Christmas

Pope Francis prayed Saturday for an end to the coronavirus pandemic, using his Christmas Day address to urge health care for all, vaccines for the poor and for dialogue to prevail in resolving the world’s conflicts.

Christmas is the “most wonderful time of the year.” At least it is in one song about the season. And that wonder has to do, in part, with annual traditions. As the holiday fast approaches, a popular pastime is facing roadblocks: visits with professional Santas.

Christmas revelers across Europe are lying low and changing plans as new restrictions and fears about the omicron variant of the coronavirus persuade many to stay home.

In year two of the pandemic, the holiday landscape looks a little different. And more people are seeking out in-person Santa visits.

Even Christmas trees aren’t immune to the pandemic-induced shortages and inflation plaguing the economy

To wrap up 2020, OPB decided to take a deep dive in the music of the holiday season. From the rise in popularity of Christmas music in the 1930's and 40's to new holiday songs for 2020, and how some classics have taken on a different meaning during the pandemic.

Our resident holiday music expert offers up his lovingly curated annual list of new seasonal songs

The Santa Clones, a collection of vintage illuminated yard Santas, have become a Portland holiday tradition.

Christmas tree growers who have faced increased interest in artificial trees in recent years say demand for real, fresh-cut evergreens is strong this season

The best (and worst) of rejected Santa photos are on exhibit at Portland's Newspace Center for Photography through Jan. 2.