Editor’s Note
The holiday season is in full swing! Our November issue featured the first guide to all of the festive events and performances of the year and this issue has even more. It also includes a guide to local light displays, Hanukkah events, and a roundup of some fantastic camps and activities that will keep your kids engaged throughout the rest of the season. Whatever winter traditions are the most cherished for your families, we hope you get to enjoy every bit of comfort, joy, magic and love that come along with closing out the year. Come back next month for the first School Open House Guide of 2025 and remember to check nwkidsmagazine.com/events to see what else is on the horizon!
Cheers! Mary
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Publisher Michelle Snell michelle@nwkidsmagazine.com
Editor/Account Manager Mary Brady mary@nwkidsmagazine.com
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2024 Holiday Events & Performances
Dec 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21-24, 26-27
Cinnamon Bear Breakfast Cruise
Join Cinnamon Bear and friends on the Portland Spirit for a holiday adventure filled with music, stories and magic to delight the whole family. Cinnamon Bear has been a cherished holiday tradition for generations, and you’re invited to make this season one your child will remember forever. portlandspirit.com
Dec 13-Jan 1
ZooZoo
Having toured everywhere from Los Angeles to New York City, Imago’s crowdpleasing ZooZoo is back in Portland, the city where it was born. This enchanting show is truly magical featuring persnickety penguins, hippos, polar bears, an acrobatic grub, and more, and the newest addition: baby birds! – tickling the imaginations of all ages. ”...a perfect first theatre experience for children!” - MommyPoppins.com imagotheatretickets.com
Through Dec 24
Santa’s Headquarters at Washington Square
Pre-book your visit with Santa! Santa’s Headquarters is located in Center Court, next to Pottery Barn. A visit with Santa is always free and photo packages are available for purchase. shopwashingtonsquare.com/ santaphotos
Through Dec 29
Rudolph the Red-Nosed
Reindeer at NWCT
Back by popular demand, this LIVE musical adaptation of the beloved television special returns to The Judy in downtown Portland! Join Rudolph on his adventure to the Island of Misfit Toys and the North Pole, and help him save Christmas! 11am & 2:30pm showtimes. Tickets at: nwcts.org/rudolph
Dec 6-15
Annie presented by Imagine Theatre
With street-smarts and optimism, Annie is determined to find her long-lost parents. Although her search doesn’t go as planned, she outsmarts the wicked Miss Hannigan and discovers a new family with billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his secretary Grace Farrell, and Annie’s lovable dog, Sandy. Tickets & info: imaginetheatre.org/tickets
Dec 7
Winter Faire at Cedarwood Waldorf School
Celebrate the season at Cedarwood’s Winter Faire! Enjoy crafts, activities, and our Artisan Marketplace featuring over 30 PNW vendors. Hungry? Stop by the Culinary Marketplace for bites from Portland favorites like Tamale Boy, Let’s Roll PDX, Birrieria Don Pepe, and Alchemy Sandwich Co. Fun for all ages! 12-6pm cedarwoodschool.org/winter-faire
Dec 7-8
ScanFair 2024: Nordic Christmas Market
ScanFair brings Scandinavia to Portland through traditional food and drink vendors; an entertainment program focused on cultural heritage; games, activities, and crafts; and welcoming local community organizations. nordicnorthwest.org
Through Dec 8
Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree
For this year, you can look forward to a new Immersive Nativity set, audience sing-along, new music and dance numbers for their youth cast and so much more. singingchristmastree.org
Dec
8, 13
& 15
Glory of Christmas
Oregon Repertory Singers pulls all the stopsfor this year’s Glory of Christmas with legendary guest organist Jonas Nordwall, who will accompany the choir in many of the most famous arrangements of traditional carols including David Willcocks’s world-famous O Come All Ye Faithful. With ORS accompanist Naomi LaViolette, patrons will hear choir, organ, and piano (and sometimes harpsichord) for versions of great holiday classics. orsingers.org/ors/glory
