Fall semester is coming to a close and most Pilots have been swamped with studying for exams and finishing up papers. Some have been too busy to even get stoked for the holidays, which are, in fact, right around the corner.
Whether or not you have been humming carols and cutting out paper snowflakes since before Halloween like I have, you should definitely check out this list complete with 15 things you simply must do in the Portland metropolitan area before the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 25.
All you need to know in order to have yourself a merry little Christmas can be found below. Best if done with a festive attitude. Bonus points if you take photos.
1. Go straight to your local Starbucks and order a holiday drink in a red cup. (Pics or it didn’t happen.) Thoroughly enjoy every sip.
2. Bundle up and take a walk on the wild side—check out Zoo Lights at the Oregon Zoo. This festive must-do is open
3. Take Trimet’s 44 bus line straight from UP to Pioneer Courthouse Square on November 25 at 5:30 p.m. to see the famous Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
4. Need to burn off some of that eggnog? Take a lap around the rink! Ice skating at Oregon Garden in Silverton opens on November 25.
5. If you can only take a short break from your studies, stay on campus on December 4! At 3 p.m. the University Jazz Ensemble will be presenting “Swinging for the Holidays” in BC Auditorium. Get out there and appreciate your fellow talented Pilots!
6. Feeling crafty? This holiday season, take some time to let your loved ones know you care with DIY Christ mas cards!
7. Head over to The Grotto for the Christmas Festival of Lights! Although The Grotto is a National Catholic Shrine—all are welcome, regardless of religious affiliation, and this event is considered
8. Are you struggling to find the perfect gift for your *
9. “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!” Preach, Buddy the Elf. Support the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus in their annual rendition of “The Most Wonderful Season” at the Newmark Theatre on December 2 and 3. This is very popular and it’s recommended that you buy tickets in advance!
10. In the spirit of keeping Portland weird, visit the infamous Hipster Santa at Pioneer Courthouse Square Mall near the entrance to Regal Theatre on Thursdays from 12 to 8 p.m.
11. If you’re staying in the area over break, head down to the waterfront on December 15 to see Portland’s one-of-a-kind, 62nd annual Christmas Ship Parade! See the fleet in action on December 6, 8, 13 and 15.
12. If you’re of legal drinking age, The Holiday Ale Festival should be at the top of your list. Buy a general admission ticket in advance for $35 and receive your wristband, a festival
13. Looking to get a breath of fresh air outside the city? Take a train ride on the Holiday Express with Mr. Claus! All trains depart from Oaks Station in Sellwood. Remember to buy tickets in advance, as this is a season favorite!
14. If you’re looking to start your fitness related New Year's Resolution a bit early this year, look no further! You can still sign up for the Holiday Half Marat hon & 5k! The run will take place on December 11 with both the start and finish lines at Adidas Headquarters right here in North Portland!
15. And for the final Christmas classic, head over to the Keller Auditorium for the Nutcracker by the Oregon Ballet Theatre! They will be performing from December 11 through December 26.
Bundle up, Pilots! And prepare to make the most out of this holiday season. Deck the halls and blast the carols. Break out the Santa hats. Binge watch all the holiday flicks that Netflix has to offer. Remember that peppermint improves most things. Put a spoon under your pillow, sleep with your jammies inside out and cross your fingers for a white Christmas. Don’t
Celebrate the holidays in whatever way you see fit. Just think, you will probably forget your exam scores by next semester, do your best and then let yourself make the most of the season with your loved ones! Whatever happens, remember that you have Pilots that love you and will be anxiously awaiting your return to The Bluff come January.
