The snow scene from Oregon Ballet Theatre's 2015 production of George Balanchine's "The Nutcracker." The ballet returns this year from Dec. 9-24. (James McGrew)

By Amy Wang and Susan Green | The Oregonian/OregonLive

Looking for some holiday cheer? Here's a list of light displays, performances and holiday traditions in the Portland area this season.

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"The Hip Hop Nutcracker"

Rapper Kurtis Blow serves as the master of ceremony for the third national tour of “The Hip Hop Nutcracker,” which blends Tchaikovsky’s classic score with New York-style hip hop, against a backdrop of Brooklyn street scenes.

Nov. 15, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 S.W. Broadway, $25-$55, portland5.com, TicketsWest or 800-273-1530

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Winter Jam West

Showcase of Christian artists including Lecrae, Mac Powell from Third Day, Andy Mineo, Building 429, Family Force 5, Newsong and Moriah Peters.

7 p.m. Nov. 17; Moda Center, 1 N. Center Court St.; $15; 2017.jamtour.com

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(Owen Carey)

"A Christmas Memory/Winter Song"

This double bill features a Truman Capote holiday story from his Alabama childhood and a new presentation of winter songs created by Portland singer Merideth Kaye Clark and Portland director Brandon Woolley. For ages 6 and older only.

Nov. 18-Dec. 31, Ellyn Bye Studio, The Armory, 128 N.W. 11th Ave., $25-$60, pcs.org or 503-445-3700

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Christmas with Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant

The Grammy Award-winning singers bring their symphony-filled holiday tour to Portland’s Moda Center.

Nov. 19, Theater of the Clouds, 1 N. Center Court, tickets start at $30, Ticketmaster, rosequarter.com or 1-800-745-3000

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The Tenors Christmas

Canadian trio Victor Micallef, Fraser Walters and Clifton Murray bring their operatic pop to Portland for a concert with the Oregon Symphony. Norman Huynh conducts.

Nov. 21, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 S.W. Broadway, tickets start at $35, orsymphony.org or 503-228-1353

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"Your Holiday Hit Parade"

In this new holiday revue, ghosts in a hotel off the beaten path perform Christmas music from the 1950s, ‘50s and ‘60s, and learn a few contemporary tunes from the hotel guests. Local musical theater stalwarts Dan Murphy and Rick Lewis wrote the book and Lewis did the vocal arrangements. For ages 6 and older only.

Nov. 22-Dec. 23, Broadway Rose New Stage, 12850 S.W. Grant Ave., Tigard, $20-$30, broadwayrose.org or 503-620-5262

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A crowd celebrates the lighting of a 75-foot tree in Pioneer Courthouse Square in 2016. (Randy L. Rasmussen/Special to The Oregonian)

Tree lighting at Pioneer Courthouse Square

Not even the highest of vaulted living room ceilings allow for a spectacle like the Christmas tree in Portland’s living room. Catch the 75-footer as it lights up for the first time and sing some carols with neighbors (or watch it arrive on a truck at noon, Nov. 9).

5:30 p.m. Nov. 24; Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 S.W. Sixth Ave.; free; thesquarepdx.org

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(Chris L. Fussell)

Holiday Express Train

Trains have long been a special part of the holidays, from miniature sets under the Christmas tree to the pages of children’s books. And with a pleasant ride along the Willamette River from Oaks Park on an old Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation train, you’ll have another memory to add to the bank.

Various times Nov. 24-25, Dec. 2-3, Dec. 9-10 and Dec. 16-17; The Oaks Station, 7805 S.E. Oaks Park Way; $10.50-$20.50; orhf.org/the-holiday-express

More holiday trains: 7 holiday train rides in the Pacific Northwest

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Storm Large Holiday Ordeal

Storm Large’s popular holiday show is back for two nights at the Aladdin Theater, featuring “music, gags, gifts and some very special guests.”

8 p.m. Nov. 24 and 25, Aladdin Theater, 3017 S.E. Milwaukie Ave.; $40-$55; aladdin-theater.com

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A scene from The Portland Ballet's holiday show, "The Enchanted Toyshop." (Blaine Truitt Covert)

"The Enchanted Toyshop"

The Portland Ballet’s holiday show is a kind-of-but-not-really Nutcracker about two children entertained by a parade of magical toys. The program also features a new ballet by Anne Mueller, “Tourbillon.” The Portland State University Orchestra provides live music.

