Neighborhood Notes

Festive much? If not, force yourself—the time has come to ring in the holidays. And, there is no better place to do the deed than a neighborhood near you. Portland's 95 neighborhoods share a bounty of holiday events. Get out there and enjoy them!

We'll update this list each week through the holidays, so if we missed something please send it to events@neighborhoodnotes.com.

 

 

 

 

The Pittock Mansion Presents: 'Twas the Night before Christmas . . . in Oregon

Clement Clark Moore's classic, "The Night before Christmas," provides the delightful theme for this year's holiday celebration at Portland's historic Pittock Mansion. Each of the mansion's 23 rooms will reflect a verse from the familiar 1823 children's poem.

Holiday season at the Pittock - when the early-20th-century home is elaborately decorated and features a festive holiday theme - is one of the mansion's most popular events. Opens November 24 and runs through December 31. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily

Adults $7.00
Seniors (65+) $6.00
Youth (ages 6-18) $4.00

 

 

Holiday Lights at Portland International Raceway

Recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest as the "Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi", the 15th annual Fred Meyer Winter Wonderland - Fueled by Chevron, Powered by Comcast will grab your attention with glimmers and glows around every corner.

Since 1993, a journey through Winter Wonderland has become a Holiday tradition for many families, friends, and social organizations to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season. Spectators can enjoy the most spectacular drive-through light show in the region, viewing over 250 colorful displays and 40 fully animated scenes from the comfort of their own vehicle .Visitors this year will be amazed to travel through the Tunnel of Lights, a 200 plus foot tunnel of lights that transports visitors to distant and magical lands.

Over one million spectators have taken the Winter Wonderland journey since its origin, helping to contribute over $400,000 and 32 tons of food to local charities. ...more»

 

 

Children's Healing Art Project presents HOLIDAY BIZARRE 

Event Date: November 28–December 24, 12:00 PM
Event Location: The new 937 building in Portland's Pearl District at 937 NW Glisan
Neighborhood: Pearl District

Children's Healing Art Project's Holiday Bizarre is a 27-day art-making factory. This educational, fundraising, performance and retail space will be open November 28 thru December 24, in Portland's Pearl District. Holiday Bizarre will feature ongoing art activities with CHAP's young artists, families, teaching artists, board, and community volunteers mixing with the children and families of Portland.

CHAP's Holiday Bizarre invites the public to come MAKE gifts, holiday ornaments, tree toppers and gift wrap, or stencil on the thousands of garments donated by Columbia Sportswear. Come see our line of handmade rugs made from CHAP children's art, our Million Bead Project, a Swarovski crystal chandelier created by families on oncology wards, and a litany of surprise guest artists and classes. In our art factory, you can create wearable art out of old clothes, "artify" your wardrobe with silk-screened images drawn by CHAP kids, stencil a hoodie or paint tire tracks on jeans. We'll host art workshops including a landscape painting class led by Teresa, an eight-year-old artist who will teach her students how to paint with their feet! Laz-D (CHAP's rap star) will perform some of the hits he played at the National Down Syndrome Society's Buddy Walk in NYC's Central Park. Northwest Professional Dance Project will lead "Cracked Nutz," our 8-minute version of "The Nutcracker" danced by children in walkers and wheelchairs from Shriners Hospital, and students from the Washington School for the Blind. ...more»

 

 

The Grotto Festival of Lights

Continuing a wonderful holiday tradition begun as a gift to our community in 1988, The Grotto's Christmas Festival of Lights welcomes all who seek the true spirit and meaning of Christmas. Through the presentation of spectacular lights, hourly music concerts, outdoor caroling, and other family entertainment, The Grotto's festival surrounds visitors with the traditional sights and sounds of this wondrous holiday season. Few holiday celebrations can hope to compare with the grandeur offered by The Grotto's pristine sanctuary garden setting with magnificent architecture, towering firs, and an angel-covered Cliffside as a backdrop. This community tradition reminds us all that Christmas is a season of joy, sharing, compassion, and peace. ...more»

Pearl District Holiday Big Reveal

From the Pearl District Business Association...

