Holiday Happenings: Peacock Lane highlights Portland-area attractions

Published 12:15 am Monday, December 9, 2024

We continue tracking our area’s Christmas and holiday events and attractions — and there are a lot of them, please check portlandtribune.com for all of our “Holiday Happenings” stories. Here’s what to do in the coming days:

OREGON SYMPHONY — The symphony’s holiday season of shows at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall features “Comfort & Joy: Songs of Good Cheer,” including classic sing-alongs and holiday favorites with Oregon Chorale, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, and “Gospel Christmas: Celebrating 25 Years,” the beloved concert with the Northwest Community Gospel Chorus (about 80 members from 25 houses of faith and organizations), 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, 4 p.m. Dec. 15; For complete info, see orsymphony.org.

MICHAEL ALLEN HARRISON — The Portland musician Michael Allen Harrison hosts many holiday concerts (usually with Julianne Johnson), the big ones take place at The Old Church (michael allenharrison.com). “Christmas at the Old Church” includes 7:30 p.m. and afternoon shows, Dec. 13-24.

PORTLAND REVELS — Featuring music in eight different languages, and marking the 30th year of celebrating the shortest day of the year and the return of light to dark of winter, Portland Revels puts on “Norse Fire — A Celebration of the Solstice,” Dec. 13-22 at Alberta Abbey, 126 N.E. Alberta St. (portlandrevels.org). There’ll be song, story and dance from the northernmost reaches of Europe, and gorgeous scenery as a backdrop. The story: Upon discovering that her grandfather is close to death, Astrid and the Norse God Jolnir set off on a journey through time and space to save him; Astrid’s perspective shifts as she realizes that perhaps Grandfather isn’t the one who needs saving.

CAROLING COMPETITION — The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition is a fun and festive event that brings caroling groups of all ages to the heart of downtown (thesquarepdx.org). The free Friday, Dec. 13 event (6-7:30 p.m.) at Pioneer Courthouse Square features groups of three or more carolers (no more than 25).

CHORUS CONCERT — The Portland Gay Men’s Chorus holiday concert is “Merry Everything: Winter Songs From Around the World,” 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 13-14, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 at Newmark Theatre. “You’ll be charmed and delighted as the chorus gallivants through a beautiful world of peace hope, and joy,” publicity says (pdxgmc.org).

‘ROCK THE HOLIDAYS’ — “Aaron Meyer: Rock The Holidays” will take place for three shows, Friday-Saturday, Dec. 13-14 at the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts in Beaverton. Celebrate 24 years of Christmas tradition with concert rock violinist Aaron Meyer as he blends Christmas favorites with rock-n-roll classics, featuring exhilarating performances from his virtuosic band and guest artists, including the Concert Rock String Quartet and student musicians from Concert Rock Academy. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. More: thereser.org.

HOLIDAY MARKET — The Crafty Wonderland Holiday Art & Craft Market, founded in 2006, draws shoppers to Oregon Convention Center, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 (pre-pick party) and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 14-15. Find many made-in-Portland gifts at the event (craftywonderland.com).

PEACOCK LANE — It’s a huge Portland tradition: Going to see the decorated Southeast Portland houses on Peacock Lane via walking or driving, with openings from 6-11 p.m. each night from Dec. 15-31. Some nights (Dec. 15-17) are closed to cars. It’s located off Southeast Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard between Stark and Belmont streets (peacocklane.org).

A BROWN BRANCH CHRISTMAS — Now in its fourth season and presented by Albina Music Trust, the big-band celebration A Brown Branch Christmas, featuring Domo Branch and Charlie Brown III and a 15-piece orchestra, takes place 7:30 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, Dec. 16-17 at The Armory (pcs.org).