Portland Oregon: Exploring the Downtown Christmas Decorations

One sure fire way to get into the Christmas spirit is to check out the downtown decorations. I took the MAX light rail to downtown Portland one afternoon and did just that. I looked at store decorations and shopping mall decorations but what I think I enjoyed most was the diversity of decorations in the downtown hotels. Here are some samples. Merry Christmas!

Of course we had to check out The Benson Hotel's tree. The lobby is always elegant.

The Benson used huge ornaments.

Benson Hotel elegance.

More of the beautiful Benson Hotel ornaments.

Nordstrom had some interesting wooden and felt pine cones.

So then it was off down the street to find a traditional Doug fir.
This beautiful tree was in the lobby of the Hotel Lucia.

Hotel Lucia decorations.

The Hotel Lucia used some wood ornaments, too.

 

Look closer. The tree is made of glass
at the Kimpton Hotel Vintage

Glass wine bottles to be exact!

After all that walking you may be interested in enjoying some down time in an elegant holiday setting. If you are lucky enough to get a reservation, enjoy a special Russian Tea at the Heathman.

There is much more to see and do during the holidays in Portland. Enjoy our article from Wander With Wonder on Christmas in Portland.

Merry Christmas!

5 Special Holiday Experiences in the Western U.S.

The western United States, depending on the altitude and the day, can experience either mild or frigid weather. And so holiday events can range from cozy indoor dining to outdoor walks. We love the diversity of this area and have some wonderful ideas for your holiday in the West:

1. Warm Up with a Russian Tea Experience in Portland, Oregon

Russian Tea. Photo courtesy Headwaters

High Tea usually brings up images of cucumber sandwiches and ladyfingers. But in Portland, there is something new to experience on the tea scene. Noted Portland Chef Vitaly Paley and his staff add a Russian flare to tea that draws from Paley’s own Russian family heritage. The new Russian Tea Experience at Headwaters at the Heathman brings you specially formulated Smith Teamaker teas and dishes from Paley’s mother’s and grandmother’s recipe boxes.

Full Article on the Russian Tea at Headwaters.

2. Enjoy the Art and Bonfires on Canyon Road in Santa Fe, NM

 

Gallery windows on Canyon Road. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Santa Fe in Spanish means “holy faith,” and so it is fitting that Santa Fe, New Mexico is a true Christmas destination. Like other more well known Christmas destinations Santa Fe has all the magic, the lights and the joy of the season. However, the Christmas celebrations in Santa Fe are also deeply rooted in faith, history and culture. What you will experience in Santa Fe at Christmas is beautiful, authentic and spiritual. Here are some tips on how to enjoy a southwest Christmas in Santa Fe.

Full Article on Christmas Eve on Canyon Road.

3. Experience 5 Portland, Oregon Holiday Experiences

Tubas in Pioneer Square. Photo courtesy Travel Portland

Rainstorms or not, Portland, Oregon is filled with holiday spirit. Since the Pacific Northwest is known for having some damp, grey weather this time of year, the sparkle of lights and decorations is more than welcome. Here are some great places to enjoy holiday events and decorations and 5 of my favorite wow spots to experience Christmas in Portland.

Full Article on Portland Holiday Experiences.

 

4. A Favorite Holiday Event in Anacortes, WA - Winter Wonderland Walk

The Grinch. Photo by
Lara Dunning

Looking for a unique Pacific Northwest holiday celebration? At Winter Wonderland Walk in Anacortes, guests follow a lighted path to decorated campsites at Washington Park where festivities include caroling, s'mores, roasted chestnuts, campfires and the Grinch and Santa. 

Full article on Winter Wonderland Walk. 

5. 3 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in the Skagit Valley of Washington

Holiday display in the Skagit Valley. Photo by Lara Dunning

The Skagit Valley has more than eagles and snow geese in winter, it also has charming small town holiday celebrations in Anacortes, La Conner and Mount Vernon. Festivities include a town crier, a prawn pot tree, sugar cookies, pixie dust, and a parade that includes lighted floats and marching bands. 

Full article on the holidays in the Skagit Valley.

Christmas in Los Cabos: Rethinking the Traditional

What’s a traditional Christmas? Skating, sledding and snowdrifts come to mind. Santa’s sleigh is pulled by reindeer native to arctic and mountain regions of the world. Making snowmen and drinking hot cocoa and eating decorated cookies are fitting activities during winter holidays, right? Or so I thought until I visited the sunny, desert and beach lands of Baja California Sur.

