• A winter wonderland, Portland offers many activities during December.christmas-tree image by sylvia from Fotolia.com
  
  Known as the City of Roses, Portland, Oregon, has a funky vibe that welcomes the free-spirited and creative types in all fields. Proclaimed North America's "Best Big City" by Money Magazine, Portland offers natural beauty, a hip and vibrant local scene, unique neighborhoods to explore and a wide variety of shopping and dining. In the month of December, Portland's already magical atmosphere becomes more spirited, offering an assortment of annual events.
  
  

Annual Christmas Festival of Lights at the Grotto

• Featuring over half a million lights, The Festival of Lights is the largest Choral festival in the Pacific Northwest. Featuring the Grotto Carolers, puppet shows, a petting zoo, theatrical performances and seasonal food and beverages, the Christmas Festival of Lights is a walk-through event. The average visit lasts anywhere from 75 to 90 minutes so, while the festival is tented, you should dress for the weather.
  
  The Grotto
  
  8840 NE Skidmore St
  
  Portland, OR 97220
  
  503.254.7371
  
  

Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway

• Started in 1993, the Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway is considered throughout the Pacific Northwest as "Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi". The drive-through light show lets you enjoy 250 colorful light sets and animated scenes from the comfort of your own vehicle. Annual favorites include the festive 12 Days of Christmas, a jolly Santa jumping down an 84-foot ski slope, reindeer flying over your car and the dazzling, vivid color of the giant poinsettia arch. Proceeds from the event benefit the Portland Police Department and Sunshine Division.
  
  Portland International Raceway
  
  1940 North Victory Blvd
  
  Portland, OR 97217
  
  503-232-3000
  
  portlandraceway.com
  
  

Christmas Ship Parade

• For over 55 years, the Christmas Ship Parade has been sailing down the Columbia and Willamette River, delighting Portland residents and visitors. Averaging 55 to 60 boats, each boat is decorated in a spectacular Christmas theme. As the boats are privately owned and operated, there is no guarantee which boats will be shown or when a particular boat will be in the fleet. Many spectators make reservations at restaurants along the waterfront and enjoy the parade while enjoying dinner. For more information regarding times and routes visit the website.
  
  Christmas Ships, Inc
  
  4230 NE Sumner
  
  Portland, OR 97218
  
  christmasships.org