(-- The Beacon)
By Kate Peifer Staff Writer peifer14@up.edu
ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo
ZooLights has more than one million colorful lights that attract our eyes like moths to a flame.
Live performances by local musicians and dancers add to the wonder with performances each night.
You can ride the Zoo Railway to see the glorious spectacle rather than traveling by foot for only an additional three dollars.
And don't sweat the cold – hot chocolate and snacks are available for purchase to ensure a warm and splendid time.
Schedule
Date: Nov. 25 - Jan. 1 (closed Dec. 24 and 25)
Time: Sun.-Thurs. 5-8 p.m.
Fri. and Sat. 5-8:30 p.m.
Cost: Adults (12-64) $10.75
Seniors (65+) $9.25
Youth (3-11) $7.75
Address: 4001 SW Canyon Rd. Portland, OR.
The Grotto
The Grotto is a beautiful 62-acre shrine and botanical garden with an impressive outdoor light display with more than 500,000 lights and 150 choral performances.
Known as The Christmas Festival of Lights, it will tickle your senses with feel-good holiday concerts, carolers and holiday food and beverages galore.
There is also a petting zoo for the little ones and the young at heart.
The Grotto is the perfect place to be wrapped in holiday splendor.
Schedule
Date: Nov. 25-Dec. 30 (closed Christmas Day)
Time: 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Cost: General Admission $8, Ages 3-12 $4
Address: 8840 NE Skidmore St., Portland, OR.
Christmas Ship Parade
A stroll along the Willamette and Columbia rivers would be much more charming if a brigade of spirited and beautifully lit ships followed in stride!
Fortunately, every night for two weeks starting Dec. 8, you can experience such an event for free.
This year marks the 57th anniversary of the ship parade made possible by the captains of each participating ship who volunteer their time and energy into making holiday cheer for all.
So leave behind your wallet and come enjoy the natural beauty of Oregon and the creations of your fellow seamen.
Time: You may check the online schedule at http://www.christmasships.org/.
Pittock Mansion
In Northwest Portland a magnificent mansion, home to Portland pioneers Henry and Georgiana Pittock from 1914 to 1919, sits elegantly atop a hill open to the public for viewing.
Now, the already beautiful home is transformed into a winter wonderland.
This year, the Pittock Mansion is showcasing multi-cultural holiday customs, traditions and decorations, due to the hard work of over 100 volunteers.
There is also a museum store that offers holiday decorations, jewelry, toys, books and more.
Schedule
Dates: Open daily (closed on Christmas Day and Jan. 3-31)
Time: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Cost: Adults $9
Seniors $8
Youth (6-18) $6
Address: 3229 NW Pittock Dr. Portland, OR.
A Christmas Story at
Portland Center Stage
We've all seen the 24-hour movie marathon of "A Christmas Story" on TBS (and if you haven't, expect a lump of coal in your stocking this year).
This classic story about a boy who only wants an official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle comes to life at Portland Center Stage. What more could you ask for?
There is one more thing: discounted ticket prices! At the Office of Student Activities, UP students can purchase a ticket to see the show for only $10.
Opening night began Nov. 20 and will extend through Dec. 24 , there is plenty of time to see this classic movie performed live and possibly stop the jolly old man from checking you off as naughty.
Schedule
Date: Nov. 20 - Dec. 24
Time: Tue.-Sun. at 7:30 p.m.
Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m.
Thurs: Noon
Cost: Adults $37
Youth/Student $20
UP student ticket: $10
Address: 128 NW 11th Ave. Portland, OR.
The Lights on Peacock Lane
The popular Portland tradition is back for another holiday celebration! From Dec. 15-31, you can walk, drive or take a horse-drawn carriage through Peacock Lane, a quaint neighborhood adorned with Christmas trees, lights, nativity scenes and life-like replicas of holiday characters.
The event is located in Southeast Portland and is free for all to enjoy!
Schedule
Date: Dec.15 - 30
Time: 6-11 p.m.
Date: Dec. 24, 31
Time: 6 p.m. - midnight
Address: SE Peacock Lane
Portland, OR.
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St. John's Winterfest
You won't have to travel far for a home-cooked meal this winter ... if you make your own! On Sunday, Dec. 4 in St. Johns Downtown Business District, the Winterfest Farmer's Market will have veggies, meat, breads, cheese and sweets, along with gluten-free items.
There will be a raffle drawing, entertainment in the plaza, bell ringing, costume contest and ceremonial tree lighting.
Schedule
Date: Dec. 4
Time: 1-5 p.m.
