One of our favorite holiday traditions is to check out the Christmas lights displayed in the Vancouver area. We’re fortunate to have so many options within Vancouver, and in cities close by. Here are a few of our favorite picks for Christmas light displays in our area.
Portland International Raceway
The Christmas lights display at the Portland International Raceway claims to be the largest light show in the Pacific Northwest. Drive through over 250 colorful light displays, viewed from the comfort of your own car. As an added bonus, 100% of ticket sale proceeds help feed local families.
The light show runs from November 28th, 2025 through December 31st, 2025. More details at https://winterwonderlandportland.com/.
Oregon Zoo
Zoolights at the Oregon Zoo is another great Christmas light option that the whole family can enjoy. This special event runs from November 21st, 2025 through January 4th, 2026. The display includes more than 1.5 million lights, animals to visit, a lighted train, and a carousel ride. Food vendors will be serving up treats, and you can pick up a special Christmas gift at the gift shop.
Learn more at https://www.oregonzoo.org/lights.
Pittock Mansion
Pittock Mansion is a historical mansion that was owned by one of Portland’s most influential families. Every Christmas, they decorate the house with colorful lights and update the rooms with decorations around each year’s holiday theme. The theme is updated every year, but the festive atmosphere is consistently one of our favorites.
Get more details on this year’s holiday theme at https://pittockmansion.org/.
Christmas Ships
The Christmas Ships are a can’t-miss celebration of holiday cheer. Each year, ship captains decorate their boats with colorful lights and celebrate Christmas with an aquatic parade. There are several events planned on the Columbia River, in the Vancouver area. We’ve been a proud sponsor of the Christmas Ships parade for years because it’s truly one of our favorite holiday events.
Check out https://www.christmasships.org/ to find out when and where you can catch this very Pacific Northwestern experience.
Holidays On Franklin
Holidays On Franklin is a group of neighbors who have really gotten into the holiday spirit. Their homes near 46th Street and Franklin here in Vancouver go all-out for the holidays – especially Christmas! In addition to over 225,000 Christmas lights, you can also visit with Santa, the Grinch, or just enjoy some live music on select nights.
Vancouver Home Light Displays
If you’re looking for something to view a little closer to home, many Vancouver residents are celebrating the holidays by illuminating their own houses. Displays vary each year. There are a number of different blocks with stunning light displays to check out. The good people at Pacific NW Christmas lights have put together an interactive map where you can find the addresses of our neighbors who are putting on a light show. Check it out!
We hope that this list brings you lots of holiday cheer. Happy holidays from our family to yours!
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