Travel Plans
what to do this winter break . . . Christmas Lights Trail: Lighting of Maddax Woods
Follow colorful lights through Maddax Woods to a viewing platform on the Willamette River. Open: Nov. 19-Dec. 31 2016 [4-9p.m.] Location: 5785 River Street, West Linn 503-722-2137
Christmas Train
Take a one hour ride along the Willamette River and meet Santa on the decorated Holiday Express train. Open: Dec. 3-18 Location: The train leaves from 7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland To Purchase Tickets call: 800-9928499 or visit www.orhf.org/the-holiday-express/
Lights at the Grotto
Christmas Festival of Lights features 500,000 lights, choirs, carolers, a petting zoo, puppet shows, and hot chocolate. Open: Nov. 25-Dec. 30, nightly from 5-9:30p.m. (Closed Dec. 25) Location: 8840 NE Skidmore Street, Portland 503-261-2400
Christmas Play
Portland Playhouse performs Charles Dickens’ holiday classic “A Christmas Carol” about the miraculous transformation of grumpy Ebenezer Scrooge. Open: Dec. 2-24 (Evening shows start at 7p.m., Matinees at 2p.m.) Location: 602 NE Prescott St. Portland 503-488-5822
Zoolights
Zoolights uses 1.5 million LED lights to transform the Oregon Zoo into a winter wonderland of lighted trees, animal silhouettes, and moving sculptures. Open: Nov. 25- Jan. 1 (5-9p.m.) Location: 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland 503-226-1561
Ice Skating in Sherwood
Turn your world in to a winter wonderland and skate. 20407 SW Borchers Dr, Sherwood Open 5a.m–11p.m. (503) 625-5757
Wings and Waves Waterpark
Forget about the winter cold at Evergreen’s Wings and Waves Waterpark, which has a 4 slides coming out of a 747 Boeing and a wave pool! Address: 500 Northeast Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville, OR 97128 Open: 11a.m. - 6p.m. Thurs-Sun (503) 434-4185
The Gallery Theater
See a Christmas Story at McMinnville’s very own Gallery Theater. Shows start Nov. 25 Showtimes are every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Address: 210 NE Ford St, McMinnville (503) 472-2227
BY ELIZABETH KOKRUDA writer
New York City, New York
Portland Trailblazers Game
Watch a very exciting and competitive Trailblazers team at prices starting at just 12 dollars. modacenterportland.ticketoffices.com/ Address: 1 N Center Ct St, Portland Various times throughout the year (503) 235-8771)
Bastille Concert
See the band behind the hits “Pompeii” and “Good Grief” Dec. 12 at the McMenamins Crystal Ballroom Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. Address: 1332 W Burnside St, Portland (503) 225-0047
Amy Schumer Show
Get a taste of Amy Schumer’s comedy at her stand-up show at the Moda Center this December. Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. Address: 1 N Center Ct St, Portland, (503) 235-8771
Band of Horses
Check out the lesser known alternative rock band from Seattle, Washinton at the Crystal Ballroom this holiday season. Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. Address: 1332 W Burnside St, Portland (503) 225-0047
New York City is iconically known for being the best Christmas destination every year because of the classic Christmas Tree at Madison Square. The tree has 30,000 lights and is topped with a 550 pound star. Another popular attraction is The Nutcracker ballet, which is known for its great performances. New York is known for its classic white Christmas and the beautiful lights of the city.
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is a very popular spot for lots of tourists to come visit the hot weather. The city is filled with super bright Christmas lights and lots of loud buoyant music that plays all night.
Munich, Germany
Munich is famous worldwide for its absolutely gorgeous Christmas Market that people travel to from all over Germany to visit. The Christmas Market is very similar to the Saturday Market in Portland but instead it’s filled with Christmas activities, treats, and a 100 foot tall Christmas tree.
Chicago, Illinois
A couple reasons why Chicago is perfect for this Christmas is the holiday lights that are hung around the Magnificent Mile, and a Christkindlmarket, which is a large outdoor German crafts market. There’s also a Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderfest- a holiday themed amusement park with an indoor skating rink.
Quebec, Canada
If you want a Christmas in the wilderness, Quebec might be the right place to stop and take a look. Described as a “haven for environmentally friendly, outdoor enthusiastic people,” Quebec offers many opportunities for hiking, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling during Christmastime.
Paris, France
Visiting Paris, France this Christmas will be a time you’ll never forget, with activities such as watching the snow fall on the beautiful European streets and the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower constantly glowing in the night. Christmas will never be the same once you go to Paris. The Bruin NOVEMBER 30, 2016 mhsbruin.com
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