The Christmas Lights Road Trip Through Oregon That Will Take You To 9 Magical Displays
Our state is positively enchanting during the holidays. One fantastic way to experience the beauty and cheer of the season is by strolling through the many gorgeous light displays throughout the state… or driving through them! This Christmas Lights road trip in Oregon will take you on an unforgettable journey to 8 of the most enchanting light displays.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Check out the google map in more detail here. The drive is just over 9 hours in total, and you can spread it out over as many days as you’d like. The map is customizable; where ever you’d like to hop onto the route is up to you! Here’s a step-by-step run through of the trip, starting in Roseburg:
Every year, the town of Roseburg hosts the wonderful Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights. This drive-through light display in Riverforks Park is simply spectacular. You can visit between late November and early January from 5:30 p.m.
Your next destination will be the amazing Holiday Lights at Shore Acres State Park.
Drive west to the coast and soon you'll reach the lovely Shore Acres State Park, located near Coos Bay. Every winter, the beautiful garden is transformed by thousands of lights forming incredible sculptures. Visit between 4:00-9:30 p.m., between late November and December 31.
Next up: The Sea of Lights at the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
Follow HWY 101 North until you reach the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, which hosts one of the most unique Christmas light displays in the state. The Sea of Lights takes place every Friday and Saturday evening of December. The aquarium is filled with thousands of twinkling lights and even a scuba diving Santa. Plus, visitors are encouraged to bring canned food as part of a holiday food drive. The festivities take place at 2820 SE Ferry Slip Road, Newport, Oregon.
The next stop on the itinerary is the Pastega Christmas Light Display in Corvallis.
This magical holiday tradition takes place at the Benton County Fair Grounds from late November through the New Year. Address: 110 SW 53rd St. Corvallis, Oregon.
Don't forget the stunning Christmas In The Garden In Silverton.
Leaving Corvallis, head over to Interstate 5 and drive north to Silverton, home of the Oregon Garden. Every winter, the incredible garden is decorated with countless glittering lights. The festivities will take place between late November and just after New Year's Day. Address: 879 W. Main St. Silverton, Oregon.
While you're there, you may also want to stop in at the Oregon Garden's seasonal ice rink for some frosty fun on the ice!
Tucked away in NE Portland, The Grotto is a gorgeous Catholic sanctuary that hosts an awe-inspiring festival of lights each winter, which takes place between November and December, operating for nearly one full month. Address: 8501 NE Skidmore St, Portland, Oregon.
One classic Christmas tradition in Portland is taking a walk (or drive) down Peacock Lane.
Peacock Lane consists of a row of houses which are lit up extravagantly with Christmas lights every year. Visitors from all over town come to enjoy the festive views. Because of traffic, walking rather than driving is encouraged. Peacock Lane is located in SE Portland between Stark and Belmont St, just east of SE 39th.
The very last stop on the itinerary is the amazing ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo.
Located in SW Portland, the Oregon Zoo puts on an amazing holiday light display. You can visit any time between the end of November to just days after the New Year. Located at 4001 Southwest Canyon Road, Portland, Oregon.
Come prepared with cash, as many of these displays have an entrance fee. Did your favorite spot make the list? What do you think of this Christmas lights road trip in Oregon? Also, be sure to share your favorite things to do at Christmas in Oregon!
Check out Oregon’s most wonderful christmas towns here.
Address: 380 River Forks Park Rd, Roseburg, OR 97471, USA
Address: 89039 Cape Arago Hwy, Coos Bay, OR 97420, USA
Address: 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd, Newport, OR 97365, USA
Address: 110 SW 53rd St, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
Address: 895 W Main St, Silverton, OR 97381, USA
Address: 8501 NE Skidmore St, Portland, OR 97220, USA
Address: SE Belmont St, Portland, OR, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas Lights Road Trip In Oregon
November 24, 2019
Nikki Rhoades
What city has the best Christmas lights in Oregon?
In a place as geographically diverse as The Beaver State, the holiday season is magical. There’s so much to discover in our landscape, ranging from natural features to man-made wonders. One of the most magical local attractions is a seasonal one – holiday lights! The best light displays in Oregon range from local, residential communities to charming main streets in cozy small towns. Since 1981, the Pastega Christmas display has been a fan favorite. Of course, the transformation of the gardens in Silverton is also a fan favorite attraction thanks to hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights.
What is the one best light display in Oregon?
Since 1993, Portland’s incredible Winter Wonderland drive-thru has been hailed as the best and biggest light display in Oregon. In fact, there are a number of light displays in and around Portland that delight adoring visitors year after year. The Victorian Belle Mansion’s Miracle of a Million Lights is an absolute must-see attraction in the area, as well! Ultimately, however, the best local lights all boil down to your preference. Don’t hesitate to check out underrated local displays – you just may find that the prettiest light displays are in your own backyard!
What else can I do around the holidays in Oregon?
There’s much to discover in The Beaver State! This is particularly true when it comes to things to do at Christmas in Oregon. Even small towns host splendid celebrations worthy of a Hallmark movie, and neighbors and friends add a festive flair to the community with events and décor. Be sure to explore any event that calls to you… you never know how fun a community Christmas tree farm or market can be. They just be some of the best things to do at Christmas in Oregon.
Address: 380 River Forks Park Rd, Roseburg, OR 97471, USA
Address: 89039 Cape Arago Hwy, Coos Bay, OR 97420, USA
Address: 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd, Newport, OR 97365, USA
Address: 110 SW 53rd St, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
Address: 895 W Main St, Silverton, OR 97381, USA
Address: 8501 NE Skidmore St, Portland, OR 97220, USA
Address: SE Belmont St, Portland, OR, USA
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