L I V E • PLAY • DO
AN INTERVIEW WITH THE VON TRAPPS HOLIDAY GIVING GUIDE | TEA TIIME HOLIDAY OUTINGS | SHOP HANDMADE nwkidsmagazine.com
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Seems like only a few days ago that we were marveling over how hot it was; trying to find ways to cool off; the holiday season somewhere off in the distant future. But here we are about to nestle into December. We love Portland during the holiday season. There are endless opportunities for merry making and no shortage of ways to take in the sights and sounds of festivity in the Pacific Northwest. This month we provide you with some ideas for making it a memorable month. Check out where to see a holiday performance, where to shop, meet Santa, eat a sufganiyot-jelly doughnut for Chanukah or stop in for a cup of tea. And don’t miss holiday gift ideas in our local Giving Guide on p. 14. Or the list of some annual shopping events that support local artists and brick and mortars on p. 30. Thank you for reading! We appreciate you, our readers, and partners who help make NW Kids possible every month. We’ll be back in 2016 with more resources and fun! Don’t forget to tune in to KATU on Saturday morning, December 12th at 8:50 when we’ll share gift ideas from our Giving Guide! See you in the New Year, Kelley & Beth
Cover and Contents photography by KATI DIMOFF kdimoffphotography.com
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Contents DECEMBER 2015
8 Great Reads For Young Book Lovers 12 Interview: On the Road with the von Trapps 14 Holiday Giving Guide 16 It’s Tea Time! 18 Holiday Theatre 20 Portland - The Best City to Get Active with Your Little Ones! 24 Best of Portland and Beyond: Our Top Picks for Getting Out This Month 30 Handmade Holiday Shopping
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Listings All Families Surrogacy.....................................27 Amazing Fairytale Parties................................23 Art of STEM......................................................27 Association of Northwest Steelheaders..........25 Barre3...............................................................21 Bennett Suzuki.................................................12 Bull and Bee Baby............................................23 City of Hillsboro.................................................. 7 Coffee Kids.......................................................25 Echo Theater Company....................................27 Eco Maids.........................................................27 Engineering for Kids........................................13 Farber Swim School.........................................12 Glendoveer Tennis............................................11 Global Friends Language School.....................11 Goodtime Chinese School................................. 9 Hands On Childrens Museum............................ 2 Hello! Good Morning!......................................13 Imago Theatre..................................................12 Kati Dimoff.......................................................11 Kenton Business Association...........................11 Legacy Health.................................................... 3 Little Fruit Farm................................................11 Lloyd Center Mall.............................................32 Northwest Children’s Theater............................. 9 OMSI.................................................................17 Oregon Ballet Theatre......................................21 Oregon Zoo.......................................................29 Portland Life Consulting..................................19 Portland Spirit.................................................... 7 Portland Trampoline........................................31 Presents of Mind..............................................12 Saturday Academy...........................................19 Seahorses.........................................................30 Shaarie Torah...................................................... 9 Sit Still..............................................................19 Spielwerk Toys.................................................... 9 Sunshine Montessori.......................................25 The Kids’ Backyard Store..................................31 Urban Farm Store.............................................19 Very Important Babies.....................................25 World of Smiles................................................19 Zenana Spa......................................................13 Zucari................................................................13 6 | NW Kids Magazine
magazine
Publisher / Advertising Director Michelle Snell michelle@nwkidsmagazine.com Editorial Beth Friesenhahn beth@nwkidsmagazine.com Kelley Schaefer-Levi kelley@nwkidsmagazine.com
Tune in to KATU, Saturday, Dec. 12th at 8:50am for our Holiday Gift Picks.
Advertising Director Laurel Carrasco laurel@nwkidsmagazine.com Client Services Coordinator/ Client Ad Design Karel Chan karel@nwkidsmagazine.com Graphic Designer Robyn Barbon robyn@folkloremedia.com Advertising Inquiries: 503-282-2711, ext. 1 sales@nwkidsmagazine.com Accounting & Business Services Heather Rex heather@nwkidsmagazine.com Administrative Assistant Brandi Green brandi@nwkidsmagazine.com Connect With Us: • Phone: 503.282.2711 • email: contact@nwkidsmagazine.com • Facebook: facebook.com/nwkids • Twitter: @nwkids • Pinterest: pinterest.com/nwkids NW Kids is published monthly by Miche Media, LLC. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy; sometimes we make errors. Please let us know when we do and accept our apologies. Printed locally; Please recycle.
