Christmas Festival of Lights

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Parkrose
This is a recurring event and we're showing the details from its most recent past occurrence. We'll update this page with future event info as soon as we get it. Please check back!
When
Nov. 24–Dec. 30, 2023
Days Vary, Times vary
Cost: TBA
Where
8840 NE Skidmore St
Portland, OR 97220

The following description was submitted by the event organizer.

Presenting the sights, sounds and sensations of the season, The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. The festival features nearly 160 indoor holiday concerts performed by many of the region’s finest school, church and civic choirs. Offering a family-oriented blend of traditional celebration and serene reflection, the festival theme reflects the special season of hope that Christmas offers many thousands of families around the Pacific Northwest.

  • Choirs in the Chapel
    • Enjoy the amazing sounds of local schools, churches and civic groups as they perform inside the Chapel of Mary, with its cathedral-like acoustics.
  • Fun for Everyone
    • The Grotto’s plaza area offers continuous entertainment for all ages, including outdoor caroling, puppet shows, and various musical guests.
  • Puppet Show and Storytimes
    • Enjoy puppet shows and storytimes at the top of each hour in the plaza tent.
  • Caroling
    • The Grotto Carolers perform every hour at the bottom of the hour in the plaza tent. Sing along to your favorite Christmas songs.

The Festival of Lights is a walk-through event; visitors can expect to walk approximately one-quarter mile. All entertainment areas are either indoors or tented, but visitors should dress for the weather. Rubber-soled shoes, warm socks, gloves, and ear coverings are recommended, especially on colder nights. Average festival visitation times are between 75 and 90 minutes. Visitors wishing to hear a specific concert should arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before the scheduled concert time.