The Grotto

We always have a wonderful time here. Make sure to buy the medallions—they’re only about two or three dollars each. They’re perfect for jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, or even keychains. We bought several to give to family and friends. They also offer religious coins. Don’t forget to purchase the holy water and the holy oil from St. Peregrine. The entire place is so solemn and peaceful—perfect for reflection. They also have the Stations of the Cross. We didn’t go up to the upper levels because you need to buy tickets for that, but the Grotto of the Sorrowful Mother is on the ground level, and that experience alone was enough for us. It reminded us of the Lady of Lourdes. This 102‑year‑old sanctuary is truly a must‑visit when you’re exploring Oregon. We traveled from the Seattle area, and the three‑hour drive made for meaningful family reflection. Every December, they host a Light Show/Festival of Lights, and the whole place is beautifully decorated. The church inside is stunning. Be sure to stop by the visitor center next to the church—it’s like a small museum filled with the site’s history. You can even write and drop your petitions there. A truly unforgettable place to visit.

This place is beautiful. There is a public part that is free and there is a section of the park that you have to pay to access. Often times there is a wedding taking place inside the church when visiting. It is very peaceful here. The parking lot is extremely small, almost impossible to find parking. I saw a lot of people park across the intersection and walk here.

We loved the Grotto so much. We went last year as well. It is such a memorable experience and well worth a visit. I recommend going on the early side - we went at 5pm and the parking lot was already full. However, we did go the last Sunday before Christmas, so they were probably at their busiest! It was absolutely wonderful ❤️

Such a peaceful place, went on a Sunday morning and you can appreciate the details ✨️ 🙏🏻, many statues and building to take a look at, traditional and their history for each one. Does cost an extra fee (optional) to explore those parts of the area but all worth it plus a gift shop around to help support the Church. Spend time with family members here ❤️ 💕 ✌🏻🫰🏻

I went on a weekday and it was fairly empty. The place itself is free to visit the only thing that requires a purchase is to see the gardens above the mountain. Everything below that is beautiful and free to see. The church is nice and decorated and the sculptures outside are great. Bathrooms by the gift shop. I did buy tickets to take the elevator to the gardens and they were also cool. More sculptures and flowers up there to see. Definitely a very unique church worth visiting.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We truly enjoy visiting The Grotto, especially during the Christmas season. It’s a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate Christmas. The lights are stunning, the choir is wonderful, and the quartet adds such a special touch. Hot cocoa and donuts are a lovely treat and make the experience even more cozy and enjoyable. The entire atmosphere is peaceful, uplifting, and festive. We look forward to visiting and highly recommend it to anyone wanting to celebrate Christmas in a truly special way.

I go for festival of lights. This is one of the most beautiful sites in the city during the Christmas season. It's a must for those who love to get as much Christmas joy in as they can. Being in the church hearing the choir sing makes me emotional everytime. Love it.

Beautiful place to take the family. It was a Friday night before Christmas so it was busy but everyone was having a great time. It's a bit pricey at $18 a piece but it the gardens are beautiful and so many lights to enjoy. I will definitely go again. I will make sure to visit during the day this summer so I can see the gardens in daylight and will be sure to visit the 2nd garden located above the bluff.

Peace solace always! Love this place and best time to visit in Fall. Hopefully can visit during Christmas to see the lights

We have been aiming to see the grotto at Christmas since we've been in Oregon but haven't gotten around to it. This was the year! We love and miss drive thru zoo lights (should have been kept after the pandemic!! It was awesome!) and we're looking for a good substitute. The grotto is gorgeous. Peaceful, serene, lovely. However, minus one star for almost 40 bucks for 2 people. It's not a big installation, not a lot to do, and while lovely that is quite a bit of money. What I don't know is where the proceeds go, and I'm sure it's publicly accessible and no I haven't looked. So if it goes to a great cause, great - advertise that more. But I think ten bucks, maybe - would be about a good amount for this experience.

