Portland and Area Activities Planner - December 20, 2024

WHAT'S UP THIS WEEKEND?Excerpts FromTravelPortland.com TualitinValley.orgTravelOregon.com      A PITTOCK MANSION CHRISTMASNov. 18, 2024–Jan. 9There’s no place like Pittock Mansion when it comes to experiencing Portland’s holiday tradition. Enjoy the combined splendor and warmth of the mansion and the charming Gate Lodge decorated with this year’s theme, Holiday Classics. Your admission includes access to the mansion, the Gate Lodge and the Georgiana Pittock and the City of Roses exhibit. BENSON HOTEL ANNUAL GINGERBREAD DISPLAYDec. 3, 2024–Jan. 5The Benson Portland Curio Collection by Hilton invites the public back once again for a live unveiling of the 2024 Gingerbread Masterpiece, a 53-year beloved holiday tradition. This event promises an evening of joy, music, and festive surprises for all ages and takes place Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 6 PM in The Benson’s grand lobby.. This year, chef David Diffendorfer has outdone himself, utilizing over 150 pounds of house-made gingerbread, 50 pounds of marzipan, 20 pounds of chocolate, 10 pounds of Rice Krispies treats, and buckets of royal icing to craft a breathtaking gingerbread creation. While the details of this year’s masterpiece will remain a secret until the unveiling, it is inspired by the rich and fascinating history of a whimsical structure that has captivated tourists with its fairy-tale appearances for centuries. HOLIDAY EXPRESSNov. 29, 2024–Jan. 4Santa is putting away the sleigh and going by rail. The most highly anticipated event of the year is just around the corner — the beloved Holiday Express. This magical experience will whisk you away for a jolly journey aboard a decorated steam train. You’re invited to Santa’s Enginehouse, where sparkling decorations and scrumptious treats await. Tickets often sell out, so it’s best to buy them early.  This is a 45-minute round-trip train ride. Departure times vary per day THE WINTER MARKETDec. 19–22Returning for our second year at the Lloyd Center, the Portland Winter Market is back this December with over a hundred local vendors and artisans selling their wares for your last-minute shopping needs. This event is completely free to attend and supports small businesses from women-owned and BIPOC communities.  PORTLAND BAZAARNov. 29–Dec. 22The Portland Bazaar is the city’s finest holiday gift showcase and sale. Started in 2011, their mission is to create an exciting event to highlight the skilled artists, makers and small businesses of Portland, Oregon. When you shop small, you are putting your dollars directly back into the community by supporting someone’s small business, their family and helping fuel the local economy while doing so. With every purchase made at the Portland Bazaar, there is a very happy business owner who gets to sustain their passion after an extremely tough year. SILVERTON CHRISTMAS MARKETNov. 21–Dec. 31Join an awe-inspiring light display and market t at the Oregon Garden Resort  This annual event offers a joyous and magical holiday experience for all ages. The event returns this winter with more lights than ever before, with 1.5 million lights, new and improved dazzling light displays, local artisan vendors, vendor booths dedicated to handmade German-imported goods like nutcrackers, and more. CHISTMAS ON FRANKLIN STDec. 1-31If you're looking for a magical winter experience, you won't want to miss Christmas on Franklin Street! Witness the stunning display of 200,000 twinkling lights on 10 beautifully decorated properties located at 46th and Franklin. The main house at 4616 NW Franklin Street is a must-see! The lights will be on every evening, and there are live events, Santa visits, and even snowfall over the property during the month of December. For more information, be sure to visit their website and follow them on social media. Don't miss this holiday wonderland!  CHRISTMAS CAROL: A GHOST STORYDec. 13–22An inspired adaptation of the holiday classic by Charles Dickens, reimagined through highly theatrical storytelling. Actors whimsically transform from narrators into characters, and beloved carols are played and sung to alternately joyful and sinister effect, giving this familiar Christmas story a fresh and energetic feel.   GEORGE BALLANCHINE'S THE NUTCRACKERDec. 7–24The irresistible holiday tradition of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker returns to Portland’s Keller Auditorium 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’s 2024 Portland Nutcracker Ballet features an increased number of performances with the OBT Orchestra. WINTER GLEAMNov. 