Grab your holiday wish list and head to these spots for meet and greets with The Big Guy and Santa pictures

There is no better time to make a family memory than the holidays—from heading out to see Christmas lights around the city, to finding that just-right tree to decorate before you’ve even finished up those Thanksgiving leftovers. While a photo in front of the tree or around the table is a way to preserve those memories, nothing says “Christmas” quite like Santa pictures. When you have the kids in tow, figuring out where Mr. Christmas himself will be is not a simple job. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best places in Portland to snap a pic with Old Saint Nick. Dress the kiddos in whatever means Christmas to you, and head out to one of these spots to make a memory that will last a lifetime (and be a spectacle in any photo album).

a kid stands in front of Santa during Santa pictures
__drz__ via unsplash

1. Santa Photos at Washington Square

Santa’s traditional visit to Washington Square includes all sorts of fun. This year, the new Elf Academy will allow your sweet children to be transformed into elves in the Magic Mirror, with some magic Santa Dust (i.e. Augmented Reality). Oh, and there’s Elf-Ray Vision, and a Naughty or Nice Meter, Storytime with Mrs. Claus, and more. Spend less time in line by making a reservation before your visit, or just swing by for holiday cheer anytime.

Dates: Nov. 10–22 & Dec. 24, 2022

9585 S.W. Washington Square Rd.
Portland
Online: shopwashingtonsquare.com

2. Santa’s Toy Factory: Clackamas Town Center

Santa’s Workshop is geared up for fun at Clackamas Town Center. The Toy Factory is an experience to behold—kids can test new toys and even help digitally design their own while they wait to see Santa. Special Events include PJ Day, Ugly Sweater Day, and lots of chances for Pet Nights. Reserve online to save some time, and go home with very special memories.

Dates: Nov. 17-Dec. 24, 2022

12000 S.E. 82nd Ave.
Happy Valley, OR
Online: clackamastowncenter.com

Related: Slide into Winter at These Tubing & Sledding Spots

Mike Amey via unsplash

3. Pioneer Place Mall

The Christmas Tree in downtown Portland isn’t the only reason to venture to Pioneer Place this holiday season. Saint Nick will be eagerly awaiting present requests at the lower level of the Rotunda building December 1st through the 24th. Take a flick with Santa and then pal around the mall to finish any Christmas shopping—a 2-in-1 occasion, for sure. Head online to reserve your spot for a photo op today.

Dates: Dec. 1-24, 2022

700 S.W. 5th Ave.
Portland, OR
Online: pioneerplace.com

4. Lloyd Center Mall

Santa rarely misses an opportunity to greet kids at Lloyd Center, and this year is no different. He is looking forward to hearing about all the goodies he can load onto his sleigh, and this year he is accompanied by guests. Plan an awesome photo extravaganza with Nightmare Before Christmas’ Jack and Sally or the Grinch himself. You can also catch the Grinch on the famous Lloyd Center ice rink if you’re feeling like strapping on some skates. Head to the Lloyd Center this Christmas season for loads of fun and awesome photo opportunities. 

Dates: Dec. 10, 11, 17-24

2201 Lloyd Center
Portland
Online: lloydcenter.com

Related: Portland's Coolest Spots to Go Ice Skating This Season

A child and Santa touch hands at Black Santa PDX when they take pictures with Santa in portland
Black Santa PDX

5.  Pictures with Black Santa

After enclosing himself in a snowglobe to greet children during the holidays, Black Santa has emerged and is excited to meet all the kids of Portland. He is a busy man, so he will be at multiple locations throughout Portland this year. Never fear! He has a website chock full of events he’ll be attending. So no matter your schedule, you can make time to see him (without the snowglobe, this time.).

