8 Christmas Treasures To Explore In Oregon

Oregon is a fantastic place to spend the holiday season, with a wide range of Christmas treasures to explore throughout the state. From festive lights displays to holiday markets, and from snowy mountain resorts to cozy coastal towns, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Here are 8 Christmas treasures to explore in Oregon:

1. The Grotto's Christmas Festival of Lights

Located in Portland, The Grotto's Christmas Festival of Lights is a beloved holiday tradition that features over 500,000 lights, as well as nativity scenes, animated displays, and a life-size Nativity scene. Visitors can stroll through the beautiful gardens and enjoy the festive atmosphere, and there are also indoor activities, including a petting zoo, a puppet show, and a Christmas market.

When to Visit:

The festival takes place from late November to late December, with daily hours from 5 pm to 10 pm.

Getting There:

The Grotto is located at 8840 NE Skidmore St, Portland, OR 97220. Parking is available on site.

2. The Oregon Garden's Christmas in the Garden

Located in Silverton, The Oregon Garden's Christmas in the Garden is a festive holiday event that features over 500,000 lights, as well as animated displays, a Christmas market, and a visit from Santa Claus. Visitors can stroll through the beautiful gardens and enjoy the festive atmosphere, and there are also indoor activities, including a puppet show and a holiday movie.

When to Visit:

The event takes place from late November to late December, with daily hours from 4 pm to 9 pm.

Getting There:

The Oregon Garden is located at 879 W Main St, Silverton, OR 97381. Parking is available on site.

3. The Portland Spirit's Cinnamon Bear Holiday Cruise

Take a festive holiday cruise along the Willamette River with the Portland Spirit's Cinnamon Bear Holiday Cruise. The cruise features holiday lights, decorations, and a special visit from the Cinnamon Bear, a beloved Portland holiday character. There are also holiday treats and drinks available for purchase.

When to Visit:

The cruise takes place from late November to late December, with multiple departures daily.

Getting There:

The Portland Spirit is located at 110 SE Caruthers St, Portland, OR 97214. Parking is available nearby.

4. The Oregon Coast Aquarium's Sharksgiving and Holiday Lights

Located in Newport, the Oregon Coast Aquarium's Sharksgiving and Holiday Lights is a fun and festive holiday event that features holiday lights, decorations, and a special shark-themed exhibit. Visitors can also enjoy the aquarium's regular exhibits, including the shark tunnel and the sea otter exhibit.

When to Visit:

The event takes place from late November to late December, with daily hours from 10 am to 5 pm.

Getting There:

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd, Newport, OR 97365. Parking is available on site.

5. The Leach Botanical Garden's Holiday Lights

Located in Portland, the Leach Botanical Garden's Holiday Lights is a beautiful and festive holiday event that features over 100,000 lights, as well as decorations and a special holiday market. Visitors can stroll through the beautiful gardens and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

When to Visit:

The event takes place from late November to late December, with daily hours from 4 pm to 9 pm.

Getting There:

The Leach Botanical Garden is located at 6704 SE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR 97236. Parking is available on site.

6. The Mount Bachelor Ski Resort's Winter Wonderland

Located in Bend, the Mount Bachelor Ski Resort's Winter Wonderland is a festive holiday event that features holiday lights, decorations, and a special holiday market. Visitors can also enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

When to Visit:

The event takes place from late November to late December, with daily hours from 9 am to 4 pm.

Getting There:

The Mount Bachelor Ski Resort is located at 13000 SW Century Dr, Bend, OR 97702. Parking is available on site.

7. The Seaside Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

Located in Seaside, the Seaside Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting is a fun and festive holiday event that features a holiday parade, a tree lighting ceremony, and a special visit from Santa Claus. Visitors can also enjoy holiday shopping and dining in the charming coastal town.

When to Visit:

The event takes place in early December, with the parade starting at 1 pm and the tree lighting ceremony starting at 4 pm.

Getting There:

Seaside is located at 20 N Promenade, Seaside, OR 97138. Parking is available nearby.

8. The Jacksonville Victorian Christmas

Located in Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Victorian Christmas is a charming holiday event that features holiday decorations, a holiday market, and a special visit from Santa Claus. Visitors can also enjoy holiday shopping and dining in the historic town.

When to Visit:

The event takes place from late November to late December, with daily hours from 10 am to 5 pm.

Getting There:

Jacksonville is located at 135 W California St, Jacksonville, OR 97530. Parking is available nearby.

In conclusion, Oregon has a wide range of Christmas treasures to explore, from festive lights displays to holiday markets, and from snowy mountain resorts to cozy coastal towns. Whether you're looking for a fun and festive holiday event or a relaxing winter getaway, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Oregon.

We hope you've enjoyed this article and have found some inspiration for your holiday plans. Let us know in the comments below what your favorite Christmas treasure is in Oregon!