29–Dec. 29Prepare for a holiday experience unlike any other in Portland. Oaks Amusement Park proudly announces Winter Gleam, the brand-new holiday light extravaganza, making its debut. This dazzling event transforms the beloved historic park into a sparkling wonderland every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening through December. Visitors of all ages are invited to experience the magic of the season at Winter Gleam, featuring an array of festive activities for the whole family. At Winter Gleam, guests will step into a holiday fantasy world illuminated by dynamic light displays, immersive light tunnels, and twinkling pathways that will brighten the season. The event will offer delightful holiday-themed games, delicious seasonal food and treats, local vendors with unique holiday gifts, and even photo opportunities with Santa Claus himself. YALDA NIGHTFriday, Dec. 20Join us for an evening of joy and tradition as we celebrate Yalda Night—the longest and darkest night of the year. This ancient Persian tradition is cherished today by people from Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kurdistan, and Dagestan. Dance, music, poetry, storytelling, decorations, henna station, delicious Persian snacks, and a raffle.     •    6:30 – 7:00 p.m.: Doors open    •    7:00 – 9:00 p.m.: Performances, raffle, and storytelling    •    9:00 – 10:00 p.m.: Open dance floor CHRISTMAS SHIP PARADEDec. 5–22Every year, Portland and Vancouver residents line the Columbia and Willamette rivers to watch a fleet of 55 to 60 festively decorated sailboats and yachts parade down the waterfront. These privately owned boats range from 14 to 65 feet (4 to 20 m) long and gather at different locations along the river featuring light displays and inflatable decor. CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTSNov. 29–Dec. 30Presenting the sights, sounds and sensations of the season, The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. The festival features nearly 160 indoor holiday concerts performed by many of the region’s finest school, church and civic choirs. Offering a family-oriented blend of traditional celebration and serene reflection, the festival theme reflects the special season of hope that Christmas offers many thousands of families around the Pacific Northwest. NORSE FIRE - A CELEBRATION OF THE SOLSTICEDec. 13–22The Midwinter Revels is steeped in traditions of song, dance, poetry and performance. Here are a few traditions you’ll see almost every year. A Midwinter Revels performance usually includes a mummer’s play. This comic and usually anachronistic enactment of death and rebirth finds its roots in European celebrations to mark important stages in the agricultural year. In the Midwinter Revels, the mummer’s play demonstrates the Midwinter Revel's central theme: the descent into darkness and the return of the light. In a mummer’s play, a hero usually fights a villain (traditionally a dragon), is killed, and then resurrected by magic. A Revels mummers play will often include a sword dance. ZOOLIGHTSNov. 22,–Jan. 5Dazzling new light displays, plus familiar favorites. This year promises to be the brightest ZooLights yet, with a brand-new magical meadow light show, dozens of life-size animal lanterns along the train route, and more interactive displays than ever. Walk through the famous tunnels of sparkling lights, pose next to colorful animals and make holiday memories to last all year. TWELFTH NIGHT, OR AS YOU WILLNov 22-Dec 22When Viola washes ashore, her twin brother Sebastian is lost at sea. Disguises, mistaken identities and unrequited love show them that shipwrecks may be the least of their problems. In one of  Shakespeare’s most enduring comedies, everything — love, mischief, music and libations — exists in exciting excess!  CARSON GOLF & SPA RESORTYear-RoundDriving east on either side of the Columbia River Gorge with Mount Hood filling the windshield, the stunning scenery leads to an enchanted place where you can choose your own adventure, relax and enjoy the magical hot water of Carson Hot Springs. Whether you are looking for luxury and a comfortable overnight stay or something a bit more rustic with a camping option, Carson Hot Springs in Washington has something for everyone. THEATER IN THE GROVE PRESENTS ANNIEDec. 