Holiday

Oregonians looking to celebrate Juneteenth can choose from a full slate of events in cities and towns across the state over the weekend and on Monday, June 19, the federal holiday marking the day the nation’s last enslaved people gained freedom.

Over the weekend, Vietnamese communities around the world celebrated Tết, more commonly known as the Lunar New Year. For many, it’s the time of year to honor ancestors and pray for good luck in year ahead. OPB reached out to Vietnamese American Portlanders to reflect on the holiday, its meaning and their traditions.

East and Southeast Asian communities are beginning celebrations for Lunar New Year, ushering in the Year of the Rabbit or Year of the Cat, depending. Many events kick off this weekend in the greater Portland metro area — and beyond.

There is no denying that holiday music has staying power: just ask Mariah Carey whose 30-year-old song, "All I Want for Christmas Is You," is back on the charts this month. And for the third year in a row, OPB's Christmas music guru, JT Griffith, is here to guide us through this very niche musical genre.

For the 32nd anniversary of "Hanukkah Lights,", Susan Stamberg and Murray Horwitz revisit old favorites and read a new story, "54 Menorahs."

Hosting a July 4th barbeque is 11 percent more expensive than last year, thanks to inflation. The prices of chicken wings, ground beef and beer have all skyrocketed. Still, there are ways to save.

It has been one year since Juneteenth became a federal holiday, but in roughly half of the country it is still not an official day off.

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.

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.