Nov. 24-26, Lincoln Hall, 1620 S.W. Park Ave., tickets start at $5, theportlandballet.org or 503-452-8448

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"Portland's Singing Christmas Tree"

Three hundred singers fill the Keller Auditorium stage for the 55th season of a beloved Rose City tradition. This year's special guests include the Jefferson Dancers.

Nov. 24-Dec. 3, Keller Auditorium, 222 S.W. Clay St. $20-$60, portland5.com, singingchristmastree.org or 503-557-8733

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(Stephanie Yao Long/Staff)

ZooLights

Forget the animals and head to the ZooLights for a million and a half twinkling lights arranged into all sorts of wild displays. The lighted loop through the zoo features a carousel and the popular train ride through the park.

5-9 p.m. (8 p.m. on Value Nights) Nov. 24-Jan. 7 (except Dec. 24, 25, Jan. 1-4); Oregon Zoo, 4001 S.W. Canyon Rd.; $4.95-$14.95; oregonzoo.org/visit/zoolights

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(Brent Wojahn/2011)

Festival of Lights at The Grotto

The Grotto’s lighted walk is joined each night by five choral concerts, not to mention carolers, puppeteers and live animals.

5-9:30 p.m. Nov. 24-Dec. 30, closed Christmas Day; The Grotto, 8840 N.E. Skidmore St.; $6-$11; thegrotto.org

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(The Oregon Garden)

Christmas in the Garden

A charming European-inspired event featuring ice skating, snowless tubing, an artisan vendor market, photos with Santa, fire pits, live music and 600,000-plus lights decorating the garden.

5-9 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday Nov. 24-Dec. 17, daily Dec. 18-31 (closed Dec. 24 and 25); Oregon Garden, 879 W. Main St., Silverton; $5-$15; oregongarden.org

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About 250 lighted pieces along with animated scenes are peppered throughout the entire track at Portland International Raceway, which cars can drive on except for Walk Night and Bike the Lights. (Stephanie Yao Long/Staff)

Winter Wonderland

Pile in the car and take a leisurely ride around Portland International Raceway’s track, which will boast enough light displays to earn the title of “largest holiday light show west of the Mississippi.”

5:30-9:30 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 24-Dec. 26 (except Nov. 27), open until 11 p.m. Christmas Eve.; Portland International Raceway, 1940 N. Victory Blvd.; $20-$50 per vehicle; winterwonderlandportland.com

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Singer Ashley Brown. (Handout photo)

"A Pops Holiday"

The Oregon Symphony's pops musicians perform carols and holiday songs along with Broadway singer-actress Ashley Brown and the Portland-based Pacific Youth Choir. Jeff Tyzik conducts. Nov. 25-26, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 S.W. Broadway, tickets start at $24, orsymphony.org or 503-228-1353

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(Stephanie Yao Long/Staff)

Holiday Ale Festival

With about 50 breweries pouring their best in Pioneer Courthouse Square, Portland’s Holiday Ale Festival is the gift that keeps on giving (and yes, that does mean free readmission for all five days).

11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Nov. 29-Dec. 2 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 3; Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 S.W. Sixth Ave.; $35 for entry, a festival glass and 12 beer tickets; holidayale.com

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White Album Christmas at Alberta Rose Theatre

A holiday circus spectacular, a tribute to The Beatles and an annual reunion of the Cascadian Freak Family.

8 p.m. Nov. 30-Dec. 2 and Dec. 6-9, 2 p.m. Dec. 3, Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 N.E. Alberta St.; $32.50-$50; albertarosetheatre.com

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"A Christmas Carol"

Portland Playhouse brings back its family-friendly adaptation of Charles Dickens’ tale of holiday redemption, a production that’s won local theater Drammy Awards including Best Play.

Nov. 30-Dec. 30, Portland Playhouse, 602 N.E. Prescott St., $34, portlandplayhouse.org or 503-488-5822

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"A Christmas Carol The Musical"

Stumptown Stages presents the 1994 Alan Menken musical based on Charles Dickens’ beloved 1843 novella about the miser Ebenezer Scrooge and his awakening to the true meaning of Christmas.

