True, it gets dark before 4:30 p.m. And, yes, December is the rainiest month of the year. But it’s not all a wet slog. There are plenty of good times ahead. Here are our best tips for the month ahead:
🥟 Eat Some Dumplings
You don’t even have to leave your house for this one: The beloved Taiwanese dumpling chain Din Tai Fung has a delivery option. It’s a treat — especially if you’re under the weather. (Tip: Consider skipping the XLBs if you’re ordering takeout.)
Or go out to Kachka Fabrika for some Russian-style dumplings. This recommendation comes with a side of horseradish-infused vodka (or really, that’s the main event). Bonus: They have extended happy hours right now!
- Related: Find your new favorite dumpling. [City Cast Portland 🎧]
🎁 Grab a Gift From a Local Holiday Market
It can be stressful to find just the right gift for friends and family during the holiday season. But there are a lot of upcoming holiday markets, where you can to browse wares from local craftspeople, artists, and small businesses in one spot:
- Portland Indigenous Marketplace | Dec. 5 - 7
- My People’s Market | Dec. 6 - 7
- Crafty Wonderland Holiday Art + Craft Market | Dec. 13 - 14
- Portland Bazaar | Dec. 13 - 14 & 20 - 21
- The Winter Market | Dec. 19 - 21
- Farmers Market at Portland State University | Every Saturday
And check the event listings for more markets that pop up around town this time of year. Also: Stay tuned for gift recommendations in the newsletter later this month.
🫶 Give to Others
A local group puts together Christmas lists for foster teens and young adults. There are specific requests — and sometimes personal details like favorite colors. So it’s easy to help someone else enjoy their December, and nothing feels better than that! (Hat tip to City Cast Portland podcast host Claudia Meza, who’s helping out this way.)
How the big leaf maple got its name. (Karrie Carnes / Women Who Explore)
🍁 Find a Way to Get Outside
City Cast Portland podcast regular guest and outdoor expert Karrie Carnes has a new suggestion for getting outside in the rainy season: learn to harvest sap for maple syrup. Our plentiful big leaf maples can be tapped, and you can learn how from the Oregon Maple Project, a group dedicated to promoting that craft. There are workshops this month and next.
- Related: One in four people in the Pacific Northwest report worse moods in winter. Some 10% of people have full-blown Seasonal Affective Disorder. The Portland Mercury has some suggestions for how to cope.
- Related: Ski season up at Mount Hood is getting a late start. The snowboarders among us are waiting for snow. But overall it’s supposed to be an average winter.
