Christmas
Latest Stories

On Christmas, pope prays for pandemic’s end, peace dialogues
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.

Is Santa Claus coming to town? High demand for professional Santas is challenging holiday cheer
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.
Warily eyeing omicron, Christmas revelers curb celebrations in Europe
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.

This holiday season, demand is up for professional Santas
In year two of the pandemic, the holiday landscape looks a little different. And more people are seeking out in-person Santa visits.

Christmas tree buyers face reduced supplies, higher prices after extreme summer heat in Oregon and Washington
Even Christmas trees aren’t immune to the pandemic-induced shortages and inflation plaguing the economy
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How holiday music went mainstream
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.

opbmusic’s 2020 holiday music guide
Our resident holiday music expert offers up his lovingly curated annual list of new seasonal songs
The hunt for the Santa Clones is on
The Santa Clones, a collection of vintage illuminated yard Santas, have become a Portland holiday tradition.

Many turn to real Christmas trees as bright spot amid virus
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
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Portland Gallery Exhibits Vintage Rejected Santa Photos
The best (and worst) of rejected Santa photos are on exhibit at Portland's Newspace Center for Photography through Jan. 2.