A new attraction to add twinkle and glow to Hillsboroites’ winter holiday celebration activities is coming soon to the northeast part of town. Lightopia will be an automobile drive-through extravaganza of holiday lights and is billed as ‘An Illuminated Journey.’ Opening on Friday, Nov. 27, the event will be located at the Gordon Faber Recreation Complex (a.k.a. Hillsboro Stadium), 4450 NE Century Boulevard. See details about days and hours of operation at the end of this article. The light show is sponsored by the City of Hillsboro and is free of charge. However, pre-registration (reserving a specific time slot) is required. Here is the link to the pre-registration site. As of this writing, reservation slots are already fully booked up to Jan. 9. There aren’t many spaces left so haste is advisable.
According to the organizers, the light show’s course is one-third of a mile in length and is a journey of about 30 minutes. There will be thousands of feet of colorful, festive lights and also holiday-themed vignettes. An audio program, synchronized with the visual display, may be enjoyed over the FM radios in attendees’ cars. Please bear in mind, Lightopia is a drive-through attraction for automobiles only. Pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles won’t be permitted.
Although not required, the City encourages attendees to bring a donation item. From Nov. 27 through Dec. 10, donations to benefit the Hillsboro Firefighters Random Acts of Kindness and the Hillsboro Elks Lodge ‘Toy & Joy’ holiday toy drive. From Dec. 11 through Jan. 30, nonperishable food bank donations are appreciated.
Questions may be emailed to the City Parks & Recreation Department’s Special Events Team or call 503-681-6120.
Lightopia – An Illuminated Journey
Gordon Faber Recreation Complex (a.k.a. Hillsboro Stadium)
4450 NE Century Blvd.
FREE – pre-registration required
November 27 – January 3
- Open Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 5:00 – 9:00 pm
- Special schedule on Tuesdays to be determined
- CLOSED to the public on Wednesdays
- Open Fridays and Saturdays, 5:00 – 10:00 pm
Saturdays, January 9, 16, 23, and 30
- Open 5:00 – 10:00 pm
See the City’s Lightopia Web page for event details, guidelines, and COVID-19 precautionary requirements for attendees.
