Winter is coming to the Pacific Northwest, and with it cold and rain. But bad weather isn’t all that looms on the horizon, because the holidays are right around the corner, and Portland, Oregon is ready to celebrate in style. Among the many activities that will be organized in the city, there are various famous holiday light shows. So gather your family together and get ready to walk, drive, or sit and watch some of the best holiday light displays in the West.
If you’re a little untrained, then hit the pavement towards Peacock Lane. This neighborhood of large old Tudor houses (between SE Stark Street and SE Belmont Street) has been decorated for Christmas since the 1920’s. While you can drive through the neighborhood, it’s better to walk or take a horse-drawn carriage ride due to the intense and tight vehicle crowds. The performances will be from December 15th th to December 31st. For maps, maps and interesting history, visit www.peacocklane.net . There is no charge to see the shows, but there is a charge to ride the horse carriage.
cold air is, so if you want to stay warm pile in the family car and to push. Portland International Raceway. Portland’s “Winter Wonderland” will celebrate its 15th season, and will have two hundred and fifty shows and forty animated scenes. This is a push through the display and the “Largest Light Show Display West of Mississippi. It is scheduled for November 22 nd start and run through January 1st, but check out the site at globaleventsgrouppdx.com/wonderland/generale.html as this changes The price is fifteen dollars per car with a higher and lower rates for other passenger vehicles benefiting a local charity.
If you are more of a watcher than a walker or a driver, then find a nice parking spot next to the Willamette River or the Columbia River. and settle in with a nice cup of hot chocolate to watch the famous ships go by. A fleet boasting between fifty-five and sixty elaborately decorated boats (between the Columbia and Willamette circles) will follow various routes along the river. The main performance will be kicking off the season on December 1st, 2007 in Camas, WA, and then from the boat every night on December 7th through December 20th. . For the full schedule, including photos, tools, and information, visit www.christmasships.org. There is no price to watch the boats, but many restaurants along the river support Christmas boats and great views and good food . (Call for reservations, as watching boats is a very popular local activity
No matter how adventurous you’re feeling, Portland, Oregon’s holiday light show offers a fun and bright time for you. Be sure to fit one (or all) of these suggestions into your holiday traditions, and stay safe. happy holiday!
