KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Thu, Nov 27: 2025 Tofurky Trot! at Oaks Park
Fri, Nov 28: 41st Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Presented by SmartPark at Pioneer Courthouse Square
Fri, Nov 28: Portland European
Bazaar 2025 at Goat Blocks
Sat, Nov 29: Geek the Halls 2025 at DoubleTree Hotel Portland
Sun, Nov 30: Silent Santa at Bridgeport Village
Mon, Dec 1: Letters to Winter Wonderland at Town Center
Park
Tue, Dec 2: Bethany Village Tree Lighting & Holiday Market
Wed, Dec 3: Holiday
Storytimes at Bridgeport Village
Thu, Dec 4: Wilsonville's Community Tree Lighting at Town Center Park
Thu, Dec 4: Lighted Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting at Reflection Plaza
Thu, Dec 4: Portland Night Market
Fri, Dec 5: Holiday Gala in Multnomah Village |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers,
When I was about four years old, I turned to my mother and asked, “Mommy, do you know what I’m thinking?” She said no, that no one can know what’s going on in someone else’s head unless they say it out loud. I was instantly relieved. “Good!” I said, emphatically. This family story points to something we all figure out eventually: No one—not even those we love most—can
truly know us completely. That’s because our minds are crowded with thoughts, memories, emotions, and those little sparks of insight that are hard to pin down for ourselves, much less explain to someone else. So no matter what, we can only really share just a slice of who we are. Some people might say that being selective about what parts of ourselves we show to different people means we're being fake, but I don't. Full transparency isn't even possible, so the goal is
sincerity. As long as what we share is true to who we are, we’re being honest. Selective, but sincere. This is especially helpful to remember during the holidays, when we’re surrounded by lots of people, sometimes all at once. Some of them we love dearly. Others... less so. So when Aunt Viv is going on (again) about the zoning board, you don’t have to confess how bored you are. Just focus on what’s real—the part you truly mean—and say that. “So sorry that's getting in your
way, Aunt Viv. But I just have to say: Your pecan pie is amazing.” So this holiday season, try to tune your radar to see the good stuff. Say out loud what you honestly appreciate. And take comfort, as four-year-old Deb once did, that no one can read the rest of what’s going on in your head.
—Debra Ross,
publisher |
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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Unleash your inner hero in this K-pop–inspired adventure where creativity meets tech! Join the fun at PDX MiniMakers’ Demon Hunters 3D Printing MiniCamp, where your imagination becomes reality. In our 3-week minicamp, you can design your own demon hunter persona, 3D-print custom gear and sidekicks, and help build a shared supernatural world. Each weekly session mixes hands-on design, storytelling, and world-building. The fun begins Tuesday, December 2nd at Taborspace in SE Portland, and is open to all learners 4th through 8th grade. No experience necessary– just bring your imagination and let your creativity inspire you! Register on our website!
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November 29-30, December 6-7, 13-14, 21-24, 26-27 Join Cinnamon Bear and friends aboard the Portland Spirit for a magical holiday adventure! Since 2005, this beloved holiday tradition has delighted families with loads of festive fun on the Willamette River. The whole family will enjoy a hot plated breakfast and reserved seating while the kids are entertained by music, storytelling and magic. Tickets include a souvenir photo with Cinnamon Bear for every child 12 and younger and service gratuity.
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The Portland area has many private schools and alternative education options from which parents can choose. Each has its unique benefits and advantages, so it's important to investigate carefully. This is KidsOutAndAbout's education highlight page, containing specially featured schools and also our master list of local schools. If your school is not on our list but should be, please email us at ross@kidsoutandabout.com.
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Private Schools in the Portland, OR area: Try it before you buy it... and even before you visit! This is KidsOutAndAbout.com's video sneak peek into local private school experiences. If your school should have a video on this page, please send a link to the school's video on YouTube or Vimeo to ross@kidsoutandabout.com.
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Come and enjoy some holiday cheer! Visit the camels, llamas, goats, and donkeys. Pick up a pre-cut Christmas tree, garland, or wreath, and shop our holiday market. Enjoy bonfires, bar, and coffee shop. Santa Claus will also be making special appearances on select days so bring your kids and a camera!
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Vancouver Mall is proud to join the Centennial Real Estate National Campaign in partnership with One Warm Coat to spread warmth and kindness throughout our community this season. All coats collected at Vancouver Mall will benefit Love Our City, helping local individuals and families stay warm and safe this winter.
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Join us once a month and explore your creative nature here at World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum with our friend at RAD Creative. From Forests in a Bottle to paper snails, seed shares, and fairy houses – tap into your creative side and make something memorable.
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The Portland area offers a delightful selection of Christmas tree farms that bring the magic of the holiday season to life. Families can enjoy the cherished tradition of selecting the perfect tree while exploring picturesque landscapes and engaging in festive activities. From charming local farms to larger operations, each location provides a unique experience, complete with hayrides, hot cocoa, and seasonal treats. Many farms also host holiday events, making it easy to create lasting memories with loved ones. Whether you’re looking for a classic fir or a unique spruce, the Christmas tree farms around Portland promise to make your holiday celebrations truly special.
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Portland's big list of 2025 holiday events: Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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- Christmas Trees at Frog Pond Farm - Frog Pond Farm - 2983 SW Advance Rd, Wilsonville, OR 97070, November 21 to November 23, 2025, 9 am - 5 pm
- Mike Bennett's Snow Day Village - Director Park - Southwest Park Avenue, Portland, OR, November 21 to November 23, 2025, 11 am - 7 pm
- Open Saturday - Education Center on Pearson Field (Airway Science for Kids)
- East Reserve Street, Vancouver, WA, November 22, 2025, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Bard Storytime with the Bard! | Wonderwood Springs - Wonderwood Springs - 8811 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97203, November 22, 2025, 11 am - 12 pm
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There are lots of places to have a birthday party in the Portland area! Start thinking outside the box! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens (and dozens) of ideas! Also includes the areas of Lake Oswego, West Linn, Beaverton, Clackamas, Tigard, Tualatin, Milwaukie,
Oregon City, and Hillsboro.
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2025's best places to take kids in the Portland area: In early summer each year, thousands of parents vote in KidsOutAndAbout's survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids. Our Top 20 results page is an annotated list of the winners, both of the top 20 slots
and of the three category winners.
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Here's to seizing opportunities to learn wherever they appear!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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