Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway - recognized throughout the northwest as the largest holiday lightshow west of the Mississippi, the 20th annual Jubitz Winter Wonderland will grab your family's attention with over 250 colorful light set pieces and many animated scenes to be enjoyed from the comfort of your vehicle. Click Here for more details.
The Christmas Ship Parade averages about 55 to 60 boats between the two Columbia and Willamette River fleets. Both fleets will be out every night for two weeks beginning December 7, 2012 and running nightly through December 21, 2012. The fleet will do a special performance in Camas, WA on Dec. 1st. As we are an all volunteer organization, not all the boats make it out every night.
Click Here for more details.
Peacock Lane - Since the 1920s, each house in this quaint southeast neighborhood has been decorating for Christmas. Mostly Tudors, the houses are adorned with not only beautiful sparkling lights, but also nativity scenes, rotating Christmas trees and stunningly life-like replicas of Santa and Frosty.
Be forewarned: this is a very popular Portland tradition and the crowds can get quite thick. It is wise to park several blocks away and walk, rather than drive through the area. Better yet, take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. More info about the carriages is avaiable at Cowboy Carriage. For more details, click here.
Our favorite Santas can be visited at:
Macy's Santaland (downtown Portland) - The tradition of visiting Santaland and having family portraits taken with Old St. Nick continues at the downtown Macy's store on the Level A. Macy's will once again offer a wide assortment of digital photography packages and families will be able to take their Santa photos with them immediately after they're taken. Santa photos will be available every day from Friday, November 23 through Monday, December 24. For more information click here or call 503-248-4515.
Washington Square Mall - Now through December 24, 2012 Santa will be available for photos and visits at his holiday lodge.
Washington Square has introduced a new, convenient twist with our Santa Fly By Program. Families enter Santa's virtual line via web, text, phone or in person at Santa's Lodge. You'll receive an approximate wait time - and are free to shop, dine or relax while awaiting your turn to visit Santa. Click Here for more details.
Mt. Hood Rail Road - Passengers are invited to wear their pajamas on the train. Passenger cars are decorated for the holidays. The Conductor will punch each passengers train ticket.
En route to the North Pole:
The book, The Polar Express will be read. Music from The Polar Express movie will be played. Passengers are served hot chocolate and cookies by chefs.
At the North Pole, and the return portion of the train tour:
Santa Claus and elves await the passengers at the North Pole (passengers just watch but do not leave train at this portion of the trip). Santa Claus and elves then board the train. Elves will be in each train car and will entertain passengers and lead them in singing Christmas carols. Santa Claus moves through each train car, will greet each child, giving them their own personal silver bell. Click Here for more details.
More great holiday experiences on our BucketList include:
The Heathman Hotel for dinner followed by a Lemondrop in front of the Heathman Library's warm crackling fire. Click Here for more details.
Huber's - for Spanish Coffees which consist of Bacardi 151 rum, Bols Triple Sec, Kahlua, coffee, fresh whipped cream and a touch of nutmeg on top. The drink is made tableside with great flair. Click Here for more detailed information.
The Melting Pot - enjoy a four-course dining experience including cheese fondue, salad, entree and dessert. Or, drop by for fondue cheese paired with that perfect glass of wine from our extensive selection. That's not to say, we haven't had more than a few stop by to satisfy that chocolate craving after a movie. Click Here for more detailed information.
The Nines Hotel - unwind with a glass of wine after a hard day of shopping, and take your time wrapping your gifts in one of The Nines Hotel's elegant suites. Click Here for more details.
Timberline Lodge - this picturesque rough hewn timber lodge built in the 1930s is nothing short of magical, and the reason why it's exterior facade was used as the backdrop for the movie "The Shining" starring Jack Nickelson. Time your visit with one of Timberline’s monthly Winemaker’s Dinners at the Silcox Hut ($175 per person). Travel by Snowcat to the historic annex for a six-course dinner paired with Oregon wine and hosted by the winemakers. Click Here for more details.
Zoo Lights - More than a million LED lights transform the Oregon Zoo into a luminous winter wonderland filled with moving sculptures, forests of lighted trees and animal silhouettes. Cap off your visit by boarding the zoo's light-bedecked steamer train, which provides a unique view of the ZooLights splendor. Click Here for more details.