WHAT WE’RE READING twobeardsandababy.com
Great Reads for Young Book Lovers BY CATHERINE WIESE OF GREEN BEAN BOOKS “COUNTING ON COMMUNITY” by Innosanto Nagara (Board Book, $8.99) If you loved “A is for Activist,” you will find “Counting on Community” to be an equally refreshing read for your little one. Innosanto Nagara brings to life the best aspects of community through diversity, eco-friendly habits, and a beautiful support system. Whether there are six music makers rocking on the street or two friends who are always ready to play, count from 1-10 to see what makes your community so great. “LENNY & LUCY” by Philip C. Stead (Picture book, Hardback, $17.99) Moving to a new house in the dark woods doesn’t seem like a good idea to Peter. Luckily, he has his trusty dog, Harold. But, even Harold can’t keep away the scary things that could lurk in the woods. So Peter creates friends, Lenny and Lucy, to help smooth his difficult transition. Philip and Erin Stead have beautifully and imaginatively written and illustrated the fears of moving and the unknown of what’s next. Perfect book for the lover of imaginary and real friends alike! “WAITING” by Kevin Henkes (Picture book, Hardback, $17.99) The season of patiently waiting, or impatiently for some, is upon us. Kevin Henkes is back with his newest children’s book about the wonder and comfort of waiting. Little owl, pig, puppy, rabbit, and bear are all waiting for something. What could they be waiting for? The rain? A visitor? A surprise? Join them in this warm-hearted tale of patience that comes with waiting and the joys of what you might encounter along the way! 8 | NW Kids Magazine
“HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE: THE ILLUSTRATED EDITION” Written by J.K. Rowling, Illustrated by Jim Kay (Middle Reader, Hardback, $39.99) Calling all muggles! Your favorite magical series is now fully illustrated and unabridged. Hand-picked by J.K. Rowling herself, award-winning artist Jim Kay richly illustrates Harry’s spellbinding adventures. Whether you have a longtime fan of the series or are introducing Harry’s enchanting world for the first time, this book is the perfect keepsake for the muggle in your life. Grab your copy before they disappear! “THE MARVELS” by Brian Selznick (Middle Reader, Hardback, $32.99) With a Caldecott award under his belt, Brian Selznick has written another wondrous novel. Be swept away with two seemingly irrelevant stories, one illustrated with astonishing pictures and the other written with enchanting prose, which collide to create a hauntingly beautiful tale. The first story illustrates shipwrecked Billy Marvel in 1766, following generations of his family in theater; the second narrative introduces Joseph in 1990 who runs away to his uncle’s house in London only to stumble upon some mysteries of his own. See how the pieces fall together in this tale of mystery and excitement.
1600 NE Alberta Street 503-954-2354 greenbeanbookspdx.com
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Photograph by BEN MOON
ON THE ROAD
WITH THE VON TRAPPS by KELLEY GARDINER
Sofia, Melanie, Amanda and August von Trapp, are, yes, the grandchildren of the original von Trapp singers, and the great-grandchildren of the real-life Captain and Maria von Trapp. And they’re a group of singing siblings, but they’re stepping beyond the spotlight of the past into a light of their own. August von Trapp took the time to answer a few questions for us at the beginning of their tour. The von Trapps will stop at home in Portland for a holiday concert at Lake Oswego High School and join Pink Martini on New Year’s Eve at the Schnitz. Check the NW Kids Calendar for details. You’ve recently kicked off an extensive tour in Nashville. What are you most excited about on this tour? What can we expect from your upcoming Portland shows? Yeah! We just started out and we are excited to keep sharing our music that we’ve been writing and take a road trip, which is aways really fun. A lot of stuff we get inspired about on the road makes it into our shows in Portland, so there will be new music and energy from tour. What do you love about living in Portland? I love how Portland fits so much culture and good food into a city that can still seem 10 | NW Kids Magazine
welcoming and friendly. Usually you have to choose between the two, but Portland seems to be a wonderful balance right now. Tell us about your album, Dancing in Gold. Dancing in Gold is inspired by our travels and recent experiences as performers. It has a lot of different musical elements to it. We had such a great time working with Israel Nebeker of Blind Pilot as a producer too. We’re proud of how we were able to express ourselves and debut some original material. We are so happy to have worked with Jon Fox who created the cover art! continued on p. 12
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inherited those same appreciations, so it kind of takes a natural course for us. We love to move people with music and we feel like we can do that by following in our ancestors footsteps, but also with our own music as well. What’s next for the von Trapps? We will keep traveling and collecting inspiration to turn into music! What are you listening to at home? I listen to some Salyu, Radiation City, Edvard Grieg and Fleet Foxes. How do you balance respecting your musical heritage with moving forward and creating your own sounds and future? We grew up knowing what the older generation loved about music and have
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Anything else we need to know about? We’re so happy to be able to share our music! Thanks!
