The holiday season in Oregon is full of fun and wonder, but this year it might look a little different again due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Luckily, there are still plenty of drive-thru holiday light displays you can enjoy from the safety and comfort of your own vehicle. Here are four to check out in the Beaver State.
Winter Wonderland
Want to see the largest light show in the Northwest? Head to the Portland International Raceway for Winter Wonderland — a drive-thru light display featuring several light tunnels, light depictions of the 12 Days of Christmas, and many more. Tickets are available online and must be purchased in advance. Entry starts at $35 per car. Winter Wonderland is open from 4:30-11 p.m. (weekends) or 5-10 p.m. (weekdays) until Jan. 1.
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Keizer Miracle of Christmas Lights Display
The Keizer Miracle of Christmas Lights Display is a neighborhood display that started in 1984 with a friendly competition between neighbors over who could put the most lights on their houses. More than 35 years later, more and more neighbors have joined in to create a drive-by Christmas light extravaganza. The families put their lights up on their own dime and just ask that attendees donate to the Marion Polk Food Share to help feed neighbors in need.
Holiday Sparkles at Powerland
Looking for a free event for the family? Head to Powerland Heritage Park in Salem/Brooks for Holiday Sparkles at Powerland. The event will happen on two consecutive weekends (Dec. 10-12 and Dec. 17-19) from 5-8 p.m.
Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights
If you want to see more than 500,000 lights scattered over 90 displays that include characters from the movie Frozen, take a trip to Riverforks Park in Roseburg to see the Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights. The display opens at 5:30 p.m. daily and closes at 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and at 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The entry fee is $10 per car (plus fees) and tickets must be purchased online in advance. Proceeds from ticket sales go toward Roseburg Rotary Club scholarships and service projects.
Catherine Hiles (she/her) is a native Brit living and working in Dayton, Ohio. Cat has written about a variety of subjects, including finance, cars, and parenting. She is a frequent contributor to Dayton Mom Collective, The Penny Hoarder, and WDW Magazine.
Cat lives with her husband, their two kids, and their energetic pitbull mix. She counts running, lifting weights, walking, and reading among her hobbies. See more articles by Cat.
