So you cruised with your visitors down the gorgeous holiday spectacle that is Peacock Lane. Now what? There are several events and destinations all over Portland to get you (or keep you) in the holiday spirit!

• Pioneer Square Christmas Tree – Marvel at the sparkling behemoth and check out the events calendar for concerts.
• Oregon ZooLights – 1.5 million lights throughout and a cute baby elephant strolling through the new elephant auditorium make this for a holiday outing to remember. Ride Trimet for discounted admission!
• Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto –  “the largest Christmas choral festival in the world” with 160 indoor concerts, tons of Christmas lights and … a puppeteer. Great for the whole family.
• Portland City Grill – Ride the elevator up to the 30th floor of Big Pink and snag a window seat if you’re lucky. Order the Kung Pao Calamari at the fabulous Happy Hour and relish the city views while the pianist plays holiday classics. (Piano usually starts at 5pm.) Pairs well with walking to the Pioneer Square Christmas Tree afterwards.
• Huber’s – Order their signature tableside Spanish Coffee at this Portland institution and be ready for it to be the gold standard you compare all other Spanish Coffees to. This is “Portland’s Oldest Restaurant!”
• Crafty Wonderland Holiday Art + Craft Market – Buy cool holiday gifts and support local artists and craftspeople! Free admission. Saturday, December 10th + Sunday, December 11th,  2016 from 11am – 6pm.
• Norse Hall – If Portland isn’t cold enough for you, try channeling Scandinavia at the Norse Hall Christmas Party: “Join us the second Saturday of December (in the afternoon) for a traditional Christmas celebration–singing and dancing around the enormous tree in the center of our Ballroom, cookies galore, and a special appearance by Santa. For kids of all ages.”
• Mt. Hood Express – This is the ultimate day trip for a visitor to PDX, especially if they’re from warmer climes. Drive to Sandy, OR and catch the Mt. Hood Express (bus) which will take you all the way up to Timberline Lodge for a mere $2! Pop out, play in the snow, grab a bite to eat at any of the various eateries at the lodge, or hit the slopes!
• Santaland Diaries – Not many writers can summon as many LOLs as David Sedaris and this show based on one of his essays does not disappoint. Come listen to this account of his time spent working as a department store elf during the holidays at Macy’s. There are still seats available to some of the shows. And beforehand, pop into:
• Jake’s Famous Crawfish –  It’s decked out in holiday garland, the lighting is cozy, the food is a great deal and the staff is ultra-friendly. Great spot for taking a break from the holiday bustle, peeling some shrimp and people watching.
• Pittock Mansion – Traipse up into the West Hills and check out the sprawling mansion’s festive displays and catch a concert in the music hall! This is holiday decoration taken to a very entertaining end.
• Holiday Express – Take the kids on a vintage train ride departing from Oaks Park!
• 103.3 FM – That’s the holiday radio station to tune in to for present wrapping!
• And finally, Volunteer! – https://www.handsonportland.org/

I hope you and your visitors have the quintessential Portland holiday experience. Happy Holidays to everyone!

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