Time is a ticking. You have about a week till Christmas, which is plenty of time to really get into the holiday spirit if you aren’t there already. Kids are off school, snow is on the ground, and now is the time to get ready for the holiday in a serious way. Check out these classic Portland favorites before next week to welcome the Christmas season.
- Visit the Festival of Lights.
The Grotto Portland / Facebook Take a stroll on the grounds of the Grotto and see a myriad of holiday lights, as well as some animals. Listen to choirs sing and enjoy the festive atmosphere at this local attraction.
- Visit the Festival of the Last Minute.
Sam Grover / Flickr The Saturday Market will be open all week from 11 am to 5 pm so you can find any last minute locally made gifts you need and stroll the waterfront in the same trip. Christmas Eve the market will be open from 10 am to 3:30 pm.
- See the Nutcracker.
Oregon Ballet Theater / Facebook Check out a performance of the Christmas classic The Nutcracker at Keller Auditorium put on by the Oregon Ballet Theater. This annual tradition is sure to have you in the mood of the holidays in no time.
- Take a Cinnamon Bear Cruise.
Portland Spirit / Facebook This two-hour cruise on the Portland Spirit is just what you need to get your young ones ready for the holiday. Take the journey of make believe to Maybeland and visit a whole cast of characters on this fun trip which runs through December 27.
- Stroll Peacock Lane.
Murkmad / Flickr Visit Peacock Lane between SE Stark and SE Belmont to see a neighborhood lit up. Stroll the street or drive through between 6 and 11 pm until December 31 to see this display of lights.
- Take a Carriage Ride in the snow.
Mt. Hood Skibowl / Facebook Head to Mt. Hood to enjoy some really fun times in the snow and take a magical carriage ride from Mt. Hood Skibowl through Government Camp to really feel like you are at the North Pole.
- Visit Zoolights.
Oregon Zoo / Facebook There is no better way to get in the spirit than to visit the lights and animals at the Oregon Zoo. Zoolights runs through January 1st so there is still plenty of time to catch this fun family activity even after Christmas.
- Enjoy the Symbol of the Season.
Pittock Mansion / Facebook For over 50 years, the Pittock Mansion has transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Each of its 16 rooms are filled with decorations, lights and trees, making it a festive stop. Because of inclement weather, the Pittock Mansion is closed currently, but should re-open before the festival is set to end on December 31st. Check hours before going.
How many of things things have you already done this season?
The Grotto Portland / Facebook
Take a stroll on the grounds of the Grotto and see a myriad of holiday lights, as well as some animals. Listen to choirs sing and enjoy the festive atmosphere at this local attraction.
Sam Grover / Flickr
The Saturday Market will be open all week from 11 am to 5 pm so you can find any last minute locally made gifts you need and stroll the waterfront in the same trip. Christmas Eve the market will be open from 10 am to 3:30 pm.
Oregon Ballet Theater / Facebook
Check out a performance of the Christmas classic The Nutcracker at Keller Auditorium put on by the Oregon Ballet Theater. This annual tradition is sure to have you in the mood of the holidays in no time.
Portland Spirit / Facebook
This two-hour cruise on the Portland Spirit is just what you need to get your young ones ready for the holiday. Take the journey of make believe to Maybeland and visit a whole cast of characters on this fun trip which runs through December 27.
Murkmad / Flickr
Visit Peacock Lane between SE Stark and SE Belmont to see a neighborhood lit up. Stroll the street or drive through between 6 and 11 pm until December 31 to see this display of lights.
Mt. Hood Skibowl / Facebook
Head to Mt. Hood to enjoy some really fun times in the snow and take a magical carriage ride from Mt. Hood Skibowl through Government Camp to really feel like you are at the North Pole.
Oregon Zoo / Facebook
There is no better way to get in the spirit than to visit the lights and animals at the Oregon Zoo. Zoolights runs through January 1st so there is still plenty of time to catch this fun family activity even after Christmas.
Pittock Mansion / Facebook
For over 50 years, the Pittock Mansion has transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Each of its 16 rooms are filled with decorations, lights and trees, making it a festive stop. Because of inclement weather, the Pittock Mansion is closed currently, but should re-open before the festival is set to end on December 31st. Check hours before going.
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