Get Out & Sleigh!

The year is coming to a close and it’s time for all of the colors, lights, family and traditions that come with it. Whether you want to try something new or partake in the classics, we have a list that is sure to make your season bright!

Looking for more? Check out our Online Calendar or our 2019 Holiday Lights Guide

PERFORMANCES

Nov 29 – Dec 15

Black Nativity 2019: A Gospel Songplay

Come enjoy the classic Nativity Story in true gospel style presented by a majority African American cast. People from all backgrounds will enjoy this vibrant play! $10-$25.

Nov 30-Dec 9

It’s A Wonderful Life at Washburn Performing Arts Center

Frank Capra’s film classic has been brought to vibrant theatrical life through the remarkable collaboration of Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award- winner Sheldon Harnick and Grammy and Emmy Award-winner Joe Raposo. An uplifting chronicle of the extraordinary lives of ordinary folk, It’s A Wonderful Life exhilarates the mind and heart as it celebrates the innate goodness in us all. $12- $15.

Dec 1-30

A Christmas Carol at Portland Playhouse

Portland Playhouse provides a wonderful opportunity to introduce young people to this Christmas classic. This fun musical adaption will be a hit with the whole family. $19-$39.

Dec 7-26

Oregon Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker

Whether it is your family’s first visit or your tenth, you’re bound to enjoy the beauty and magic of the Oregon Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker. Come see what all the fuss is about! $29-$146.

Dec 13-15

Gospel Christmas

What could make the most wonderful time of the year even better? Celebrate the joy of the season at the 21st annual Gospel Christmas! Clap your hands and stomp your feet along with the region’s premier gospel singers and the Oregon Symphony at this beloved annual concert at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. $35-$115.

Dec 13 – Jan 5

Imago ZooZoo

Imago is bringing back to Portland its globe-trotting production ZooZoo this holiday season. Bugeyes, hippos with insomnia, arrogant anteaters, and many more characters fill the stage with wonder and humor! $15-$33.

Dec 14-22

Portland Revels’ “The Ghosts of Haddon Hall: A Celebration of the Winter Solstice”

It’s their 25th year, and ghosts will return to haunt the stage during Portland’s annual Christmas Revels performance as they inhabit Haddon Hall, the setting for the original Christmas Revels. Of course, there will be opportunities for the audience to get involved! A Lord/ Lady of Misrule will once again grace the stage, and the 12 Days of Christmas will be enacted with typical Revels frivolity. $19-$85.

Dec 20-23

The Nutcracker presented by Columbia Dance

This season marks the 22nd year Columbia Dance performs the Nutcracker. Tiny mice, toy dolls and tin soldiers will dance to life for audiences of all ages! $15-$20.

Dec 21 (two performances)

Cirque Nutcracker

The awe-inspiring talents of Troupe Vertigo join forces with the Oregon Symphony, bringing their unique hybrid of cirque, dance, and acrobatic art to Tchaikovsky’s beloved holiday masterpiece, The Nutcracker. This concert is sure to be a delightful treat for the entire family. $30-$80.

Dec 26

Concert-At-Christmas: Dance Party

Come to the Schnitz’ after the holidays for the Portland Youth Harmonic’s biggest performance
of the season! Their 58th annual Concert-at-Christmas will have you on your feet to the sounds of French composer Georges Bizet’s Selections from “Carmen,” Aaron Copland’s Cuban inspired Danzón Cubano, John Williams’s legendary Yoda’s Theme from “The Empire Strikes Back,” and much more. $10-$60.

Dec 27-28

Portland Revels’ “Haddon Holiday – A Children’s Celebration of Light”

A very special one hour Revels story for children ages 2-7. Laughter, songs, and fun at Haddon Hall with the Revels Children’s Chorus, three silly ghosts, and a magical fox! See website for pricing and tickets.

EVENTS

Nov 8 – Dec 24

Visit Santa’s Headquarters at Washington Square Mall

Santa will be available for visits and photos at his Headquarters, presented by HGTV, and located in Center Court between the escalators. This year’s features include: online reservations, Elf-Ray Vision, a Naughty-or-Nice ‘O Meter, Holiday Fun Photo Options & More! See website for pricing and schedule.

Nov 29-Dec 24 (various hours and dates)

Photos and Visits w/ Santa at the Carousel

Head to Salem’s Riverfront Carousel for a visit with Santa! Visits are always free. Photo Pricing: Carousel Keepsake Photo $10 Each (also includes 3 shots with your own camera). Want to Take Your Own Photos? 5 Shots for $5 (rate is per device). See site for hours.

Nov 29 – Jan 1

Winter Village at Jerry Willey Plaza at Orenco Station

The area’s only open-air ice skating experience brings the magic of the holidays to life with music, dining, shopping, and family fun. This outdoor ice skating rink transforms Jerry Willey Plaza, making it a seasonal family centerpiece in Hillsboro and the region! $10-$55.

Dec 8

Black Santa

Stop by Matt Dishman Community Center to take a photo with Black Santa! Sponsored by Portland Willamette Valley Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., all proceeds benefit Albina Head Start. There are games and vendors, a can drive and a $700 raffle. $20 (cash only) for a framed 4×6 photo.

Dec 12-17

OMSI: How Does the Cookie Crumble? Gingerbread Workshop

Recent scientific “discoveries” have uncovered a revolutionary new building material that could change how we prepare for earthquakes – gingerbread! Come to OMSI and learn how buildings are designed to withstand quakes. Design, build and test your own quake-proof gingerbread building. Put your tower on OMSI’s shake table to see if it will survive “the Big One”! $20 per building.

Nov 30 – Dec 27 (various dates)

Portland Spirit Cinnamon Bear Cruise

Enjoy holiday treats while a cast of fanciful characters entertain you with storytelling, music and magic. Have your picture taken with the Cinnamon Bear himself atop his magical throne! $15-$43.

Dec 7

Winter Faire at Cedarwood Waldorf School

Each winter, the Cedarwood community works together to transform the school into a magical, wintry wonderland for hundreds of children and their families. There are wizards, fairies, princesses, food, and live entertainment — as well as a very special holiday marketplace for attendees to shop! See website for wristband pricing.

Dec 14

Trackers Holiday Party: Cookies, Crafts & Archery

Celebrate the Yule with Trackers Earth at their 7th annual holiday party! Join the Trackers Family for a seasonal celebration of skills, scrumptious food, and a craft fair featuring the wares of local artisans. Shop for holiday gifts while singing along to holiday classics! Free.

December 14-15

Crafty Wonderland

Carefully selected handmade goods from over 250 of the best and brightest makers. This twice yearly event happens to be right in time for some holiday shopping for a loved one or maybe just for you! Free.

Dec 14 & Dec 21

Breakfast w/ Santa at the Carousel

Head to Salem’s Riverfront Carousel for a breakfast buffet, a visit and photo with Santa, a gift from Santa and free Carousel rides. This event is by reservation only. Please see site for more information and to reserve your spot. $20/person.