It can be a rainy and gloomy time in Portland, so warm up with a bowl of ramen (Afuri, Kinboshi, and Kayo’s are some of our favorites) — or maybe cozy up with some of the city’s best dumplings.
But December is full of fun events too. Here’s some things to do and tips for your month ahead:
⛸️ Portland Now Has Ice Skating
The Lloyd Center mall hosts ice skating year round. It’s real ice, with some faux snow flurries to get you in the spirit of the season. And bonus, you get a chance to check out what a good-weird place the mall has become.
But with this season, there are two other rinks to choose from. Head downtown for the Portland Winter Ice Rink, now in its second year. And OMSI also hosts an ice rink. (If any of you succeed in doing the full circuit this season and want to share your reviews, I’d be interested to hear them.)
Bonus: if you’re looking for outdoor adventures, the mountains currently have a ton of snow.
- 🏂 The ski resorts — Timberline and Meadows as well as Ski Bowl (at least for tubing) — are open.
- ☃️ Thinking of going snowshoeing? Pick your route with this guide to nearby trails. But check for snow before you go. It’s early yet.
💰 Tip of the Month: Prepare for Possible Tariffs
Some 44% of Americans plan to take care of big purchases in advance of President-elect Trump’s inauguration and any tariffs he’ll enact.
If you know you need a new home appliance in the relatively near future, you may want to join them. Tariffs may raise the prices on those big-ticket items as well as electronics, toys, clothing, and furniture.
Note: Personal finance experts say it’s better to hold off if you aren’t actually sure you’ll need the new thing.
🎄🍾
Plan for the Holidays
It’s time to celebrate the holidays with some Portland classics 🕯️For holiday lights, head to Peacock Lane (opening Dec. 15) or ZooLights (already up).
🎁 For some local gifts, shop Crafty Wonderland (the weekend of the 13th).
🎼 For an alternative holiday tradition, don’t miss the 33rd annual Tuba Christmas Concert (Dec. 21).
🌲 You can get a $5 permit and chop down your own tree in a National Forest. (There’ll be more tips on getting your Christmas tree in Thursday’s newsletter.)
📩 What are you looking forward to this month? Please email us your favorite things to do in December.
