Talk about WOW! December continues to amaze us with its myriad family-friendly events and activities. Check our online calendar for the full list of each day’s events. And don’t forget our Holiday Highlights with details on local holiday events for families, too.
SPOTLIGHT: Cafe au Play Tree Sale: Still looking for the perfect Christmas tree? Need some unique gifts for the holidays? Head down to Cafe au Play (5633 SE Division) between 10 am and 7 pm on Saturday or Sunday (or 2:30 to 6:30 today, Friday) to pick out a Noble or Grand fir from Timber Ridge Tree Farm in Mollala — or shop the holiday bazaar featuring locally made gifts, cards and baked goods — and help support this unique family-focused, nonprofit community-building venture. Even if you’ve got your tree and your shopping is all done (congratulations, by the way!), you can still pitch in to help. Sign up for a shift selling trees, snacks or drinks, or bake a special treat for the bake sale. There’s a play area for kids with toys, books and art supplies, and a festive feeling all around. Proceeds from the sale will go toward Cafe au Play’s startup fund. www.cafeauplay.org.
Saturday
Holiday Concert. A concert by Portland Symphonic Girlchoir. Recommended for older elementary and up. 2 pm. $20 adult, $10 student, $30 family. Zion Lutheran Church, 1015 SW 18th Ave. 503-226-6162. www.girlchoir.com/events.php.
OHS Family and Free Day. Family-friendly activities and free admission. All ages. 10 am to 5 pm. Oregon Historical Society Museum, 1200 SW Park Ave. 503-306-5198. www.ohs.org.
Winter Solstice and Christmas Ships. Stay warm by the bonfire, listen to carols and buy cocoa and treats as you watch the spectacular Christmas Ships pageant. All ages. 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Free. Milwaukie Riverfront Park (Jefferson St. Boat Ramp), park on E side of McLoughlin. 503-786-7568. www.cityofmilwaukie.org.
Family Sleepover at the Oregon Aquarium. Eat pizza, sleep with the sharks, go on a scavenger hunt and more. Ages 6 and up with grown-ups. 6 pm to 9 am. $55. Oregon Coast Aquarium, 2820 SE Ferry Slip Road, Newport. 541-867-3474 xt 5224. www.aquarium.org.
Sunday
Winter Solstice Celebration. Make crafts, hike in the woods at sunset and learn about the shortest day of the year. All ages. 3 to 5 pm. Free. Tryon Creek Park, 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd. 503-636-4398. www.tryonfriends.org.
All Weekend
Tiger Lilly and Sunny Lu. Dancers create a one-room feline circus. (Read a friend’s review here.) 7:30 pm. $32 adults, $20 ages 12 and under. Echo Theatre, 1515 SE 37th. 503-231-1232. www.dojump.org.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Join beautiful Belle and the Beast in this musical adventure as they learn about love and true beauty, with a special appearance by the Jefferson Dancers. Best for ages 4 and up. 7:30 pm Dec. 18, 19, 26, 30 and Jan 1 and 2. 2 pm Dec. 19, 26, 27 and Jan. 2 and 3. 4 pm Dec. 20. $27 to $58.50 plus service charges. Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway. 503-248-4335. www.pixiedustshows.com.
A Nutcracker Tea. Northwest Dance Theatre presents an abridged version of the holiday classic ballet with fabulous costumes, dancing and refreshments. Best for ages 4 and up. 7 pm Dec. 18, 2 and 7 pm Dec. 19, and 1 and 5 pm Dec. 20. $10 to $26. Portland Community College Sylvania Campus, 12000 SW 49th Ave. 503-925-3898. www.NWDT.org.
Winter Wonderettes. Broadway Rose Theatre presents a new musical with 1960’s tunes and plenty of fun. All ages with good theater manners. 7:30 pm Dec. 18 and 19; 2 pm Dec.20. (Show closes this weekend.) $20 to $30, plus service charges. New Stage, 12850 SW Grant Ave., Tigard. 503-620-5262. www.broadwayrose.com.
Hope for the Holidays (Saturday and Sunday). Portland Youth Ballet performs with live music. All ages. 5 pm Dec. 19; 2 pm Dec. 20. $18 to $22, plus service charge. World Trade Center Theater, 121 SW Salmon St. 503-914-8913. www.pybdance.com.
Chelatchie Prairie Christmas Tree Train (Saturday and Sunday). Explore beautiful north Clark County as you ride through a 330-foot tunnel and over a trestle crossing the Lewis River, then enjoy a layover at Moulton Falls. 9:30 am, noon and 2:30 pm Dec. 19 and 20. $15 adults; $10 ages 5 to 12; $8 ages 2 to 4; free under 2. 207 N Railroad Ave. Yacolt, Wash. 360-686-3559. www.bycx.com.
Don’t forget to check our online calendar for more family-friendly events every day.
December 18th, 2009 | Category: WOW! (What's on this Weekend)