Dec
11
Comfort & Joy: Songs of Good Cheer
Make memories together as the Oregon Symphony creates a magical winter wonderland through classic sing-alongs and your favorite holiday music. And, just in case you forget how many fa-la-la-las are in “Deck the Hall,” lyric sheets will be provided! portland5.com/arlene-schnitzer-concert-hall/events/comfort-joysongs-good-cheer
Dec 12-22
Wizard of Oz -The Musical Panto
A fun, interactive, family-friendly holiday event filled with slapstick, witty dialogue, music, dancing and a few wink-wink jokes for the adults. The production retells the classic story adding uplifting moments that will get both kids and adults cheering, laughing, and having a wonderful time. Use code - Oz - for a $2 per ticket discount! portlandpantoplayers.com
Dec
13-15
Crafty Wonderland’s Holiday Art & Craft Market
Head to the Oregon Convention Center for Crafty Wonderland’s annual Holiday Market and knock off the rest of your shopping list with gifts made by local makers! craftywonderland.com
Dec 14 & 15
Christmas in Ukraine
Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies of Ukraine this holiday season! A world of tradition and celebration awaits, including music by the renowned Ukrainian composer Dmitro Bortniansky, the Palestrina of the Slavic World. The esteemed Dr. Marika Kuzma will guide you through charming traditional carols and captivating storytelling. cappellaromana.org/concert/christmas-in-ukraine
Through Dec 15 Black Nativity
Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity tells the story of the Nativity from an African-American perspective through a combination of scripture, poetry, dance, and song with griot-style narration. A roof-raising, spirit-catching, musical tour-de-force that will bring you to your feet. Pure joy for the season! Bring the whole family. Make it a block party! portland5.com/brunish-theatre/events/black-nativity
Dec 21 & 22
A Charlie Brown Christmas - LIVE!: Feature Film with the Oregon Symphony
Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy and the entire Peanuts gang are coming to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall to bring this holiday classic to life! With live actors, an animated backdrop, and Vince Guaraldi’s timeless music performed live by the Oregon Symphony, this is a beloved holiday performance you won’t want to miss. This family-friendly event opens with the animated short film classic, The Snowman, shown on the big screen with the orchestra performing the score live! orsymphony.org/concerts-tickets/holiday-concerts
Through Dec 22
It’s a Wonderful Life
It’s A Wonderful Life is a holiday favorite for all ages! An angel helps a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman by showing what life would have been like if he never existed. portland5.com/winningstad-theatre/events/its-wonderful-life
Dec 17-24
George Balanchine’s
The Nutcracker® at OBT
Join Marie and her Nutcracker Prince as the mischievous Drosselmeier sends them on a magical adventure. Brave toy soldiers battle villainous mice, candy canes leap and snowflakes whirl, all to Tchaikovsky’s wonderous score – and don’t forget about a Portland Holiday favorite, Mother Ginger!
obt.org/24-25-season/nutcracker-2024
Through Dec 30 A Christmas Carol at Portland Playhouse
Join Ebenezer Scrooge in a transformative, musical wonderland as he takes a magical journey towards friendship and love, guided by three ghostly spirits. This traditional tale – full of wonder and joy – is surprisingly staged and contemporarily cast; it’s the perfect dose of holiday fun – for all the family. portlandplayhouse.org/shows-events/a-christmas-carol-2
Through Jan 4
The Holiday Express at Oregon Rail Heritage Center
Climb aboard the festively decorated train, pulled by the historic Polson #2 steam locomotive, and enjoy a scenic ride along the Willamette River with Santa. It’s the perfect way to start your holiday season. Trains depart from the Oregon Rail Heritage Center Friday-Sundays. orhf.org/event/holiday-express
Winter Camps & Classes
Are you making plans for how to keep your kids busy, engaged and happy during the upcoming school breaks?
Look no further! We’ve rounded up a fantastic list of options. Check their websites for the most up-to-date offerings!