Online: blacksantapdx.com

a lighted train with smoke coming out of its stack is one of the places to take pictures with Santa in Portland
Oregon Rail Heritage Center

6. Oregon Rail Heritage Center Holiday Express

From November 25th to December 18th, you can join Santa Claus and his elves for a magical ride behind Portland’s famous steam locomotives. Vintage rail cars transport you along the Willamette River in the heart of the city. Trains travel on the Oregon Pacific Railroad along the Willamette River in SE Portland and he interiors of the passenger cars are decorated with garland, ornaments, and lights that will dazzle both little and big holiday lovers. Of course, the big treat is getting to share a ride with Santa on board. What a great opportunity to get lots of pics! Book your tickets now.

Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 18, 2022
Cost: $28/adult; $23/child; $98/family of 4

2250 S.E. Water Ave.
Portland
Online: orhf.org

7. Festival of Trees

The Festival of Trees is a long-standing holiday event that benefits Providence Foundations of Oregon. On December 2nd and 3rd, you can enjoy a magical holiday wonderland with more than 100 beautifully decorated themed trees, dance and music performances, face painting, and cookie decorating. Attend Elf Academy where kids have a chance to learn what it’s like to be one of Santa’s elves. The whole family can explore the magical winter wonderland featuring amazing trees, crafts, LEGO displays, a chance to get a photo with Santa, and more. And once they complete the required coursework, studious kids will even earn their elf ears.

Good to Know: For the adults, there is a Gala dinner and auction on Thursday, December 1st.

Dates: Dec. 1-3, 2022

Oregon Convention Center
777 N.E. MLK Jr. Blvd.
Portland
Online: foundation.providence.org

a lighted train at the Oregon Zoo is part of Zoo Lights and a chance for kids to take Santa pictures in Portland
Oregon Zoo, Michael Durham

8. ZooLights: Washington Park and Zoo Railway

While you can take this train ride all year long, it turns into something special during the holiday season. The holidays just wouldn’t be the holidays in Portland with out a spin on the ZooLights run. This ride gives you the best view of the dazzling display of more than 1.5 million lights in the zoo. In addition to visiting elephants, mountain goats and other wildlife, you can ride the popular lighted train and carousel, and enjoy hot drinks and local food carts. Photos with Santa will be available for the little ones every evening through December 24 starting November 29.

Dates: Nov. 23, 2022–Jan. 5, 2023

Oregon Zoo
4001 S.W. Canyon Rd.
Portland
Online: oregonzoo.org

9. Hood River Railroad

Book a very special Santa visit with this magical train ride on the Hood River Railroad. Join the cheery elves in singing festive songs, enjoy hot chocolate, and be whisked out to Christmas Town with a woo-woo whistle. Santa will give every child their very own special gift. Wear something fun like pj's or a fancy outfit to join in the fun. Book your ride today.

Dates: Nov. 18-Dec. 28, 2022

Hood River Rail Station
110 Railroad St.
Hood River, OR
Online: mthoodrr.com

Related: All Aboard! Holiday Train Rides to Book Now

Love is in the air! There are plenty of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the family and spread some love and we gathered up a few of our favorite ideas to get you started. There are themed hikes, arts and crafts and baking classes to whip up extra special treats.

iStock

Take Your Kids to a Local Candy Shop
Treat your favorite little sweet tooth to a local sweet shop visit that has all the heart-shaped macarons you could ever desire. 

Share the Love
Show some love for the grandparents, neighbors or anyone who needs a little cheering up with a DIY Valentine's Day card or pick up a Valentine’s Day Cards Take Home Craft Kit beginning Feb. 5 or check out a Cards Galore event on Feb. 12

Celebrate Love at the Lake
Lake Chabot hosts a special Valentine’s Day escape with a two hour rental of a decorated, covered patio boat complete with a picnic basket full of snacks and treats. Enjoy an idyllic family Valentine’s day adventure out on the water! Feb 1 - 28. Event details.

Take the Valentine Kindness Challenge
Ideas of how to generously spread love every day of the month are available in this challenge. 

Splurge on Fancy Hot Cocoa
These Bay Area shops have all the fancied-up hot cocoa that you want this Valentine's Day. Be sure to try the spicy versions if you can take the heat! 

