Artistic rendering – Event may differ
The Grotto's Christmas Festival of Lights
Immerse yourself in the enchanting Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto, a premier Northwest holiday celebration. Wander through millions of twinkling lights across the sanctuary grounds, and enjoy captivating live music from local choirs performing in the acoustically rich Chapel of Mary. Delight in continuous entertainment, including puppet shows and caroling, with festive treats available for purchase.
What to Expect
Millions of lights and live choir performances
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
- Parking: Parking is free in the main parking lot and on adjacent streets. Parking attendants will assist. Overflow parking with a free shuttle is available at Parkrose/Sumner Park&Ride on Sandy Blvd. on busy nights.
- Accessibility: All areas of The Grotto are handicapped accessible. Pathways are paved, though some gentle slopes and uneven surfaces exist. Wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis in The Grotto Gift Shop.
- Pets: Service animals are allowed in all areas. Pets are allowed on the lower level grounds but not in buildings or the upper level.
Other Christmas Events Near Portland
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, couples, holiday enthusiasts
Vibe
Festive, magical, serene, community-oriented
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low (mostly indoors or tented, but dress for weather)
Special Events & Promotions
- Non-perishable food donation for SnowCap
- Value Nights with lower prices and smaller crowds
- Choir performances in Chapel of Mary
- Puppet shows and caroling in plaza
Location
Event Details
Duration
60-90 minutes
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
N/A
Timed Entry
No
Featured Performers
- The Grotto Carolers
- Resurrection Catholic Parish Choir
- Columbia River Chorus
- Brianna Blanchfill Ministries
- Humanis
- Rebekah Tribe w/ Tyson Schmidling & Friends
- Voices Unlimited
- N. Clackamas Christian School Excelsior Choir
- Choral Arts Ensemble of Portland
- The Glory Singers
- Centennial HS Concert Choir
- Clark College Treble and Concert Choir
- Portland Nordic Chorus
- Clark College Chorale
- Battle Ground High School
- Good Shepherd School Morning Choir
- Sunset High School
- Oregon Repertory Singers Youth Choir
- Voices of Praise
- La Center High Schoo
- Trinity Lutheran School
- Nocturne
- PCC Choirs
- Canby Cantalinas
- Pride of Portland Chorus
- Scappoose High School
- Holy Redeemer Choirs
- Silverton High School
- Wilsonville HS Symphonic Choir
- Newberg High School
- Bellarmine Choir & Orchestra
- Portland Adventist Academy
- Trillium Flute Consort
- Century HS Choirs
- Stumptown Parlor Company
- Sunnyside Choir
- Touch of Class Chorale
- Rose City Flute Choir
- The HoneyBees
- Portland Christian High School
- Portland Interfaith Gospel Choir
- Word of Life Slavic Baptist Church
- Westside Christian High School
- Floyd Light Falconaires
- Trini-Tones & Trinity Academy Chamber Orch.
- David Douglas HS Choir and Orchestra
- Glencoe High School
- Kennedy Catholic High School
- La Salle High School
- Revival Worship Choir
- West Linn HS
- Rex Putnam High School Choir
- Concord Choir
- King’s Way Christian High School
- Twality Middle School Concert Choir
- The Intel Singers
- Tigard High School
- Southridge High School
- St. Francis Catholic School
- ORC Youth Choir
- Camas High School A Choir
- Camas High School B Choir
- Encore Vocal Ensemble
- Five Oaks Middle School
- Sandy High Schoo
- Seton Catholic
- Nelson B.C. High School
- Mountain View High School
- DCS Choirs
- Westside Singers
- Bridgetown Singers
- Sherwood Renaissance Singers
- Three Rivers Christian School
- St. Mary’s High School Marian Singers
- Prince of Peace Lutheran & Woodland Presbyterian
- Oregon City High School Master Choir
- Portland Symphonic Girlchoir
- Parkrose High School A-Choir
- Happy Valley Middle School choir
- Shahala Middle School
- Jesuit High School Choirs
- Union High School Concert Choir
- St. Stephen’s Academy Festival Choir
- Heritage HS Chamber Orchestra
- Catlin Gabel Music
- Lake Oswego High School Choirs
- Cantico Singers
- Estacada Middle School
- Happy Valley Choir
- Estacada High School
- Tualatin High School
- Rose City Timberliners Barbershop Chorus
- Gloria Choir
- Gladstone High School
- St. Helens High School Chor Leonis
- Vocal Summit
- Heritage High School
- HeLa High School
- McKay High School Concert Choir
- Northwest Vocal Arts Choirs
- Blueprint
- Hillsboro High School Concert Choir
- Phoenix
- PLC
- Blueprint Youth Ensembles
- Liberty High School
- The Daltoso Sisters
- Dayton Renaissance Singers
- Carter Suzuki Violin & Fiddling
- Unistus Chamber Choir
- Janine Kirstein
- Columbia Chorale of Oregon
- Tyger Bailey, Celtic Harp
- Summerplace Singers
- Intune Youth Choir
- Reveal Youth Choir
- The Madeleine Choirs
- Soundstage Performing Arts
- FBC Community Choir
- Franciscan Montessori Earth Ensemble
- Aurea Vox
- Ukrainian Community Choir
- Ave Maria Chorus
- Columbia River Catholic Choirs
- Coro Ascension
- Portland Fiddlers and Friends
- Opera Cecilia
- Guitarist Avery Bergstrom
- Parkrose UMC Chancel Choir
- Riona the Singer
- Klammer’s Chorale
- Portland Scottish Fiddlers
- St. Rose of Lima Youth Choir
- Our Lady of the Lake Music Ensembles
- Northwest Harmony Chorus
- Denise Tomasovic, Elisa Morelli & Friends
- St. Andrew Lutheran Church Chancel Choir
- Michael Allen Harrison
Organizer
The Grotto
Food & Drink
Snacks and drinks available for purchase, including hot chocolate, donuts, bottled water, and assorted bagged snacks.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Arrive 30-45 minutes early if you wish to hear a specific choir performance to secure a good viewing spot.
- Dress warmly in layers and wear comfortable, rubber-soled shoes, as the event is a walk-through and much of it is outdoors.
- Consider attending on a 'Value Night' (early December) for potentially smaller crowds and lower ticket prices.
- Bring a non-perishable food item for donation to SnowCap to help support local families in need.
- Utilize the free shuttle from the overflow parking lot on busy nights to ensure easier access and parking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get to The Grotto?
The Grotto is located at NE 85th & Sandy Blvd. in Portland. Free parking is available on-site, with an overflow lot and shuttle service on busy nights. Public transit options include Bus 12 and Bus 72, and the MAX Red Line with a shuttle connection.
Are pets allowed at the Christmas Festival of Lights?
Service animals are permitted in all areas. Pets are allowed on the lower level grounds but not in buildings or the upper level.
What is the duration of the event?
The average visit time is between 60 and 90 minutes. You can walk approximately one-quarter mile throughout the illuminated grounds.
Can I purchase food and drinks at the event?
Yes, snacks and drinks, including hot chocolate and donuts, are available for purchase inside the Interpretive Center.
What are the ticket prices?
Ticket prices vary by date. Standard nights are $16.95 for GA and $7.95 for Youth when purchased online. Value Nights (early December) are $14.95 for GA and $6.95 for Youth online. Gate prices are slightly higher.
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.