L I V E • PLAY • DO
magazine
Winter Break Camps Holiday Events Light Displays Hanukkah Events
nwkidsmagazine.com
DECEMBER 2023
2 | NW Kids Magazine
NW Kids Magazine | 3
Editor’s Note The holiday season is in full swing! After several years of canceled or altered events due to Covid, this year brings a return of many traditions we have known and loved (and some new offerings that are sure to become traditions!). The December issue features Hanukkah events, holiday light displays, Winter Break Camps and all your family will need to keep your December calendar full. We’ll be back next month with the first School Open House Guide of 2024. Until then, may your 2023 finish on the most positive of notes; filled with love, health, happiness and good cheer! Cheers,
Mary
4 | NW Kids Magazine
Contents DECEMBER 2023 8 Winter Break Camps 12 Winter Light Displays 16 Hanukkah Events 18 PJA Perspectives 20 Holiday Events
NW Kids Magazine | 5
magazine
Publisher Michelle Snell michelle@nwkidsmagazine.com Editor/Account Manager Mary Brady mary@nwkidsmagazine.com Connect With Us: • Phone: 503.282.2711 • email: contact@nwkidsmagazine.com • Facebook: facebook.com/nwkids • Instagram: @nwkidsmagazine • Twitter: @nwkids • Pinterest: pinterest.com/nwkids
Graphic Designer Robyn Taylor robyn@folkloremedia.com Advertising Inquiries: 503-282-2711, ext. 1 sales@nwkidsmagazine.com
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.
Listings All Families Surrogacy...........................11 Bridgeport Village..................................24 Forest Hills Lutheran Christian School...15 Happy Hollow Children’s Center............15 Imago Theatre........................................11 Lewis Elementary School......................15 Little Fruit Farm......................................15 Montessori Children’s House....................3 NCPRD....................................................11 NWCT.......................................................2
6 | NW Kids Magazine
NW Dance Project....................................3 Oregon Episcopal School.........................7 Oregon Repertory Singers.......................3 Owl & The Dove Montessori....................7 Play Fit Fun.............................................23 Portland Village School............................3 Rose Villa/Rosebud Preschool...............23 Sellwood Community House.................11 St. Rose School.......................................23
NW Kids Magazine | 7
2023-24 Winter Break Camps Are you making plans for how to keep your kids busy, engaged and happy during Winter Break? Look no further! We’ve rounded up a fantastic list of options. Check their websites for the most up-to-date offerings! Mittleman Jewish Community Center
Need something for your kids to do when school is out of session? Keep them busy and having fun at the MJCC with sports, swimming, gymnastics, arts and crafts, games, and more! *Kids must be potty trained. Ages 3-12 oregonjcc.org/youth-programs/ vacation-camps
NCPRD
Keep your kids engaged and having fun while school is out for winter break! Inquisitive young minds can discover the world around them with NCPRD’s STEAMVentures Science Winter Break Camps. Choose a half-day camp, or make it a full-day camp. For an additional $10 NCPRD or $12 non-resident fee, combine a morning and afternoon camp in the same week. Ages 6-10 ncprd.com/winter-break-camp
8 | NW Kids Magazine
Northwest Children’s Theater
’Tis the season for FUN with NWCT’s Winter Break Camps. Discover Rudolph’s Bright Light, explore The Forbidden Forest, perform in Wonderland, Neverland, and more! Full day & half day options available. The Judy, NWCT’s new home in downtown Portland: Dec. 18 - 22 Rose City Methodist in NE Portland: Dec. 18 - 22 The Reser in Beaverton: Dec. 26 - 29 Ages 4-14 nwcts.org/winter-break-23
Photo by David Kinder
NW Dance Project
Spend four days with NW Dance Project’s renowned Faculty + Guest Artists INTERMEDIATE Level 1 + 2 | Ages 9 to 12 MON to THU - 10:00AM to 2:30PM Ballet (daily) + Contemporary + Stretch + Conditioning + Hip Hop + Musical Theater ADVANCED Level 3 + Pro Track | Ages 13 to 18 MON to THU - 12:30 to 5:00PM Ballet (daily) + Contemporary + Stretch + Conditioning + Hip Hop + Jazz nwdanceproject.org/education/youthdance/winter-dance-intensive
OMEGA Gymnastics
OMEGA Gymnastics camps keep your kids active with supervised play, gymnastics instruction, and craft. Choose half day or full day weekly options. Ages 5-12 omega-gymnastics.com/camps
NW Kids Magazine | 9
winter break camps, continued
Play.Fit.Fun.
