Sydney Glover
Staff Writer
With life starting to slightly return to normal, it is expected that people will want to do things over Winter Break. So if that person is you, here are some exciting things to check out over the break.
If you’re looking for an exciting new experience this winter break, then go check out “Original Goat Yoga: Holiday Experience.”
The yoga will be held in what the hosts call a “cozy barn” and will be decorated for the holidays so you can get the full goat yoga experience. It is held on every Saturday of the month but if you go on Dec. 18 you can experience ugly Christmas sweater goat yoga. It is located on 17531 S Henrici Rd in Oregon City, and tickets cost $35 a person.
The annual Christmas ship parade will be running through Dec. 21. It starts at 7 p.m. and is free and will be held on both the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. The parade will start at the Gleason boat ramp and end in Hayden bay for the Columbia River parade. The Willamette parade goes from downtown Riverplace to the north end of Johns Landing. It will feature about 55 boats covered in an array of lights and colors. It is a must see for people of all ages and is a great free way to enjoy the holiday season.
One of the most well-known Christmas light displays is Peacock Lane. It is a street in Southeast Portland between Stark Street and Belmont one block east of Cesar Chavez Blvd. It features every house decked out in Christmas lights. It’s a pretty spectacular light display that is definitely worth checking out.
Another light display that sits up there with Peacock Lane is at Portland International Raceway. However, it’s not only a light display; it is also a show, with lights that look like they are moving and Christmas songs playing in the background. For the cold days when you don’t want to walk down Peacock Lane, you can drive along the race track.
For a two in one deal you can head down to Silverton to see the walk through light show at the Oregon Gardens and the Silverton Christmas Market. Both of these events will be open through Jan. 9. The Christmas walk-through will feature millions of colorful lights and designs. Additionally, the market will have many vendors selling an assortment of items.
Continuing with the Christmas light displays is the Zoo Lights. The Zoo Lights will bring back their trademark animals made out of lights. The zoo promises that this year’s display will be better than ever and have both a walking and driving experience. This is a fan favorite so make sure to get tickets while you still can.
The Grotto, located just a little under 40 minutes from the high school, is a whimsical garden experience. Similar to the Oregon Gardens, the Grotto is decked out in colorful lights and if you go on certain nights you’ll get to hear a choir. Tickets are relatively inexpensive, being $14 for general admission and $7 for ages 3-11.
Over 90 animated displays and hundreds of thousands of lights is what you will see if you head down to Southern Oregon.
The annual Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights in Roseburg will be on display through the new year. It is a bit of a drive but for only $10 per car it is definitely worth the consideration.
If you want to catch some of the arts over break, head to the Liberty Theater or the Lakewood Center.
First there is “The Nutcracker” which will be held on Dec.19 at the Liberty Theater in Camas, Washington. Secondly, you can travel out to the Lakewood Center for the Arts to see“Elf: The Musical”.
Finally, we have The Holiday Express located at The Oaks Station on SE Oaks Park Way. If you have ever wanted to experience the train ride from the “Polar Express,”this is probably the closest you will get. The cabin of the train will be draped in extravagant garland, lights and ornaments. Additionally, Santa and his elves will be on the train to ensure a marvelous holiday experience. Life is starting to get a little more normal, so many new winter experiences await.
The Pioneer Press 