November 2011 enewsletter

Taste your way through the Willamette Valley during Wine Country Thanksgiving from Nov. 25-27. More than 160 wineries and tasting rooms will open their doors for wine tasting, specialty food pairings, live music and more. Enjoy these festivities while savoring the region's acclaimed Pinot noir and Pinot gris, among other exciting wines. Take this unique opportunity to visit some of the region's smaller wineries only open to the public on select holiday weekends. Plot your course with these wine tasting routes. To receive a mailer that includes a list of activities at each winery and a touring map, e-mail your mailing address to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Polar Express —inspired by the award-winning book and runaway hit movie—returns to Mt. Hood Railroad Nov. 12-Dec. 28. Don your pajamas and read along with the story as the train makes its magical round-trip journey to the North Pole. You'll meet Santa and enjoy caroling, hot cocoa, a treat and a special gift for each child. This is a holiday ride the entire family will enjoy.

Get ready for your adventure with a special screening of The Polar Express at OMSI's OMNIMAX theater – a dome screen, digital surround sound, and IMAX projection system that puts you in the center of the cinematic action.

There are two events at Lan Su Chinese Garden this November that you won't want to miss. The Chrysanthemum Festival features prize-winning blooms from the Portland Chrysanthemum Society, specially cultivated chrysanthemum displays in the Chinese style, and floral arrangement demonstrations. The Chinese Art Show fills the Garden with art inspired by the gardens of China. Observe calligraphy and watercolor demonstrations by local artists.

Portland Japanese Garden presents Mottainai: The Fabric of Life. This exhibition of antique Japanese folk textiles from the Meiji period (1868-1912) demonstrates the remarkable ability of the Japanese to not only make do with the very little they had, but to make their garments wearable art.

Lakewood Theatre Company presents White Christmas, Irving Berlin's delightful new musical based on the 1954 smash hit movie. The show features classic Irving Berlin hits such as the unforgettable title song, "White Christmas." A Portland area premiere.

Fuel your caffeine addiction with the World Forestry Center's Coffee Fair, a special event dedicated to espresso, lattes and the plain old Cup O' Joe. Smell, taste and learn about specialty coffees from knowledgeable local roasters. Savor and sip coffees from around the globe as bigwig-to-backyard roasters introduce new products and roll out retro brewing techniques. Tempt your taste buds with the world's most popular drink. Discover your new favorite roast or blend from some of the Pacific Northwest's premier roasters.

Artists Repertory Theatre presents Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol by John Longenbaugh. Literature's favorite quirky inquisitor is infused with the spirit of a crotchety Ebenezer Scrooge. After failed attempts by Dr. Watson to cheer Holmes into celebrating the holiday season, the unrepentant, ill-tempered detective is forced to deduce the facts and solve the most important mystery of his life – past, present and future.

Portland Center Stage presents a live stage version of the holiday movie classic A Christmas Story. The only thing little Ralphie Parker hopes to find under the tree is a Daisy Brand Red Ryder BB rifle. Looming in the way are alleyway bullies, freezing flagpoles, unsympathetic authorities and a certain horrifying Macy's Santa. This play is a holiday treat everyone can enjoy – that is, until someone shoots their eye out!

Recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest as the "Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi," the 19th annual Jubitz Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway features 250 colorful light set pieces and many fully animated scenes viewed from the comfort of your car.

The Oregon Zoo is transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland with more than a million lights. Zoolights features a lighted train, live holiday music, elves and costumed animals. The highlight is the menagerie of hundreds of life-size, 3-dimensional animal silhouettes and moving light sculptures. Closed Dec. 24 and 25.

Portland Art Museum presents an exceptional painting by the most celebrated artist of Renaissance Venice: Titian's La Bella (Woman in a Blue Dress). This luminous painting is a classic portrait of a beautiful woman in a magnificent dress and luxurious accessories of the day. Mystery surrounds the identity of La Bella; Titian painted the same subject in multiple portraits and there is speculation that La Bella is the same woman in Titian's landmark work Venus of Urbino. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Titian's La Bella!

The Grotto's Christmas Festival of Lights is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world with nearly 170 holiday concerts performed by the region's finest choirs. Five indoor concerts are scheduled each evening in The Grotto's 600-seat chapel, known for its cathedral quality acoustics. Family entertainment in The Grotto's plaza includes outdoor caroling, puppet shows and a petting zoo.

The 16th annual Holiday Ale Festival at Pioneer Courthouse Square features big, bold ales designed to fend off the cold chill of a long winter night. Taste IPAs, Belgians, barley wines, porters and stouts—many crafted specifically for the event. Hours are 2-10 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. To avoid long lines, the recommended days for attendance are Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. The Holiday Ale Festival is for ages 21 and over.