Kelley Gardiner is a Portland native, a freelance writer and blogger, and the mother of one sweet toddler. To see what she’s up to, visit kelleygardiner.com
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GIVING
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1. ZoomKITTMPortable Table & Activity System - Uniquely designed for life on the go, this portable, lightweight table works perfectly in the car, airplane, at restaurants and all the places families have long waits. Seahorses, $50 and up. seahorsespdx.com • 2. Match Stacks Hipster Collection by Tree Hopper Toys - This twist on the classic game of memory is made of wooden discs with fun icons like mustaches, unicorns and bikes and is 100% Made in America! Age appropriate for 2+, $22 at Black Wagon. blackwagon.com • 3. Doctor’s Wellness Suitcase - Beautifully illustrated and carefully designed to fulfill your little healer’s wound care needs––cream, syringe, reflex hammer, thermometer, stethoscope, bandage, some homeopathics and a health manual. Adorable and French, for ages 3+. SpielWerk Toys, $43. spielwerktoys.com • 4. OMSI Membership - OMSI Membership opens up a world of awesome science adventures and events that will delight and inspire everyone on your list. From special access to exclusive benefits to discounts for summer camps and classes, OMSI Members get year-round perks that make their visits simple and fun. OMSI, $90 and up. omsi.edu • 5. Monster ABC from Hazel Dell Press - Portland artists bring you Monster ABC! From Alien to Zombie, this adorable children’s board book is filled with gorgeously illustrated monsters and silly verses that prove there’s nothing to fear, $14 at Presents of Mind. presentsofmind.tv 14 | NW Kids Magazine
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10 6. My First Loom by Hape - Use a real loom to weave a brilliant one of a kind design. Little hands learn quickly and get creative as they grab the materials, string up the yarn, and start weaving with this durable and adorable set. Finished creations are removable for sharing! Bella Stella, $30. bellastellaresale.com • 7. Vintage Japanese Ultraman Monsters - Weird, wonderful and lovable monsters aka Kaiju at Hello! Good Morning!, $18. hellogoodmorningkids.com • 8. Initial Hair Clips by Milla Reese - Sit Still Salon & Shoppe offers special hair styling, accessories, toys, gifts for all your holiday needs! Free wrapping with any gift purchase. Gift Certificates always available and always loved. Sit Still, $10. sitstillkids.com • 9. Foundation Chemistry Kit by Yellow Scope - Make your own scientific experiments and learn about chemical reactions, molecular motion and the effect of temperature. Coffee Kids, $44. coffeekidspdx.com • 10. Happy Mat by EZPZ - This all-in-one placemat + divided plate is made from high quality silicone and suctions directly to the table, making it difficult for little ones to flip over and throw. the Bull & the Bee, $25. bullandbeebaby.com
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It’s Tea Time!
