Now a jewel in downtown, The Ritz-Carlton, Portland offers 10 ways to celebrate holidays

Published 12:00 pm Friday, November 22, 2024

The Ritz-Carlton, Portland is looking to create lasting holiday traditions in the city. It is quite an impressive place to visit as a jewel to help attract visitors to downtown.

From breakfast with Santa and themed afternoon teas to grand holidays feasts and family-friendly fun, there will be a little bit of everything to celebrate the season. (Reservations are required for most events.)

The Ritz-Carlton, Portland General Manger Marie Browne said, “Our goal is to start new traditions. Some of the events, I think, can become new traditions for how to get together for the holidays.”

Holiday Feasts

Thanksgiving Brunch and Dinner, Thursday, Nov. 28

This elegant brunch features traditional Thanksgiving specialties, accompanied by live entertainment, including a jazz trio and cookie decorating station for the kiddos.

The upstairs restaurant, Bellpine, will serve fried turkey breast, cranberry sauce with giblet gravy, marionberry and brioche stuffing, and a slice of pumpkin pie topped with whipped crème fraîche and cranberry compote.

Reservations are required. Brunch reservations can be found online. Prepayment is required. Dinner reservations are found online.

Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet and Christmas Day Brunch, Dec. 24-25

On Christmas Eve, guests will enjoy an array of festive offerings for dinner, including a seafood display with Pacific Northwest oysters and caviar, a carving station with Beef Wellington and hazelnut-crusted salmon and a variety of seasonal dishes such as salads and desserts. Reservations are available online.

On Christmas, a brunch at Bellpine features holiday specials such as seafood cocktail, salmon benedict, open-face prime rib dip with truffle jus, and bottomless mimosas and Bloody Mary experience. Reservations can be found online.

New Year’s Eve Dinner, Dec. 31

This dinner includes options of oysters, duck terrine, and beef tenderloin crafted by Executive Chef Pedro Almeida. Reservations can be found online.

Seasonal Afternoon Teas

November Afternoon Tea, every Saturday and Sunday

During the month of November, guests can enjoy live jazz music, while experiencing the 90-minute event which includes TEALEAVES loos-leaf teas paired with seasonal tea sandwiches. Sandwich flavors include smoked salmon rillette, carved turkey and cured ham served alongside a towering tree of sweets such as fresh berry tart, chocolate truffles and assorted macarons.

Guests can add a splash of bubbles for an extra festive feel. Reservations can be found online.

December Afternoon Tea, every Saturday and Sunday

The 90-minute experience features TEALEAVES loose-leaf teas along tea sandwiches such as curried chicken salad and crab salad, as well as treats including maple pecan pie, mini chocolate log and candied orange scones. A splash of bubbles can be added for festive fun. Reservations can be found online.

Teddy Bear Tea, Dec. 22

For the first time, the Eliot Ballroom will transform into a winter wonderland for this event. Families can find a selection of season tea sandwiches, pastries and sweets. Children can enjoy hot chocolate, while adults can have supreme bubbly and teas.

The afternoon includes a holiday show with sing-alongs, skits and storytelling, and each child will take home their own teddy bear.

Guests are encouraged to bring a wrapped, new toy to support the hotel’s toy drive supporting Portland Fire & Rescue’s Toy & Joy Makers program. A portion of the proceeds from the event will support the Oregon Make-A-Wish Foundation. Reservations can be found online.

Magical Events

Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 15

A breakfast buffet will be filled with delights like Oregon Coast lox, made-to-order waffles and omelets and a Santa’s assorted desserts display and hot chocolate bar. The ballroom will transform for Santa and his elves to make an appearance, with photo ops available, accompanied by live entertainment. Reservations are required and can be found online.

Gingerbread House Decorating Classes, Dec. 22

All ages are welcome to take this class and will be able to indulge in hot cocoa and a treats station. The fun can continue at home, as guests can take their houses with them, as well as a hat and apron. Reservations are required and can be found online.

New Year’s Eve Gala, Dec. 31

The evening will start with a cocktail reception with gourmet canapes before being seated for a five-course dinner with dishes like oysters with passion fruit granita, scallop crudo with lychee and coconut Leche de Tigre, bay shrimp with crab consommé and more.

Between courses there will be live entertainment and a DJ. As the clock approaches midnight, The Red Letter Players and Champagne Skirt Girls will perform, as well as stilt walkers and aerialists.

Late night snacks are provided to keep the night going.

The event is ages 21 and up. Reservations are required and can be found online.

And if that wasn’t enough options, the Meadowrue bar, located just steps from the lobby, is offering a number of holiday cocktails after Thanksgiving.

One drink called “A Lusting Dusting” features marionberry and bourbon, with its design taking inspiration from the lighting dusting of snow Oregonians are lucky to (maybe) see each year.

To explore and reserve all holiday offerings, visit online here at ritzcarltonportland. 247activities.com.