Resort Festivities
At the seaside resort of Pueblo Bonito Pacifica, Christmas music was being broadcast out by the pool and the reception area was anchored with a multi-story, professionally decorated Christmas tree. Glass hearts, a resort specialty, were hanging from the branches of desert trees. Warm climate flowers, especially the striking magenta bougainvillea, dotted the landscape.

Pueblo Bonito Christmas tree.

Glass hearts in the gardens at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica
are made from recycled glass from the resort.

As we drove to the resort, we saw the landscaping staff lining the gardens with deep red poinsettia plants. The plant is native to Mexico.

Go surf fishing at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica
and the chef will prepare your catch right on the beach.

Guests lazed on shaded beds on the beach or tried surf fishing. The world-class Quirvira Golf Course with stunning ocean views was busy as was the spa.  At night guests sat with margaritas around a fire pit on the beach.  Once you arrive at Pacifica, the only thing you have to worry about is where you want to dine.  Across the Pueblo Bonito resorts there are 25 restaurants. Wouldn’t a week at this all-inclusive adult resort be an ideal Christmas gift?

A Village Christmas
South of Cabo San Lucas is the resort town of San Jose del Cabo. While the beach is lined with resorts, a true Christmas gem is the historic district, a traditional Mexican “centro” or downtown.

Mission church on the plaza
at San Jose del Cabo

The first thing you will notice when you arrive are the decorations on the municipal square, or plaza. A large Christmas tree, a life-size nativity scene and a stage with holiday greetings… Feliz Navidad y Prospero Ano Nuevo 2017. Surrounding the stage area are temporary booths for the nightly Christmas market. On one side of the plaza you’ll see the Catholic church and hear softly ringing bells.

The plaza takes on a festive air drawing families to the
nightly events during Christmas.

Just off the plaza is the boutique hotel, Casa Natalia. Chef and co-owner Loic Tenoux has created a welcoming bar, oyster bar and patio dining setting. And the food is an amazing combination of continental and Mexican cuisine.

As you arrive at Casa Natalia, you’ll find a tree and Nativity figures. There are Christmas touches everywhere.

Nativity at Casa Natalia

Close to the plaza, the Gallery District begins. While the area is festive every Thursday night during Art Walk, Christmas brings an even more festive atmosphere. Christmas shopping can be done in a relaxed and elegant setting. There are small arts and crafts shops and impressive galleries. The streets are closed to traffic and musicians entertain through the evening.

Festive shop offers mosaic lights from Turkey.

Explore each street, enter the galleries and accept a glass of wine or appetizer. The atmosphere is welcoming and festive.

Galleries are open and welcoming during Art Walk
each Thursday evening.

On one corner you’ll find the elegant, yet traditional, El Encanto Inn. You are welcome to enter and explore the beautiful gardens and fountains. At Christmas time there are poinsettias and a beautiful tree in the lobby. At night the garden is magical with colored lights.

Explore the gardens of El Encanto Inn

Returning to the Plaza
The plaza is also lighted and bustling with activity during Art Walk.  On nights preceding Christmas arts and crafts and local people selling food can be found. Children entertain on the stage and the vibe is family oriented. It’s not a show for tourists… it is an authentic, local celebration.

Stroll the plaza in the warm night air.

You can attend mass at Misión de San José del Cabo Anuiti just off the plaza.

Christmas Eve is an important family gathering time in Mexico and on Christmas Day, you’ll find the town quiet. But if you want to experience a real Mexican Christmas, consider San Jose del Cabo.

Shop for a hand painted Christmas ornament.

Rethinking the Traditional
Baja California with its desert to sea landscapes is not all that different from the Holy Land, where Jesus was born. In the Los Cabos area the resort landscaping turns to natural desert as you drive along. You’ll spot palm trees, desert vegetation and light brown earth.

Desert terrain and gardens at Rosa Farms

Anything remind you of the first Christmas?

And, you’ll find you don’t miss the ice and snow all that much, anyway.

Merry Christmas!

Wordless Wednesday: Christmas in Baja Mexico

A joyful scene on the Plaza
in San Jose del Cabo, BCS, Mexico

Christmas Ships in Vancouver and Portland 2016 Schedule

You know it's Christmas time in Portland, Oregon when the Christmas Ships sail on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. For over 60 years, privately owned vessels have paraded on the rivers, stopping to circle and wow onlookers gathered on bridges, shorelines and riverside restaurants.

