Get in on the Traditions
November 6th, 2012
Photo by Liv Niland, via Flickr
Just like an Advent calendar loaded with treats, the days leading up to Christmas in Portland hold an abundance of sweet memories — starting with the downtown tree-lighting ceremony (Friday, Nov. 23) in Pioneer Courthouse Square and stretching into the new year.
All ages of sippers and shoppers enjoy the traditional holiday tea service (Nov. 23 – Jan. 6) at The Heathman Hotel’s Tea Court Lounge. Don’t worry — snacking on their devil’s food chocolate cupcakeswon’t land you on Santa’s “naughty” list.
Christmas at Pittock Mansion
Another Portland institution, the Pittock Mansion, dresses up with Celebrating Christmas Carols (Nov. 19 – Jan. 1). The breathtaking mansion is adorned with 15 festive trees, dozens of genuine silver bells, and hundreds of ornaments, which set the scene for holiday performances by local musicians in the estate’s music room.
If your holiday spirit is a little feisty, Portland Center Stage’s annual presentation of The SantaLand Diaries (Nov. 27 – Dec. 30) is just the ticket. Humorist David Sedaris’ beloved account of life as a department store elf is both sweet and sullen, and is sure to deliver the gift of laughter. Traditionalists may prefer to ring in the season with Oregon Ballet Theater’s presentation of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker (Dec. 8-23) – it’s the only Balanchine-choreographed production of the holiday classic west of the Mississippi. These are just a pair of the big tickets this holiday season — visit our holiday arts guide for more, and make Portland your source for the best holiday gifts of all: great memories.
Tags: Christmas, Holiday, holidays
