The Heathman Hotel Blog Happy Holidays from the Heathman!

What a spectacular year it has been! Though the Pacific Northwest winter has given us more rain than snow, there has been more than enough Holiday Cheer to go around.We began our celebration with Beaujolais Nouveau, a wonderful event put on by the French-American Chamber of Commerce and the Alliance Française of Portland, followed closely with a Grand Thanksgiving Feast, and the official start of Holiday Tea! Read on to learn about our favorite Holiday Events.The Heathman lobby, tea court, and mezzanine were treated to a holiday make-over with over six Christmas trees, dazzling lights, and hundreds of delicate ornaments. December has been filled with celebrations of all kinds, with three tea seatings every day; this long standing tradition is one of the most cherished events in Portland. In the evenings, the Tea Court is transformed into an elegant lounge, with live jazz music Wednesday through Saturday nights. Call (503) 790-7752 to book a tea time!Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall will be hosting everything from an Orchestra- accompanied showing of "Home Alone" to the Portland Youth Philharmonic's Christmas Concert, and Ode to Joy: a New Year's Celebration. You may purchase tickets by visiting their website.The Nutcracker is certainly one of our personal favorites- and Oregon Ballet Theater gives a stunning and diverse performance every single year. Catching one of the performances with their live orchestra is sure to impress and delight even the non-ballet crowd. The Keller Auditorium is within walking distance of the Heathman, we suggest warming up with a cup of drinking chocolate from Cacao before heading over.You can catch The Miracle Worker at Artists Rep, or any David Sedaris Fans would love the Santaland Diaries at Portland Center Stage. While you are in the Pearl District be sure to swing by Powell's Book Store, or stop in Nuvrei for a world-class Macaroon. Take advantage of tax-free shopping, and see if you can spot a "Pop Up Shop" with limited edition gifts!If light displays are more your style, Portland has plenty to choose from. Portland's Living Room Pioneer Square is home to a 75ft tree decked out in miles of lights, you can go to "Zoo Lights" at the Oregon Zoo, or see the Christmas Festival of Lights at the Grotto in Northeast Portland. Venture into South East Portland for a neighborhood take on Christmas- Peacock lane is easily one of the most adorned streets in all of PDX; the Horse Brass, Belmont Station, and the Sweet Hereafter are great local bars sure to warm you up after a chilly stroll.Fans of the Christmas classic Polar Express you can experience Oregon's own take with The Polar Express at Mt. Hood Railroad! Complete with dancing chefs, hot cocoa and fresh baked cookies, the fairytale really comes to life. Passengers are even encouraged to wear their pajamas!The Heathman Restaurant will be hosting a Grand Christmas Buffet on the 25th, as well as special Prix Fixe meal in the dining room, and a Holiday performance by Johnny Martin in the Tea Court Lounge. The Celebration doesn't stop there- join us on New Year's Eve to ring in 2016 in style with the Heathman Hotel's NYE package or the Top Hats and Tiaras dinner with the Heathman Restaurant.Wishing you peace and joy this holiday season,The Heathman Team