By: Katherine Ljungqvist Freelancer
The fall term is almost over, we will soon have made it through finals and winter break will be upon us. For those of you who will be spending the holidays locally, here are some events taking place in Monmouth, Salem and Portland.
In the Monmouth and Rickreall area there are a handful of holiday events to look forward to; in addition to the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony that takes place on campus, the Western Hemisphere Orchestra will be performing in Rice Auditorium on Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Eola Hills Wine Cellars in Rickreall is hosting their Enchanted Christmas in the Wine Cellar, Dec. 5 and 6, with musical guest Michael Allen Harrison. The concert begins at 7 p.m., but seating is limited, so guests are encouraged to make reservations.
If you’re looking for activities in the Salem area then check out Christmas in the Garden. Starting Nov. 25 and running through Jan. 1, there will be daily ice skating, with additional festivities Thursdays-Sundays such as a traditional German Christmas market, live music and carolers, and a light display in Rediscovery Forest. See oregongarden.org for event details.
There is a Craft Bazaar and Chanukah Sale at Temple Beth Sholom in Salem featuring hand-crafted goods that takes place Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Dec. 4.
Also in Salem, Enlightened Theatrics will be running their special holiday edition of “Forever Plaid” Wednesdays-Sundays now through Dec. 11 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theater.
Portland is hosting a plethora of festive events to look forward to this holiday season including lights, music, and a number of beer and ale festivals. Zoo Lights will run from Nov. 25 through Jan. 1, starting after 4 p.m. at the Oregon Zoo.
Christmas at the Grotto will run the whole month of December and features over 500,000 lights, with choral singers and hot chocolate present.
The Oregon Ballet Theater will perform the Nutcracker Ballet at Keller Auditorium select nights through Dec. 26. For those 21 and over, there is a Holiday Ale Festival December 1-4 at Pioneers Courthouse Square; the St. Johns Winter Beer Fest in St. John’s, Dec. 9-11; and Ciderfest 2016 which takes place Dec. 16 at EastBurn, and supports Toys for Tots.
Contact the author at kljungqvist16@wou.edu