Love this place during the Christmas season The giant Christmas tree... All the lights along the pathways at night The performances from all around the Portland/ Vancouver choirs in the chapel are amazing It's a pretty cool place just for a short walk in the city rain or shine

This review is based off our visit during the Christmas lights. It was beautiful! Lights everywhere. They had people singing and had mass with them performing. I got the very last of it. They had an area to buy donuts and hot coco. It was $3 a donut and $4.50 for the hot drink. There was a cute little gift shop at the end. We left with some rosary's. I cannot wait to see what this place looks like during the day! Tickets were about $17 online. As for parking, they guided us to the parking lot.

Built in the early 1900s, you either KNOW about The Grotto or you don't! It's just this unique sanctuary, built again a cliffside, in Portland, OR. If you've never been there, I know it sounds weird, but it is a truly beautiful and peaceful place to pray and enjoy nature. While it's Catholic based, anyone can go, explore and attend one if their many masses/celebrations.

The Grotto was one of our first stops when visiting Oregon, and it set such a beautiful tone for the rest of our trip. This sanctuary is truly a place of peace. I am Roman Catholic and felt deeply moved here, but what surprised me most was how much it touched my boyfriend, who is usually more skeptical--he described finding a sense of peace he couldn't quite put into words. There's so much to explore: a religious gift shop, a meditation room, peaceful gardens on two levels of the mountain, and both indoor and outdoor altars where you can even attend Mass. I especially loved discovering the hidden religious statues tucked away around the sanctuary--it felt like a spiritual treasure hunt. Whether you're visiting for faith, reflection, or simply to take in the serene beauty, The Grotto is an absolute must-see when in Portland.

I didn't do the paid garden area, but seeing the grotto part was really beautiful. Parking on a Thursday was easy.

You feel at peace as soon as you step in! It's breathtaking You walk in and you just feel it! There is really no words to express this you have to come and experience it yourself! I was blessed enough to have gotten some necklace's from the gift show and had a priest Bless them

I visited on a weekday and found it to be quite peaceful and uncrowded. While entrance to the place is complimentary, a ticket is needed to access the gardens located atop the hill. The lower areas, however, boast stunning sights without any cost. The church stands out as a beautiful attraction...

My wife and I were visiting Portland for a long weekend and my sister took us to this hidden gem. It is a beautiful sanctuary and there is a great trail that takes you through the stations of the cross. It was a perfect day to look at all of the religious statues and it really is serene. Lots of families were there and they have a great chapel for worshipping if you wish. We didn't go up the cliff to see what was up there, but it was a great way to spend an hour.

The Grotto is such a peaceful place to visit. This was the first place my cousin and I visited when we arrived in Portland. It was a very cold day but the walk around the grotto made it worth it. They started to add the Christmas lights when we visited. The lower part of the Grotto is free. However, there is an admission fee to go to the upper garden. If you're debating if you should go, you must! Such a beautiful place.

What a fantastic time to see these lights and hear groups singing. I went, luckily, on a dry night and to celebrate the 100 years of the Grotto. The lower portion is a short walk through the grounds, and the upper portion wasn't open for the light event. The replica of the Pieta was adorned with lit candles and it was such a calming presence. There is a decent sized parking lot on site, but I opted to park along the road leading to the grounds since it was a busy night (both options are free). Small admission fee, on-site gift shop and they also host church service on the grounds.

