New to Portland? Old timer looking for new things? Here's a list put together by my friends at Ticor Title
Activities –
• ZooLights
o Don’t miss this magical sight: zoo animals frolicking in the form of a million holiday lights.www.oregonzoo.org
• Winter Wonderland
o From the warmth of your car, tour the largest holiday-light display west of the Mississippi.www.globaleventsgrouppdx.com
• Christmas Fantasy Trail
o Stroll through a winter wonderland on a 1000-ft path with lights, glittering gingerbread houses, and a full-size Christmas castle. www.fantastytrail.com
• Poetry Readings
o Portland’s underground poetry scene is currently in the national spotlight.www.ifnotforkidnpa.com, www.badbloodpoetry.org
• The Unscriptables
o Performing regularly, this improv group draws big laughs putting “typical” Portland characters in puppet form. www.theunscriptables.com
• Christmas Festival of Lights
o View nativity scenes, take in one of the 150 choral performances and enjoy a range of other entertainment at the Grotto. www.thegrotto.org
Events –
• Champagne Ball – 31
o Get tickets early for this wild New Year’s party, which touts 4 rooms, 3 dance floors, 16 bars, and one epic countdown. www.champagneball.com
• Christmas Revels Show – 11-14
o Partake in a traditional winter solstice celebration, with 11 holiday performances that explore the traditions of Old Europe through music, dance, poetry, and drama.www.portlandrevels.com
• Holiday Ale Festival – 3-7
o Stay warm sampling bold and powerful ales under a heated tent in Pioneer Courthouse Square. www.holidayale.com
• Christmas Ship Parade – 5-21
o For 60 years, Christmas-light-decorated boats have paraded along the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Check the website for a schedule with locations. www.christmasships.org
• Festival of the Last Minute – 18-24
o Fear not, last-minute shoppers, Portland Saturday Market has you covered: Loads of locally made gifts amass in the days before Christmas. www.protlandsaturdaymarket.com
• Hawthorne Holiday Stroll – 6
o Holiday shopping becomes a community celebration with free warm apple cider, carolers, games for kids, and stores with extended business hours. www.thinkhawthorne.com
• Holiday Half – 14
o This flat half marathon comes with views of St. Johns Bridge and ends with seasonal ale, warm food, carolers, and eggnog. www.foottraffic.us/holiday
• Jingle Bell Run/Walk – 7
o Race to the sound of jingle bells and help the fight against arthritis, the country’s leading cause of disability. www.portlandjinglebellrun.kintera.org
• Lights on Peacock Lane – 15-24
o In one of Portland’s best-loved traditions, immaculately decorated Tudors shine for two and a half weeks. Watch for pedestrian-only nights. www.peacocklane.net
• Providence Festival of Trees – 5-6
o View 100s of decorated trees created by local designers, and enjoy holiday entertainment. Proceeds benefit Providence Health & Services. www.providence.org/festivaloftrees
• ScanFair – 6-7
o Discover Scandinavia’s traditional arts, visit the Pippi Longstocking Room, and eat Danish, Norweigan, and Swedish delicacies. www.scanheritage.org
• Tuba Christmas – 13
o A great way to break up a day of downtown holiday shopping: more than 225 tubas perform jolly songs in the Square for free. www.bemerrydowntown.org
• Crafty Wonderland’s Super Colossal Holiday Sale – 13-14
o Local creativity will blow your mind at this artisanal shopping experience. Free admission and tons of gift ideas. www.craftywonderland.com
• Christmas in Dairyville – 12-14
o This complete Christmas town comes with vintage storefronts, holiday scenes replete with live animals, and 300+ decorated trees. Stroll down Storybook Lane, take in a holiday movie, and visit with Santa. www.alpenrose.com