Otto’s Sausage Kitchen & Meat Market

Frank’s Noodle House

P’s & Q’s Market

Matt’s BBQ

Viking Soul Food

• Kristin Chenoweth with the Oregon Symphony | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 7:30 p.m. | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, Portland | $45-$128 | The Broadway and film star will blend her “Wicked"-good vocals with the Portland-based orchestra, performing songs from her holiday album.
• Ugly Christmas Sweater Concert & Toy Drive | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 8:30 p.m. | Kelly’s Olympian, 426 SW Washington St., Portland | $10 | Don your tackiest holiday attire and bring a toy that will put a smile on a kid’s face.
• Paint and Laugh | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 8:30-10:30 p.m. | Schilling Cider House, 930 SE 10th Ave., Portland | $25 | Unleash your inner Matisse and walk away with a masterpiece.
• adidas Employee Store Holiday Open House | Thu., Dec. 14-Sun., Dec. 31 | 10 a.m.-9 p.m. | adidas Employee Store, 2701 NW Vaughn St., Ste. 290, Portland | Free | Grab new sneakers, clothes, and accessories at 50% off the retail price.*

• Frosty and Friends Drive-Thru Light Display | Friday, Dec. 15-Saturday, Dec. 23 | Times vary | Hillsboro Elks Lodge #1862, 7553 NE Quatama St., Hillsboro | Free | Marvel at holiday lights from the cozy warmth of your car; donations will go to local families in need.
• “The Algorithm” | Friday, Dec. 15 | 7 p.m. | Kickstand Comedy, 1006 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland | $10-$15 | Comedic improvisers will have the audience rolling, at the expense of one volunteer’s internet search history.

• Wreath Making Workshops | Saturday, Dec. 16-Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | Portland Nursery Division, 9000 SE Division St., Portland | $70 | Your front door will look festive with your evergreen decoration made from ribbons and pinecones.
• Portland Winterhawks vs. Spokane Chiefs | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 6 p.m. | Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 300 N. Winning Way, Portland | $28.50-$68 | Help the home team show the visitors who’s boss on the ice.
• The Victorian Yule Ball | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 6-10 p.m. | Victorian Belle Mansion, 1441 N. McClellan St., Portland | $20-$100 | Sword & Veil will host themed performances, costume contests, food and drink, and a puppy adoption all in a winter wonderland setting.

• Wonderwood’s Makers’ Market | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Wonderwood Springs, 7410 N. Chicago Ave., Portland | Free | Explore the wares of local artists set up in Mike Bennett’s cafe and immersive space, plus the kiddos can get their faces painted.

• $50 million. That’s how much money remains unspent from the nearly $93 million raised in two years by the voter-approved parks levy. Despite the slow rollout of funding to programs like swimming lessons, officials plan to spend all of the projected $240 million raised 2021-2026 by July 2027. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)

• The Thorns’ roster shakeup continued with the trades of Emily Menges and Hannah Betfort to new clubs Bay FC and Utah Royals FC, respectively. Although those players were beloved by the Portland faithful, the moves do offer $85,000 in allocation money, a future pick, and protection ahead of tomorrow’s NWSL Expansion Draft. (KGW)

• Did you know the world’s first successful artificial heart valve was invented right here in Portland at University of Oregon Medical School? The ball-in-a-cage contraption was a collaboration between Dr. Albert Starr, a cardiac surgeon, and Lowell Edwards, a retired hydraulic engineer known for owning 60+ patents. (OPB)

• An unnamed employee’s financial investment will ensure the show goes on at Crush, the LGBTQ-friendly bar that’s called the Buckman neighborhood home for 20 years. Previously, founder John “Woody” Clarke planned to close in the new year; he will still step away and the establishment will observe reduced winter hours. (Eater Portland)

• Timber and Thorn. Those are the names of two new black bear cubs at the Oregon Zoo. They were found wandering separately in the Alaskan wilderness, too young to survive on their own, and rescued by wildlife officials before being transported to Portland.

• Whether you stick to the classic chocolate chip from Ken’s Artisan Bakery or opt for the guava at An Xuyen Bakery, these Portland cookies will make you crumble with delight. Just remember to save a couple for Santa. (Eater Portland)

• This FDA-registered, doctor-recommended vibrator is clinically proven to heighten arousal and help alleviate dryness, thanks to its ultra-flexible shape designed to hit all the right spots. (Even better? Our readers get 30% off.)*

Five top trending “near me” searches in the Portland area

• Pawn shops near me | How about some alternatives, like swap meets?
• Air quality near me | We dove into Multnomah County’s burn ban over the summer.
• Wildfires near me | Read our story on the Camp Creek Fire.
• Food banks near me | Check out our guide on ways to give back.
• Pilates near me | On a related note, check out these yoga studios.