by Melissa Aguilar |
Staying around in Portland this Thanksgiving weekend? Whether you just want to get off campus or want to avoid spending more time with weird relatives, the city has all sorts of activities to enjoy…once the food coma has worn off.
The Magic of Wintertime — Pittock Mansion
Nov. 23-Jan. 2
The museum’s annual holiday exhibit is back, with wintery decorations galore. The Music Room will feature local musicians during the season.
Free to children under six and members. Adults $11, youth (6-8) $8, and seniors (65+) $10.
By taking the free shuttle from Washington Park, you can get $1 off admission and reimbursed $4 for parking.
Pittock Mansion
3229 NW Pittock Drive
Portland, OR 97210
Tree Lighting Ceremony — Pioneer Courthouse Square
Friday, Nov. 27, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
The day after Thanksgiving, Portland’s Living Room will be filled with thousands of Portlanders kicking off the holiday season with carols and a giant tree.
Free and open to the public.
Pioneer Courthouse Square
701 SW 6th Ave
Portland, OR 97204
Christmas Festival of Lights — The Grotto
Nov. 27-Dec. 31, 5-9:30 p.m.
Throughout the season, choirs from all over the area perform in The Grotto’s chapel, including UP’s very own Women’s Choir on Dec. 7. The plaza area hosts outdoor carolers, a petting zoo and puppet shows.
General admission $10, Senior (65+)/military $9, Children (3-12) $5, Children under two are free.
The Grotto
840 NE Skidmore St
Portland, OR 97220
Macy’s Holiday Parade — Downtown Portland
Friday, Nov. 27, 9 a.m.
Instead of trying to beat the crowds on Black Friday, join them for the Macy’s annual parade. Local marching bands will accompany a plethora of floats as they wind through the streets of downtown Portland.
Free and open to the public.
Macy’s
621 SW 5th Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
ZooLights — Oregon Zoo
Nov. 27-Jan. 3, 5-9 p.m.
Starting Nov. 27, the Oregon Zoo will dazzle with a million and a half lights. Walk along the magically lit paths while admiring the multicolored animal light displays. Add a train ticket for the chance to ride through parts of the display and to see the newly added interactive experience with seasonal characters.
Value nights are held and discounts are available with proof of TriMet fare. See OregonZoo.org for more information.
Oregon Zoo
4001 Southwest Canyon Road
Portland, OR 97221
Volunteer
The holiday season is a great time to get in the habit of serving year-round, even if for just a few hours a month. Hand on Greater Portland has a calendar of opportunities to give back with organizations like Friends of Trees, Meals on Wheels and Portland Animal Welfare.
Melissa Aguilar is a reporter for The Beacon. She can be reached at aguilarm16@up.edu