Nov. 30-Dec. 24, Brunish Theatre, 1111 S.W. Broadway, $26-$45, Arts for All and student rush tickets available, stumptownstages.org, TicketsWest or 800-273-1530

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Bag & Baggage's 2011 production of "Charles Dickens Writes A Christmas Carol." (Casey Campbell Photography)

"Charles Dickens Writes A Christmas Carol"

Think Dickens meets “Shakespeare in Love,” and you’ve got the gist of this Bag & Baggage production, which imagines the author seeking literary inspiration on Christmas Eve.

Nov. 30-Dec. 23, The Vault Theater, 350 E. Main St., Hillsboro, $27-$32, bagnbaggage.org or 503-345-9590

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Kymami Russell, then 18 months old, gets a hug from Santa Claus at the now-defunct Meier & Frank's Santaland. (Rob Finch/2004)

Meier & Frank Santaland

With the closure of the downtown Macy’s store (previously Meier & Frank department store), Santaland and the holiday parade are no more. Thankfully, you can recapture some of that magic with an exhibit featuring items donated from Santaland.

Nov. 30-Dec. 31; Oregon Historical Society, 1200 S.W. Park Ave.; $5-11 (free for members, Multnomah County residents and children 5 and under); ohs.org

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"The Most Wonderful Season"

The 150-voice Portland Gay Men's Chorus brings back its annual holiday concert, featuring songs that celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the winter solstice and the new year. In addition to the singing, expect dancing, lights, costumes and a few surprises.

Dec. 1-3, Newmark Theatre, 1111 S.W. Broadway, $18-$50, pdxgmc.org or 503-226-2588

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Tickets are now on sale for Black Nativity! Three weekends: December 1-17, choose your preferred show date. Posted by PassinArt: A Theatre Company on Tuesday, October 24, 2017

"Black Nativity"

Portland’s Passinart: A Theatre Company presents Langston Hughes’ retelling of the classic Nativity story with an entirely black cast. The show includes traditional holiday carols sung in gospel style.

Dec. 1-17, Greater St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church, 3605 N.E. Mallory Ave., $7-$20, passinart.org or 503-235-8079

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The Christmas Ships are a Portland tradition that began in 1954. What started with one boat is now two fleets, one along the Willamette River (shown here) and the other on the Columbia River. (Stephanie Yao Long/Staff)

Christmas Ships

Few things sparkle like the stars out at sea, but the boat owners behind Portland’s famous Christmas Ships do their best to give the cosmos a run for their money. Fleets move up and down the Columbia and Willamette rivers, so get your sailor Santa hats ready.

Various times Dec. 1-21 (except Mondays and Dec. 3, 5 and 12); locations along the Willamette and Columbia rivers; free; christmasships.org

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(Kristyna Wentz-Graff/2015)

Christmas in Dairyville

Alpenrose Dairy’s beloved Western replica town gets the Christmas treatment with holiday movies, animals, caroling choirs and, of course, Santa Claus.

3 p.m.-6 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 1-17; Alpenrose Dairy, 6149 S.W. Shattuck Rd.; free; alpenrose.com/christmas-in-dairyville

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The Ensemble of Oregon. (Handout photo)

"Amahl and the Night Visitors"

The Ensemble of Oregon celebrates the holiday season with a production of Gian Carlo Menotti’s one-act opera about a widow, her young son, and their three royal guests on a night of miracles. Recommended for ages 5 and older.

Dec. 2-3, First Christian Church, 1314 S.W. Park Ave., $20-$25 (free for students/children), theensembleoregon.org

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Holiday Magic Breakfast Theatre

Lakewood Theatre Company presents a family-friendly holiday breakfast show each December; this year it’s “Peppermint Bear and the Giant Elf.” Christmas is in danger when a giant elf sets his sights on usurping Santa Claus — can Peppermint Bear and a girl named Sally save the holiday?

Dec. 2-23, Lakewood Theatre Company, 368 S. State St., $12-$15, lakewood-center.org or 503-635-3901.

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Wenzel Farm Christmas Fantasy Trail

A large castle made of real stone, a crooked house and thousands of lights and decorations are highlights of this glittering walk along a wooded trail at Wenzel Farm in Oregon City.