The Pearl District Holiday Big Reveal will establish the Pearl District as the newest place to create fun family holiday tradition when more than 50 amazing window displays will simultaneously be unveiled on Saturday November 29th (the Saturday after Thanksgiving) at 10 a.m. It will be a perfect place to bring families, out-of-town guests and friends to get into the spirit of the holiday season and enjoy the unique imagery that these windows will provide.

Pearl District merchants will cover their store windows on Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday, November 26, 2008) with bold graphics, indicating their participation in the upcoming event. Some of the merchants will have previously teamed with visual arts, design and fashion students from the Art Institute of Portland to design their windows. Participants will busily begin the process of installing their unique, family friendly and sometimes very artistic window dressings so as to be completed just in time for Saturdayís "Big Reveal." ...more»

 

 

Zoolights 2008

Celebrate the Northern Lights, or wild polar bear nightlights, at the Oregon Zoo's annual light-time festival.The zoo comes alive as you walk through this winter wonderland of more than a half-million lights. This winter festival includes our lighted zoo train, choral and ensemble music, and our fantastic gift shop.

 

Hours:
November 29 - December 28
Sun-Thu 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Fri-Sat 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

 

 

Bubbles and Booze a Champagne Cocktail Tasting: An Oregon Bar Association Membership Drive

Just in time for the holidays, the Oregon Bar Guild is hosting a membership drive and educational seminar at Gilt Club. With a seasonal flavor and low admission fee the Guild hopes to raise awareness of its objectives within both the industry and general public. Featuring champagne related giveaway's, educational presentations and guest appearances from local bar-tending celebrities.

The Gilt Club, with its sexy atmosphere and holiday decor provides the perfect setting for local talent to show off the enduring allure of champagne cocktails and local producers to showcase the best of Oregon 's sparkling wines.

The general public is encouraged to attend.

$25 General Admission
$15 With OLCC card
$5 Oregon Bar Guild Members. ...more»

 

 

A Christmas Carol

What do you value most? And is it what's truly important? Take time with your family this holiday season to renew your answers to these essential questions alongside Tiny Tim, Ebenezer Scrooge and a sleigh full of ghosts and magical creatures as we remount this warm and engaging adaptation of the Dickens classic. In this version, Scrooge's nephew Fred stands in for the spirit of the season, expressing what we all love about the story when he says to Scrooge; "[This] is a good time: a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time: the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers in life, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys."

Get tickets

 

 

2008 Holiday Ale Festival

The only beer festival in the Northwest to be held outdoors in the dark, cold and often wet month of December, the Holiday Ale Festival is truly distinctive. Despite chilly temperatures and often-inclement weather outside, attendees stay warm and dry under a large clear topped tent that covers the venue. Gas heaters create a cozy ambience under the boughs of one of the region's largest decorated Christmas trees.

Thirty six + potent winter ales are featured at the event, all of which are created specifically to bring warmth and cheer to the holiday season. The beers are rich, robust and full of complex flavors. They range from Imperial IPAs, Belgians and Barley Wines to Winter Warmers, Scotch Ales and Stouts. ...more»

 

 

DIY Eco-Ornaments with SCRAP and Hotel Monaco

First Thursday in December Hotel Monaco will host artists from SCRAP for DIY eco-ornament making in the lobby.

Open to the public, and free to create your own, SCRAP will provide supplies and have artists on-hand to assist. Seasonal ales and Christmas cocktails for $5 donation, non-alcoholic hot chocolate on-site.

From 5pm - 7pm

All proceeds go to SCRAP. Throughout December, they will sell DIY ornament kits for a $5 donation at the hotel.