6–22Join Theatre in the Grove, a cherished community theater known for its rich history and dedication to the arts, as they bring the heartwarming story of Annie to life. Located in Forest Grove, this beloved theater has entertained audiences for decades with high-quality performances and a passion for storytelling. Set during the Great Depression, Annie follows the adventures of a spirited young orphan who dreams of finding her family. Featuring iconic songs like "Tomorrow" and "It's a Hard Knock Life," this timeless musical celebrates resilience, hope, and the power of love. Perfect for all ages, this production will delight the entire family. Don't miss your chance to experience this classic tale live on stage. THE DINNER DETECTIVE MURDER MYSTERY SHOWOct. 19, 2024–Mar. 22Join The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Portland for an evening filled with suspense, laughter, and delicious dining. Step into a world of intrigue as you work to solve a thrilling crime that unfolds around you. But watch out — the culprit could be anyone in the room, and you might even become a Prime Suspect yourself. Your ticket includes a full dinner, interactive murder mystery experience, waitstaff gratuity, and a special prize for the night’s Top Sleuth. Get ready for a night you won’t forget. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFENov. 29–Dec. 22It’s A Wonderful Life is an award-winning musical adaptation of Frank Capra's classic film, with book and lyrics by Janet Mouser and music and lyrics by Michael Allen Harrison, Alan Berg and Julianne R. Johnson-Weiss. 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. SANTA PHOTOS AT WASHINGTON SQUARENov. 7–Dec. 24Santa will arrive in style at Washington Square on November 7 to welcome everyone home for the holidays. Santa will be available for pictures at Washington Square through December 24. Capture your family’s entire Santa experience with multiple cameras that let you bring home the magic. From your child’s first glimpse of Santa to their excitement or shy arrival at Santa’s lap, capture the hug, the high-five and even some tears to create lasting memories. Guests can purchase candid shots and traditional poses to post online and share with friends and family. PORTLAND INDIGENOUS MARKETPLACEOngoingPortland Indigenous Marketplace will host the Indigenous Marketplace. Over 30 vendors, food, art exhibits, and more will be present. A marketplace specifically for Indigenous/Black vendors, all the artists/entrepreneurs featured on Indigenous Marketplace have Indigenous/Black ancestry. Vendors sell their hand made and original designs.  

A Look into the Markets - December 13, 2024

This past week, interest rates ticked slightly higher as inflation remains sticky. Let's discuss what happened as we prepare for the big Fed meeting next week."Can you take me higher to a place with golden streets?" - Higher by Creed. Prices Stay High One part of the Fed's dual mandate is to maintain price stability, which means ensuring inflation returns to its current target of 2.00%. On Wednesday, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a measure of inflation, showed that prices haven't decreased further.The more closely watched Core CPI, which excludes food and energy, came in at 0.3% for November and 3.3% annually, remaining unchanged from October and elevated from the Fed's target.The potential good news going forward is that rents, which make up nearly two-thirds of total Core inflation, showed the lowest monthly increase in over two years.If this trend of lower rents continues, inflation will start easing toward the Fed's desired target.The Producer Price Index, a measure of inflation at the wholesale or producer level, showed a surprising increase in prices. The concern here is that these higher prices will be passed down to consumers in the months ahead. Small Business Optimism Pops Small businesses, which create a large portion of our private jobs, have expressed new optimism in a recent survey. The optimism index jumped several points and rose above its 50-year average for the first time in three years.This is a very positive sign for housing going forward because if small businesses can expand and hire, it will help fuel housing activity. Fed Rate Cut Coming...But The CPI reading was the last important number before next week's Fed meeting. Now that the report met expectations, markets are fully expecting a 0.25% rate cut next Wednesday.However, there are reports that say the Fed is likely to be more "measured" with rate cuts going forward as inflation remains sticky and fiscal policy remains uncertain. 