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• “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” | Friday, Dec. 22-Sunday, Dec. 24 | Times vary | Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St., Portland | $25-$113 | The Oregon Ballet Theatre will carry you away to a land of toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes, and sugarplum fairies set to Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score.
• The Holiday Ritual | Friday, Dec. 22 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Kickstand Comedy, 1006 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland | $5-$30 | Special comedic guests and local improv artists will draw on holiday stories to craft a performance that will have you laughing in your stockings.
• “Rocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Christmas” | Friday, Dec. 22 | 7:30 p.m. | Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland | $64 | Throw it back to the ‘70s with classics like “Take Me Home Country Roads” and “Leaving On A Jet Plane,” plus inspirational carols.

• BIPOC Book Fair | Saturday, Dec. 23 | 12-4 p.m. | Norse Hall, 111 NE 11th Ave., Portland | $0-$5 | Kids and teens are invited to find their next read from books “written by Black, Indigenous/Native, Asian, Latine, Middle Eastern, and other authors of color, featuring characters of color.”
• “Cirque Dreams Holidaze” | Saturday, Dec. 23-Sunday, Dec. 24 | Times vary | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, Portland | $26-$105 | You’ll have visions of sugar plums flying through the air with the greatest of ease after this Broadway-style presentation of circus arts and holiday classics.
• Hit Machine + The Reflex Christmas Show & Ugly Sweater Party | Saturday, Dec. 23 | 9 p.m. | Ponderosa Lounge & Grill, 10350 N. Vancouver Way, Portland | $20-$40 | Don your ugliest holiday attire and dance the night away to ‘80s tunes.

• “Warm” isn’t the first word that comes to mind about December in Portland, but this year, the city is on track to have one of the warmest (or second warmest) Decembers since record-keeping began in the early 1940s. As of Wednesday, Dec. 20, we’ve experienced an average of 47.5°. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)

• Lazy Days Brewing has been hard at work, preparing to take over Ex Novo Brewing’s two locations in Oregon. The branding transition has begun with a collaborative Turning Point Lager and merch. Several beers from the original owners will remain on tap, with new kitchen offerings planned (like Beaverton brunch service). (Willamette Week)

• Lego is officially Team Edward. After fervent support from superfans of the “Twilight” films, the toy company has decided to turn the Cullen house, the headquarters of the series’ main vampire family, into a set you can purchase and build. The actual home from the movies is located in Northwest Portland. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)

• The list of new restaurants coming to Portland in 2024 may be short, but it packs a punch. Local food experts shared the ones they’re looking forward to the most; openings that caught our eye are Tréla, a Greek eatery planned for 6000 NE Glisan St., and Flock, the Ritz-Carlton’s food hall. (Eater Portland)

• Trailblazing bar The Sports Bra will commemorate iconic women in athletics with a series of limited-edition Legacy Patches. From Serena Williams to the “Home Run Girls,” each design captures historic achievements that shaped the world.

• If you’re traveling south on Interstate 5 soon, pay a visit to Herr Woody Winterguard in Roseburg (about three hours from Portland). The 41-ft nutcracker holds the title as the world’s largest, standing guard over the Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights where you’ll find 90 twinkling displays. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)

• We can’t think of anything more relaxing than starting the New Year with a restorative getaway to the beach. Seabrook’s Beach Wellness Retreat Series, happening every Friday + Saturday in January, features wellness classes including yoga, pool aerobics, sound baths, thermal cycling, acupuncture, and more. Secure your spot.*

• Well, this is officially our last News Note of 2023. Thank you to our PDXtoday community for staying connected with us this year. If you want to support us in 2024, consider becoming a member — you’ll support us directly and keep these newsletters coming. Until next year, folks.