 

 

 

 

Holiday Steam Up

On Friday, December 5th from 5:30 - 8:00, Amy and Larry are offering visitors to Staver Locomotive an opportunity to make a donation to Friendly House, a non-profit social service agency in Northwest Portland. Friendly House serves and supports the neediest in the community through programs for seniors, children and families. Every year they sponsor a Holiday Gift Giving opportunity.

If you would like to donate, Friendly House is requesting: cash donations, gift cards from Fred Meyer, Ross, Target, or others ($10-25 amounts) and Tri-Met bus tickets.

We will be happy to accept your contribution at the door. For more information about Friendly House, visit their website at www.friendlyhouseinc.org.

SPECIAL GUEST ARTIST: Local paper artist, Helen Hiebert, will be joining us to sell her handmade paper lanterns. A portion of the lantern sales will benefit Friendly House.

Please join us for a hot beverage and holiday cheer as we enjoy the trains and support Friendly House. Don't forget to dress warmly! Staver Locomotive is a warehouse space.

See you at the Holiday Steam Up!

 

 

Providence Festival of Trees

Providence Festival of Trees is Portland's premier holiday event, where visitors stroll through a festive village decorated with more than 100 trees, wreaths and holiday vignettes created by local designers, businesses, and volunteers. Each year, attendees at the Gala Dinner and Auction, preceding the Festival, come together to support the programs and services of Providence Health & Services.

During your visit to the Festival, you can stop in at the Teddy Bear Hospital and Santa's Workshop. You may also take part in many other Festival events and features to help start the holiday season. The Festival Main Stage features continuous live entertainment by community groups with performers of all ages. Save $1 off admission with this coupon. ...more»

 

 

PCP Makes you Wear Bad Holiday Sweaters 

 

 

 

 

Classical Ballet Academy Presents: "The Nutcracker and the Petite Sweets" 

Classical Ballet Academy Presents: "The Nutcracker and the Petite Sweets"

This abbreviated version of the Nutcracker features all of Classical Ballet Academy's Children's and Standard Ballet Program dancers. These younger dancers will perform as the Fortune Cookies, Tea Cakes, and other small delights. Please come support these young dancers for some of their first times onstage

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 5th 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6th 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: St. Mary's Academy Theater
1615 SW 5th Avenue Downtown Portland, OR

TICKETS: $10 for youth and adults
$5 for seniors 65 and over and children under 9 ...more»

 

 

UNWRAPPED: A Benefit for PICA

Slip into a flurry of feather boas and take in the tinkling of piano keys at UNWRAPPED, PICA's annual kickoff to the holiday season. Warm up with a special performance by international singing knockout Meow Meow, fresh from Berlin, accompanied by Portland's own Thomas M. Lauderdale on piano.

Starring Meow Meow with Thomas M. Lauderdale
From 7 to 10 pm
Tickets $50
Call (503)242-1419 x221

Meow Meow photo by Tim Gunther. ...more»

 

 

 

Sunday Brunch with Santa

Everyone knows Santa is a sophisticated fellow with discerning taste, and that is why he is visiting Bluehour for Sunday Brunch. Join us on Sunday December 7th, as we deck the halls and serve up delicious dishes in honor of our jolly friend.

Rumor has it Santa is quite a chef. You might spy him spicing things up in the kitchen as well as mixing and mingling in the dining room. Bring your little ones, your mom and pop or your best friend. Pose for a photo with Santa himself while raising a glass of cheer to the most wonderful time of the year.

10am - 2pm

Reserve your table now, call us at 503.226.3394 or Reserve online at www.bluehouronline.com!

 

 

 

41st Holiday Cheer event at Oregon Historical Society

 

 

Christmas Ship Parade

Event Date: December 10-21
Event Location: Willamette and Columbia Rivers

2008 marks the 54rd year for the Christmas Ship Parade on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers in Portland, Oregon. Please click on the Willamette or the Columbia Schedule links for complete schedules with route details including viewing locations and times for restaurants, hotels and outdoor viewing.