BaxterSports Camps
Do your kids need a place to run, jump, kick, dance, tag, hop, skip, and play with friends this holiday season? BaxterSports Winter Break Camps are full of all kinds of indoor weather sports and games: Basketball, Dodgeball, Futsal, Volleyball, Football, Kickball, Capture the Flag and more…that are sure to keep your kids active and engaged. Drop-in days as well as discounted series packages available to fit every family’s busy schedule this time of year. baxtersports.com
British Swim School of West Portland Suburbs
Dive into Confidence this winter with British Swim School! Join them for after-school lessons that build a lifetime foundation of water survival skills, safety and swim stroke development. Boost your confidence and unlock your true potential with their expert instructors. Open 7 days a week across 3 convenient locations in Beaverton and Hillsboro. britishswimschool.com/west-portlandsuburbs
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 pottytrained. For kids ages 3-12 years old. 8:30 am - 5:30 pm December 23, 27, 30; January 2, 3, 20, 27 oregonjcc.org/vdc
Northwest Children’s Theater
What do an Elf, a snowman and a wizard all have in common? They’re all a part of Northwest Children’s Theater’s Winter Break Camp! Learn theater skills and make new friends in a variety of classes, including Olaf and Elsa’s Adventure, Wizard School, Broadway Bootcamp and many more! Running December 30January 3 at The Judy (NWCT’s home in downtown Portland), and January 2 - 3 at at The Reser in Beaverton. Sign up at: nwcts.org/winter-camp-25
One River School Lake Oswego
Get creative this holiday season with Winter Camps, Workshops & Gift Cards from One River School. Join them for exciting winter camps with morning and afternoon sessions for Kids and Teens, from Dec 26th-31st. With oneday options, low commitment and lots of flexibility, you can sign up for one or more options, all conventionally scheduled around holiday break. lakeoswego.oneriverschool.com/wintercamps-2024
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 & full day camp options where your kids can play, stay active, make new friends and be well cared for and engaged. Their camps are like PE crashed into Field Day…then blended together with Team Building! playfitfun.com
Portland Metro Arts
Extend your Holiday celebration by becoming part of the timeless Nutcracker tradition. Join dancers of all ages and levels in this 3 day camp to create a very special version of this classic story presented to family and friends on the last day of camp.
pdxmetroarts.org/school-year-campsand-workshops
The Everybody Dance Project
The Everybody Dance Project offers Winter Break camps from 8:45am1:30pm. With dance classes, crafts, and learning a routine to perform, campers are busy creating friendships and building skills. The Everybody Dance Project also offers evening classes in SE, NE, and North Portland. everybodydanceproject.com
Westside Academy
They offer Dance, Gymnastics and Preschool camps for ages 3–12 with various themes and activities. Gymnastics camps are for ages 3–12, depending on the camp. Campers are in the gym tumbling, jumping, learning various skills and playing games. Dance camps are for ages 5–12, depending on the camp. Campers have lots of time in the studio learning techniques and routines. Check the website for their Winter Break schedule and offerings.
westsideacademy.com/camps-2024-2025
Yoga Playgrounds
Join Yoga Playgrounds for a cozy winter session of kids yoga. Designed to keep kids active, mindful, and joyful during the colder months, classes are a mix of mindful movement and playful, winter themed activities. Warm up with movement, imagination, and mindfulness this season, and build focus, confidence and self esteem. Classes begin in January.
Dazzling Lights for Festive 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 29-Dec 30 (closed on Christmas); admission $7-$18 (free ages 2 and under). Non-perishable food items are appreciated for SnowCap.
thegrotto.org/christmas-festival-of-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 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 5-22, Free christmasships.org
CHRISTMAS SHIP PARADE
Holidays at The Belle
Since Covid, 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
Keizer Miracle of Christmas Light Display
A tradition in the Gubser neighborhood since 1984, this year’s event will raise money for the Marion Polk Food Share. 6-10pm, Dec 6-26; donations appreciated facebook.com/keizermiracleoflightsdisplay
Lightopia: An Illuminated Journey
Head to Hillsboro for a magical drive through winter scenes and dazzling displays at the Gordon Faber Recreation Complex. Dec 6-30 (closed on Christmas Day); Free (reservations required) hillsboro-oregon.gov
Peacock Lane
This Portland holiday tradition is popular for a reason and is back for the 2024 season! The hot cocoa booth (donations requested) will return and Dec 15-16th will be for pedestrians only. All other days will be drive-through and walk-through. Dec 15-31, Free peacocklane.org
Silverton Christmas Market
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 21-Dec 31 (no market Nov 28 & Dec 24-25). See website for pricing and tickets. silvertonchristmasmarket.com
Winter Gleam at Oaks Park
This dazzling event transforms the beloved historic park into a sparkling wonderland illuminated by dynamic light displays, immersive light tunnels, and twinkling pathways that will brighten the season. 5pm-10pm on FridaySundays: Nov 29-Dec 29. See website for pricing wintergleampdx.com
Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway
Recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest as the “Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi”, the 32st annual Winter Wonderland event will grab your attention with glimmers and glows around every corner. Check out Bike night on Dec 1st and the “Lights and Leases” (dog-friendly) nights on Dec 2nd and 3rd. Nov 29-Dec 31. See website for pricing. winterwonderlandportland.com
ZooLights
A Portland holiday tradition, ZooLights boasts over 1.5 million lights. This year’s event continues the return to traditional walking tours and will not include any drive-through nights. Nov 22-Jan 5 (closed on Christmas) with a member preview on Nov 17th and a special sensory-friendly evening on Nov 18th; See website for tickets and pricing. oregonzoo.org/visit/zoolights
Hanukkah Happenings
This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of December 25th. We’ve rounded up a short list of events to help build community, learn something new, shop for gifts, or enjoy some delicious bites.