Watch Penguins Waddle for Valentine cards
Visit Cal Academy’s penguins as they receive felt Valentine’s cards that they love using to line their nests. Can’t make it down to the museum? Watch the live stream here. Feb. 12 & 13, Event details 

Join a Baking Class to Make a Special Valentine’s Day Treat
Calling all bakers! Kids will love learning how to make Heart cupcakes Feb. 10 or Cake pops Feb. 14. 

San Francisco Ferry Building

Visit a Pop Up Flower Wall
It’s back! The Insta-worthy flower wall at the Ferry Building is back for sweet photo ops along with craft activity stations and other delicious surprises to be found in the Ferry Building. Feb. 13. Event details

Get Outside for Love
Drop by the Del Valle Visitor's center where kids will learn about friendship and love in the wild in this drop-in program also design Valentine’s day cards to take home. Feb. 12. Event details 

Join one of the following Valentine themed hikes: Love is in the Air Hike Feb. 5,  Black Diamond Love Stories hike Feb 12, Art for the Heart Hike & Crafts Feb. 12

 

Laurie Berkner

Valentine’s Day Family Concert
Iconic children's musician Laurie Berkner invites everyone to celebrate the sweetest day of the year at a special LIVE virtual family concert. Fans of all ages can decorate their homes for Valentine's Day and wear something fun and valentine-y to the show. Feb. 13. Event details. 

Visit the Hearts & Crafts Market
Daggett Plaza celebrates Valentine’s Day with local artists and makers who will have treats, flowers and jewelry along with a live jazz band. Feb 12., Event details 

Little GF Chef

Get Hungry for Love

Valentine’s Day often involves sweet treats so we like to try and keep things balanced with healthy snacks and meals with some of our recent favorites below:

Little GF Chef’s baking kits let families bake delicious gluten-free food at home - we loved the pizza party kit, complete with red and white checkered tablecloth! 

There can always be more cheese and Cello’s Fontal and Copper Kettle cheeses are perfect for pairing with crackers, fruit and honey.

Joi

Plant-based almond and oat milk are all the rage these days and JOI makes a sustainable concentrate that is added to water for a delicious, creamy dairy-milk alternative. We also love that JOI can easily be swapped in for all baking needs—brownies, cheesecakes cookies and more! Need more inspiration? Check out these recipes for the sweet low down. 

We couldn’t get enough of NuTrail’s keto nut granola that is delicious over milk or yogurt for either breakfast or a snack. 

—Christine Lai & Kate Loweth

featured image by iStock

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Dining with princesses is so last year. Now it’s time to get in tune with your darker side and feast off of Disney’s newest dinnerware.

The Disney Villain 16-piece Dinnerware Set has the worst of the worst: Maleficent, the Evil Queen from Snow White, Jafar and Ursula. With bright colors and gold trim, this surprisingly fancy set is a must for your dinnerware collection.

The set is themed after each villain’s signature film. Ursula’s set is blue with an enchanted necklace, Maleficent’s is purple with horns, Jafar’s is yellow with the Cave of Wonders and the Evil Queen’s is red with the Magic Mirror.

Each set includes four 11-inch dinner plates, four 8-inch salad plates, four 7-inch bowls, and four 11-ounce mugs. You can find it at Walmart for $119.99.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Walmart

 

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In 1989 my parents made a VHS recording of Into the Woods when the B’way show aired on PBS. That tape must have been made of strong stuff since I probably watched scores of times. I knew all the words, made up secret handshakes with my best friend to the Sondheim lyrics and dressed as Little Red Riding Hood for Halloween for three consecutive years, totally inspired by that show.

But it wasn’t until I became a mom that I understood the “Children Will Listen” song that the Witch sings about her daughter, Rapunzel.  When I recently directed a group of kids in the Broadway Jr version, these lyrics cut me to the quick. The kids stood out simply and sang:

Careful the things you say

Children will listen

Careful the things you do

Children will see and learn

Children may not obey, but children will listen

Children will look to you for which way to turn

To learn what to be

Careful before you say “Listen to me”

Sondheim was wise.  