Coffee may seem like the drink of the Northwest, but tea is quickly becoming as sought after. It’s depth of flavor and extensive varieties make coffee seem, well, not nearly as exciting. Portland has some amazing teahouses and places to take the whole family for high tea, a chai tea flight and yummy matcha! December is a great time to head out for a seasonal tradition at the Heathman or to simply try what’s out there on a cold day. Here are a few of our favorites. THE DOLLHOUSE TEA ROOM Head to Oregon City for a traditional tea party of up to 10 guests during this holiday season. Tea parties are 2-hours long and include tea and treats like crumpets, lemon curd or clotted cream. Kids will love to dress up at home or make a stop in the Fantasy Wardrobe room to find the perfect fancy outfit for fancy tea. Parties can be customized to meet the needs of partygoers. Tea times vary. $20 per person for at least 6 guests. 1114 Molalla Avenue dollhousetearoom.com THE HEATHMAN HOTEL Afternoon tea in a tea court during the holiday season is a great start to the yuletide season in Portland. Chef Michael Stanton’s culinary team presents a Northwest twist on the English tradition, emphasizing local ingredients while drawing inspiration from all over the world. Holiday Tea November 27-January 3 at 11 am, 1pm and 3pm. Check website for Afternoon Tea times. 1001 SW Broadway heathmanhotel.com MEDLEY TEA HOUSE CAFÉ The newly remodeled Medley is open. This Westside favorite in the heart of Multnomah Village offers a tasty menu and an extensive tea selection. Join them for afternoon tea and sweet treats all year, but for a special outing during the holiday season. Afternoon tea 2pm-5pm. 7881 SW Capitol Highway medleytea.com 16 | NW Kids Magazine
PIP’S ORIGINAL DOUGHNUTS
BEHIND THE MUSEUM CAFÉ Take a break from holiday shopping or stop in for tea after a day at the Portland Art Museum. We love this tucked-in café for its Japanese style tea and appetizers. It’s a perfect respite during the busy-ness of the season. Tea menu is extensive and includes, among others, Genmaicha (roasted brown rice) and Sencha (green) teas. And if you love a Matcha latte, this is the place to enjoy one. 1229 SW 10th Avenue behindthemuseumcafe.com PIP’S ORIGINAL You may know Pip’s in Beaumont Village for their sublime, fried to order doughnuts, but if you haven’t tried their house-blended teas, you should head to Fremont stat. One of the only spots we know offering a chai flight, so you can try them all. Our favorites are the Emmy Lou and Bootstrap. This month, stop by and check out the art of local lettering artists in their recently expanded dining area, and don’t forget the doughnuts! 4759 NE Fremont Street facebook.com/PipsOriginal THE HAZEL ROOM Tea with a twist! Yummy brunch menu pairs with not so standard and delicious tea cocktails. You can expect a wait on weekends for this Hawthorne hot spot, but stop by on a weekday evening and you can savor the experience in a less hurried fashion. Add the Lemon Myrtle Drop to your list of must tries this season. And while there check out the featured artist. 3279 SE Hawthorne Boulevard thehazelroom.com
HOLIDAY THEATRE There’s something about the holiday season that makes you want to throw on your best dress or vest and step out on the town. And kids love it, too. Head to the theatre for a seasonal performance this month and celebrate all the season has to offer. OTHER NAMES FOR HOME A lyrical holiday show involving aerial arts, dance, and acrobatics centered around themes of home. Good for all ages. Now thru December 6th, $18-25. echotheaterpdx.org A LITTLE PRINCESS An uplifting tale of love, hope, and “magic” that’s perfect for the holiday season. Watch the riches-to-rags-toriches story of young Sara come to life onstage. Opens December 4th, $5-15. beavertoncivictheatre.org SHREK THE MUSICAL Okay, it’s not a holiday show, but the music, comedy, and message about love and inner beauty align perfectly with the spirit of the season! Opens December 5th, $17-23. nwcts.org THE REINDEER AND THE DREIDEL A darling puppet show wherein a little girl and Rudolph teach each other about Hanukkah and Christmas, then team up against a greedy innkeeper who tries to ruin the holidays! December 5th & 6th, $9. puppetmuseum.com ZOOZOO - FINAL RETURN! Imago Theatre’s infamous show is closing forever - this is your last chance to see it, whether again or for the first time! An award-winning smorgasbord of imaginative animals that is sure to please. Opens December 11th, $17.50-34.50. imagotheatre.org 18 | NW Kids Magazine
