Using outdoor lighting, Christmas light show enthusiasts across the West Coast begin setting up their displays as early as September. Hundreds of hours of work are put into the extravagant light shows each year. While some have free admission, others charge. Gather the family together, take along some hot cocoa and a camera and travel to one or more of the Christmas events listed below.
Christmas in Kent. As September closes, Christmas in Kent is already hard at work for the Christmas light show production it puts on each year. From re-painting to re-wiring, Christmas in Kent finds each new day that passes has its own challenges that awaits. All of the behind-the-scenes work that visitors travel every year to watch and listen to is well worth every second of preparation these folks put in each day. With the intention to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, you’ll find Christmas in Kent in Kent, Wash. The outdoor Christmas light display consists of more than 100,000 lights synchronized to music. Some of the different types of lights used for the Christmas light show include mini lights, strobes, MR 16 LEDs, M5 LEDs, and C6 LEDs. To join in this annual Christmas event, join Kevin and Fran Thomas as they turn on the lights each year on Dec 1. The light show continues through the end of December.
Portland Raceway’s Winter Wonderlad. Since beginning its Christmas light shows in 1993 at Winter Wonderland at Portland’s International Raceway in Oregon, there have been more than 2 million visitors who have viewed the incredible outdoor Christmas lights. Some of the Christmas light displays visitors will enjoy include Toyland, Candy Cane Lane, Reindeer Road and many more. This annual Christmas event opens Thanksgiving and runs through Christmas Day. There are a couple of dates during that time that will not be open to the public, such as the bicycle and doggie walk dates. Prices range from $6 to $45 depending on vehicle size. No credit cards are accepted, so be sure to bring cash or checks.
Eugene Christmas Light Show. The “Christmas House,” as it is known to locals, is on 3393 St Kitts Avenue in Eugene, Ore. The Eugene Christmas Light Show makes its home on a street, so be prepared to walk by dressing warmly. Of course, you can always view the Christmas light show from your car, but there will probably be a delay and traffic can become heavy. What kind of Christmas songs will you hear at this Christmas light display? Songs like Winter Wonderland, Jingle Bells, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, We Wish You a Merry Christmas and many more songs will be played as the lights dance and twinkle to the beat. This is a free Christmas light show, but the owners do have a huge electricity bill. Any donations are greatly appreciated. The light show will be on from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the weekdays and will stay on until 10 p.m. on weekends.
Village of Lights. Rated one of the top 10 Christmas towns by USA Today, Leavenworth, Wash., hosts its annual Christmas Lighting Festival and Village of Lights beginning near the end of November. At this Christmas light display, you’ll get more than just seeing and hearing the sounds of the season. The Christmas light show runs in conjunction with dozens of other Christmas events. Featured on the Travel Channel and HGTV, Leavenworth is one town you won’t want to miss this year during your Christmas travels. Some other Christmas events on the list include Christmas concerts, hand bell ringers, lantern parade, Christmas bazaar, Christmas concerts, living nativity and much more.