The Grotto is a place where I feel all religions are welcome and feel everyone, in general, should be welcomed here. It's primarily a place for Catholics and Christians, but the serenity of being here and the history of these sacred grounds in itself to me is worth a visit for everyone. You can think differently, but it's simply my own opinion regarding this place. I know everyone can get all sensitive about our differences now-a-days, but I feel I said what needed to be said. I've been here plenty of times to know that this is a sanctuary of peace, regardless of your religion. They're usually open everyday from 9am-6:30pm, but expect hours to be adjusted during the holidays. The Lower Grounds are free to stroll. Walk along the Stations of the Cross from the parking lot, or grab some hot chocolate at the gift shop. Plenty of greenery and seats around to sit and reflect. Or attend services at the chapel. During the summer, mass can be held outdoors in the grotto itself so check their website for times. Normally services would primarily be in the chapel. It all just depends on good 'ol Portland weather. The Upper Garden, however, is where the other half of the attractions are. With an admission fee for entry ($9.95 Adult / $8.95 Seniors / $4.95 Kids), you would take an elevator ride up to the top and start exploring from there. If you begin at the Meditation Chapel, you'll get a excellent view of Mt. St. Helens and PDX airport. Or simply stay quiet and pray. Follow the trail map and you'll get see tall redwoods, an array of statues, international shrines, various colorful plants, and a couple of ponds. So do wear some comfortable walking shoes. With this being one of them most sacred spots in Portland, people usually plan pilgrimages here. Some do short retreats, and some enjoy doing a quick field trip with out-of-town guests. You can easily spend about an hour or two here, or take your time and experience everything in about 2-3 hours. I've been here quite a few times, and have spent at least 90 minutes each time. If you plan to visit, I hope you feel just as refreshed as I do when being here. GBY!

What a beautiful church the whole surrounding is like a fairytale I love the place I took a lot of pics I've been here once before but during summer time and I'd like to come back again in spring.

How does The Grotto not have more reviews? I'm a bit surprised, but then again, we found kind of found it by just driving by and curiously decided to poke around. And the Garden at the top, well worth the $10 admission fee. With open limited parking spots, the Grotto is a church first and an amazing garden hidden up on top of the cliff over looking the church. And the walk around the garden, spectacular. It's actually not something I can put into words, you'll really just need to go look.

When you want to just get away from all the hustle and bustle of a city and find peace, solace place to meditate... the grotto was this enchanted and peaceful place you can come to pray, meditate, reflect and attend a mass. Love it here. You have to visit the upper garden even though it will cost but it's going to a good cause. I love the shrines area, please bring flowers for offering too as they will allow them. I had been wanting to visit this place since the first day I've visited Portland, now I'm glad I finally did because it won't be my last.

Beautiful grounds and trees. Not huge, but worth the 10 bucks to roam for a bit as it's very peaceful. Definitely worth checking out, and only a couple of us there this morning (10am on a Thursday).

My husband and I decided to go to the upper level of The Grotto as he hasn't been up there. For $10 you take the elevator up and walk and tour the beautiful gardens and grounds. It was a cool December day and we ventured our way through the gorgeous trails, viewpoints, taking in the peace and beauty that The Grotto offers. As we were walking back to our car, it began to rain - divine timing!! It's hard to believe this beauty of nature is in the heart of NE Portland.

Let me start by saying that I am not Catholic. But it has been my experience that you don't even have to necessarily be religious to connect with nature in this beautiful spot in the middle of the city! Rich with history and abundant flora, the Grotto is peaceful and beautiful! For the first time ever, I visited the upper garden with a friend that was in from out of town. As many times as I have been there, I am not sure why this was the first time to the top - but I am so glad we did! Acres of gorgeous trails and trees and flowers for days. The art is breathtaking, as well. I cannot wait to visit again next time I am in the area. Perhaps not your typical tourist destination, but if you are in Portland and you love nature (or God), don't hesitate!

A beautiful and contemplative experience. Lots of beautiful flowers and trees. A great time of year to visit in July. I would recommend the $11 admission to the top. There is beautiful rocks, and lots of religious art and figures to experience

Light a candle for your best friend when she passes away with another best friend. No images Private matter Trust me It's a very peaceful place

The Grotto is a 62-acre sanctuary in Portland, Oregon, founded in 1924 by Servite Fr. Ambrose Mayer. This cliffside Catholic sanctuary is renowned for its Pieta sculpture nestled in a grotto and its tranquil botanical gardens. Officially named the National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, The Grotto is an outdoor altar and sanctuary located in Portland's Madison South district. The sanctuary, built in 1924, spans 62 acres, situated at both the base and the top of a 110-foot cliff. Religious grottoes, like this one, are often used as shrines to house statues of saints, particularly the Virgin Mary, in outdoor settings. Many Roman Catholics visit grottoes where significant apparitions, such as those witnessed by Bernadette Soubirous at Lourdes, are believed to have occurred. Numerous garden shrines are inspired by these holy sites. Visiting the lower level of The Grotto is free of charge, while admission to the Upper Gardens is available until 7:30 p.m. (though the time may vary). The Grotto is just 4 miles from Portland Airport (PDX), making it a convenient stop before your arrival or departure. Plan to spend about two hours exploring the sanctuary. There is also a small gift shop on the lower level for visitors.