Photograph courtesy of NORTHWEST DANCE THEATRE
THE NUTCRACKER DanceWorks and Vancouver City Ballet team up to present this holiday favorite. December 11-13th, $8-15. danceworkswa.com A NUTCRACKER TEA A bite-sized adaptation of the classic ballet, perfect for the little ones aged 4 and up. Complimentary refreshments, too! Opens December 12th, $14-30. nwdt.org THE NUTCRACKER In its 20th year, Inspire Dance Centre’s 2015 production of the Nutcracker features all new sets, props, and costumes. December 12th, $15. inspiredancecentre.com GEORGE BALANCHINE’S THE NUTCRACKER A favorite holiday tradition continues with Oregon Ballet Theatre’s shimmering production, featuring live orchestra music and vibrant, magical staging. December 12-26, tickets start at $15. obt.org HOME ALONE (OREGON SYMPHONY) A unique chance to view this holiday comedy with live orchestra accompaniment of the famed score! December 19th, $30-115. orsymphony.org
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Mama Fitness 2015
PORTLAND - THE BEST CITY TO GET ACTIVE
WITH YOUR LITTLE ONES! by MEGAN CALDWELL
National publications and polls repeatedly name Portland as one of the most active cities in the country, and one of the best places to raise children. We spend a lot of time outdoors, rain or shine; hiking, walking and riding. Families looking to stay healthy and fit can choose from endless options in our fair city. And what better time to start than in the New Year? If you’re returning to exercise after a break or if you’re full speed ahead, but need a new challenge, we break it down for you. What will you try next? FOR STARTERS, A COUPLE THINGS TO REMEMBER BEFORE RETURNING TO EXERCISE AFTER CHILDBIRTH: • Be sure to have clearance from your doctor after giving birth. • Listen to your body. Remember your body is in recovery from pregnancy & childbirth. • Be sure you’re comfortable. Think about dressing in layers, wearing supportive shoes and sports bra. • Ensure your child is safe. Use carriers and strollers for their intended purposes, or know the guidelines of childcare options at a gym. Workouts will be happier for all when the kids are cared for. • Nutrition and exercise are closely linked. Stay hydrated (minimum 64oz. per day) and include a lean protein into your diet within 30 minutes of your workout. 20 | NW Kids Magazine
In such an active community, for many the hardest part is just getting out the door! Here are a few of our mom-supported fitness favorites: WORKING OUT WITH KIDDO Inviting smiles from passers-by as a chorus of children’s songs and tiny giggles echo across the park or pausing to change or diaper or provide a snack, yup, we’re talking about exercising WITH your child in tow! • HIKING Hike It Baby has become one of the most popular ways for new parents to get active with their babies! Started in Portland, dozens of hikes are offered per week for new moms with babies in carriers, strollerfriendly hikes, toddler hikes, and hikes suited for older children too. continued on p. 22
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CHILDCARE - HALF THE BATTLE Prefer to exercise without your child? Many gyms include childcare with membership, or offer childcare for a minimal cost. HIKE IT BABY
• STROLLER-BASED FITNESS CLASSES Most local stroller-based programs are an hour long, and provide an alllevels workout for moms. Programs such as FIT4MOM’s Stroller Strides and Stroller Barre classes, are not only an hour workout, but include fun and entertainment for the kids, including songs, bubbles, “baby tickles,” and movement! Don’t get confused by some of these class’s names, expect a full body workout! Expecting your second or third child? These are great options to join during pregnancy too, as instructors hold pre- and post- natal fitness certifications. • MOMMY & ME YOGA Many women enjoy yoga during pregnancy, so why not continue after baby! Some current options in Portland include Yoga Refuge PDX, Yoga Shala, Bhaktishop Yoga and Sunset Yoga. Classes are also offered through Alma Midwifery and Providence St. Vincent’s Hospital. • MAMA-FRIENDLY RUNNING GROUPS A run or a brisk power walk is one of the easiest ways to get out with your child, and you don’t have to do it solo! Local running groups include Running Mamas and Run Mama Run, and if you want something a bit more structured to train for your first race, or hit a time goal, check out PDX Fitness Run Training. • OTHER CLASS OPTIONS Mamalates and MYMA Mama classes encourage infants to join, and some CrossFit studios, such as Beaverton Fit Club, allow you to bring your child in the stroller to class. 22 | NW Kids Magazine