4.20% The 10-year Note, which ebbs and flows with mortgage rates, has been battling yield support at 4.20%. If the yield can push convincingly beneath this important marker, rates can improve further. The opposite is true. Bottom line: Rates have improved in the past few weeks but are now stalling as inflation remains sticky, and the outlook for more rate cuts remains uncertain. Looking Ahead The focus next week will be on the Federal Reserve. On Wednesday, they are expected to lower interest rates and publish their Summary of Economic Projections, which include predictions for economic growth, unemployment, inflation, and future interest rates.By next Friday, the Core Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) Index, the Fed's preferred gauge of inflation, is expected to be reported, likely showing a 2.9% increase over the past year, which remains significantly above the Fed's 2% target. Mortgage Market Guide Candlestick Chart   Mortgage bond prices determine home loan rates. The chart below is a one-year view of the Fannie Mae 30-year 5.5% coupon, where currently closed loans are being packaged. As prices move higher, rates decline, and vice versa.If you look at the right side of the chart, you can see how prices have backed away from $100.50, the best levels since October. Next week's Fed meeting may determine whether prices continue higher and rates can recapture the recent losses.   Chart: Fannie Mae 30-Year 5.5% Coupon (Friday, December 13, 2024)   Economic Calendar for the Week of December 16 - 20     Mark Snow Senior Loan Officer | NMLS #259960 397 SW Upper Terrace Dr. Suite 150, Bend OR 97702 O: (503) 929-5887 | M: msnow@guildmortgage.net Visit My Webpage  

Portland and Area Activities Planner - December 13, 2024

WHAT'S UP THIS WEEKEND?Excerpts FromTravelPortland.com TualitinValley.orgTravelOregon.com  HOLIDAY EXPRESSNov. 29, 2024–Jan. 4Santa is putting away the sleigh and going by rail. The most highly anticipated event of the year is just around the corner — the beloved Holiday Express. This magical experience will whisk you away for a jolly journey aboard a decorated steam train. You’re invited to Santa’s Enginehouse, where sparkling decorations and scrumptious treats await. Tickets often sell out, so it’s best to buy them early.  This is a 45-minute round-trip train ride. Departure times vary per day THE WINTER MARKETDec. 19–22Returning for our second year at the Lloyd Center, the Portland Winter Market is back this December with over a hundred local vendors and artisans selling their wares for your last-minute shopping needs. This event is completely free to attend and supports small businesses from women-owned and BIPOC communities.  PORTLAND BAZAARNov. 29–Dec. 22The Portland Bazaar is the city’s finest holiday gift showcase and sale. Started in 2011, their mission is to create an exciting event to highlight the skilled artists, makers and small businesses of Portland, Oregon. When you shop small, you are putting your dollars directly back into the community by supporting someone’s small business, their family and helping fuel the local economy while doing so. With every purchase made at the Portland Bazaar, there is a very happy business owner who gets to sustain their passion after an extremely tough year. SILVERTON CHRISTMAS MARKETNov. 21–Dec. 31Join an awe-inspiring light display and market t at the Oregon Garden Resort  This annual event offers a joyous and magical holiday experience for all ages. The event returns this winter with more lights than ever before, with 1.5 million lights, new and improved dazzling light displays, local artisan vendors, vendor booths dedicated to handmade German-imported goods like nutcrackers, and more. GOSPEL CHRISTMASDec. 14–15Feel the spirit of the holiday season with the 25th annual performance of this beloved concert, featuring the region’s premier gospel singers alongside your Oregon Symphony. Experience the joy and uplift of gospel music, performed with passion and feeling by some of the finest musicians in the region.  CHRISTMAS IN UKRAINEDec. 14–15Get 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. Dr. Kuzma stands as one of the foremost authorities on Ukrainian choral music, promising an authentic and unforgettable experience. GEORGE BALLANCHINE'S THE NUTCRACKERDec. 7–24The irresistible holiday tradition of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker returns to Portland’s Keller Auditorium 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’s 2024 Portland Nutcracker Ballet features an increased number of performances with the OBT Orchestra. WINTER GLEAMNov. 