Wow, what a find!! I thought the Japanese Tea Garden was open everyday, but it is closed on Tuesdays (the day we planned to go). Needed another option and stumbled across this on Google Maps. So glad! This is a catholic garden that in meticulously maintained and absolutely gorgeous! I can't believe I had never heard of it. Such a peaceful experience and a great value. Only 15 mins from our hotel downtown.

I visited The Grotto while vacationing in Portland, Oregon. It is a botanical garden, place of meditation, and relaxing the mind in the midst of God and nature. This is such a peaceful setting with two levels: free a lower level with trails, statues of religious figures and beautiful trees and native shrubs plus an upper level experience of mature evergreen acreage, shrines, statues, wood carvings, meditation chapel, trails, basalt stone structures as part of Rocky Butte (dormant volcano) and views of Mount St. Helens and the Columbia River on a clear day for a nominal fee. There are Masses delivered in St. Mary's chapel. There is an enormous space for outdoor activities with plenty of seating. There is a gift shop and an interpretation center, which provides information about the site and the Servite friars and their mission plus services from their religious community. If you are looking for a slow pace, relaxing place for prayer, meditation and immersion with nature the Grotto is a jewel within the city of Portland, Oregon.

This site encourages you to connect to your religious side. While visiting Portland, The Grotto was our first stop. I enjoyed viewing the religious displays as well as walking in a nice park setting.

The Grotto is a beautiful sanctuary owned by the Catholic Church, but open to everyone. It is an oasis of lush gardens, walking trails, a beautiful glass-walled chapel with a view overlooking the mountains, trees, and vistas. They hold a Saint Peregrine Mass, as St. Peregrine is the Patron Saint of cancer and life-threatening illnesses, and people often go to these masses that are looking for solace, peace, spiritual healing, and support. We first heard of it from my uncle who was battling cancer. When visiting relatives from out of state, we came here to look around. We came in December, so it was cold. At night they have a Festival of Lights, but the group I was with were all too cold to want to stay at night. In December, they also had a life-sized nativity scene outside, in front of the rocks. It just all gives a sense of beauty and peace, and is a great place to go if you are needing some introspection. There was even a proposal happening, with flower petals strewn into the shape of a large heart while we were there, as the ambience is so serene. It is a great place to go to, to enjoy the beauty of nature, have a peaceful walk, need some introspection, or if battling an illness and want to attend the masses to feel some uplifting support. People travel from far distances to visit the Grotto. It gives you a sense of peace, serenity, and nature.

It's serene and beautiful. A great family friendly visit. The tickets were a little confusing and if you want to have a candle to lit purchase before going to thr upper levels. All the statues are so beautiful and going the meditation maze walk was just so soothing.

This is a very beautiful place to stop at. Even if you're not religious person, you can park in their parking lot (free) and take a short walk in the gardens. The place is well-maintained and filled with tall trees. Paths are clear and paved.

Beautiful outdoor church with a history! Come with your friends and family. Check out their gardens and statues. We came at a time where the flowers were blooming. Church was in service indoor. Outdoor area was immense with carvings into the wall. A must see if you are in the area. They sell holy water, candles for prayers and much more!

Beautiful and Serene!! It's such a peaceful setting to walk around and enjoy. They do events and also have the Festival of Lights. I used to go here many years ago and surprised how busy it's gotten.

Such a beautiful, breathtaking, and peaceful place!!! There's an overwhelming feeling of love, peace, and God's presence. As you approach The Grotto, there is a gift shop to the left. That's where you will purchase your coin for entrance. They sell candles there for you to light at the altar if you choose. Don't forget to stop by the meditation glass chapel. There you'll find an amazing view of Portland and Michel Angelo's replica of Pieta!

