All aboard the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad's Candy Cane Express! This one-hour ride takes you from Garibaldi to Rockaway Beach and back in historic train cars decorated for the holidays. Elves will deliver hot cocoa and cookies. You'll even get to hand-deliver your letter to Santa and Mrs. Claus! Rides are at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. every weekend through Dec. 18. It's $40 for adults, $30 for kids and free for infants. Get your tickets early. OCSR says they sell out!
The Safeway Providence Festival of Trees is back in person for its 40th year. The Elf Academy Public Show is on from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Oregon Convention Center. See stunning Christmas trees and displays decorated by local businesses, designers, florists and volunteers. Your kids have a chance to learn what it's like to be one of Santa's elves and to work in the Teddy Bear Hospital. Although all the trees have already been auctioned off, you can buy a raffle ticket to win a snowman tree with $1,000 in gifts underneath it. They're asking everyone to wear a mask and to stay home if you're feeling sick. Tickets are $10. Proceeds from ticket sales and the auction support Providence Children's Health, which helps 20,000 kids with special health care needs every year. Don't miss the Festival Holiday TV Special on KATU Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.
Stroll through an illuminated resort filled with holiday magic! The Silverton Christmas Market is on now at the Oregon Garden Resort. Every night through Jan. 1 (except Christmas) enjoy an authentic German market, live music, snowless tubing, a family-friendly Biergarten, visits with Santa and more. You can also spend the night and wake up in a Christmas wonderland! Tickets for 13+ are $15 or $18 depending on the day you go. Kids 6-12 are $5 or $8.
JUNTOSpdx is hosting its inaugural Christmas market Nuestra Navidad JUNTOS on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Lolo Pass (1616 E. Burnside). This is a holiday market that celebrates Latinx Hispanic culture and community. Changing the market experience, Nuestra Navidad JUNTOS will be a place for all to engage with unique makers and learn about their craft, all while getting some holiday shopping done. Attendees will walk away with not one, but three special Christmas gifts from JUNTOSpdx. Over 20 vendors with roots across Latin America will be in attendance selling their art, jewelry, clothing, food, drinks, and much more. For those itching for a Christmas tattoo, there will be a special guest tattooist in the building. There's also music and family entertainment. Entry is free.
The WoodWorker Holiday Market is a celebration of all things inspired, made and evolving from wood. From furniture to housewares, syrups to aged cheeses, jewelry to pizza, coffee to beer, wood has inspired scores of artisan makers in and around Portland. This is a celebration of them. It's from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Baerlic Brewing Co. in Southeast Portland.
Enjoy live music, food and a toy drive Saturday night from 7 to 11 at Alberta Abbey in Northeast Portland. Tickets are $10 and all ages are welcome.
East County Community Orchestra and Portland Metro Concert Band will perform a Holiday Concert. It's at 3 p.m. on Sunday at Horner Performing Arts Center on the campus of David Douglas High School. This concert is made possible by a grant received by the Portland Metro Concert Band from the Multnomah County Cultural Coalition and Oregon Cultural Trust. The concert is free, but donations are welcome.