The Grotto Tours and Tickets

There’s no fee to visit the ground level (Plaza Level) of The Grotto during the day, but there is a fee to access the Upper Gardens. Upper Gardens admission is US$10.95 for adults, US$9.95 for seniors 65 and over, and US$5.95 for youth ages 6–11. Kids under 6 visit for free.

Along with mass and other religious events, The Grotto hosts an annual Christmas Festival of Lights, which normally starts the day after Thanksgiving and continues until the end of December (excluding Christmas Day). Highlights include illuminations, chorale concerts, and special programming for kids.

The best time of day to visit The Grotto depends on what you’re interested in. If you’re looking for a quiet time of reflection, visit in the morning on a weekday. Mass usually takes place around noon. If you’re coming during the Christmas season, check the performance schedule and plan accordingly.

The easiest way to get to The Grotto from downtown Portland is to drive or take a taxi, and parking is free and typically abundant, except during major events (notably the Christmas Festival of Lights). Bus line 12 Sandy also stops in front of The Grotto.

Yes, The Grotto is family-friendly, and it’s a popular field trip destination for students enrolled in Portland’s Catholic elementary schools. The Christmas Festival of Lights is particularly geared toward families, and past years have featured special kid-focused activities such as petting zoos and puppet shows.

Yes, The Grotto is wheelchair accessible, with paved pathways throughout. However, there are some areas that have slight slopes or uneven terrain, and the presence of large trees means that debris can sometimes fall on pathways. Loaner wheelchairs are available to borrow from The Grotto gift shop on a first-come, first-served basis.