The holiday season in Tualatin brings something truly special to the Portland metro area. This year, the city transforms into a glowing wonderland where families gather, neighbors celebrate, and the spirit of the season lights up every street corner.
A Parade That Brings the Community Together
What started during the pandemic as a safe way to celebrate has become Tualatin’s most beloved holiday tradition. The Tualatin Light Parades roll through different neighborhoods across three magical evenings in early December 2025. Mark your calendars for December 5, 6, and 7 when hundreds of decorated vehicles cruise through residential areas, spreading joy to thousands of spectators.
Friday, December 5, kicks off the North Parade, winding through neighborhoods around Community Park and Jurgens Park. Saturday, December 6, brings the South Parade to areas around Ibach Park and Tualatin High School. Sunday, December 7, completes the series with the East Parade, visiting Atfalati Park, Fox Hills subdivision, and Marquis Tualatin.
Each parade begins at 6:00 p.m. sharp and takes about 60 to 90 minutes to complete the 5 to 6-mile route. Santa himself leads the procession in a police car, followed by decorated utility trucks, emergency vehicles from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, and community members who’ve transformed their cars into rolling light shows.
Join the Fun or Just Watch the Magic
Want to participate? Registration opens in late October, but space fills up quickly. Vehicles must be decorated with LED lights that can handle Oregon’s winter weather, including rain and wind. The city asks participants to keep decorations family-friendly and to save battery power by turning off lights until the parade starts.
Not ready to deck out your car? No problem. Residents can watch from their porches, driveways, or front yards as the sparkling procession passes by. The city even offers real-time tracking, so you’ll know exactly when Santa and his caravan of lights will reach your street.
Beyond the Parades
While Tualatin’s Light Parades steal the show, the surrounding area offers even more opportunities to soak in holiday cheer. Just 20 minutes north, Portland’s Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway features over a million lights spanning two miles of animated displays. The drive-through experience runs from November 28 through December 31.
For those who prefer walking, Peacock Lane in southeast Portland has been a Christmas tradition since 1932. Every home on this four-block street participates in creating vintage-inspired light displays. The lane opens December 15 through 31, with special pedestrian-only nights on December 19 and 20.
Capture the Perfect Shot
Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities during Tualatin’s Light Parades. The slow-moving procession allows time for steady shots, while the mix of residential settings and creative lighting creates unique backdrops. Arrive early to scout locations along the parade route, and consider bringing a tripod for clearer images in low-light conditions.
The best spots often include street corners where you can catch multiple vehicles in frame, or positions near Community Park and Jurgens Park, where larger display vehicles make their appearance.
The Volunteers Make It Happen
Behind every twinkling light and decorated vehicle are volunteers who make these celebrations possible. The Tualatin Police Department leads each parade, while Parks and Recreation staff coordinate logistics, registration, and route planning. Local businesses sponsor the events, and countless residents donate their time to create displays that bring smiles to children and adults alike.
The parade series requires months of planning, from mapping safe routes through residential areas to ensuring every neighborhood gets its moment in the spotlight. This community effort transforms three ordinary December evenings into memories that families treasure year after year.
Start Planning Your Visit
Whether you live in Tualatin or you’re visiting from nearby cities, the 2025 Light Parades deserve a spot on your holiday calendar. Bring hot cocoa, bundle up in warm coats, and prepare for an evening of lights, laughter, and community spirit.
Registration for parade participants opens on the City of Tualatin website in late October. Check the site regularly for route maps, safety guidelines, and updates on this year’s festivities.
Don’t miss your chance to experience one of Oregon’s fastest-growing holiday traditions. The lights are waiting, the community is ready, and Tualatin is about to shine brighter than ever this December.
Sources: tualatinoregon.gov, peacocklane.org, winterwonderlandportland.com
Header Image Source: peacocklane.org