6-9 p.m. Dec. 2-30, except Sundays and Dec. 24-25); 19754 S. Ridge Road, Oregon City; $5-$6; fantasytrail.com

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"Glory of Christmas"

The Oregon Repertory Singers’ annual holiday concert this year features guest harpist Denise Fujikawa in a performance of Benjamin Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols.”

Dec. 3, 8 and 10, First United Methodist Church, 1838 S.W. Jefferson St., $10-$40, orsingers.org or 503-230-0652

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Singer Dianne Reeves. (Courtesy of Depth of Field)

Dianne Reeves: Christmas Time is Here

The Grammy Award-winning jazz singer puts on a holiday music program, reinterpreting classic Christmas songs.

Dec. 5, Revolution Hall, 1300 S.E. Stark St., $35-$65, ticketfly.com or 503-288-3895

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A scene from Portland Center Stage's 2014 production of "The Second City's A Christmas Carol: Twist Your Dickens." (Patrick Weishamp

el)

The Second City's A Christmas Carol: Twist Your Dickens

This improv-heavy sendup of the Charles Dickens classic is irreverent, raunchy and hysterical. Book your babysitter now – the show is not recommended for children younger than 14, and is not open to children younger than 6.

Dec. 5-31, U.S. Bank Main Stage, The Armory, 128 N.W. 11th Ave., $25-$80, pcs.org or 503-445-3700

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A Celtic Christmas

The Irish vocal-instrumental trio Affini and a special guest, singer Howard Crosby (nephew of Bing), perform classics from Ireland as well as holiday music, including “White Christmas,” in an all-ages show.

Dec. 7, Aladdin Theater, 3017 S.E. Milwaukie Ave., $25-$30, aladdin-theater.com or 503-234-9694

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The Oregon Mandolin Orchestra returns to the Walters Cultural Arts Center, 527 East Main St., on Dec. 8. (Samantha Swindler/Staff)

Oregon Mandolin Orchestra

The Oregon Mandolin Orchestra’s annual holiday concert will feature not only holiday favorites but also works by Schubert, Vivaldi and Dvorak, as well as a special guest: Caravan Gogh, known for music ranging from Gypsy waltzes to acoustic rock and calypso-inspired dance tunes.

Dec. 8, Walters Cultural Arts Center, 527 E. Main St., Hillsboro, $20-$25, hillsboro-oregon.gov/walters or 503-615-3485

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The Northwest Community Gospel Choir performing during the Oregon Symphony's "Gospel Christmas." (Courtesy of Oregon Symphony)

"Gospel Christmas"

The Oregon Symphony teams up with the Northwest Community Gospel Choir for this annual concert tradition, now going on two decades. Charles Floyd conducts.

Dec. 8-10, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 S.W. Broadway, tickets start at $35, orsymphony.org or 503-228-1353

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The Portland Baroque Orchestra during the holidays. (Jonathan Ley)

Handel's Messiah

There’s the Messiah, and then there’s the Messiah performed on instruments that composer George Frideric Handel would have known. Portland Baroque Orchestra offers two versions of Handel’s classic, the full piece or a “highlights” concert. The Portland choir Cappella Romana joins the orchestra.

Dec. 8-11, First Baptist Church, 909 S.W. 11th Ave., $30-$72, pbo.org or 503-222-6000

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Jose Sponberg plays during Tuba Christmas in Pioneer Courthouse Square last year. (Mike Zacchino/2016)

Tuba Christmas

Tuba enthusiasts pack Pioneer Courthouse Square for a different take on holiday jingles at Tuba Christmas. Just try and stay out of the holiday spirit as the charming honks of hundreds of tubas wash over you. It won’t be easy.

1:30 p.m. Dec. 9; Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 S.W. Sixth Ave.; free; tubachristmas.com

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Portland's own The Dandy Warhols (Chad Kamenshine)

Dandy Warhols: Cowboy Christmas

The group presents their annual all-ages holiday show with a theme this year of “Cowboy Christmas.”

8 p.m. Dec. 9; Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W. Burnside; $20-$25; crystalballroompdx.com

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Wintersong

The Portland Symphonic Choir presents an evening of music with the holiday themes of glory and light. The program includes the winning piece in the 2017 Winter Carol Composition Competition, Shlomo Farber’s arrangement of "Maoz Tsur," a traditional Hanukkah song.

