TriMet bus, MAX service are convenient, cost-effective ways to reach tree lightings and more
It’s the most wonderful time of the year — but as we all know, holiday traffic isn’t so wonderful.
Ditch the congestion and dodge parking woes by taking TriMet to holiday events around the Portland metro area, beginning this Thanksgiving weekend.
TriMet provides direct service to many event venues, from Pioneer Courthouse Square in Downtown Portland, to Cannery Square in Old Town Sherwood, to The Grotto in Northeast Portland, and beyond.
Plan your trip at trimet.org for one of these upcoming events, or more!
Downtown Portland Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Every year, on the day after Thanksgiving, “Portland’s living room” lights up with a locally grown holiday tree that would be the envy of any home.
This is the 41st annual celebration of this timeless Portland tradition. Take any MAX line to Pioneer Courthouse Square, or stroll on over from one of the numerous nearby bus stops.
There will be live music, including a community sing-along, and a special visit from Santa Claus to mark the official start of Downtown Portland’s holiday season. It all starts at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28.
Find more information at thesquarepdx.org, and visit trimet.org to plan your trip.
Forest Grove Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
Downtown Portland isn’t the only place in our region that will celebrate the lighting of its holiday tree this Friday.
At the western end of TriMet’s service area, Forest Grove will welcome community members for its tree lighting celebration. From near or far away, you can get there on TriMet’s Line 57-TV Hwy/Forest Grove.
Complete with caroling, cookies and a visit from Santa (he is magic, after all), the celebration kicks off at 6 p.m., at the intersection of College Way and 21st Avenue.
Learn more at discoverforestgrove.org, and plan your trip now at trimet.org.
The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights
Another beloved Portland holiday tradition holds its opening night on Friday, Nov. 28.
The Grotto welcomes visitors for its Christmas Festival of Lights from Nov. 28 through Dec. 30, every day except for Christmas Day. You can take a shuttle bus from the Parkrose/Sumner Transit Center, on the MAX Red Line; or go by TriMet bus on Line 12-Barbur/Sandy Blvd or Line 72-Killingsworth/82nd.
Festival hours are 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Grounds close at 10 p.m. The Grotto is located at 8840 NE Skidmore St. in Portland.
Get your tickets at thegrotto.org/christmas. Check out trimet.org to plan your visit.
ZooLights
Every holiday season, the Oregon Zoo gets a literal glow-up. Thousands of visitors every year are entertained by the lighted displays of ZooLights.
If you’re going to ZooLights this holiday season, your ticket for admission is your ticket to ride! ZooLights tickets are valid fare on TriMet and Portland Streetcar for up to two hours before and after the event, on your day of entry. TriMet serves the Oregon Zoo directly via the MAX Blue and Red lines. Take MAX to the Washington Park MAX Station and ride the elevator up to the Zoo entrance.
ZooLights takes a short break through Thanksgiving Day before returning Friday, Nov. 28. From then, it’s open every night — except Dec. 25 — through Jan. 4. ZooLights is open from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Last entry is at 7:30 p.m.
Get your tickets now at oregonzoo.org/lights, and plan your trip at trimet.org.
Beaverton Winter Lights & Tree Lighting
Beaverton City Park is a sight to behold in December! The park in Downtown Beaverton lights up with holiday displays and vivid colors every night.
It all starts next Friday, Dec. 5. Parking and traffic can be a big challenge during this popular community event, but you can be sure not to miss the celebration when you take TriMet’s Line 76-Hall/Greenburg.
Winter markets open at 4 p.m., with performances and activities from 6 to 8 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony will be held at 7 p.m.
Find out more at beavertonoregon.gov, and visit trimet.org to plan your trip now. Be sure to set your travel date for Dec. 5, as some bus schedules are changing at the end of November.
Portland Holiday Brew Fest
It’s back! One of our region’s most popular craft beer and cider festivals returns to Pioneer Courthouse Square, Dec. 5-6.
Hop off any MAX line, or one of the many bus lines that serve the Transit Mall, and head on into the heated tents that house this celebration of winter beer and cider.
The festival opens at 5:30 p.m. and serves until 9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, closing at 10 p.m. Hours are noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Please note this event is for ages 21 and older. Ages will be verified on entry.
Buy tickets at pdxholidaybrewfest.com, and plan your trip at trimet.org. Set your travel date in the trip planner for the day you plan to go to the festival, as weekday and Saturday schedules may vary.
Sherwood Holiday Festival
At the southwest corner of TriMet’s service map is the historic heart of vibrant Sherwood.
Old Town Sherwood will play host to its annual Holiday Festival on Saturday, Dec. 6. Get there with ease on TriMet’s Line 94-Tigard/Sherwood, with Saturday service that runs until late at night.
The holiday parade begins from Southwest 12th Street and Sherwood Boulevard at 4 p.m., winding its way to Cannery Square Park — where the tree lighting ceremony will be held around 5 p.m. The festival also features a sing-along, food and refreshments, a visit from Santa and more.
Get all the details at robinhoodfestival.org, and plan your trip at trimet.org. Set your travel date for Dec. 6 to see our updated Saturday schedules.
Milwaukie Umbrella Parade & Tree Lighting
You’re invited to help celebrate Milwaukie’s special holiday tradition: a parade of decorated umbrellas to Milwaukie City Hall.
All are welcome to decorate an umbrella and join the parade Saturday, Dec. 6, with no pre-registration required. Or, you can stake out a spot alongside the parade route and enjoy the show! Either way, getting there on TriMet is a breeze: Take the MAX Orange Line to the Milwaukie/Main St MAX Station, or ride Line 33-McLoughlin/King Rd, with Saturday service until late night.
The parade begins near the Milwaukie Post Office at 11222 SE Main St. at 4:30 p.m., traveling up Southeast Main Street to Milwaukie City Hall, 10722 SE Main St. The celebration will be capped off with a holiday tree lighting around 5:15 p.m., along with hot drinks and refreshments.
Visit milwaukieoregon.gov to learn more. You can plan your trip at trimet.org. Be sure to set your travel date for Dec. 6, so you get the right schedule information.
Tips for riding TriMet
Whether you’re a regular rider or a TriMet rookie, our goal is to provide a safe, reliable and welcoming transit system for all.
It all starts at trimet.org. From our website, you can plan your trip and track your vehicle. You can also customize your travel options, helping you find the best way for you to go.
We make it easy to pay your fare. Just tap at a green Hop reader before boarding MAX and when boarding the bus or Portland Streetcar. You can buy a Hop Fastpass® card from fare card machines at any MAX station — or you can instantly pay Adult fare by tapping your debit or credit card, or smartphone with mobile wallet, at the Hop reader. You’ll never pay more than $5.60 a day. You can also check if you’re eligible for reduced fare at trimet.org/reduced.
Be sure to check out our Rules for Riding before you travel, and always be respectful of fellow riders and TriMet employees. To report unwanted or suspicious behavior, or vandalism or littering on TriMet, call or text 503-238-7433 (RIDE) at any time.
Also, find a TriMet Park & Ride on our website or in our trip planner at trimet.org for free, convenient parking. Transit users can park at a Park & Ride for up to 24 hours. We have dozens of Park & Ride facilities throughout our service area, with hundreds of parking spaces available for riders.