“Listening” is one of those words that actors and acting teachers care a great deal about. When we really listen instead of planning what we are going to do on stage or in front of the camera, we can have authentic reactions. Why is it so hard to do this? Possibly because we don’t actually listen enough in our real life?  

So what if we take words out of the equation. Can we listen to our kids, without language? Can we create a meaningful and intimate conversation where we are giving and receiving information but no words are exchanged? Where listening is with our body and our heart? Where talking is through gesture and emotion?

I want Nathaniel to know that I hear him – to feel like I get what he is giving me. And in turn, I know that he will listen, like the lyrics say. So what can I give him to listen to that is simple, truthful and filled with love?

Here’s the game for that: Magic Mirror

Mirrors are portals to the fantasy world—as in Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass. They can also be portentous instruments of information as in Snow White or Beauty and the Beast.  It isn’t hard to convince your child to play a Magical Mirror game.

Explain to your child that they get to do whatever they like and the Mirror (you) will follow them. The goal is not to leave the mirror behind so you have to go really slowly – slower than you normally would to do an activity.

Use this as a way to connect with your child when the incessant stream of language is overwhelming, when you hear yourself talking too much or when you just want a new way to bond. 

I’d love to hear about your experience playing Magic Mirror—so chime in below and tell us how you did it!

 

 

This post originally appeared on Child's Play In Action.

Jocelyn Greene is a Brooklyn based educator, director and mom.  With her company, Child's Play NY, she teaches hundreds of kids a year and is equally joyous adapting fairytales for 4s as she is staging Shakespaere with the teens. Check out http://www.childsplayinaction.com/ for video tutorials on game-based play to do at home! 

Dinner and a show can mean different things to different people. When you have kids, anytime you can enjoy a live performance—albeit with an appetizer sampler of goldfish, raisins and carrot sticks and maybe a couple of cold ones (juice boxes, that is)—that’s a night out (or a matinee) worth telling your friends about. Whether everybody’s buzzing about the latest kindie rock artist in concert at AMP in Rockville, or a classic story brought to life by Synetic Theatre in Rosslyn, we’ve got your entertainment calendar set. Bring the Ziploc of snacks for intermission and enjoy one of these shows everybody can get excited about at a DMV area stage near you this season.

 

photo: Great Wolf Lodge via Yelp

The Jungle Book
Where: Creative Cauldron
When: Nov. 8 – 24

A musical based on the classic Rudyard Kipling story, this show features all the human and animal characters kids and adults will find familiar demonstrating the rules of the jungle covering everything from respect for the natural world to overcoming prejudice. Also, your kids can take inspiration from some performers close in age, in this production by Creative Cauldron’s Learning Theater program.

Kid Prince and Pablo at the Kennedy Center
Where: The Kennedy Center
When: Oct. 19 – Nov. 3

Author Mark Twain enjoyed a good twist and so it’s probably safe to say he’d be interested to see this re-imagined hip-hop performance based on his tale, The Prince and The Pauper. Set in the Capital City, it’s a perfect show to bring your political sense and your pint-sized commentators (recommended for ages 9 and up).

The Pop Ups
Where: The Alden
When: Oct. 19

Fresh from their Lollapalooza appearance this summer and featuring original music with a pop-savvy sound the whole family will not want to miss, the three-time GRAMMY nominated duo The Pop Ups tell stories, have conversations with puppets and turn pretend time on its hilarious head. Look out too for The Pop Ups, theme-song writers for NPR’s Wow in the World, when they join the hosts of this popular kids radio show for a live podcast at Strathmore on February 29, 2020.

photo: Kids at The Creek Preschool via Yelp

Gustafer Yellowgold
Where: AMP by Strathmore
When: Oct. 20

Most often compared to worldwide icons The Beatles, the music of Gustafer Yellowgold accompanied by quirky videos by creator Morgan Taylor, is iconic in its own right. Beloved by legions of littles and adults alike, Gustafer’s songs about pine cones, cake, robots, and bacon (yes, bacon) are irresistible. AMP’s Pajama Jam series hosts where even if you forget the goldfish to go with your bacon, you’re covered.