What an amazingly beautiful and serene place. We arriving on a Saturday at 11am. Ample parking. We slowly strolled in. The moment you set foot on the grounds, you already want to slow down to enjoy the richness of the lush greenery as you walk forth. We opted for the lower area, the Grotto and the Chapel. There's no charge. The walk to the Grotto was magnificent. Enormously tall trees with very manicured smaller trees and bushes. There's a paved path that opens up to the amphitheater like area and the Grotto. It's amazing, it's beautiful, it's peaceful. We were lucky enough to be there when you had a Saturday mass. We were able to join the mass in the chapel. Such a blessing. What a wonderful afternoon spent.

This place is truly a unique experience in the Portland area! Something I knew I had to do when we travelled to Portland. When we arrived (around 9-10am on a weekday) it was quite empty, we went into the shop and bought two tickets. This was also my first time speaking to nuns- they were so sweet giving us recommendations of what else to do. I do wish the entrance fee was a bit cheaper but when we got the tickets they give you coins which you enter into the top area to get the entrance to the rest of the grotto. The bottom section is free so you can visit the cave/statue/mass area for free. When you get to the top there is some small trails and 1 meditation center which has some amazing views of Portland! The Meditation center, gift shop, and there is one other small building downstairs that are the only indoor spots of the whole area so be prepare to be in the elements. Highly recommend for anymore who is looking for a unique experience in the Portland area!

One hundred years ago a grotto was created into this incredible rock face where soon later was installed a beautiful reproduction of Michaelangelo's Pieta. This beautiful work of man's craftsmanship stands today amidst an inner-city secluded area inspiring meditation and solemnity inspiring self-contemplation and thoughtful introspection in nature's beauty within a 62-acre ecological enclave. One can leisurely, yet wondrously meander the walk paths of this remarkable garden/park to quietly ponder, picnic or serenely contemplate the open seclusion of nature's marvelous wonder. When visiting Portland, this is a must visit - enjoy a couple of hours of tranquility. It is truly a gem and isolated treasure within the bustle of the city.

This place is in an odd location that caused us to drive by it and have no idea how truly lovely it is in there, or his big the place is. It's located off a seedy strip of Sandy Blvd. and while we saw the sign on occasion when passing through en route from one side of PDX to the other, we never gave it much thought. So when a friend recommended we visit we were quite surprised. We aren't religious people but it's still with a visit to enjoy the beauty and quiet serenity of the grounds. The parking and lower level gardens are free. There are numerous signs in the parking lot warning you to not leave valuables in your car, which should be in any parking lot, but particularly here given the street the lot is located off of. Once inside, I recommend paying the nominal fee (I think it's now $8 or $9 a person) to take the elevator to the upper level as the view and gardens there are worth it. There is also a quiet meditation room at the top with lounge chairs and a nice view of the surrounding area. There's also a gift shop, restrooms and I THINK they might have a little coffee shop, but I'm not sure if that part is open.

Hadn't been to the grotto in 38 years. We decided to stop in yesterday and it was absolutely gorgeous peaceful and mesmerizing! I don't remember much of it so it was all new to us again! The landscape is just beautiful & serene.

Beautiful space for meditation and prayer (if that is your practice). We went Boxing Day, and had we known about the lights, we might have timed our visit differently. Despite the cold weather, we managed to see most of the shrines, especially those to Mary from around the world. I highly recommend taking some time out of a busy season to reflect and simply be, there are few enough spaces provided for such moments in our secular and materialistic society.

Visited for the Christmas Lights. My wife has been wanting to come for years and I'm glad that we finally did. Parking can definitely be a hassle. We thought we were arriving early; however by the time we got there at 5 the parking lot was already full. The directions for the spill-over parking was sort of confusing but we ended up finding parking on the street. The lighting and decor is pretty impressive; but the crowd of people and the vibes are what really make the Christmas experience. They have several attractions that really make it worth the time. Between the photo-ops, carolers, the church itself, and the hot chocolate & donuts, there's something for everyone.

It is a very quiet & peaceful place to go and visit. By all means, go to visit the upper level there.

