Since the 1920s, Peacock Lane, a small neighborhood in SE Portland puts on a festive holiday light show for the whole city. With each house decorated to the nines with Santas, Frostys, and a full crew of Christmas celebrities, the only drawback has been the neighborhoods popularity. Having to wait in a car for hours can dampen even the brightest of holiday cheer. Want in on a little secret on avoiding the Yule time traffic? Talk to the folks at Portland Trolley. Starting on December 17 (and running through December 30), you can book a wonderful Christmas sightseeing tour for you and your family that includes Peacock Lane and the historic Benson Hotel. All from within the comfort of their gorgeously renovated trailers. Tickets are $19 person, for ages 3 and up. This is a very popular tour, so book your reservations early at www.twilitelimo.com/reserve.
But maybe you and your family aren’t interested in any ‘ol land-lubber Christmas. Entering it’s 57th year, the Christmas Ship Parade on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers bring holiday joy to the cool waters surrounding Portland, OR. Starting nightly on December 8, brightly lit ships will cruise both the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. Although this Christmas event is free, some viewing locations may charge an entry fee, and as this is the Northwest, weather conditions could effect the boats. Be sure to check the official website at www.christmasships.org for the nightly schedules and viewing areas.
Finally, having covered land and water, it’s time to take to the air. Well, kind of. Towering 1,000 feet over Portland, the historic Pittock Mansion is one of the highest elevated homes in the city. Their annual Christmas Around the World celebration is the perfect way to cap your holiday season. Each year, the Pittock Mansion transforms into a festive collection of world cultures as they highlight Christmas traditions from all over the world. As you wander the grounds of this gorgeous Portland home, take in the Gate Lodge and see how one-time caretaker James Skene and his family incorporated their Scottish heritage with local Christmas traditions. Finally, top off the night with holiday decorations and crafts only offered at the Pittock Mansion. Visit www.pittockmansion.org for date and times.
Be it by land, water, or air; Portland brings your family the very best in holiday cheer.