29–Dec. 29Prepare for a holiday experience unlike any other in Portland. Oaks Amusement Park proudly announces Winter Gleam, the brand-new holiday light extravaganza, making its debut. This dazzling event transforms the beloved historic park into a sparkling wonderland every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening through December. Visitors of all ages are invited to experience the magic of the season at Winter Gleam, featuring an array of festive activities for the whole family. At Winter Gleam, guests will step into a holiday fantasy world illuminated by dynamic light displays, immersive light tunnels, and twinkling pathways that will brighten the season. The event will offer delightful holiday-themed games, delicious seasonal food and treats, local vendors with unique holiday gifts, and even photo opportunities with Santa Claus himself. YALDA NIGHTFriday, Dec. 20Join us for an evening of joy and tradition as we celebrate Yalda Night—the longest and darkest night of the year. This ancient Persian tradition is cherished today by people from Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kurdistan, and Dagestan. Dance, music, poetry, storytelling, decorations, henna station, delicious Persian snacks, and a raffle.     •    6:30 – 7:00 p.m.: Doors open    •    7:00 – 9:00 p.m.: Performances, raffle, and storytelling    •    9:00 – 10:00 p.m.: Open dance floor CHRISTMAS SHIP PARADEDec. 5–22Every year, Portland and Vancouver residents line the Columbia and Willamette rivers to watch a fleet of 55 to 60 festively decorated sailboats and yachts parade down the waterfront. These privately owned boats range from 14 to 65 feet (4 to 20 m) long and gather at different locations along the river featuring light displays and inflatable decor. CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTSNov. 29–Dec. 30Presenting the sights, sounds and sensations of the season, The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. The festival features nearly 160 indoor holiday concerts performed by many of the region’s finest school, church and civic choirs. Offering a family-oriented blend of traditional celebration and serene reflection, the festival theme reflects the special season of hope that Christmas offers many thousands of families around the Pacific Northwest. THE GREAT FIGGY PUDDING CAROLING COMPETITIONFriday, Dec. 13Pioneer Courthouse Square is excited to host the Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition — a fun, festive, and joyful competition bringing caroling groups to Portland’s Living Room and extending to a ten-block radius downtown. The top three caroling groups will hold a “carol-off” at the Square hosted by KGW’s Drew Carney, and the grand prize winner will be selected by crowd applause and awarded $1,000. Second and third-place prizes and the coveted People’s Choice designation will also be awarded.  NORSE FIRE - A CELEBRATION OF THE SOLSTICEDec. 13–22The Midwinter Revels is steeped in traditions of song, dance, poetry and performance. Here are a few traditions you’ll see almost every year. A Midwinter Revels performance usually includes a mummer’s play. This comic and usually anachronistic enactment of death and rebirth finds its roots in European celebrations to mark important stages in the agricultural year. In the Midwinter Revels, the mummer’s play demonstrates the Midwinter Revel's central theme: the descent into darkness and the return of the light. In a mummer’s play, a hero usually fights a villain (traditionally a dragon), is killed, and then resurrected by magic. A Revels mummers play will often include a sword dance. ZOOLIGHTSNov. 22,–Jan. 5Dazzling new light displays, plus familiar favorites. This year promises to be the brightest ZooLights yet, with a brand-new magical meadow light show, dozens of life-size animal lanterns along the train route, and more interactive displays than ever. Walk through the famous tunnels of sparkling lights, pose next to colorful animals and make holiday memories to last all year. TWELFTH NIGHT, OR AS YOU WILLNov 22-Dec 22When Viola washes ashore, her twin brother Sebastian is lost at sea. Disguises, mistaken identities and unrequited love show them that shipwrecks may be the least of their problems. In one of  Shakespeare’s most enduring comedies, everything — love, mischief, music and libations — exists in exciting excess!  