Our previous version of the best places in Portland for Christmas lights and holiday events, somehow published only last November, feels particularly outdated now that Americans across the country continue to grapple with a seemingly endless uptick in COVID-19 cases.
Fortunately, it’s not all bad news in the City of Roses.
The holiday gods have blessed Portlanders with a few fun (and socially-distanced) ways to enjoy Christmas lights around Portland.
Winter Wonderland (Portland International Raceway)
Source: Facebook.com / Winter Wonderland Portland
Now entering its 28th season at Portland International Raceway in Kenton, Winter Wonderland is allowing visitors to peruse its unparalleled collection of light displays from the comfort (and safety) of their vehicles.
Long a personal favorite, it’s worth reading up on this year’s 2020-specific limitations. Among other changes, bike night was canceled, and you must purchase tickets online.
ZooLights
Source: Oregon Zoo
A perennial staple of the Oregon holiday scene, ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo near the Sylvan-Highlands neighborhood has implemented an array of COVID-19-related safeguards to protect visitors. You must wear a mask, of course, they will practice social distancing (one-way paths and other reminders are posted throughout the Oregon Zoo).
For more information on how you and your family can enjoy the more than one million lights displayed throughout the Zoo, be sure to check out their website.
Christmas Ship Parade
Source: Christmas Ship Parade
Ever since one holiday-themed boat set sail from the Portland Yacht Club in the winter of 1954, the Christmas Ship Parade has been delighting Portlanders on either side of the Willamette.
In addition to the unfortunate reality of the ongoing pandemic, inclement weather is still a concern for those hoping to catch a glimpse of this year’s Christmas ships, which will run for 15 nights throughout the month of December. Click here for more information on how to attend (and support) the Christmas Ship Parade!
Keizer Festival of Lights Parade
Source: Facebook.com / Keizer Police Department
A holiday tradition dating back to the Reagan era, the Keizer Festival of Lights Parade this year will feature the usual three-mile display, all of which runs through the town’s Gubser neighborhood.
While visitors are welcome to park and walk along the sidewalk, it’s probably wise to enjoy the view from behind (or beside) the wheel. To stay apprised of updates regarding this year’s show, follow their Facebook page.
This year’s holiday lights displays are very 2020
Much like the sum total amount of happiness and diversion Portlanders experienced in the months which preceded it, this December’s list of Christmas lights is both alarmingly brief and heavy on the six-foot rule.
However, now that we’re fast approaching the end of a year in which simply crawling out of bed could be considered a reasonable exercise in self-discipline, don’t we all deserve a visual spectacle? Haven’t we earned the right to stand on the banks of the Willamette and cheer — so long as we express our glee from behind a fresh N95 — our sea-faring neighbors?
At the very least, just take a stroll through your neighborhood. You’re bound to see some beautiful Portland Christmas lights there.
