In the words of Mariah Carey, patron saint of holiday cheer, “Are you ready to be festive?!” Well, are you? If so, this list of time-honored Portland traditions and newfangled winter events should put a twinkle in your eye. (And if you’re not feeling festive, check it out anyway—you might actually find a reason to be merry.) We’ve compiled the best in cozy, delight-bringin’ events below, including The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show, Make the Yuletide Gay, The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert, Crafty Wonderland, and more, plus a sprinkling of New Year’s Eve happenings. (Cowboy prom, anyone?)
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Black Nativity
Written by innovative playwright, poet, and social activist Langston Hughes, Black Nativity first premiered in 1961 and was one of the first off-Broadway plays composed by an African American person. This interpretation of the gospel play will be presented by PassinArt, an African American theater company that interpreted the bluesy, Pulitzer-nominated play Seven Guitars earlier this year. The production will blend nativity storytelling, dance, and traditional Christmas carols with brand-new songs, and it’s directed by Jerry Foster, who has previously helped direct the Juneteenth and Kwanzaa Celebration for the North Portland library and the Peace Festival for Black Women for Peace. LINDSAY COSTELLO
Brunish Hall, South Park Blocks (Thurs–Sun, from Nov 22–Dec 10)