CARSON GOLF & SPA RESORTYear-RoundDriving east on either side of the Columbia River Gorge with Mount Hood filling the windshield, the stunning scenery leads to an enchanted place where you can choose your own adventure, relax and enjoy the magical hot water of Carson Hot Springs. Whether you are looking for luxury and a comfortable overnight stay or something a bit more rustic with a camping option, Carson Hot Springs in Washington has something for everyone. THEATER IN THE GROVE PRESENTS ANNIEDec. 6–22Join Theatre in the Grove, a cherished community theater known for its rich history and dedication to the arts, as they bring the heartwarming story of Annie to life. Located in Forest Grove, this beloved theater has entertained audiences for decades with high-quality performances and a passion for storytelling. Set during the Great Depression, Annie follows the adventures of a spirited young orphan who dreams of finding her family. Featuring iconic songs like "Tomorrow" and "It's a Hard Knock Life," this timeless musical celebrates resilience, hope, and the power of love. Perfect for all ages, this production will delight the entire family. Don't miss your chance to experience this classic tale live on stage. THE DINNER DETECTIVE MURDER MYSTERY SHOWOct. 19, 2024–Mar. 22Join The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Portland for an evening filled with suspense, laughter, and delicious dining. Step into a world of intrigue as you work to solve a thrilling crime that unfolds around you. But watch out — the culprit could be anyone in the room, and you might even become a Prime Suspect yourself. Your ticket includes a full dinner, interactive murder mystery experience, waitstaff gratuity, and a special prize for the night’s Top Sleuth. Get ready for a night you won’t forget. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFENov. 29–Dec. 22It’s A Wonderful Life is an award-winning musical adaptation of Frank Capra's classic film, with book and lyrics by Janet Mouser and music and lyrics by Michael Allen Harrison, Alan Berg and Julianne R. Johnson-Weiss. 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. SANTA PHOTOS AT WASHINGTON SQUARENov. 7–Dec. 24Santa will arrive in style at Washington Square on November 7 to welcome everyone home for the holidays. Santa will be available for pictures at Washington Square through December 24. Capture your family’s entire Santa experience with multiple cameras that let you bring home the magic. From your child’s first glimpse of Santa to their excitement or shy arrival at Santa’s lap, capture the hug, the high-five and even some tears to create lasting memories. Guests can purchase candid shots and traditional poses to post online and share with friends and family. PORTLAND SATURDAY MARKETMar. 9–Dec. 15Combining the vibes of an art show, a live street concert and an open-air bazaar, the Portland Saturday Market has been a beloved Rose City tradition since 1974. In fact, the market is considered the largest continually operating arts-and-crafts fair in the United States, drawing up to one million visitors during its annual season. ST JOHN'S FARMERS MARKETMay 4–Dec. 14The St. Johns Farmers Market will be open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. every Saturday May 4 through November 23, the weekend before Thanksgiving. There will also be a Holiday Market on Saturday, December 14, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The market is held at the corner of N. Charleston Ave. and N Central St, next to the St. Johns Bachelor Club. The 2024 season has a full vendor roster, including new and returning small businesses spanning local, sustainably-grown agriculture, artisan food, and handmade arts and crafts, Some exciting new products at the market this year include organically grown vegetables and quail eggs from Tiny Acre, a St. Johns-based small scale organic farm; breakfast burritos from Poblano Pepper Mexican Food; and plant-based, farmer-forward pastries and treats from Poppy Shop. To see which vendors are scheduled for each week, check out the interactive market map: https://maps.managemymarket.com/6336 PORTLAND INDIGENOUS MARKETPLACEOngoingPortland Indigenous Marketplace will host the Indigenous Marketplace. Over 30 vendors, food, art exhibits, and more will be present. A marketplace specifically for Indigenous/Black vendors, all the artists/entrepreneurs featured on Indigenous Marketplace have Indigenous/Black ancestry. Vendors sell their hand made and original designs.