Visited this place while visiting a cousin in Portland. It was a very nice, serene, peaceful place. The grounds were so beautifully kept. It is definitely a must visit if you are in the area. I would love to come back when they have events. I loved all the plaques around the grounds chronicling the Stations of the Cross. Always moving to see all the craftsmanship. It's surprising that it is right in the middle of the city just outside the grounds. You would never it was there unless you knew what you were looking for. It must be nice for those houses nearby who could walk to it.

I was in Portland, OR, on vacation back in Mar 2022. My dear friend recommended The Grotto to me. I am so glad she did. Thank you my dear friend! I didn't know what to expect. It was definitely a warm and delightful visit. I loved it! The Chapel of Mary was beautiful. The overall garden was gorgeous, very well kept, and clean. I felt the serene and lovely atmosphere all around. The actual grotto was massive and very touching. I bought a couple candles and left one lit at the grotto and brought one home. You'll need to buy a ticket to get to the upper level... you'll be given a token and you will need to take an elevator to go up there. It took me about 3 hours to walk through the whole garden... both lower and upper levels. At the end, I was glad I walked through the Stations of the Cross.... I have a better understanding of Jesus Christ's journey now. Thank you! Do visit The Grotto when you're in Portland, OR. A must see! I don't know when I'm going to return back there, but if I don't, have an extra walk around for me. Thank you and enjoy! Happy Garden Walking!

What a beautiful visit here. I ain't no church goer but this place is amazingly beautiful. You can wonder around here for hours. I spent 3 hours here roaming around. You need to purchase a golden token from the information guest desk to get up to the grotto; you're up here the views are just amazing it's quiet and beautiful and you can see the monesarry house where the priests and the monks stay.. Of course, it rained when I was roaming around, what do you expect right? It is Portland, Oregon..

I've never been...I recently moved here from Bend. I made it to the Japanese Garden, which I so enjoyed. I'm a senior and move a little slow, so I go to these beautiful places during the week and when kiddos are in school. So get ready here comes grannie...

The Grotto is a bit out of the way from other attractions but I loved it. It's magical and stunning and such a unique experience. You can take the elevator to the upper level for $10. If you are looking for a peaceful experience, look no further.

Finally made it here after years of eyeing it online. I wanted to see the lights and participate in some xmas festivity. I was concerned it was going to be a bit too religious, but saw online that religion was not pushed on anyone. Immediately when entering the festival, there are multiple signs along the single walking path that talk at you about Jesus. There is a very somber and serious overtone that seems to contrast (and sort of detract from) the festive lights. Yes, the shrine is beautiful and the lights are great, but it took about 15 minutes to walk through and cost almost $20 per person. If you are ultra religious, you might enjoy this a bit more, but don't expect a festive environment. I'm not religious--though I do have reverence for all religions--and this was overwhelming on the somber Catholic / Jesus vibes.

The Grotto is a beautiful, lush, botanical garden in NE Portland, a Catholic Shrine dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus. It is the perfect place for a lovely stroll or peaceful meditation. During Covid, masks are required everywhere. Parking is free and so is the first level Plaza Garden, the Chapel of Mary and Our Lady's Grotto Rock cave, which is amazing. Access to the upper garden is via elevator and costs $8. It's totally worth it! Especially on a clear day when you can enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the gorgeous Columbia River, even more spectacular in the fall when the leaves are vibrant shades of yellow, red and orange. Breathtaking! On the upper level you can walk the Labyrinth circular stone path, which is very meditative, wander through the colorful Rose Garden and the Peace Garden, and marvel at the various wood carvings, statues and shrines you will pass along the way. The Meditation Center and St. Anne's Chapel are also on this level. During Christmas the Grotto hosts a Festival of Lights and the walkways, rock cave and gardens are adorned in lights. It's absolutely spectacular! Free nightly concerts are held in the Chapel of Mary so make sure to time your visit so you can enjoy the Choir sing holiday songs. The Grotto at Christmas is magical and definitely the way to get into the Christmas Spirit. Unfortunately this annual event is cancelled in 2020 due to COVID as the lights attract too many visitors to maintain safety precautions. Even if it isn't Christmas time, the Grotto is worth a visit as strolling through beautiful gardens is always inviting and centering.