What do you do with your kids on non school weekdays? Play.Fit.Fun’s Non School Day Kids Action Camp is the FUN answer! They offer half and full day camp options where your kids can play, stay active, make new friends and be well cared for and engaged. Grades K-6 playfitfun.com
PTFC Camps
Join PTFC Camps this winter during school breaks to stay active and improve your soccer skills! PTFC Camps are a great way to improve your game, make new friends, and most importantly, have fun. Their soccer camps are open to players of all levels, from beginner to advanced. They have partnered with The Plex and Portland Indoor Center to host recreational soccer camps this December through February. Ages 5-13 ptfccamps.com
Sellwood Community House
Camp isn’t just for the summer, it’s for the school year too! SCH offers K-5 camps on most PPS no-school days that are chockfull of themed games, crafts and activities. Register for select days or all no-school days. There’s never a dull no-school-day at SCH! Grades K-5 sellwoodcommunityhouse.org/schoolyear-camps
10 | NW Kids Magazine
NW Kids Magazine | 11
THE GROTTO
Festive Lights for Magical Nights! One of the best parts of the holiday season is bundling up and heading out to see the local light displays. Check out our roundup of options and start planning your family’s December evenings!
Christmas Festival of Lights at the Grotto Enjoy indoor concerts in the Grotto’s chapel and family entertainment from puppet shows to outdoor caroling in the plaza. Holiday treats and gifts will be available for purchase. See website for concert schedule. Nov 24-Dec 30 (closed on Christmas); admission $5-$14 thegrotto.org/christmas-festivalof-lights
Christmas Ship Parade The Christmas Ship Parade started in 1954 with one lone sailboat from Portland Yacht Club. Bows of green with some ribbon where tied along the rails and it paraded 12 | NW Kids Magazine
on the rivers. The next year the parade started to grow. Today, The Christmas Ship Fleet averages about 55 to 60 boats between the Columbia and Willamette River fleets. Things have changed from the first lone ship. Now the displays are brightly lit and can be seen from bank to bank on each river. Dec 1-17, Free christmasships.org
Holidays at The Belle This year the Victorian Belle has shifted their focus to decorating their historic mansion for High Tea, live performances, and private events! See website for pricing, dates and tickets. victorianbelle.com
CHRISTMAS SHIP PARADE
Keizer Miracle of Christmas Light Display
Peacock Lane
A tradition in the Gubser neighborhood since 1984, this year’s event will raise money for the Marion Polk Food Share. 6-10pm, Dec 1-26; donations appreciated facebook.com/MiracleofChristmas
This Portland holiday tradition is popular for a reason and is back for the 2022 season! The hot cocoa booth (donations requested) will return and Dec 15-17th will be for pedestrians only. All other days will be drivethrough and walk-through. Dec 15-31, Free peacocklane.org
Lightopia: An Illuminated Journey
Silverton Christmas Market
Head to Hillsboro for a magical drive through winter scenes and dazzling displays at the Gordon Faber Recreation Complex. Dec 5-30 (closed on Christmas Day); Free (reservations required) hillsboro-oregon.gov
Stroll along immersive paths draped in more than one million lights. Explore the authentic German Christmas Market for gifts and enjoy snowless tubing and visits with Santa. Nov 17-Dec 31 (no market Nov 22-23 & Dec 24-25). See website for pricing and tickets. silvertonchristmasmarket.com
KEIZER LIGHT DISPLAY NW Kids Magazine | 13
PEACOCK LANE
Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway
ZooLights
Recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest as the “Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi”, the 31st annual Winter Wonderland event will grab your attention with glimmers and glows around every corner. Check out Bike night on Nov 28th and the “Lights and Leases” (dog-friendly) nights on Nov 27th and 29th. Nov 24-Dec 31. See website for pricing. winterwonderlandportland.com
A Portland holiday tradition, ZooLights boasts over 1.5 million lights. This year’s event sees a return to the traditional walking tours and will not include any drive-through nights. Nov 19-Jan 9 (closed on Christmas). Nov 19-Jan 7 (closed Christmas Day) with a special sensory-friendly evening on Nov 20th; See website for tickets and pricing. oregonzoo.org/visit/zoolights
PORTLAND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY
SILVERTON CHRISTMAS MARKET
14 | NW Kids Magazine
NW Kids Magazine | 15
HANUKKAH HAPPENINGS This year, Hanukkah begins on Thursday, December 7th at sundown. We’ve rounded up a list of events to help build community, learn something new or enjoy some delicious and traditional bites.
