Cheap or Free Christmas Activities
Posted on Friday, December 18th, 2009
Today is the last day of school before break begins. {shudder} No, really it will be fun! And my friend Char sent me a list of cheap and free Portland activities starting this weekend:
What: “Holly Jolly Hullabaloo!”
When: 7 p.m. Thu-Fri, 2 and 7 p.m. Sat, 2 p.m. Sun, through Dec. 27 (no shows Dec. 24-25)
Where: Theater! Theatre!, 3430 S.E. Belmont St, Portland
Details: JANE a theater company presents a take on the “Little Red Riding Hood” story with a green twist. FREE; www.jane-a-theater-company.org
What: “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
When: 7:30 p.m. Fri-Wed, Dec. 18-23, and 2 p.m. Sat-Sun, Dec. 19-20.
Where: Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State St., Lake Oswego
Details: When the Herdman kids take over the Christmas play, anything can happen, and does. The family performance is in its 18th year. ; $10-$12; www.lakewood-center.org or 503-635-3901
What: Peacock Lane
When: Now through Dec 30, 6 -11:00 pm
Where : Between SE Stark St. and SE Belmont St. and one block east of SE 39th.
Details: The best way to see the lights is on foot. Park somewhere in the neighborhood or at Walgreens, and enjoy a stroll down the Lane.

If you’re driving, please beware of heavy traffic, and limited access to the street by moving vehicles. Coming from the West, or downtown, enter Peacock Lane going South via Stark Street.

Coming from the East, take Belmont Street to Peacock Lane and go North up the Lane.
What: “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”
When: Fri – Sat, through Dec. 19th,, 8:00 pm
Where: Sandy Actors Theatre, 17433 Meining Ave., Sandy
Details: The holiday play is filled with music, festive humor and child actors; $10-$12
What: Oregon Historical Society FREE Family Day
When: Saturday, Dec. 19th, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: OHS Museum, 1200 SW Park Ave, Portland
Details: FREE admission and family friendly activities. All ages. FREE, 503-306-5798, www.ohs.org
What: PDX Working Class Book Fair
When: Saturday, Dec. 19th, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Liberty Hall, 311 N Ivy Street. (a block South of N. Fremont, between N. Vancouver and N. Commercial St.
Details: Vendors of such fame as: Laughing Horse Books, Eberhardt Press, Black Rose,
In Other Words, Northstar, Just Seeds, PDX IWW, Great NW Books, and more! There will also be a number on workshops during the day. Entrance is free, workshops are free. Snacks will be available for purchase.
What: Winter Solstice and Christmas Ships
When: Saturday, Dec. 19th, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Where: Milwaukie Riverfront Park, Jefferson St. boat ramp, Milwaukie
Details: Warm by the bonfire and listen to carols. See the Christmas ships at 5:30. All ages. FREE. 503-786-7568. www.cityofmilwaukie.org
What: Winter Break Family Day
When: Saturday, Dec. 19th, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Oregon Historical Society, 1200 S.W. Park Ave
Details: The Oregon History Museum offers free admission to all visitors. Family activities include educational programs, crafts and Dickens Carolers. FREE; www.ohs.org or 503-222-1741
What: “Music From Around the World”
When: 10 a.m. Sat, 2 p.m. Sun, through Dec. 27
Where: Brooklyn Bay, 1825 S.E. Franklin St., Bay K, Portland
Details: The holiday program offers songs from the world folk tales often performed in the Play After Play shows. $7 general; www.thebrooklynbay.org or 503-772-4005
What: Family Holiday Sing Along
When: Sunday, December 20, 2009, 2- 3:00 pm
Where: Hillsboro Main Library, Hillsboro
Details: 503-615-6500
What: Railroad Club Open House
When: Sunday, Dec. 20th, Noon – 4:00 pm
Where: Basement of Aloha Mall, Southwest 185th Avenue and Tualatin Valley Highway, Beaverton
Details: An open house by the Portland chapter of Train Collectors Association and Toy Train Operating Society features layouts, including a hands-on layout for children; free appraisals and maintenance clinics; and toys and trains for sale. ; food donation
What: Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Holiday Party
When: Sunday, Dec. 20th, 1:00 pm
Where: A Children’s Place, 4807 NE Fremont Street Portland
Details: Fancy Nancy is having a FABULOUS Fancy Nancy parties to celebrate the holiday season. Gather for treats, costumes, stories and MORE! Please RSVP (that’s a fancy word for save your spot) so we know how many fancy candy canes we need. Thanks! 503 284-8294
What: Professor Banjo
When: Sunday, Dec. 20, 4-5:00 pm
Where: Mississippi Pizza Pub, 3552 N. Mississippi Ave
Details: Singalongs, dancing games and lively old-time music for families. Guest artist Curt Alsobrook. $5 general, $10 per family; www.squaredancepaul.com or 503-288-3231
What: Winter Solstice Celebration
When: Sunday, Dec. 20th, 3 – 5:00 pm
Where: Tryon Creek State Natural Area, 11321 S.W. Terwilliger Blvd
Details: Includes a scientific explanation of the winter solstice, craft activity and a walk in the forest. FREE; pre-registration at 503-636-4398
What: Winter Break Lego-Rama
When: Monday, Dec. 21st, 1 – 2:30 pm for ages 6 – 8. 3 – 4:30 pm for ages 9-11.
Where: Cedar Mill Community Library, 12505 N.W. Cornell Road
Details: Participants will compete in building challenges and create individual and group projects. The library will provide the Legos. FREE. 503-644-0043, ext. 112
What: FrankenAnimals
When: Tuesday, Dec. 22nd, 2:30 – 4:00 pm
Where: Sellwood-Moreland Library, 7860 S.E. 13th Ave
Details: Play Dr. Frankenstein and make a one-of-a-kind creation with repurposed plush animals. For ages 10 and older. FREE. www.multcolib.org/events or 503-988-5398
What: All Ages Animanga
When: Wednesday, Dec. 23rd
Where: Tigard Public Library, 13500 SW Hall Blvd, Tigard
Details: Families invited to Teen Animanga for treats and origami. All ages. FREE. www.tigard-or.gov/library
What: Christmas Family Films
When: Wednesday, Dec. 23rd, 7:00 pm
Where: The Little Church, 5138 N.E. 23rd Ave
Details: The Oregon Cartoon Institute presents an evening of kid-friendly animated short films, with live entertainment and holiday cake. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $10 family; 503-282-2101