Serenity. The Grotto radiates it. Whether or not you are a person of faith, it's hard to imagine feeling anything but tranquility and peace in this outdoor palace of beauty. Take a deep breath before the wonderous gardens, shrine and chapel take your breath away! Although my favorite time to visit is at Christmas (the holiday just feels incomplete without seeing the lights!), The Grotto is open daily for a meditative stroll along garden paths (be sure to check out the upper gardens!), quiet, reflective prayer in the Chapel of Mary, or shopping for souvenirs and religious paraphernalia in the gift shop. At Christmas time, stop in to hear local school choirs, puppet shows, a petting zoo, and of course, the gorgeous Christmas light displays! The Grotto is among Portland's most important treasures, and a must-see for locals and visitors alike.

My sweetheart and I have made our Christmas-time visit to the Grotto's 'Festival Of Lights' a tradition. Generally speaking, our annual visit is a neutral experience. The rain has been an expected annoyance in the past, rendering it innocuous. The evening cold has been bitter, but not these past few years. Parking took a combination of experience, timing, and finesse to work to our advantage. The lot attendants are helpful and courteous unless you happen upon one kid lost in his/her smartphone. However, this year was a truly enjoyable, entertaining, and talent-filled evening from entry to exit. The light displays guide us along as we head to the chapel. Outside the door is the event schedule advising us what we're happy to view. Gone is the strident hyper-Catholic demand by the door handlers to remove your hat. One year in particular, a door handler barked at me to remove my hat. I smiled and politely removed my cap. However, unbeknownst to him, I was raised a Catholic and know full well the protocols associated with entry into the hall. I was less than appreciative of Mr. Orthodox's heavy hand and abrupt manner while being reminded by my fam to "let it go." This year was sweet and light, accompanied by a placard advising the visitor on their conduct. Proactive works best when applied. The show began with the mellifluous vocal talent of Rhiona. Her remarkable vocal range was phenomenal. The room's acoustics assisted in radiating her vocals well and provided more body to her voice by adding more dimension. Several times during her performance, Rhiona displayed a stunning range of scaling in her singing. Chicken skin, yo! This performance certainly warmed us up for what was about to follow. I complimented her as she and her family exited, and her father turned to me to share that she was his daughter and how proud he was of her. We completely understand why! Next up was Tyger Bailey, a Celtic Harpist who set up, plugged into her microamp, and filled the chapel with the gorgeous tone of her delicate string plucking. I felt terrible that people got up and left mid-performance, unaware that, as a performer, you can be distracted by the audience's movement. As someone who loves all sorts of musical performances, I find the harp to be as beautiful in sound as it is mysterious in its nuanced complexity. This stringed instrument is not a particularly easy instrument to master. I took several photos of her playing and noticed she was playing with her eyes closed. Wow! Ms. Bailey's Celtic Harp performance was superb! The third act was a men's choral group, Vocal Summitt. As the members filed in, we had no idea what to expect musically from these fellas. The talent reveal was immediate and engrossing. The director had the rapt attention of every singer, many of whom displayed all manner of animated movement and vocal talent. The harmony, kinetic energy, and inviting personality of the entire group made this performance uplifting and fun. The set list was well thought out and married itself well to the exuberance of these lively singers as they performed. The three performances made for an incredible evening of live music at The Grotto and had us leaving the event enveloped in the holiday spirit, setting the mood for what turned out to be an exceptionally loving, family-oriented, and soulfully rewarding celebration of the Christmas holiday. Please let these celebratory moments preview what's to follow in the following year! Happy Chrissy!! - @daFigz™ Festival of Lights a holiday tradition.

Came here for the Festival of Lights and finally checked off one of those I'm a local and will go at some point tourist attractions. Friendly and helpful staff thought. Choir performances all evening. A few paths to walk through and a photogenic Christmas tree. Watched two different choirs and walked the area in about 90 mins. It was chilly out!!!