Event · Community

Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto

When

Through Dec 30 · 5:00 PM–9:30 PMNightly Nov. 27 – Dec. 30, 5–9:30 p.m. (grounds close 10 p.m.); closed Christmas Day

Where

The Grotto (National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother)8840 NE Skidmore St., Portland, OROpen in Google Maps ↗

Ages

All ages; Youth (3-11); ages 2 and under free

Cost

Online: General (12+) $17.95, Youth (3-11) $8.95; at the gate $19.95 / $9.95; Value Nights online $15.95 / $6.95; ages 2 and under freePaved pathways with some slope; wheelchairs available to borrow at the Gift Shop; ADA parking in main lot.

Organizer

The Grotto

The Grotto (National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother) turns its NE Portland grounds into a walk-through holiday light display each evening from Nov. 27 to Dec. 30, closed Christmas Day. Families walk a paved loop of roughly a quarter mile, with some slopes, and most visits last 60 to 90 minutes. A puppet show plays at the top of every hour in the plaza tent, the Grotto Carolers lead sing-alongs at the bottom of each hour, and school, church and civic choirs perform inside the Chapel of Mary. Hot chocolate, donuts and snacks are sold in the Interpretive Center. All entertainment areas are indoors or tented, but the walk is outdoors, so dress for cold and wet weather (rubber-soled shoes, gloves, hats). Tickets are cheaper online than at the gate (no cash at the gate), and Value Nights on Nov. 30–Dec. 3 and Dec. 7–10 cost less. Children 2 and under are free. Parking is free in the main lot, with a free shuttle from the Parkrose/Sumner Park & Ride on busy nights.