The Christmas Ship Fleet averages about 55 to 60 boats between the two Columbia and Willamette River fleets. Both fleets will be out every night for two weeks beginning December 10, 2008 and running through December 21, 2008. The fleet will do a special performance in Camas, WA on Dec. 6th. As we are an all volunteer organization, not all the boats make it out every night.

Without the donations from the restaurants and the hotels along the waterfront, this parade would not be possible. Please book your Christmas parties at our sponsoring restaurants and hotels. They are listed by viewing dates on the fleet schedule links with phone numbers and links to their websites. Their donations are used to pay for our required "Event Insurance Policy". Each Christmas Ship skipper pays his own fuel costs and receives no money from the donations. Christmas Ships, Inc is a non-profit organization.

2008 Willamette River Schedule

2008 Columbia River Schedule

 

 

Handmade Paper Ornaments Workshop

Decorate your home this year with your own handmade paper creations. Replace your traditional holiday ornaments with finely handcrafted, paper sculptures. Using handmade decorative papers and a few simple bookbinding tools, learn the folding technique that transforms a flat sheet of paper into a spherical object. Walk away with a set of ornaments perfectly suited for home decorating, a gift for a special friend, or center pieces for your holiday table.

Instructor: Molly Kafka

Fee: $85

Register in store, online, or by phone-(503) 223 1093

 

 

 

 Tuba Christmas at Pioneer Courthouse Square

Tuba enthusiasts, music lovers, and all of those last minute shoppers will rejoice in the sound of nearly 200 tubas playing the festive music of the season. The audience not only listens to the sounds of the powerful tubas, but is encouraged to participate in the sing-a-long carols.1:30-3 p.m.

To register for participation please contact Stacey Schubel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posada Milagro

Miracle Theatre Group invites the whole family to enjoy the Posada Milagro, to be celebrated Sunday, December 14th between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. at El Centro Milagro (525 S.E. Stark St., Portland).

This community celebration filled with Latin American traditions reflects upon the journey of Mary and Joseph in their search for refuge and is day of fun for the whole family! Again this year, a select group of community artists will gather to present an unforgettable event in which youth actors - together with members of the Teatro Español ensemble - will present a pastorela called "Si ayer fuera hoy" (If yesterday were today) Angel Ignacio Gonzalez Rocha of Mexico City and directed by Omar Vargas. The afternoon's entertainment will also include feature music, dance, Ballet Papalotl, Photo by Stephanie Davisas well as arts and crafts workshops, a piñata and, of course, delicious traditional foods.

Due to past years' overwhelming demand, this year's celebration will once again feature two performances (2 p.m. and 4 p.m.) of the pastorela. Admission to the event is free, but pastorela performances are limited to ticket-holders only. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the theater beginning at 1 p.m. on Sunday Dec. 14. Although the event is free, donations of canned food for the Oregon Food Bank are encouraged. ...more»

 

Peacock Lane Holiday Lights

Come see the lights on Peacock Lane and you'll find nothing but good, old-fashioned holiday spirit.

Since the 1920s, each house in this quaint southeast neighborhood has been decorating for Christmas. Mostly Tudors, the houses are adorned with not only beautiful sparkling lights, but also nativity scenes, rotating Christmas trees and stunningly life-like replicas of Santa and Frosty.

Be forewarned: this is a very popular Portland tradition and the crowds can get quite thick. It is wise to park several blocks away and walk, rather than drive through the area. Better yet, take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

Happy Holidays from all of us on Peacock Lane!
...more»

 

 

Carolers Make-A-Wish for Christmas

The public is invited to stroll downtown and carol along the way. Starting at the Hotel Vintage Plaza lobby, the caroling crew will sing their way to Pioneer Square and after be invited back to the hotel for Mulled Wine from Willamette Valley Vineyards and hot apple cider.

All drink donations go to the Make A Wish Foundation.

From 5pm-7pm.