• GYMS: Options throughout Portland include 24 Hour Fitness, LA Fitness and the Northeast Community Center. Parents looking for a fuller, family experience may enjoy clubs such as Villasport or Club Sport. • STUDIOS: Favorites include Barre3 and StarCycle. For just $5 a class, your child is well-cared for during your workout! Also worth a try: kettle bell class at The Warrior Room, CrossFit Portland, Yoga Shala, water aerobics at Shute Aquatic Center or several class options at Diva Den Studio. Got older kids? Get active alongside your school-aged kids with a bike ride at your local park or at a Sunday Parkways. Seek out a local family Zumba or yoga class, or maybe hit up The Circuit bouldering gym together. Strike up a conversation with a new mom at a park or in an online group inquiring about a “workout buddy.” Whether your routine becomes a weekly walk through your neighborhood, or getting together to do an at-home fitness DVD while your kids play, just know you don’t have to go alone in finding fitness after baby! Megan Caldwell is the owner and lead instructor of FIT4MOM Cedar Mill, offering all-levels fitness programs and events to moms in NW & NE Portland. When she’s not playing mom to her two young sons (and soon to be baby girl!), she may be found getting her own workout in by going on a run with girlfriends, taking an early morning Barre3 or StayCycle class, or doing some at-home yoga. To get active alongside other moms, with or without your baby, visit fit4mom.com to find classes nearest you!
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Best of Portland and beyond OUR TOP PICKS FOR GETTING OUT THIS MONTH
DECEMBER CHRISTMAS IN THE GARDEN Oregon Garden’s award-winning event is better than ever this year, with a new outdoor ice skating rink! And of course the familiar favorites: the German Christmas Market, brightly-lit Rediscovery Forest, live reindeer, firepits, and more! $4-6, kids 4 and under free, oregongarden.org
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CINNAMON BEAR CRUISE A kid-size cruise, just for the little ones! Snacks, music, holiday cheer, and photos with the Cinnamon Bear himself. $22-30, kids under 1 free, cinnamonbearcruise.com GINGERBREAD MASTERPIECE The Benson Hotel hosts their annual unveiling of an elaborate gingerbread scene on Dec 2 (display will be open for viewing through Dec 26), complete with cookies, cider, and holiday music to complement the occasion. Free, bensonhotel.com STORYBOOK LANE CHRISTMAS IN DAIRYVILLE A beloved winter weekend tradition at Alpenrose Dairy. Holiday scenes come alive on Storybook Lane, with over 300 festive trees, live animals, old-timey movies, and carolers. Free, alpenrose.com
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HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING Paul Bunyan is joined by a giant tree for the season; come celebrate its lighting with music, Santa, snacks, and holiday cheer. Free, kentonbusiness.com
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VON TRAPP HOLIDAY CONCERT A truly special event! The great-grandchildren of Captain and Maria von Trapp (of Sound of Music fame) return to their hometown for an evening of Austrian-inspired folk music. $14-20, vontrapps.net GINGERBREAD HOUSE CRAFTING Make a super-secure gingerbread house with a glue gun and candy (supplied). Gingerbread for eating (rather than gluing) will be provided, too! $12, craftfactorypdx.com
CHANUKAH DONUTS AND DANCING What else do you need to know? Okay, there’s family and community Israeli dancing, sufganiyot-jelly donuts, and crafts in honor of Chanukah! $5-10, oregonjcc.org/donuts GRAND MENORAH LIGHTING & COMMUNITY CHANUKAH CELEBRATION Gather at Ester Short Park for ice menorah carving, a laser light show, crafts, and yummy traditional food like latkes and pastrami. Free, jewishportland.org MACCABEE’S CELEBRATION: A CHANUKAH ADVENTURE A family Chanukah celebration! Games, bean bag toss, bobbing for donuts, puppet shows, cocktails, latke dinner, trivia, make-your-own dessert, and more. $8/ person, $30/family, RSVP by Dec 7: 503-226-6131, shaarietorah.org/chanukah2015
