The Festival of Nativities

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is putting on their 9th annual  Festival of Nativities.  Browse hundreds of nativity displays, enjoy live holiday performances and crafts for the kids!

Thursday, December 3rd – Saturday, December 6th

 12 pm – 9 pm

admission is free

10509 SE 5th Street Vancouver  WA, 98664

To learn more about this festive holiday tradition for the whole family, visit the festival here!

Portland Christmas Tree Farms

Oregon is known for it’s Christmas trees and rightfully so.  Oregon is ranked the top producer of Christmas trees in the U.S. harvesting 6,850,841 trees in 2007!  Among the more popular varieties are the Doug fir, noble fir, grand fir, and scotch pine.  While not everyone comes to our great state to buy their tree, chances are good they are enjoying one anyway!

Among one of the oldest Christmas traditions, cutting down your Christmas tree is a perfect way to kick off your holiday festivities.  Cutting your tree is also great for the environment and our economy.  Both renewable and recyclable, the perfect tree is just waiting to be found!  Everything Northwest has an exhaustive list of local tree farms to help you find the farm nearest to you.  Also check out The Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association.   For more information on local recycling of your live tree, click here.

Lastly, here are a few of our top picks:

Christmas Mountain Choose and Cut 

25470 N.W. Dixie Mountain Road

Scappoose, Oregon 97056

Loch Lolly Christmas Forest

28366 NW Dorland Rd.

North Plains, Oregon 97133

Hagg’s Christmas Tree Farm

18175 SW McCormick Hill Road

Hillsboro, Oregon 97123

FYI Friday – Nov. 20th

From the looks of all the fun things going on around town the holiday season has kicked into full gear!!  There is no shortage of fun family activities!

Our family’s favorite thing to do over the Thanksgiving holiday is go to the movies together.  There are lots of fun ones to choose from.

If you’ve got a female tween or teen I’m sure New Moon will be on the list (if you weren’t at the midnight premiere with my daughter and I!)  Check your newspaper for current shows and times.

For a more active outing  next week you might want to join the Turkey Trot at the Zoo.  A four mile fun run/walk which starts at the World Forestry Center and ends at the Oregon Zoo.  A great way to burn off a few calories on Thanksgiving day before all that eating commences!  Thursday, Nov. 26th, 9:30 a.m.  There is also a half mile “tot trot” which starts and finishes at the zoo.  See website for entrance fees etc.

There is also lots of live theater, music and dance going on and coming up soon.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Oregon Children’s Theater.  Oct. 31 - Nov. 22 at the Portland Center for Performing Arts, Newmark Theater, 1111 SW Broadway, Tickets range from $13-24.00

Rumpelstiltskin – Tears of Joy Theater.  Friday, Nov. 13 through Nov. 29th., Portland Center for the Performing Arts, Dolores Winningstad Theater, 1111 SW Broadway.  Tickets available through Ticketmaster.  Tickets are from $14-16.00.

Aladdin performed by Southridge High School, 9625 SW 125th Ave., Beaverton.  Tickets are $8.00 at the door.  Showtimes are Fri., Nov. 20th at 7 p.m. and Sat., Nov. 21st at 2 and 7 p.m.

Beauty and the Beast is a Black Swan Youth Theater  production.  Fri., Nov. 21st at 7 p.m., Sat., Nov. 22nd at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Carver School, 16077 SE Highway 224, Damascus, Tickets are $6 – 7.

Fiddler on the Roof is being perfromed at Gresham High School at 7 p.m. Fri – Sat., Nov. 20-21st.  The high school is located at 1200 N. Main Ave., Gresham.  Tickets are $8-12.00. 503-674-5516 

Plan ahead and get your tickets now:

Portland Center Stage will be putting on A Christmas Carol from Nov. 24 – Dec. 27th in the beautiful Gerding Theatre at the Armory, located at 128 NW Eleventh Avenue, Portland, OR.

The Portland Ballet will present La Boutique Fantasque or “The Enchanted Toyshop” along with the PSU Symphony Orchestra.  This ballet will be performed downtown at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts in the Newmark Theater the weekend after Thanksgiving – Nov. 27 & 29, 111 SW Broadway. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster for $10-40.00.

Tree Lighting at Pioneer Square

Thanksgiving plans are probably in full swing at your house.  They are at ours! 