The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Nov. 23 – Jan. 5

Expect a stunner of a performance from the folks at Imagination Stage who in their 40th Anniversary season still seem magically to fit all the wonderment and surprise of stories we know and love onto a stage, this time transporting you and the young ones to the land of Narnia. Through music, modern dance, and puppetry this beloved C.S. Lewis story comes to life.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus-The Musical
Where: The Kennedy Center
When: Nov. 23 – Jan. 5

Mo Willems beloved fine feathered friend and all the characters from his book come to life with an innovative mix of actors, puppets, and songs when creator Mo Willems collaborates wih Deborah Wicks La Puma, the composer behind Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!

photo: Brian Hoffman Magic via Yelp

The Snow Queen
Where: Synetic Theatre
When: Dec. 4-29

A family-friendly, and by the way dialogue-free, adaptation of the timeless Hans Christian Anderson tale, Synetic’s production is a holiday treat starring “America’s New Favorite Princess.” Vaguely reminiscent of a princess story from another winter wonderland, this one features a girl, a magic mirror and a special journey all done with striking visuals and movement-driven storytelling set to wow.

The Velveteen Rabbit
Where: Adventure Theatre
When: November 15 – January 1

This story is for anyone with a special place in their heart for their favorite stuffy, and what toddler (even adult) do you know who does not? Adventure Theatre’s tradition of great holiday-time shows is sure to please all ages as promised this year. Don’t forget to check out the whole season too featuring more storybook dramatizations, including Lyle the Crocodile this Spring and what looks to be a sure Summer hit–Madagascar-A Musical Adventure!

—Carolyn Ross

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Say goodbye to Imagination Pink and Briar Rose Gold, and hello to Arendelle Aqua. The Frozen-inspired hue is the new color trend strategy to hit Disney parks!

Like the past five color trend palettes, Imagination Pink, Magic Mirror Metallic, Potion Purple, Briar Rose Gold and Millennial Pink, Arendelle Aqua is sure to pop up in everything from delish desserts to magical merch—along with your Instagram feed. So what can you expect from this new color trend?

There are aww-dorable aqua Minnie ears.

You can also munch on cute cupcake confections.

Score this blue backpack to wear with your aqua ears.

If you get thirsty, these beautifully blue beverages are pure perfection.

Sweet-seekers can get a sugar fix with these frosty Mickey-shaped treats.

Look for everything-aqua starting Sep. 13 in parks and online at shopdisney.com.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Disneytuned via Instagram 

 

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There’s no shortage of magic coming to Disney theme parks this year. While we wait with bated breath for Galaxy’s Edge to open its doors, there is plenty more to be excited about when visiting the selection of parks at Walt Disney World. Keep scrolling to see all the attractions, shows and eateries you won’t want to miss.

Disney Skyliner

Disney Parks

If you've been missing the Disneyland Skyway to Tomorrowland, you'll be elated to find that WDW will be opening The Disney Skyliner in the fall of this year. The gondola-styled attraction will connect Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios with more than six miles of cable! The ride includes 22 gondolas that rise from 15 to 60 feet off the ground in adorable character designs and can last from five to 15 minutes depending on when riders decide to disembark. Unlike the bucket-style of Disneyland, the new gondolas will have two wooden benches that can accommodate up to 10 guests.

Rivers of Light

WDW News

Disney's Animal Kingdom is about to get lit up with its new Rivers of Light show, a nighttime extravaganza heavy on symbolism and storytelling. Told with a mix of water, fire, nature and light, the originally-scored shore will be performed on select nights and is bound to be a showstopper! 

Beauty & The Beast Themed Bar

Disney Parks

Taking over the old Mizner’s Lounge and Commander Porter’s at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the new Beauty and the Beast-themed bar will have four unique spaces inspired by your fave film! The amazing gold chandelier is the main show stopper, pairing the beauty of Belle's gown and of course, the rose. No word yet on the menu, drinks or opening day so stay tuned so you can be their guest!

New Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Location

Walt Disney World

The Grand Floridian is getting another update in the form of a new location for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. The hotspot will take over the current Ivy Trellis Salon and be Walt Disney World's third location. Because of its popularity, the Magic Kingdom's boutique is also getting an upgrade next spring which will add more chairs and a magic mirror so even more littles can enjoy a magical transformation.

Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway

WDW News

While Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway isn't set to open until Spring of 2020, we are still excited for the attraction that gives riders a 3-D experience––no glasses needed. The new ride, which replaced the Great Movie Ride, follows an original story involving Goofy taking control, a new theme song and state-of-the-art technology. California visitors can also expect this attraction to hit the Disneyland Resort sometime in 2022.

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: WDW News

 

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Yes, the store you didn’t even know your family needed is headed (so to speak) this way! Brooklyn Owl, your one-stop-shop for unicorn horns of all colors and sizes, opens this weekend and promises lots of fun extras to mark the occasion. But it’s not just a grab and go storefront — it’s an experience! (And one the whole family should check out. Read on to see what we mean…)

photo: Michele Danahy

X + Y + Four-year-old = Unicorn horn store
Brooklyn Owl is the creation of Park Slope resident (and mom) Annie Bruce, a former math teacher who fashioned the original unicorn horn in 2012 for her four-year-old daughter. When the walk to the local diner wearing the unicorn horn caused quite the commotion, Bruce — who’d already been selling Brooklyn Owl goods on Etsy and at the Brooklyn Flea — began production for the magical masses. After establishing a robust wholesale business supplying boutiques worldwide with Brooklyn Owl goods, Bruce decided the horns needed a brick and mortar showcase.

The Merch
Tucked along a busy stretch of Flatbush Avenue on the Park Slope/Prospect Heights border, the approximately 200-square-foot storefront is a pristine white box, a perfect backdrop for the colorful and shiny merchandise.

Unicorn horns in various sizes, fabrics and colors are impressively displayed on open shelves (prices range from $14 for the small, to $30 for a large), and a variety of similarly fun and vibrant items are for sale as well. Supporting goods and accessories include shimmery skirts, rainbow cross-body bags, Unicorn State shirts, playful barrettes, unicorn lollipops and even pre-assembled or mix-your-own Unicorn confetti (colorful felt dots). 

The Unicorn Experience
Just standing in the store is fun enough, but that’s only where it begins. Bruce encourages all customers to take part in the Brooklyn Owl Unicorn Experience, which first, involves determining your ideal size and color horn. (There are samples to try on.)

Next, patrons must find the “secret words” throughout the store — which are encouraging phrases written in invisible ink on various surfaces, revealed when light from a special flashlight is shown on them. Examples: “I am amazing!”, “I can do anything!”

Lastly, potential unicorns say their favorite magic phrase to the large mirror in the corner and presto! — the mirror lights up and says any number of fun/funny/ego-boosting things. (That’s Bruce’s husband playing the part of magic mirror.)

Brooklyn Owl workshop photo: Michele Danahy

Even More Reasons to Like Brooklyn Owl
Made in China? No chance. Bruce is committed to supporting homegrown businesses and artisans. The horns are created by local seamstresses in the workshop in the back of the store, Unicorn State T-shirts and onesies are printed by an artist in Bed-Stuy, even the polyfill used to stuff the horns is supplied by a family business based in New Jersey.

photo: Michele Danahy

Grand Opening Festivities
Brooklyn Owl will hold its grand opening the weekend of May 6 & 7. In addition to a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, expect goodybags for the first 50 customers, a prize wheel spin with every purchase, a “Cutest Unidog” photo contest — and an appearance by a real unicorn!

Brooklyn Owl
252 Flatbush Ave.
Park Slope
718-737-7017
Online: brooklynowl.com

Will you be visiting Brooklyn Owl? Tell us in the comments below!

— Mimi O’Connor