Dec 8-12
Hanukkah Marketplace at MJCC
ORA Northwest Jewish Artists presents a 5 day marketplace with children’s activities, live music, food, storytelling and an opportunity to shop for local art. See the website for a schedule of events. northwestjewishartists.org/events
Dec 8
Story Hour for Children & Adults
As part of ORA’s Hanukkah Marketplace at MJCC, the opening day will feature a story hour where families are invited to come listen to stories told by Brian Rohr and Gail Pasternak. 2-3pm, Free northwestjewishartists.org/events
Dec 11
Stories of Light & Strength
Head to the MJCC to hear original takes on some classic Jewish stories told by Cassandra Sagan and Gail Pasternack, master story tellers! The stories are designed for adults but are family-friendly. 5:30-6:30pm, Free northwestjewishartists.org/events
Dec
14
Hanukkah Night Market at EJC
It’s back and it’s bigger and better than ever! Head to EJC’s Hanukkah Night Market, featuring food, beer, wine, crafts, services, live music and more! 5-8pm, Free ejcpdx.org
Dec 19
Latke Schmooze! at MJCC
Enjoy Hanukah songs from PJ Library, play dreidel, and schmooze! Latkes will be available for purchase at the Cafe. 5-6:30pm, Free oregonjcc.org/arts-culture/upcomingevents
Dec
25
Chanukah 1800: First Night in Pioneer Square
Join for Portland’s premier Chanukah celebration, First Night in Pioneer Square. Enjoy an evening filled with joy, warmth, and connection, featuring live music, hot latkes, and the glow of the Chanukah candles. Registration is required at Chanukah1800.com. 4-5:30pm, Free JPortland.com
Dec 29
Chanukah Extravaganza
Join Congregation Neveh Shalom from 3-5pm for their annual Chanukah Extravaganza! Check their website for more information as it becomes available. nevehshalom.org/event/ chanukah-extravaganza
The PJA Perspective
Portland Jewish Academy provides a well-rounded education infused with Jewish values that emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, social-emotional learning, and character development for kids from early childhood through 8th grade. We’ve invited writers from PJA’s middle school to join our team for a series that gives you a glimpse into thoughts and lifefrom their perspective. Explore PJA at pjaproud.org
Never-Ending Rain
by Emma ~ Inspired by “Ocean Greyness” by Jackson Pollack
Roses, misery, hate
Will it end?
Or will it only begin?
Is it sweet like a rose?
Or sour like misery?
Can I believe?
Or can I only hate?
It’s the rain falling
It’s the night, dim in the moon
It’s the life
No one knows
Sea, darkness, wonder
Will it ever end?
The sea seems to always grow bigger
Will it ever end?
Will the love ever grow stronger?
The wind in the air
The cold of the night
The darkness of the sea
The love thin in the air
The ocean, swimming with fish
Same Different
Connection is Everywhere
by Claudia
All the same
By color, shape, space.
Pink flowers to peach, and blue to white
The blue fade of ocean to the purple of sky
Waves of nothingness, sky of the future
All overcome by similarity
Orange sky with specks of salt like the sea
Symbols of peace where same and different live
All the same
Everything
Spots, circles, dots, squares
Every single thing in its own way
Emma is a current 6th grader at PJA.
In addition to writing, she enjoys playing the violin and basketball.
Claudia is a current sixth grader at PJA.
In addition to writing, she enjoys playing volleyball, baking, and hanging out with friends.
