With Thanksgiving behind us, now the Christmas holidays are really kicking off.

Little Boxes is a great opportunity to explore new local businesses, The Grotto is opening their lights and choir event, and Village Portland is hosting a Portland Timbers watch party at Eagle Eye Tavern on Sunday.

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On Tuesday, the Lents Neighborhood Association is holding their monthly general meeting. Here’s what’s on the agenda, from their Facebook site:

“Main agenda items include a WestRock Recycling license update from Metro, a new development proposal for 18 single-family homes on the vacant land around Mt. Scott Church of God, and community announcements. 

We will provide refreshments and childcare, and we can provide interpretation upon request.”

Here’s a story from KOIN about the WestRock Recycling facility.

Lents Community Center, 8835 SE Woodstock Blvd * 7 pm – 8:30 pm

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Little Boxes, Portland’s 8th Annual Holiday Shopping Experience:

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On this Black Friday / Small Business Saturday weekend, learn raffle tickets for each of the 200 participating local businesses you visit, and earn more tickets for your purchases!

Check out the participating businesses here and prizes here.

FRIDAY,  NOVEMBER 23th

The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights: 

The Grotto‘s Christmas Festival of Lights opens tonight at 5 pm. New for this year, they will be lighting their 150-foot cedar Christmas tree at 4:45 pm. From 6 pm to 9 pm, there are four caroling groups performing.

The choir schedule for the event is here.

The Grotto, 8840 NE Skidmore St * 5 pm – 9 pm, nightly through Dec 30 * $12; senior(65+) / military: $11; children (3-12): $6 children (2 & under): free

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Eastside Bar and Grill is one of several spots in East Portland that hosts live music. There’s a show tonight, and you can keep up with their schedule on their Facebook site.

“Ah, Black Friday! The day after we supposedly reflect on what we’re thankful for and then shove a 5 year old out of the way at Target to get a discounted TV. After your shopping shenanigans, come out to see your favorite quirky indie rock, LIBIDO CORNUCOPIA, joined by CAT BATH & THE AFTERMATH and newcomers ALL HYPE!”

2530 NE 82nd Ave * 9 pm * $5 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24th

Black Storytime (event):

“The African and African American experience comes alive for children from birth to age 6 (with a favorite adult and other family members). In a positive and affirming environment, have fun with books and stories, songs, and movement activities. Black Storytime builds language and literacy skills your child needs to be ready for kindergarten.”

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25th

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The fine folks at Eagle Eye Tavern have allowed us to host a watch party for the Portland Timbers playoff run. They have a projector, good sound, and if you’re not familiar with the bar— it’s a comfortable, friendly place.

They’re playing Sporting Kansas City (the Wizards), and it’s the first of a two-leg match. (Yes, it’s complicated.) If you’re not into sports, just pretend it’s a thrilling combination of dance and theatre.

Eagle Eye Tavern, 5836 SE 92nd Ave * 4:30 pm 

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Sunday jam sessions:

The O’Neill Public House has music every weekend, and hosts jams on Sunday.

At 2 pm is the bluegrass slowjam, and at 10 pm there’s an Irish traditional session.

The O’Neill Public House, 6000 NE Glisan St * free