Winter Solstice Celebration | Saturday, Dec. 21 | Times vary | Leach Botanical Garden | Free | Bring the kiddos to search for hidden lanterns, sip on hot apple cider, and make some wintery crafts.
Home for the Holidays at Pittock Mansion | Thursday, Dec. 19-Thursday, Jan. 9 | Times vary | Pittock Mansion | $13+ | Walking through Pittock Mansion’s wintery holiday makeover feels a little like being transported onto the set of “The Nutcracker.”
“Snow Queen” | Saturday, Dec. 21-Sunday, Jan. 5 | Times vary | Multnomah Arts Center | $40+ | Get swept away into a world of sorceresses, reindeer, and magic in this live performance of the Hans Christian Anderson tale.
Portland SantaCon 2024 | 4 p.m. | McMenamins Blue Moon Tavern & Grill | $25 | Join the horde of drinking Santas as they descend upon the city.
Sunday, Dec. 22
Teddy Bear Tea | Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | The Ritz-Carlton, Portland | $65+ | This memorable experience includes photos with a giant teddy bear, yummy treats, a glass of bubbles for the adults, and a storytelling session.
Wednesday, Dec. 25
Christmas Day Cruise | Wednesday, Dec. 25, Wednesday, Dec. 25 | Times vary | Salmon Springs Dock | $45+ | What’s a hollier, jollier way to celebrate Christmas than on a boat fixed up with snacks?
How the Gottman Method can transform your relationship
Presented by Couples Clinic of Portland
“If you want to get better at something, the first thing that comes to mind is to talk to someone who has expertise,” Dave says. | Photo courtesy of Couples Clinic of Portland
New beginnings and transformation are top of mind during this time of year, making it a great time to think about what is or isn’t working in your relationship.
We recently caught up with Dave Lowe, MS, LPC of the Couples Clinic of Portland to discuss the Gottman Method and how it can improve your relationship. Here’s what he had to say.
Q: What exactly is the Gottman Method? A: This approach is based on 50+ years of research on what makes relationships work and what makes them fail. After an in-depth assessment of the relationship, a plan is developed to address and help correct the bad parts, encourage more of the good, and integrate research-based interventions to teach better ways of interacting.
Q: What is one piece of advice you have for couples as they look into 2025? A: Many people might suggest that putting an intense focus on managing or resolving conflict would be good advice to start the year out and trying to manage conflict isn’t a bad thing. However, the Gottmans’ research indicates that small loving actions done every day are what make relationships good.
Well, duck. Oregon lost one of its top 2025 recruits — Dallas Wilson — to the Gators. What are the Ducks going to do now? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Oregon Ducks with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Try This
Calling all book lovers: You’re invited to experience Literary Arts’ new home in the Central Eastside. Stop by 716 SE Grand Ave. to shop a selection of 12,000+ books at the independent bookstore, open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.*
Wellness
To make couples counseling more accessible for people who struggle to afford out-of-pocket costs, clinical mental health intern Fletcher Marron has started seeing clients at a significantly reduced price. Schedule a session or book a free 15-minute phone consult with Fletcher directly online or email couplesclinicpdx@gmail.com.*
Discover the Horizon IX, where German precision meets hearing innovation. With two processors, it separates speech from noise, delivering crystal-clear sound for effortless listening. (Plus: It’s virtually invisible — and already loved by 425,000+ customers.) Find out if you qualify for a 45-day trial.*
Travel
Going the EV route could save you more than just gas money. Many auto insurance companies now offer up to 10% off EV and hybrid vehicle premiums, rewarding your eco-friendly choice with additional savings. View Money’s Best Car Insurance list to find coverage tailored to your ride (and wallet).*
Biz
Transform your potential into prosperity with 100 innovative side hustle opportunities. HubSpot’s expertly curated database matches your unique skills with high-potential ventures, from creative enterprises to digital solutions. Get your free access to discover your next big win.*
Finance
The holidays are here — and with them come extra expenses. Regain control of seasonal credit card debt with a 0% intro APR credit card. Experts scoped out this top option that offers a long interest-free period and earns up to 20,000 miles after spending $500 in the first three months.*
City Guide
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📦 Gifts that ship fast
Embrace the holiday giving season with this guide that’s got something for everyone, including local finds. | Graphic by 6AM City
Season’s greetings, Portland. Need a last-minute holiday gift that will ship quickly? We’ve all been there. Shop these great gifts available with Prime two-day shipping.
Layering initial necklace | $15.99+ | Ship it fast, but make it feel personal with this 14K gold necklace displaying their first name initial.
Magnetic portable power bank charger | $37.99 | Perfect for the friend whose phone is always dying, this portable charger offers on-the-go power.
Candle warmer lamp + Thymes Fraiser Fir Candle | $43.99 + $36 | Make a candle extra special by pairing it with a warmer lamp that will make it last longer with flame-free heat.
Men’s casual henley tee | $19.99 | Snag a soft and comfortable slim-fit shirt that will ship to you fast.
Kindle remote control page turner | $19.99 | Upgrade their Kindle reading experience with a universal remote control page turner — trust us, avid Kindle users will love it.
Local pick: If you need something immediately, swing by one of Tender Loving Empire’s stores for one of their gift boxes. Or make one of your own with items like hot chocolate mixes, bath bombs, and cocktail syrups.
Portland, feeling ready to mingle? A WalletHub study has determined Portland as the sixth best city in the US for singles based on economic factors, fun + recreational activities, and the percentage of available hotties. I mean, we are the City of Roses. Romance is in our name.