One thing to put on your list for the day after Thanksgiving, in addition to some great shopping, is the Tree Lighting at Pioneer Square.

One of the sure signs that the holiday season has officially begun in the Portland area is the lighting of the 75 foot tree in Pioneer Courthouse Square the day after Thanksgiving.

Large crowds gather to see the lighting of this spectacular tree so go early if you want a good view! 

Remember it gets dark early now and the tree lighting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.  It would be the perfect end to a day of shopping downtown.  Just grab yourself a nice warm beverage and join in the fun.

 There will be music and maybe even a special visitor!  A great way to kick off the season!

A perfect activity to do with any relatives/friends that may be visiting for the holiday – show them beautiful downtown Portland.

Baker & Spice Bakery

As Thanksgiving quickly approaches you may find yourself with a list of items for your dinner table longer than you now have time to check off.  If you find yourself frantic, and even if you don’t, stop by Baker & Spice Bakery!

Since 1998 Baker & Spice has been a part of our local farmers markets.  Recently, they found a more permanent location: 6330 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, Or 97239.  Baker & Spice Bakery is the perfect stop for delicious hand crafted pies, artisan breads, and even the cranberry sauce  for your holiday table.  For those still intent on baking themselves, Baker & Spice is still the place for you.  Just 8 doors up from the bakery you’ll find Sweetwares, featuring a great selection of tools, classes, and demonstrations for the at home baker!  Or, pick-up a yummy pre-made pie crust and fill it at home!

FYI Friday – Nov. 13

Need something fun to do this weekend?  If you don’t have anything planned for the weekend or are looking for a fun family outing check here each Friday to see what’s going on!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Oregon Children’s Theater.  Oct. 31 - Nov. 22 at the Portland Center for Performing Arts, Newmark Theater, 1111 SW Broadway, Tickets range from $13-24.00

Rumpelstiltskin – Tears of Joy Theater.  Friday, Nov. 13 through Nov. 29th., Portland Center for the Performing Arts, Dolores Winningstad Theater, 1111 SW Broadway.  Tickets available through Ticketmaster.  Tickets are from $14-16.00.

“Scream! Featuring Goose Bumps” exhibit at OMSI to find out more about our reaction to fear.

Free Family Day at the Washington County Historical Society and Museum, 17677 NW SPringville, Rd., 503-645-5353.  Make Stamp and foil plate prints on coasters and place mats using natural materials such as leaves and grasses. Refreshments served.  Saturday, Nov. 14th 10 am to 2 p.m.

Russian Cultural Fair hosted at Portland State University in the Smith Student Union’s ballroom, 1825 SW Broadway.  A day of Russian music, songs, dancing, food and holidays gifts.  Sun., Nov. 15th, noon to 4 p.m.  Free.

Holiday Theater

Today we’ve got some more fun holiday events that will be happening in the Portland area during the holiday season!  Plan now so you won’t miss out on these wonderful family theater experiences!

Portland Center Stage will be putting on A Christmas Carol from Nov. 24 – Dec. 27th in the beautiful Gerding Theatre at the Armory, located at 128 NW Eleventh Avenue, Portland, OR 97209.

The Armory building, the last historic building to be rebuilt in The Pearl District Brewery Block, was originally built in 1891 by Multnomah County and was home to the Oregon National Guard.  It is a beautiful and historic building and a unique venue for a theater.

Already a Portland holiday tradition, this original adaptation by Mead Hunter asks the timely and reflective questions: What do you value most? And is it what’s truly important? At the holiday season, renew your answers to these essential questions alongside Tiny Tim, Ebenezer Scrooge and a sleigh full of ghosts and magical creatures as we remount this warm and engaging adaptation of the Dickens classic. In this version, Scrooge’s nephew Fred stands in for the spirit of the season, expressing what we all love about the story when he says to Scrooge; “[This] is a good time: a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time: the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely.”

The show runs about 90 minutes – a perfect amount for those little ones!  Tickets can be purchased by visiting their website.

Center Stage offers high quality family entertainment in a beautiful and unique setting.

Taking place in their smaller, more intimate Ellen Bye Studio Theater is The Santaland Diaries.  This show runs from Dec. 3 to Dec. 27th.

Based on the outlandish, and true, chronicles of David Sedaris’ experience as Crumpet the Elf in Macy’s Santaland display, this hilarious cult classic features comic encounters during the height of the holiday crunch. NPR humorist and best-selling author of When You Are Engulfed in Flames, Me Talk Pretty One Day and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, David Sedaris has become one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. PCS brings a holiday favorite back to Portland as a special Studio Theater presentation.