Fleet on Both Rivers

Most every night for two weeks through the week of Christmas, the fleet will be out on the rivers. All skippers are volunteers and so you'll see changes in the 50 - 60 boats from night to night. Skippers have other parties to attend!

Each Christmas Ship handles their own expenses for fuel and decorations (some are quite elaborate). Donations are received from restaurants and hotels that are located on the waterfront. Donations are used for Christmas Ships, Inc. the coordinating body for this massive annual effort.

You can enjoy the Christmas Ships from Portland, certainly, but if you check the schedule you'll also find other locations such as Vancouver and Camas, WA where you can enjoy the spectacle.

The night I saw the ships, I was with a spirited group at Joe's Crab Shack, located in Vancouver, WA close to the I-5 Bridge. The ships paraded twice in back of the restaurant where onlookers gathered on the outside deck. We had carefully checked the schedule so we would know when to look for the ships. And, they were right on time!

Port of Vancouver Open House

You might enjoy seeing the ships from Vancouver’s port area. The Port of Vancouver is inviting the public to see the Christmas Ships, enjoy holiday treats and learn about the waterfront redevelopment at a Dec. 5 open house at the port’s Terminal 1.

The event is free and family-friendly and runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the WareHouse ’23 event area in the former Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay, 100 Columbia St., Vancouver.

Activities are planned between the start of the event and the Christmas Ships’ anticipated arrival at Terminal 1 around 8 p.m. The Vancouver Community Concert Band will play live music, and coffee, hot chocolate, cookies and a cash bar proved by WareHouse ’23 will be available.

Also, the port’s waterfront project staff will be present to provide information on the plans to redevelop Terminal 1, the 10-acre original site of the port and home of its first warehouse. In the future the location might include a public marketplace, hotel, commercial and retail space, and visitor amenities.

No formal presentation will be given; rather the community is encouraged to causally drop in.

Parking is available at Terminal 1 as well as along Columbia Way. Outdoor ship viewing will also be available at the high dock above the amphitheater.

More Information

A full schedule for the Columbia and Willamette fleets, as well as a link for donations can be found at www.christmasships.org.

They also have a Facebook Page and will tweet updates @christmasships with either #ColumbiaFleet or #WillametteFleet

Fredericksburg Texas: A European Christmas destination in the U.S.

Fredericksburg, Texas, in the beautiful Hill Country, is as close as you can get to Germany without flying to Europe. Fredericksburg, founded by German settlers, remains home to many with German last names. As you wander the shops and art galleries of this quaint town, you'll find restaurants with plenty of hearty German fare.

The centerpiece of Fredericksburg’s holiday decorations in downtown is a 26-foot tall wooden Christmas pyramid, hand crafted in Germany especially for Fredericksburg. 

A pyramid? Isn't that something you'll find in Egypt? Well, not exactly. When I lived in Germany I would shop the colorful German Christmas markets (Kristkindlesmarkt) and one of the popular items was a tiered candleholder with a propeller on the top that would be moved by the hot air rising from the candles. The pyramid makers would try to out-do each other with elaborate wooden figures, some representing fairy tales, decorating the pyramids. Children were entranced as candles were lighted and the propeller turned the layered wooden pyramid and the beautiful painted figures.

Christmas pyramids had their roots in the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains), a mining region in the eastern part of Germany.  When the mining industry lost importance, the people of the region decided to use their woodworking skills to start a new trade.  Today, the skilled craftsmen of the Erzgebirge manufacture internationally collected Christmas pyramids, nutcrackers, smokers, candle arches, music boxes and many other wooden figurines.   Christmas pyramids are popular in homes across Germany and now in many parts of the United States.

Today, in many cities and towns in Germany, large-scale outdoor Christmas pyramids powered by electricity are located at the Marktplatz or other locations associated with Christmas celebrations.  

With a nod to its German heritage, Fredericksburg’s 26-foot tall Christmas pyramid and City Christmas Tree are located at the Marktplatz, or the town square, at the heart of town on Main Street.

As has been the tradition for many years, all of the buildings along Main Street in Fredericksburg’s historic district will be outlined with white lights, and five foot Christmas wreaths adorn 80 utility poles along Main Street. Also in the Marktplatz is an outdoor skating rink.

The holiday decorations will be in place through Epiphany in January.

More Information:
Fredericksburg Visitors Center
Places to Stay in Fredericksburg

2015 Holiday Guide

Photo/video Credit: Visit Fredericksburg

Get Away to the Beautiful Olympic Peninsula of Washington for Holiday Events

How about enjoying a holiday getaway on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula? Lake Quinault Lodge and Lake Crescent Lodge will once again be celebrating this exciting time of year with special rates and festive events and activities that will continue throughout year’s end. All events are open to the public and may require reservations.