Dec 1 - 15 L’Chaim: A Hanukkah Pop Up Experience by Leikam Brewing The goal is to share their heritage with the community by creating a space that celebrates Hanukkah and Jewish culture in a welcoming and fun way. L’ Chaim by Leikam Brewing is meant for anyone who wants to experience a different side of the winter holidays. With events, drinks and snacks inspired by the holiday, they aim to create a festive space with delicious latkes and lagers. All are welcome. leikambeer.com/latkesandlagers
Dec 9 EJC Hanukkah Night Market Head to Eastside Jewish Commons and light up your night with local vendors selling food, services and gifts. Featuring live music by Marty Morganbesser and Andrew Ehrlich and DJ fCD. Dance, nosh, and shop the night away! Vendors include: Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels, cookbook author Jenn Louis, South 40 Snacks, Manja Creations, Babkush and more. Free and all ages, 5-9pm ejcpdx.org
Dec 9 Let It Glow Chanukah Festival at Congregation Neveh Shalom 4:00-5:45pm: Doors open to play games, participate in arts & crafts, decorate Chanukah cookies, listen to live music with drinks and nosh. 5:00-5:45pm: Havdallah in the main sanctuary followed by a “Let it Glow” Dance Party with a DJ immediately following. Dress in your favorite Chanukah attire or neon to glow in the dark! 5:45pm: Chanukah Candle Lighting and Dinner. nevehshalom.org/Chanukah23
16 | NW Kids Magazine
Dec 10 Sanctuary for Humanity: an Interfaith Concert Experience Gather at Congregation Beth Israel with the non-profit, Sanctuary for Humanity on this fourth night of Chanukah for an inspirational, multi-faith afternoon celebrating light and love. Through music, meditation, prayer and creative expression, they will create an hour of beauty and trust in community, refreshing the heart and soothing the spirit. Free, 4pm (in-person and online) bethisrael-pdx.org
Dec 10 Sweet Lorraine’s First Annual Hanukkah Party Latkes, sufganiyot, dreidel, live music and more, inside Labyrinth Forge Brewery! All ages welcome, family friendly. Free parking in the lot North of the Brewery. 5-8pm sweetlorraineslatkes.squarespace.com
NW Kids Magazine | 17
Academy (pjaproud.org) provides a rich ThePortland PJAJewish Perspective
academic and cultural learning experience for kids from early childhood through 8th grade. We’ve invited budding writers from the middle school Humanities classes and writing exploratory to join our team for a series that gives you a glimpse into thoughts and life - from their perspective.
Free at Last by Iris It is dark and hot I am trapped I know what I must do I dig down and down Spreading my roots I can finally stretch When I am satisfied with how deeply I have dug I make my way to the surface I persevere against the heavy ceailing above me After six days I feel the cold air from the surface It is bright Next I sprout I let go of my protective case So I can keep going I wave goodbye to my warm, earthy bed And my roots supporting me I go up up up up Until I can see past the fallen leaves and bunches of dirt Up up up Then My one leaf turns to two Three to Four Four to Five Five to Six Seven Eight Nine I keep on growing Now I can sway in the breeze, and I am no longer trapped This is good
18 | NW Kids Magazine
Life Takes A While by Noah
I am alive Not yet, but I will be Down, down, down Buried in the dirt am I All alone But At peace I have a mission One I must fulfill 321 321 321 But still I wait Living takes a while, after all But I’m not alive yet Steadily, life comes into me Through the course of minutes Hours Days Weeks I shoot up Green leaves unfold a tapestry of life Showing the world a phantasmagoria The events of life aren’t meant to be taken lightly Seriously Dreadfully Just like a building I reach for Heaven One thought races through my Mind Spread your life, plant… For that is destiny And destiny is what life Needs to falter
Iris is a current sixth-grader at PJA. In addition to writing, she enjoys cheerleading, art design, and spending time with her friends. Noah is a current seventh grader at PJA. In addition to writing, he enjoys reading, playing video games, and petting his dog. NW Kids Magazine | 19
December’s Holiday Events FEATURED Through Dec 27 (Saturdays and Sundays) Cinnamon Bear Breakfast Cruise Cinnamon Bear and his friends from Maybeland are back this holiday season! The whole family will enjoy reserved seating and a plated breakfast while a cast of fanciful characters entertains the kids with storytelling, music and magic. Tickets include a picture with Cinnamon Bear atop his magical throne and much more! Cinnamon Bear has been a holiday tradition for generations and you’re invited to make this season one your child will remember forever. See website for pricing and times. portlandspirit.com/cruise/cinnamonbear
Through Dec 31 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at NWCT The holiday classic soars off the screen in this musical adaptation of the beloved television special. Because of his shiny nose, Rudolph doesn’t feel like he belongs in Christmastown and sets off to find a place that accepts him. Along his journey, he encounters fellow misfits, only to realize that home is where he has belonged the whole time. When a storm threatens to keep Santa’s sleigh from taking flight, it’s up to Rudolph to save Christmas! See website for ticketing ad showtimes. nwcts.org/shows/rudolph
20 | NW Kids Magazine
The holiday season is in full swing and this year has enough special events to keep your family entertained for the entire month. Check out our list below and head to nwkidsmagazine.com/events for even more festive offerings around town!
