Christmas Ships, through Dec. 19 (times and locations vary). The Christmas Ships Parade will be visible from the Vancouver waterfront Dec. 17, 18 and 19. Enjoy a Christmas Ships Parade Dinner at Maryhill Winery’s Waterfront Vancouver tasting room on Dec. 18 and 19 (www.maryhillwinery.com/Visit/Vancouver). To view the complete schedule for both Columbia and Willamette rivers, visit www.christmasships.org.
The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights, 5 to 9:30 p.m. daily through Dec. 30, except Christmas Day. Guests can walk along pathways illuminated with 2.2 million colored lights. Attend one of five nightly concerts in the 600-seat chapel performed by school, church and civic choirs — the world’s largest Christmas choral festival. There will be a petting zoo for the kids, nightly puppet shows and strolling carolers. The Grotto Gift Shop also will be open late. The Grotto, 8840 N.E. Skidmore St., Portland; $12.50, $11.50 for seniors and military, $6.50 for ages 3 to 12, free for ages 2 and under. Tickets are sold at the gate, and on-site parking is free. thegrotto.org
Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show, 5 to 11 p.m. daily through Dec. 26, except Christmas Day. The region’s largest drive-thru light show has 250 colorfully lit set pieces and animated scenes from stories and songs, all along the Portland International Racetrack. The show is a fundraiser for The Sunshine Division, which provides food and clothing to those in need. Portland International Raceway, 1940 N. Victory Blvd., Portland; $18 to $20 per car with up to seven people, $25 for limousines, $30 for minibuses with 16 to 25 people, $50 for buses and $6 for bicycles. Tickets are available online and at the gate. winterwonderlandportland.com
ZooLights, 5 to 9 p.m. daily through Jan. 5, except Dec. 25. This walk-thru winter wonderland with 1.5 million colored lights features forests of lighted trees, life-size illuminated animal silhouettes and light-bedecked trains — plus a chance to see elephants, penguins and other animals. Dinner is available from food carts, the carousel will be open and Santa will visit every day through Dec. 24. Oregon Zoo, 4001 S.W. Canyon Road, Portland. Adults are $17.95 and kids 3 to 11 are $12.95, if tickets are purchased online; prices are $2 more at the gate. Toddlers 2 and younger are free. Early arrival is recommended. oregonzoo.org/zoolights