MRS. CLAUS AND SANTA’S ELVES Take part in some holiday cheer at Lloyd Center with Santa’s posse, stories, crafts, photos, and more. Free, lloydcenter.com
THE MIRACLE OF A MILLION LIGHTS Portland’s beautiful historical landmark is transformed into a wondrous display of sparkling lights. Tour the mansion’s rooms filled with beautiful antiques and enjoy refreshments and entertainment. $3-6, kids 3 and under free, victorianbelle.com
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WINTER VILLAGE AT ORENCO STATION PLAZA Outdoor ice skating is coming to the metro area! Come experience the wonders of holiday magic, both on and off the rink, with caroling, shopping, kids’ activities, and more. $9-12 to skate, hillsboro-oregon.gov/wintervillage
WINTER SOLSTICE EVENT Celebrate the shortest day and longest night of the year with a guided evening walk, winter crafts, and Dutch oven treats. Free, tryonfriends.org
A SPECIAL HOLIDAY EVENT WITH CINDERELLA, HER STEPSISTERS, AND A SURPRISE GUEST Holiday-themed storytime with singing, photos, and a crowning ceremony with princesses and a surprise guest - you’ll have to come to find out who it is! $42.50, amazingfairytaleparties.com
FAYE THE FAIRY’S NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY Penny’s Puppets presents a special puppet show to ring in 2016. Sing along, laugh, and dance before Faye drops her magic ball. $5, pennypuppets.com
NEW YEAR’S AT NOON A New Year’s celebration for the early-to-bed crowd! Arts and crafts, bouncy house, pool float, snacks, and a 12pm countdown. Free, oregonjcc.org
NEW YEAR’S EVE SKATE PARTY It’s a New Year’s Eve skate party for the whole family filled with fun, games, raffles, and roller skates! $20.00 per person, countdown to 2016 at midnight! oakspark.com
Remember to check the NW Kids online calendar for dozens more outings and activities each day. Share with friends, subscribe to the RSS, add directly to your calendar, and more features. There’s something going on you don’t want to miss!! nwkidsmagazine.com/events/month 28 | NW Kids Magazine
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Handmade g oppin Holiday Sh 2015 AMERICA’S LARGEST CHRISTMAS BAZAAR December 4-6 The name says it all! A one-stop extravaganza for all your holiday needs and heart’s desires. Shop the juried handcrafted section or check out the delicious Northwest food vendors for gifts and goodies, visit Santa’s village, adopt a furry friend from the Oregon Humane Society. $3-7, kids under 12 free. expochristmasbazaar.com FIRST ANNUAL VERNON MAKER’S FAIR December 5 Support Vernon K-8 School as well as local crafters and artisans by visiting the school’s first annual handmade holiday fair! With door prizes, food and drink, kids’ activities, and music. Free admission. vernonpta.org/makersfair MAGICAL WINTER FAIRE December 5 Come see the Cedarwood School transformed into a magical Winter Wonderland. Children can visit the crystal cookie cave, craft in the wool room, and dip candles in the wax room. Plus, don’t miss the craft fair with 33 local vendors. cedarwoodschool.org SCANFAIR 2015 December 5-6 A two-day celebration of Nordic holiday traditions, with live entertainment, crafts, delicious Scandinavian food, Santa and Lucia, Queen of Light, a kids’ area, and more. $6-15, kids 12 and under free. scanheritage.org LAURELHURST WINTER BAZAAR December 6 Shop from 80 local, artisan vendors at Laurelhurst School, free. 9am-4pm. laurelhurstschoolbazaar.blogspot.com 30 | NW Kids Magazine
ROSEWAY HEIGHTS CRAFT FAIR December 11 Shop from local and student artists, and support Roseway Heights K-8, free. 2:30pm-5:30pm. facebook.com/RWHschool SUPER COLOSSAL HOLIDAY SALE December 12-13 Crafty Wonderland’s Portland’s Art + Craft Extravaganza is the spot to buy it all in one place! There will be 250+ vendors selling amazing handmade goods and goodie bags for the first 150 shoppers EACH DAY. Oregon Convention Center. craftywonderland.com FESTIVAL OF THE LAST MINUTE December 17-24 Portland’s first craft maker’s market is filled with unique handcrafted gifts, exotic foods and a frosty-yet-festive atmosphere. Portland Saturday Market, Waterfront Park and Ankeny Plaza in downtown Portland. portlandsaturdaymarket.com
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