Lake Crescent Lodge

Lake Crescent Lodge Events

Built in 1916, the historic Lake Crescent Lodge is located in Olympic National Park in Northwest Washington. This charming, turn-of-the-century resort is nestled among giant fir and hemlock trees on the shores of Lake Crescent.

The lodge offers a variety of room types from historic lakefront cottages, to traditional lodge rooms. Activities offered at Lake Crescent Lodge include: kayak tours, boat and fishing gear rental, and guided hikes. Learn more at www.olympicnationalparks.com, facebook.com/olympicnationalpark or (866) 297-7367.

Saturday December 5 and 12th, 2 p.m.: Franklin and Theodore’s Teddy Bear Tea

Teddy Bears, Franklin and Theodore, host a special Holiday Tea Party on the historic sun porch at Lake Crescent Lodge. Attendees will learn the history of the teddy bear and two Presidents who influenced Olympic National Park. Adults and children are invited to gather for high tea with their teddy bears, dolls also welcome. Child & 1 Adult - $28, additional child - $9, additional adult - $19 The Lodge is also requesting guests bring a toy for a local charity. Reservations are suggested.

December 13 and 20th 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Sunday’s With Santa

Enjoy a delicious Sunday brunch with Santa Claus. Adults - $32, Seniors -$28, Children under 12 - $14, Children under 4 - Free Reservations are suggested.

December 24, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Christmas Eve Buffet

Christmas Eve Buffet with all the traditional favorites guarantee to make your holiday memorable. Join us for dinner and a nightcap in front of the warm crackling fire Adults - $42, Seniors - $36, Children under 12 - $21, Children under 4 – Free. Reservations are required.

December 25, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Christmas Day Brunch Create new traditions this Christmas, celebrate at Lake Crescent Lodge with exquisite food presentations, action stations and all the fixings. Adults - $39, Seniors - $33, Children under 12 - $18, Children under 4 – Free.  Reservations are required.

December 31, 8 p.m.: New Year’s Eve Gala

Join in the fun as Lake Crescent Lodge hosts an evening of fine dining, live music and dancing. Ring in the New Year and toast Lake Crescent Lodge’s completion of its 100th year at this black tie gala. Dinner & Gala - $185/person, Gala only - $109/person. Dinner begins at 7 p.m., Gala begins at 9 p.m. Reservations are required.

January 1, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: New Year’s Day Brunch

This well-known holiday brunch wraps up the 2015 season and the 100^th birthday for Lake Crescent Lodge. Adults - $39, Seniors - $33, Children under 12 - $18, Children under 4 – Free. Reservations are suggested.

Lake Quinault Lodge Events

Lake Quinault Lodge

Built in 1926, the charming Lake Quinault Lodge has long been a gathering place for Pacific Northwest vacationers. The historic lakeside lodge is located in the heart of one of only three temperate rainforests in the world and offers hiking, biking, fishing, boat rentals and tours of the lake and rainforest.

Lake Quinault Lodge is also home to the Roosevelt Dining Room, where Franklin D. Roosevelt dined during a trip that would later result in the area being designated a national park. Learn more at www.olympicnationalparks.com, facebook.com/olympicnationalpark or (866) 297-7367.

December 24, 6 p.m.: Christmas Eve at Lake Quinault Lodge

Enjoy an old fashioned Christmas

On Christmas Eve, Santa will stop by with one of his llamas (yes, we said llmas), sit by the fire and read The Night Before Christmas and hand out gifts to the kids. Following Santa’s appearance, attendees will be invited to roast chestnuts over an open fire which enjoying the crisp cool Christmas air.

For more information on holiday events  or to make reservations visit, olympicnationalparks.com or call (360) 928-3211

More Information
Visit the Olympic Peninsula

Photography copyright: Elizabeth Rose Photography

Santa Fe for the Holidays: 2015 Winter Calendar of Events

Santa Fe is magical at holiday time. Santa Fe, which means “Holy Faith,” welcomes everyone of all faiths to celebrate the season with dozens of special events closely tied to the city’s centuries of diverse history and culture. “The City Different” always offers big portions and high quality, and this season’s menu of activities is no exception. A full calendar is available at www.santafe.org/Calendar where new events are added frequently. Here are some highlights:


November 27 — Annual Lighting Of The Christmas Tree & Santa Fe Plaza: During the yuletide no place is more festive than the historic Downtown Plaza, home of the city's official Christmas trees. Every Thanksgiving Friday, colored lights transform the square into a wonderland. Watch the state capital of New Mexico become a world capital of Christmas. Festivities begin at 3:00 p.m., followed by Santa Claus’ arrival on a decorated vintage red firetruck, and the lighting at 6:00 p.m.

