that anyone can like.
So far this year we have made our way out to the Oregon Zoo Lights which is an event put on every year. The Oregon Zoo is decked out in hundreds of thousands to I think even a 1 million lights now. This is a free-walk around the zoo to see a myriad of lighted displays and active lighted animals that come to life. Areas of the zoo are marked off, but there is plenty to see. I make it extra special and bring homemade hot chocolate to keep every warm.
Another place to make it is over to the Queen Anne Victorian Mansion in North Portland, Oregon which every year is covered in a million lights. This is a great way to let the kids get out and run around in a large garden of glittering lights. They even allow you to tour the mansion which is fun too. We picked up a few snacks and went on to our next destination. There is a small entrance fee of $6 per adult, $3 per senior, and kids 6 years and under are free.
Credit to PeacockLane.net
After we checked out the Queen Anne we went over to the lights on Peacock Lane in the Sunnyside (Hawthorne) Neighborhood in South East Portland, Oregon. Since a small kid, I have been visiting this street to see the lights, and since the 1920’s this lane has been decorating for Christmas. It does get busy at night but stays lit late until Christmas. They even have their own Christmas jingle.
Other places to visit for lights include the Portland International Raceway for their Winter Wonderland which is a drive thru spectacle of lights and display where everyone gets to stay in the car. Plan ahead because it is very popular. PIR is within miles of the Queen Anne Mansion.
Downtown Portland at Pioneer Square is host to the Portland Christmas tree which is great to see and experience downtown which is lighted everywhere.
Credit to Jubitz Winter Wonderland
And another great way to experience lights is to get out and walk around. Many people are into the spirits and the fascination with bright LED lighting I think has brought back a sense of lighting up the Christmas Spirit.
How fun!