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Fun Christmas Events in Portland Oregon

By , About.com Guide

There are many fun things to do in Portland during the Christmas season, including holiday light displays, community events, and Christmas music of all kinds.

Portland Courthouse Square Tree Lighting

This annual tree lighting ceremony kicks off each Christmas season in Portland. The family-friendly event is held on Thanksgiving evening at Portland's Courthouse Square.

Zoolights at the Oregon Zoo

Zoolights at the Oregon ZooZoolights at the Oregon Zoo
Every holiday season the Oregon Zoo becomes a Christmas wonderland of colorful lights and decorations.

Portland Christmas Ship Parade

Portland Christmas Ship Parade©Portland Christmas Ship Parade
Portland's Christmas Ship Parade is an annual event on the Columbia and Willamette rivers. Check out their web site to get the parade schedule and to find out where to view or how to participate.

The Grotto Christmas Festival of Lights

The Grotto, a 62-acre Catholic Shrine and botanical garden in Portland, puts on a fantastic and moving Christmas Festival of Lights each year.

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland is held at the Portland International Raceway each Christmas season. You'll be able to remain warm and cozy in your vehicle as you drive through a light show that includes over 250 colorful displays and 40 fully-animated scenes.

The Nutcracker at Oregon Ballet Theatre

Performances of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker has become a popular annual event at Oregon Ballet Theatre. Shows are scheduled throughout the month of December.

"A Fairy Tale Christmas" at the Pittock Mansion

Each of the Pittock Mansion's 23 rooms will be decorated for the holidays in fairy tale themes, including "Beauty and the Beast" and "Cinderella."
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