Inexpensive and Fun Holiday Events in Oregon

Oregon is such a beautiful state from its rich farm lands to the awe inspiring coastline. Oregon becomes even more beautiful during the holidays with acre after acre of Christmas tree farms and so many different holiday oriented destinations. Here are just a few that you don't want to miss that are light on your pocketbook but rich in memories for your family.

Providence Festival of Trees: Portland, Oregon

This is a wonderland of lights and joy. Providence has created an enchanting village that is decorated with over a hundred trees, holiday scenes, and wreaths that are all created by local businesses, artists, and volunteers.

One of the main draws of the Festival of Trees is the Teddy Bear Hospital where your little one is invited to visit a hands-on place where they can learn all about health and hospitals. There are real doctors and nurses there to greet the children. They are given a free teddy bear for them to 'admit' to the hospital. They get to visit the Emergency Room, the Doctor's office, the ambulance, and the operating room where they can help alleviate the fears of their teddy bear as well as their own concerns about hospitals and doctors.

This will build the confidence of your little one 'just in case' they may need any kind of medical service. They get to take home their little patient as well. This is all done is a wonderful caring spirit to make children feel at ease.

Be sure to check out Santa's Workshop, too, where children can color holiday pages and make jingle bell necklaces as well as many other holiday craft projects that they will surely enjoy.

Holiday Lights at Shore Acres State Park: Coos Bay, Oregon

Holiday Lights at the Shore Acres State Park is an amazing light display with over a quarter of a million lights in combined holiday and landscape displays. This began in 1987 when a few friends of the Shore Acres decided they would string up a few lights to help usher in the holidays, but now it has turned into so much more than their original vision. There is entertainment in the pavilion, as well as the Garden House, that draws over 40,000 visitors every season. There are the traditional Christmas tree displays but the biggest treats are the unusual lighted sculptures of jellyfish, cranes, an orca whale, sea stars, sea lions, and so much more.

If you like the unusual and love the holiday season, Holiday Lights is the place to go.

America's Largest Christmas Bazaar: Portland, Oregon

This really is the largest holiday bazaar we have ever seen. There are over a thousand booths of handmade, one-of-a-kind decorations, ornaments, jewelry, food, and so much more.

Visitors can find a gift for everyone at this bazaar including gifts for your four legged friends. There are unusual creations from all over the world that will please anyone on your holiday shopping list. It is simply amazing to walk in and see all those booths. If you love gourmet treats, they're here. If you love Native American crafts, they're available too. Whatever you love for yourself and for gift giving you will find at this breathtaking Christmas bazaar.

Polar Express Train: Mt. Hood, Oregon

Do you love the Polar Express story? Well if you and your little ones do, the Polar Express train in Hood River awaits you and your family. Little ones can wear their pajamas just like in the story. As the train travels through the woods you will hear the Polar Express story and meet Santa and his elves at the North Pole. Santa will greet each and every child on the train and just like in the story, give every child his or her very own Christmas bell.

Visitors will enjoy the unique train ride as they are served hot chocolate and cookies and hear Christmas Carols along the journey. You'll want to make this an annual holiday tradition.

Oregon Zoolights: Portland, Oregon

There is never a better time to visit the Oregon Zoo than throughout the holiday season. The zoo comes to life in a winter wonderland of more than a half million lights.

There are over 200 lighted, animated animals that swing through trees. There are flying bats, penguins, and leaping frogs that are perfect for the shutterbug looking for unusual subjects.

There is a lighted zoo train and musical entertainment as well as a great gift shop. And if you're hungry there is a wonderful buffet served during the holidays featuring brown sugar baked ham, carved roast turkey with sage dressing, home made mashed potatoes with pan gravy, bourbon pecan roasted yams, fresh vegetable, salads, baked breads, and holiday desserts.

The Zoolights is a wonderful place to visit for all ages. Animals, family, and holidays; what could be better than that?

The Grotto: Portland, Oregon

If you seek the traditional sights and sounds of the holidays then the Grotto is your Oregon holiday destination. The tradition began in 1988 and welcomes anyone who seeks the true spirit of Christmas. There are outdoor caroling, music concerts, and a wonderful display of lights.

The Grotto itself is an amazing place with its garden setting and intricate architecture. The Christmas Festival of Lights schedules over 150 musical concerts that are performed in the Grotto's 500-seat chapel. There are no better acoustics than in the chapel. There is an animal petting zoo as well as hand puppet shows, and you won't want to miss the living history theater depicting the holiday spirit. The Grotto is for all ages.

Resources:

Providence Festival of Lights

http://www.providence.org/oregon/events/festival_of_trees_08/

Holiday Lights at Shore Acres State Park

http://www.shoreacres.net/

America's Largest Christmas Bazaar

http://www.expochristmasbazaar.com/

Polar Express Train

http://www.mthoodrr.com

Oregon Zoolights

http://www.oregonzoo.org/

The Grotto

http://www.thegrotto.org