It’s the most wonderful time of the year! This season is about singing in unison, sharing comforting meals, and savoring special moments with special people. We all have our own outlooks on the holidays — we all have our own traditions and our own ways of moving through the season. Whether you’re more like Buddy the Elf or like old Ebenezer, these festive weekend events will boost your holiday spirit!

December 5^th & December 8^th – A Charlie Brown Christmas

Oh, the sounds of the Christmas season! Maybe you love the classic Nat King Cole style holiday music, or the epic Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Perhaps you like to jingle your bells to a punk rock beat, or to deck the halls with a country twang. The options are endless, but we cannot forget one of the most recognizable modern classics – the Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack! This weekend at the Old Church, a stunning 1882 chapel in downtown Portland, award winning saxophonist Patrick Lamb will fill our heads with holiday cheer as he leads some of the best musicians in the PNW through this nostalgic set.

December 5^th – 7^th – Festival of Trees

Did you know that our modern Christmas tree comes from an old Pagan Yuletide tradition? Long before the first Christmas, homes were adorned with live trees and wreathes to welcome kind winter spirits inside to warm up and bless the home. Pretty cool right? That tradition is alive today, as a Christmas tree remains a signal that good vibes are welcome! Today, we may have a fir, an evergreen, or even an immortal plastic variety. Some folks decorate with colorful lights and homemade ornaments, and some prefer a clean, curated design. How will you decorate your tree this year? Head over to the Oregon Convention Center for the Festival of Trees, where you will see the most immaculately designed tree displays you could imagine! You are sure to find inspiration in these beauties. In the holiday spirit of giving, all proceeds from this event benefit Providence Children’s Hospital.

December 7^th, 14^th, & 21^st – Winter Makers at the Mercado

If you’re looking to have some fun, and also get stuff done this weekend, you’re in luck, because Winter Makers at the Mercado begins this Saturday! Enjoy holiday shopping in the very best way (while eating tamales and enjoying a live band) this weekend! We can’t wait to see what our local makers have in store for this event! What we know for certain is that we’ll leave with full bellies and beautiful handmade gifts to put under the tree. Feliz Navidad!

December 7^th – Umbrella Parade

They say that Portlanders don’t carry umbrellas. Tell that to the folks at the Milwaukie Umbrella Parade, and they’ll respond with hundreds of fabulous, funky, festively decorated umbrellas proudly marching down Main Street! There will be prizes awarded to the best umbrellas, and a tree lighting ceremony at the end of the parade. Everything at this event is complimentary, so enjoy free cookies, sandwiches, and hot cocoa to warm you up! If you’re bringing the kids along, make sure you have your camera ready for a photo with Saint Nick himself! We can’t wait to see how Santa will decorate his umbrella!