EVENTS Dec 8-24 George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at OBT Join Marie and her Prince as the Sugar Plum Fairy leads them on an unforgettable journey through the Land of Sweets where brave toy soldiers battle mischievous mice, snowflakes dance, candy canes leap, and flowers waltz. The irresistible holiday tradition of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® awaits. Don your holiday finest and make merry memories! See website for ticketing and pricing. obt.org/23-24-season/ nutcracker-2023
Dec 8-Jan 1 ZooZoo Imago is bringing back to Portland its globe-trotting production ZooZoo this holiday season. Bugeyes, hippos with insomnia, arrogant anteaters, introverted frogs, paradoxical polar bears, acrobatic worms, self-touting accordions and tricky penguins fill the stage with wonder, awe and humor. See website for ticketing and pricing. imagotheatre.com
NW Kids Magazine | 21
Dec 2 Winter Celebrations with NCPRD A fun and festive event for all ages! Celebrate holiday traditions from around the world with food, music, games and live performances. Learn about Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Las Posadas, St. Lucia Day and Dongzhi Festival through interactive experiences. Make memories with the winter wonderland photo booth, indulge your sweet tooth with Mexican hot chocolate, and watch a live performance by the Vasa Youth Swedish Dancers. 9:30am-12pm ncprd.com/event/winter-celebrations
Dec 9 Frosted Fete at Sellwood Community House Shop locally and celebrate the season at this holiday fair! Browse the local vendor marketplace, enjoy homemade treats and cozy drinks in the confection boutique, and let the kids play and craft. New to the Frosted Fete this year: DIY Dollhouse Workshop! Design your own dollhouse dreamhouse (maybe the Barbie Dreamhouse you always wanted!) using a curated DIY dollhouse kit. Great for ages 4 through 104. Free entry, 10am-3pm sellwoodcommunityhouse.org/events
NEXT MONTH!
Jan 13 & 20: 1pm & 5pm; Jan 14 & 21: 11am & 3pm; Jan 19: 7:30pm The Portland Panto Players present Sleeping Beauty This year’s show opens January 13th and it is bigger and funnier than ever! Sleeping Beauty is packed with singing, dancing and lots of audience interactions. Cheer for Princess Aurora and Prince Bobby, laugh at Dame Flirtwell and boo the evil Asphyxia and her imps as they try to destroy dreams throughout the kingdom. It is going to be another great show! $22-$28 portlandpantoplayers.com
Dec 9
Dec 29 & 30
Trackers Holiday Faire
Children’s Revels: Emerald Dragon
Join Trackers for a dash of cheer and a sprinkle of holiday spirit at their 10th annual Holiday Faire! Step into a winter wonderland with families coming together to celebrate the season in festive style. Gather your loved ones and kick off the holidays with a showstopping lineup of crafts, contests, archery, and classic holiday fun. Free, 11am-3pm trackerspdx.com 22 | NW Kids Magazine
Bring your youngest revelers to The Judy and enjoy a show created just for them! Puppetry, audience interaction, and laughs lie with two friends and a very special dragon who dreams of becoming a dancer. See website for ticketing and showtimes. portlandrevels.org/childrens-revelsthe-emerald-dragon
NW Kids Magazine | 23
24 | NW Kids Magazine