November 28 - 29 — Winter Indian Market: The holiday-season version of the greatest indigenous art show in the world includes 175 artists from the US and Canada, six award-winning artist demonstrators and fashion row featuring the work of Native fashion designers. Incomparable holiday gift shopping opportunities include jewelry, pottery, art objects, imaginative holiday decorations and more. www.swaia.org

December 3 - January 2 — GLOW—A Winter Lights Event In The Garden: The Santa Fe Botanical Garden presents GLOW: nights of extraordinary displays of winter lights, kinetic light sculptures and a shimmering tunnel that transports visitors into an illuminated garden wonderland. Enjoy festive food and beverages, and on Saturday nights visits and photos with Santa and live music. There’s nothing like GLOW to create a special holiday tradition for your family and friends. http://www.santafebotanicalgarden.org/events/glow/

December 6 – Community Menorah Lighting: The Genoveva Chavez Center and co-sponsor Chabad Jewish Community Center present the annual lighting of the menorah on the Downtown Plaza. The ninety minute event begins at 3:00 p.m. and will include speakers, refreshments and entertainment.

December 13 — Las Posadas: The annual candle-lit procession circles the historic Plaza and showcases the Hispanic tradition that recreates Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to give birth to Baby Jesus. The group is taunted throughout by the devil from the rooftops but generosity and love win out as the couple and visitors find a warm welcome in the Palace of the Governors courtyard for carols and complimentary cookies and warm drinks. Free. www.palaceofthegovernors.org

Christmas Eve — Canyon Road Farolito Walk: Internationally famed Canyon Road blossoms in candlelight during this beloved annual celebration. The adobe-gallery lined road is decorated with thousands of farolitos—homemade candle lanterns—and luminarias, or small bonfires. See exceptional works of art inside century-old adobes, enjoy the comforting hot chocolate, cider and traditional biscochitos in the art galleries, and keep warm singing carols by the luminarias along the way. Simply a must experience event for anyone with holiday spirit. www.farolitowalk.com

Christmas Eve — Noche Buena: Midnight mass on Christmas Eve at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is a colorful, musical event that incorporates an old Spanish tale about an aged rooster who greeted the Christ Child with his joyful crow. The historic cathedral will be decorated and lit to reflect its Native American and Spanish heritage. www.cbsfa.org

New Year’s Eve On The Plaza — Santa Fe launches the first of a new annual tradition on the historic Downtown Plaza. There’ll be live entertainment including the mighty Lumbre del Sol, food trucks and vendors, youth and non-profit groups serving warm drinks, and traditional luminaria bonfires surrounding the area. The night begins at 10:30 and culminates in a digital media / light show countdown. More details to come on www.santafe.org.

Seasonal — Live Musical Performances: A variety of special live holiday music performances take place in small settings such as the Loretto Chapel and larger venues such as The Lensic Performing Arts Center. Check out all the fun on www.santafe.org/Calendar.

Seasonal — Indigenous American Dances: The pueblos near Santa Fe conduct unique, ancient ceremonial dances during the holiday season. For a full schedule and important etiquette for these religious events, please visit www.miaclab.org/42.

2015 Holiday Bazaars in the Vancouver, Washington Area

Holiday Bazaars full of good cheer and providing shoppers with creative, hand-made gifts are eagerly anticipated each holiday season. In the Vancouver, Washington area you’ll find some annual bazaars that will both save you money and lead you to some creative vendors for gifts that will surprise your family and friends this year. None of these charge for parking or charge an entrance fee.

November 14th Mountain View High School Band Booster Holiday Bazaar in Vancouver, WA 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mountain View High School, 1500 SE Blairmont Dr., Vancouver, WA

November 21st Evergreen High School

Band and Colorguard Boosters Bazaar, 14300 NE 18th St., Vancouver, WA

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

December 5th - Firm Foundation Christian School Bazaar in Battle Ground, 1919 SW 25th Avenue, Battle Ground, WA 98604

December 12, 2015 - EverGreen Holiday Gift Show at the Marshall Community Center in Vancouver, WA Address: 1009 East McLoughlin Boulevard. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.