With the crisp air of fall replacing the sweltering days of summer, it’s time to start looking forward to some of our favorite holiday traditions. One of the top traditions on our list is to head out on a road trip to take in a world-class holiday light display.
If you’re lucky enough to live in the Pacific Northwest, then odds are you’re close to amazing holiday lights. From zoos that light up their entire grounds to neighborhoods that band together and put on a Clark Griswold-worthy display to light parades that take to the water instead of land, there is no shortage of options to choose from.
If you’re looking for some holiday fun this year, then here are some can’t-miss holiday lights around the Pacific Northwest.
ZooLights (Portland, Oregon)
Located at the Portland Zoo in Portland, Oregon, ZooLights is a family tradition for locals and visitors alike. Each December, the park comes alive with over a million lights that create a fantasy-like world.
With lighted tunnels, moving animals made from strings of multicolored lights, and even a train, this is a holiday light destination you won’t soon forget.
The Lights of Christmas (Stanwood, Washington)
The northwestern corner of Washington isn’t exactly known for its dry weather come December but that is what makes the Lights of Christmas in Stanwood, Washington such a treat. This drive-through light display features over a million Christmas lights, nativity scenes, a light maze, and the chance to meet Santa!
Food vendors will also be on hand to ensure that everyone has enough treats to keep the holiday cheer going all night.
WildLanterns (Seattle, Washington)
Wildlanters at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington, brings fairytales to life. Unlike other holiday light displays, the animals here are fully life-like and range from jungle to fantasy creatures.
This event runs from mid-November through mid-January, so there are plenty of opportunities to dodge the rain and make your way over to experience this incredible light journey.
Winter Wonderland (Portland, Oregon)
During the holiday season, the Portland International Raceway transforms into a drive-through holiday light show.
Generally regarded as the largest holiday light show west of the Mississippi, this event has been serving up family fun around Christmastime for generations.
Don’t miss the 250+ individual light displays that range from drive-through tunnels to fully animatronic shows.
Garden d’Lights (Bellevue, Washington)
The Bellevue Botanical Gardens come to life in November with hundreds of thousands of holiday lights. The Garden d’Lights holiday light show takes visitors on a walking tour through the grounds.
Along the way, you’ll pass by fields of lights, twinkling trees, and light-up woodland creatures that make this holiday scene come to life.
Leavenworth Village of Lights (Leavenworth, Washington)
Leavenworth, Washington, becomes one of the hottest, or should I say coldest, winter destinations each December. During this time, the town is transformed into Christmastown, with hundreds of thousands of lights blanketing the trees and buildings.
Because of its high elevation, the town is usually a snowy winter wonderland, making it the perfect Christmas scene for families.
Peacock Lane (Portland, Oregon)
Peacock Lane has been a go-to holiday light destination within inner southeast Portland for decades. This short lane of homes completely transforms into a holiday wonderland each December, and it is all done by the local homeowners.
This means the event is entirely free of charge, and you can visit again and again throughout the holiday season. Just note that parking can be challenging in the area, so consider biking, riding the bus, or walking.