 

 

Portland Baroque Orchestra Presents; Christmas with Messiah and JS Bach

 

 

Oregon Ballet Theatre Presents George Balanchine's The Nutcracker  

The sparkling lights of a towering tree, a sweeping crescendo from the full orchestra*, and a magical journey to the candy-coated realm of the Sugarplum Fairy...

Be a part of the holiday extravaganza that has enchanted New York audiences young and old for more than 50 years. George Balanchine's The Nutcracker has been a part of Christmas in the Big Apple since 1954, and Oregon Ballet Theater is proud to remain the only company west of the Mississippi licensed to perform it.

*Performances featuring the OBT Orchestra:
Dec. 20 - 2 p.m.
The remaining dates, including a Family Discount show on Christmas Eve, are danced to recorded music.

Photo: Grace Shibley in Oregon Ballet Theatre's production of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker
Photo by Blain Truitt Covert

Now through December 24, 2008
$25 tickets available now!

 

Gay Men's Chorus Presents Heavenly Holidays

Heavenly Holidays promises to be a stellar concert, featuring songs from all your favorite celebrations. "Kislev Cowboys" and "Turkey Lurkey Time" will reflect the wonderful PGMC tradition of holiday fun, while Palestrina's "Sicut Cervus" and Ken Berg's "Come and See the King" will embrace the traditional spirit of the season. Heavenly Holidays also will feature the premiere of "Hodie," a wonderful new work by our Composer in Residence, Robert Seeley. Buy your tickets early to get the best seats, since Heavenly Holidays is sure to be a sell out.

Buy tickets

 

 

 

 

Wonderball! Starring Storm and the Balls 

A holiday variety show like no other! Night one Features Sam Adams, China Forbes and many more! Silent Auction and portion of proceeds to benefit Oregon Music Hall of Fame. General Admission standing room tickets are $20. Limited VIP seated tickets for $30. Includes front seating, private bar and meet and greet with Storm! All-ages/21+ full bar.

December 19th & 20th, Doors at 7pm; show at 8pm

(503) 284-8686

 

 

Caroling Party

 

 

3D Photos with Santa Claus  

 

 

Oregon Symphony Presents Happy Holidays

Help ring in the holidays with a celebration of the season's many musical traditions including Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa and Christmas. Get tickets

 

 

 

 

1943 Christmas from Home: A holiday tradition for the whole family 

The Christmas from Home series re-creates a live Christmas radio show broadcast from Portland, Oregon during WWII complete with a band, sketches, singers, commercials and period sound effects. Presented at the historic Hollywood Theatre, the blend of humor and poignancy, big band sound and familiar location combine to make an evening full of great entertainment, as well as a touching trip down memory lane for those who lived through World War II.

In its entirety, Christmas From Home is a five year series, beginning in 1941. This is the third show in that series

This Christmas, journey back to the 1940s and immerse yourself in the golden age of radio. Swing with our band and singers to the gret music of the era, like "Tuxedo Junction," "Paper Doll," and "I'll Be Home for Christmas." Watch as the sound effects team creates the noises tht bring to life stories based on real events. And revive the nostalgia of the 1943 Academy Award-winning Casablanca as Air Raid Warden Clyde Hofstettler has his own encounter with a long-lost love.

Tickets are now on sale for the third show in Tapestry's popular Christmas from Home series. The Oregonian says the show is "a richly textured and fun-filled theatrical Christmas card."

Now through December 21, 2008
7:30pm Fridays and Saturdays
2:00pm Sundays

Additional shows:
7:30pm Thursday, December 18
2:00pm Saturday, December 20

$19 Adult
$17 Students, Groups, Seniors (60 and above)

 

 

Penny's Puppets Christmas Pageant 

 

 

The David Cole Queen Anne Victorian Mansion Miracle of a Million Lights

The annual Miracle of a Million Lights a holiday tradition for the whole family. The mansion and surrounding grounds twinkle with 2.5 million lights that turn this historical landmark into a Christmas wonderland. Cost: $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors and children 10 and under.

Now through December 28th, 6pm-10pm

(503) 283-3224

 

 

 

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