Portland Holiday Things

What to eat, drink, and do to get in the holiday spirit.

The Santa Claus with Tim Allen is one of my favorite holiday movies. Just Googled “Is Tim Allen problematic?” and the answer is yes, so maybe I should reconsider? It’s the classic story of a grinch-like figure who rediscovers the magic of Christmas.

I feel like I’m dangerously close to being grinchy, too. Maybe it’s because I grew up here, and there’s only so many times you can see the puppet show at the Grotto or go to zoo lights, but more likely it’s because there’s a ton of pressure to “get in the holiday spirit” and spend a bunch of money on people who aren’t me (see?!? grinchy!!).

But being jaded is no fun. So, here’s a list of things I’m actually going to do this holiday season that are genuinely a good time. Starting with Matt Roger’s Prince of Christmas Tour at the Aladdin Theater, which is happening tomorrow night. In the words of Matt, Xmas is so now.

Belmont Station + Peacock Lane

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Address: SE Peacock Lane (Between SE Stark and SE Belmont off of Cesar Chavez) & Belmont Station (4500 SE Stark St)

Date: Dec 15-31 from 6 to 11 p.m.

Cost: free!

Parking: attempt to park nearby and walk through. You can also drive down the street.

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Ok, yes. We all know about Peacock Lane. It’s the street where everyone decorates their homes with Christmas lights, and a Hallmark movie waiting to happen. It’s cute and free and conveniently close to Belmont Station, where you can get a winter ale of your choosing from the bottle shop and the best smash burger in town. So this year my plan is to get dinner at Belmont Station and then take a tipsy stroll down to Peacock Lane.

TBH I live near Peacock Lane so sometimes I just drive through on my way home. If it’s not peak hours (6-9 p.m.), you can make it a pretty quick detour.

Also, to dispel any myths here, homeowners are not contractually obligated to decorate their homes. There is usually one or two that don’t — fellow grinches!

McMenamins Soaking Pools

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Address: Kennedy School (5736 NE 33rd Ave) or Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale)

Cost: $10 pp for Kennedy School/$45 pp for Edgefield

Parking: free lot parking is available at both locations.

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My definition of leaning into winter is taking lots of baths and seeking out soaking pools. Although Portland Monthly has a great list of options around town, I always find myself coming back to McMenamins, which offers the most affordable options.

Odds are high that there will inexplicably be a child in goggles swimming underwater or a couple openly making out next to you, but if you don’t go during peak hours (4-6 pm), you’ll likely have a relaxing experience that will fool you into thinking that winter isn’t so bad in the PNW. And if you are in fact a child looking to get some underwater exploration in this holiday break, boy do I have the place for you.

For Kennedy School, you can book your time slot online. For Edgefield, they like to say you need to book a spa appointment or be a hotel guest to access the soaking pool, but you can just call and book directly.

See a Movie at the Fox Tower

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Address: 846 SW Park Ave

Cost: $15

Parking: Fox Tower has parking for $6/hour

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I love independent theaters and frequent Laurelhurst Theater all the time, but during the holidays I just want to go to a Regal Cinema. And I especially want to go to Regal Cinema at the Fox Tower. There’s something about walking through the hotel lobby, seeing the big tree, and either going to a movie or Nordstrom that makes me feel like it’s Christmas.

I don’t really care which movie I see (because for some reason there are no good movies out right now), but I might go see our beloved Timothy Chalamet in A Complete Unknown or Amy Adams in Nightbitch because why not.

Cheese and Crack’s Seasonal Special

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Address: 22 SE 28th Ave

Hours: Sunday-Friday, 3-10 pm; Saturdays 12-10 pm

Cost: $8

Parking: street

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I included Cheese and Crack in my favorite fall things list, and it’s going here again. Because they know how to do a sundae!! This outing would be a great thing to pair with a movie at Laurelhurst or after getting dinner on 28th somewhere like Navarre, Guero, or Ken’s Artisan.