For me, the holidays are all about spending time with family and friends and experiencing family traditions.  One of my favorite memories from childhood is when we used to get dressed up on Christmas Eve and head over to my Aunty LaLa and Uncle Manuel’s house.  They had the most fantastic Christmas Eve parties! They weren’t fancy, just good food (my favorites were the tamales and the walnut squares), music, and the people I loved, all gathered in that tiny house, enjoying the moment. I vividly remember my grandma and her sister dancing around the living room while the kids ran around sneaking cookies and candies off the sweets table.  I can still feel the chill of the air on my cheeks as we rushed off into the night to try and make midnight mass, and I can almost taste the tamales made by my family’s hands.  Growing up, the Christmas Eve party was hands down my most cherished holiday tradition. I’ve since moved away from where those memories took place, and we’ve lost beloved members of the family who helped make those moments so special, but those festive parties and that time with my family will forever be alive in my heart. 

Now that I have children of my own, I want to create lasting memories for them to look back on. We’ve started some delightful traditions up here in Portland, like going to Mass, followed by our favorite Italian restaurant (DeNicolas) and a party at the home of one of our good family friends on Christmas Eve.  We also get hot chocolate and walk or drive through Peacock Lane every year (except when it was closed due to covid).  Despite the joy that each of those experiences brings, my favorite tradition is attending the Nutcracker with my daughter. We’ve gone every year since she was two. I’ll admit, the first couple of years, she fell asleep during the show.  I quickly learned it was best to purchase tickets for the afternoon showing for my little one, but now that she’s older, we get dressed up, grab some dinner, and then head to the evening show. It’s something we both look forward to every year.  Last year, we could not fulfill this tradition because the show was canceled due to covid, but it is back for the 2021 season! Below you’ll find information about some of the local performances of The Nutcracker.

Portland’s Own Nutcracker

This weekend you can experience a little twist on the classical version of The Nutcracker as Abernathy Performing Arts (APA) puts on “Portland’s Own Nutcracker.” You’ll be able to delight in the storyline we all know and love with a few twists, like Clara and Fritz visiting the Pittock Mansion and taking a trip to see the grand opening of the Oaks Park Carousel. The Friday, December 3rd performance will start at 6:30 pm, and there will be a second viewing on Saturday, December 4th at 2:00 pm.  Both shows will take place at West Linn High School, and you can purchase tickets by visiting the APA website.

Cirque Nutcracker

This year I’m very excited to attend the Cirque Nutcracker performance! Conductor Norman Huynh will lead the Oregon Symphony in Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker as Troupe Vertigo takes to the stage.  Troupe Vertigo is a theatrical circus company based in Los Angeles.  They create an eclectic mix of circus-dance-theater works that draw the audience into a world of stunning physical feats sure to capture the wonder and awe of the young and old alike. I’m most certain this year’s performance will be unlike any my daughter and I have experienced in the past.  There will be a show on Saturday, December 18th at 7:30 pm and one on Sunday, December 19th at 2:00 pm.  You can find out more information and buy tickets on the Oregon Symphony website.

Nutcracker On Ice

Many of us are familiar with the ice skating rink at Lloyd Center Mall.  Locals have been able to take the kids and lace up some skates since it opened in 1960 as the world’s first shopping center rink. With all the talk around Lloyd Center closing its doors for good, perhaps it would be a good year to take the family to check out their annual performance of The Nutcracker On Ice as put on by the coaches and skating students of the Lloyd Center Ice Rink.  The show will take place on Sunday, December 12th at 11:00 am, with a dress rehearsal on Saturday, December 11th at 12:30 pm. You can find out more information on the Lloyd Center Mall website.

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

Most years, my daughter and I have been fortunate enough to attend Oregon Ballet Theater’s (OBT) excellent performance of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the Keller Auditorium. It’s a lovely affair as we get dressed up and make our way downtown.  The chill in the air and the crowd’s excitement wake our spirits as we ready ourselves to take in the artistry of the OBT dancers.  There are fifteen shows throughout December, nine of which include musical performances by the Oregon Symphony.  Dancers and audience members alike will be thrilled to return to the Keller Auditorium this year as the show was canceled last year due to COVID-19. I’m sure the performances will be memorable, to say the least!  For tickets and show information, please visit OBT’s website.

Be sure to check out each show’s website for information regarding policies and procedures surrounding COVID-19.

This article was written in loving memory of my Grandpa and Grandma, my Auntie LaLa, and my Uncle Tony.  My Christmas Eve memories are filled with their love and laughter.  The tradition and their love will be held forever in my heart.