Dec. 9-10, Rose City Park United Methodist Church, 5830 NE Alameda St., pschoir.org or 503-223-1217

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Xuan Cheng as "Dewdrop" with the "Flowers" in Oregon Ballet Theatre's 2015 production of "George Balanchine's The Nutcracker." (James McGrew)

George Balanchine's The Nutcracker

Performances of “The Nutcracker” have become as ubiquitous as Christmas music in malls, but this is the granddaddy of “Nutcracker” ballets. Oregon Ballet Theatre’s orchestra will perform live at 10 select shows.

Dec. 9-24, Keller Auditorium, 222 S.W. Clay St. tickets start at $34, obt.org, TicketsWest or 800-273-1530

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The Wizards of Winter

A group comprising Trans-Siberian Orchestra alumni and rock industry veterans puts on a family-friendly rock opera, “Tales Beneath a Northern Star,” about a journey in search of Christmas’ true meaning.

Dec. 10, Revolution Hall, 1300 S.E. Stark St., $35-$38, ticketfly.com or 503-288-3895

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Fake Radio Presents "It's a Wonderful Life"

Fake Radio, a theatrical troupe that performs radio scripts, reinterprets the classic Christmas story with Kevin McDonald from the Kids in the Hall comedy troupe.

Dec. 11-12, Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 N.E. Alberta St., Portland, $15-$25, albertarosetheatre.com or 503-719-7784

Dec. 13, The Vault Theater and Event Space, 350 E. Main St., Hillsboro, $20, bagnbaggage.org or 503-345-9590

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"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever"

The troublesome Herdman kids have taken over the town's annual Christmas pageant, and hijinks ensue - as does an eye-opener or two.

Dec. 14-23, Lakewood Theatre Company, 368 S. State St., $12-$15, lakewood-center.org or 503-635-3901.

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Oregon Symphony String Ensemble featuring the Oregon Chorale

A string quartet of Oregon Symphony musicians teams up with singers from the Oregon Chorale to put on a holiday concert of classical and popular favorites, winding up with an audience sing-along.

Dec. 15, Walters Cultural Arts Center, 527 E. Main St., Hillsboro, $25-$30, hillsboro-oregon.gov/walters or 503-615-3485

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A house on Portland's Peacock Lane. (Stephanie Yao Long/Staff)

Peacock Lane

A whole street of cute English cottages gets even cuter when entirely decked out in lights and decorations. Portland families have strolled Peacock Lane for generations, gazing in delight at this brilliant community tradition.

6-11 p.m. Dec. 15-31; pedestrian-only nights are Dec 15-17; Southeast Peacock Lane; free; peacocklane.org

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The Trail Band. (Keith Buckley)

Holidays with the Trail Band

The Trail Band, originally formed to commemorate the Oregon Trail, puts on its annual program combining classical and modern holiday music. Some concerts benefit the Portland mentoring nonprofit Friends of the Children.

7 p.m. Dec. 15-17, 3 p.m. Dec.16-17, Aladdin Theater, 3017 S.E. Milwaukie Ave., $20-$39, aladdin-theater.com or 877-435-9849

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"Comfort and Joy: A Classical Christmas"

The Oregon Symphony and the Oregon Chorale present holiday classics and favorites as well as a sing-along.

Dec. 17, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 S.W. Broadway, tickets start at $20, orsymphony.org or 503-228-1353

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Magical Strings Celtic Yuletide Concert

The Washington-based Magical Strings meld Celtic harp, hammered dulcimers, pennywhistles, concertina and more into an annual holiday tour – this year is their 39th.

Dec. 22, Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 N.E. Alberta St., $12-$31, albertarosetheatre.com or 503-719-7784

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Mark O'Connor & Friends: An Appalachian Christmas

Grammy Award-winning violinist Mark O’Connor and The O’Connor Band, acclaimed trumpeter Allen Vizzutti and Oregon Symphony cellist Nancy Ives present folk-bluegrass interpretations of Christmas classics.

Dec. 22, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 S.W. Broadway, tickets start at $18, portland5.com, TicketsWest or 800-273-1530

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A Christmas Carol: A Victorian Reading

Actor Thom Bray portrays author Charles Dickens giving a reading of his classic Christmas story.

Dec. 23, First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1126 S.W. Park Ave., $15-$35, Brown Paper Tickets or pdxchristmas.com