Tualatin creates holiday magic through community traditions that bring neighbors together year after year. From the recently concluded Light Parades that illuminated residential streets to ongoing festive activities at local farms, this Oregon city has developed meaningful ways to celebrate the season.
The Light Parades That Just Lit Up the City
Earlier this month, one of Tualatin’s most cherished annual traditions returned with the Tualatin Light Parades on December 5, 6, and 7. Hosted by the City of Tualatin’s Parks and Recreation Department, this beloved celebration featured residents who decorated their own vehicles with festive lights and joined processions led by Santa, the Tualatin Police Department, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, and the city’s biggest utility trucks.
The three-night event covered different neighborhoods each evening, with the North Parade traveling through areas around Community Park and Jurgens Park, the South Parade visiting neighborhoods near Ibach Park and Tualatin High School, and the East Parade winding through communities around Atfalati Park, Fox Hills, and Marquis.
Families gathered along their streets with hot cocoa, waving to neighbors in illuminated cars as the parade passed through. The parades featured real-time GPS tracking so residents knew exactly when the festivities would reach their street.
Traditional Holiday Experiences Continue at Lee Farms
While the parades have concluded for 2025, Lee Farms in Tualatin keeps the holiday spirit alive throughout December. As the only working farm left in Tualatin, this 120-acre destination offers families the chance to cut their own Christmas trees from fields filled with Noble Fir, Nordmann Fir, Grand Fir, and Douglas Fir varieties. The farm handles all the work, providing cutting, shaking, and baling services while families enjoy the experience.
The Winter Wonderland Festival transforms the property with sparkling lights, holiday music, photo opportunities, and fire pits perfect for roasting marshmallows. Their Makers Market features local artisans selling handcrafted items, giving visitors a chance to support small businesses while finding unique gifts. The farm market and bakery remain open Wednesday through Sunday throughout the season.
How Community Traditions Bring People Together
The beauty of Tualatin’s holiday celebrations lies in their invitation to everyone to participate. The annual Light Parades offer free registration for residents who want to decorate their vehicles and join the festivities, with local businesses providing sponsorships to make the events possible. Companies like Toyota, RECS Tualatin, and Pipeline Plumbing & Drains help support these community traditions.
Beyond the signature parades, Tualatin residents keep the holiday spirit alive through neighborhood light displays, charitable donation drives that support hundreds of families, and community gatherings that extend throughout the season. If you’re looking to discover neighborhoods where celebrations bring people together, explore the community directory here to find areas full of holiday spirit.
Making Memories This Season and Beyond
From selecting fresh Christmas trees at working farms to experiencing the warmth of community events, Tualatin offers authentic holiday traditions that make the season special. While this year’s Light Parades have wrapped up, the tradition continues to grow each year, with residents already looking forward to next December’s celebrations.
There’s still plenty to experience this season. Visit Lee Farms for tree cutting and winter activities, drive through neighborhoods to see decorated homes, or explore local holiday events happening throughout December. Discover what makes Tualatin’s holiday traditions unique and why families return year after year to celebrate together.
Sources: leefarmsoregon.com, discovertualatin.info, tualatin-or.townsites.org,
Header Image Source: Meghna R on Unsplash