“Priceless observations, both outrageous and subtle. Destined to hold a place in the annals of American humor writing.”
—The New York Times.

Be sure and schedule those holiday events now and get your tickets purchased.

Holiday Ballets

Now is the time to begin planning and purchasing tickets for your holiday activities.

There is nothing more “traditional” than watching the Nutcracker during the holidays. 

There are 3 holiday ballets available in the Portland area to see during the holiday season.

The Portland Ballet will present La Boutique Fantasque or “The Enchanted Toyshop” along with the PSU Symphony Orchestra.  This ballet will be performed downtown at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts in the Newmark Theater the weekend after Thanksgiving – Nov. 27 & 29, 111 SW Broadway. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster for $10-40.00.

Similar in storyline to The Nutcracker, La Boutique takes place in a toyshop and is a shorter version which makes it easier on the little ones.

The Oregonian had this to say about La Boutique Fantasque:

“…a family tradition in the making, a break from the ‘Nutcracker’ mold of holiday ballets …a simple, fantasy-laced story, an energetic and youthful ensemble and a classic score to keep even grown-ups engaged.” -The Oregonian

Portland Festival Ballet will be performing their version of The Nutcracker Dec 11-13th at Portland Community College, Sylvania Campus, 12000 SW 49th Ave., Portland, OR 97219.
Tickets are $20-24.00.   Call 503-245-5369  for tickets or visit The Portland Festival Ballet website.  

Oregon Ballet Theater  (OBT) will perform the George Balanchine’s version of the traditional Nutcracker Ballet.  Performances runs Dec. 12-24th downtown at the Keller Auditorium.

For tickets  call 503.2.BALLET (503.222.5538) or 888.922.5538 for reduced handling charges or contact ticketmaster.

FYI Friday – Nov. 6, 2009

We are starting a new feature here on Homebased Portland – FYI Friday.

On Fridays we will share with you some last minute ideas for weekend fun. Fun, family friendly events that are going on around the Portland metro area.

So if you don’t have anything planned for the weekend or are looking for a fun family outing check here each Friday to see what’s going on!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Oregon Children’s Theater.  Oct. 31 - Nov. 22 at the Portland Center for Performing Arts, Newmark Theater, 1111 SW Broadway, Tickets range from $13-24.00.

“Scream! Featuring Goose Bumps” exhibit at OMSI to find out more about our reaction to fear.

Clifford the Big Red Dog traveling exhibit is going on at the Children’s Museum.  Events include story times, crafts and a parade.  Check out the Children’s Museum website for specific information.  Admission fee to museum is $7-8.00

Catlin Gabel Rummage Sale - Nov. 6-8 at the Portland Expo Center, 2060 N. Marine Drive.  See what treasures you can find!

Newt Day – learn about the autumnal changes of nature and see newts – and other slimy species up close and personal.  Saturday, Nov. 7, noon-4pm at the Tualatin Hills Nature Park, 15655 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton,  $1 or two cans of nonperishable food.

Local Pizza Series} Marzano’s

OK, so this pizza place isn’t exactly local.  You will have to drive a little ways to visit it but it’s worth the drive!

Next time you are enjoying a day or a weekend at the Oregon Coast head on down to Manzanita (my favorite Oregon beach town), just 15 minutes south of Cannon Beach for a visit to the local pizza place in town – Marzano’s.  In my opinion, the best place to eat in Manzanita!

Located at the bottom of the main street of Manzanita (Laneda), Marzano’s is only steps away from the beach.

Everything is made fresh daily at Marzano’s – fresh dough and fresh sauce!  For an updated menu be sure and check out the web.  Lots of fun and yummy combinations.  Some of our favorites are Four Cheese and Roasted Garlic and of course my boys love the Carne Amore.

The service has always been nothing but delightful.   On a busy summer weekend there will be a wait so plan ahead.  Enjoy the wait and stroll up and down the quaint main street of Manzanita.  There are lots of fun little shops to explore.

They also have a take out window so you can get your pizza to go and then enjoy a beautiful sunset on the beach.

Just don’t visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday because they are closed then.

Although their prices may be a bit higher, it is not unusual for a beach town.  The other benefit is you are just a few steps away from this…

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