Christmas celebrations continue, even after Santa has finished his yearly trip. You can still score a seat at a few holiday-themed events this week, or maybe just head to the coast and watch for whales as they migrate toward Mexico. We’ve also got a few New Year’s Eve events that still have tickets available. Also, don’t forget the Kwanzaa celebration held in Beaverton on Dec. 27.
64th Annual Concert at Christmas: A Popcorn Solstice
Portland Youth Philharmonic continues its decades-long holiday tradition with an evening concert performed by the Alumni Orchestra, Portland Youth String and Wind Ensembles, Portland Youth Conservatory Orchestra and the flagship Portland Youth Philharmonic. Enjoy a world premiere work of Bruce Stark’s “Popcorn Fantasia” a tribute to film music, as well as Leonard Berstein’s suite from “On the Waterfront.” Other works include hits from “Wicked” and John Williams’ “Raiders March.”
7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 S.W. Broadway; tickets start at $15; portlandyouthphil.org/concerts.
Winter Whale Watch Week
Planning a trip to the Oregon coast during winter break? The Oregon State Parks annual Winter Whale Watch Week offers 14 volunteer-led watching stations along the coast where you just may spot gray whales on their southward migration to calving lagoons in Mexico. Even if you don’t see a whale, you can learn a lot about their migration habits and the environmental difficulties they face. The website includes a map of watching sites.
10 a.m.-1 p.m. daily Saturday, Dec. 27-Wednesday, Dec. 31; free; oregonstateparks.org.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas”
This national tour of beloved characters from Charles Schultz’s Peanuts comic strip offers a holiday celebration for the whole family. Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the Peanuts gang are together live on stage as they uncover the true meaning of Christmas. Expect the songs and wonderful musical score from the holiday classic cartoon. This Broadway-style production offers immersive sets, lighting, choreography, and colorful costumes, and the afternoon showtime is great for kids.
3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, Keller Auditorium, 222 S.W. Clay St.; tickets start at $45; portland5.com/keller-auditorium/events.
Joyous Kwanzaa Celebration
Head to Beaverton for the third annual Beaverton-based Kwanzaa celebration. This free community event offers live music, vendors, food, games and a performance by West African drummer Baba Nii Ardey.
5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, Tualatin Hills Athletic Center, 15707 S.W. Walker Road, Beaverton; free; beavertonblackpeoplesunion.org/kwanzaacelebration.
Grand Ballroom Carnaval
Portland Chamber Orchestra offers the sweeping rhythms and vibrant energy of ballroom dancing and music. From the waltzing charm of Beethoven to Strauss’ passionate tango flair, the orchestra will explore how composers personified dance through music. A pre-concert dance lesson is open to all ages in the lobby of the Reser at 6:30 p.m.
Concert 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, 12625 S.W. Crescent St., Beaverton; tickets $19.50-$64.50; thereser.org/event/grand-ballroom-carnaval.
Kids’ New Year’s Eve
All the fun of a New Year’s Eve ball drop without the midnight timestamp. Celebrate the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026 with crafts, DJ music, prizes, a photobooth, and more in this party meant for families with children ages 10 and younger. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, Reser Center for the Arts, 12615 S.W. Crescent St., Beaverton; admission $15-$20; thereser.org/event/kids-new-years-eve.
Sobriety Powwow
The Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest hosts the annual sober celebration of the new year. This powwow draws thousands of guests and offers a demonstration of the culture, community, and commitment to sobriety. The 1 p.m. grand entry features youth-focused events, traditional dancing, fun and games. The 6 p.m. grant entry honors the original founders, community partners, and others. Expect drum and dance performance steeped in tradition and resilience.
1 p.m.-midnight, Wednesday, Dec. 31, Oregon Convention Center, 777 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd; free, and all are welcome; oregoncc.org/attend/events.
Bing in the New Year
Did you know that Oregon’s very own Milwaukie is the birthplace of the Bing cherry? Well, it is. So, when the new year comes around, the community drops a giant 7-foot lighted cherry rather than a “ball.” Ring in the new year at this free event held outdoors at the Farmers Market location. Attractions include live music, a Chinese cultural performance, food, beer, and a vendor marketplace. The countdown happens on East Coast time (9 p.m. PST) so you can get home with the kids before it’s super late.
6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, at the intersection of Southeast Harrison and Main streets in Milwaukie; free; binginthenewyear.com.
Grateful Brass New Year’s Eve
Led by Adam Theis, Grateful Brass reimagines the iconic music of the Grateful Dead with an instrumentation of brass, drums and vocals (and no guitar!). Take a deep dive into the Dead’s discography highlighted by re-imaginations infused with the spirit of New Orleans Second Line, trance-like grooves of Afrobeat, brass-driven energy of Balkan music, and energetic Afro-Cuban polyrhythms. Performers include Erin Honeywell, Ross Eustis, Dan Zemelman and others. 21 and older only for this show.
9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, Alberta Rose Theater, 3000 N.E. Alberta St.; tickets $55; albertarosetheatre.com/event/grateful-brass.
Josh Gondelman comedy show
Writer and comedian Gondelman helped write the final season of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and earned Emmy Awards for his work on “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.” See him live at one of two special New Year’s Eve comedy shows. The later show includes an after party in the lounge.
Two shows; 7 and 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, Helium Comedy Club, 1510 S.E. Ninth Ave., tickets start at $50; portland.heliumcomedy.com/shows.
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