Blog, Bridgeport village, Holidays, Packages & Specials

Christmas on Broadway

The holiday season is here again and there is no shortage of lively events the whole family will enjoy. Whether you are traveling to visit with family, business or just want to get away for a couple of days, get your holiday spirit on and check out one of these local holiday events happening minutes from The Grand Hotel Bridgeport:

Tigard, OR

Christmas on Broadway November 21 – December 23, 2012 (show times vary)
Snowbound in a Broadway theater on Christmas Eve, four star-struck holiday travelers use costumes, props, and set pieces to live a shared dream – starring on Broadway! Filled with holiday classics and songs from Broadway shows and composers, this is an evening of holiday magic.
Broadway Rose New Stage 12850 SW Grant Ave
503-620-5262/boxoffice@broadwayrose.org
www.broadwayrose.org

Bridgeport Village Light up the Night Event Fri, November 23, 2012 6-8pm
Gather at Bridgeport Village to enjoy a live holiday concert by The Beatniks, followed by a ceremonial lighting of the 40-foot tree and Santa’s arrival at 7 p.m.
Bridgeport Village 7455 SW Bridgeport Rd.
www.bridgeport-village.com

Victorian Christmas Sat, December 1, 2012 1-4pm
The Tigard Historical Association invites you and your family to experience a Victorian Christmas at the John Tigard House Museum. Enjoy the charms of yesteryear when parlors were furnished with velvet settees and food was cooked on a wood-burning stove.
103rd Avenue & Canterbury Lane
503-747-9856
www.tigardhistorical.org

From Heav’n Above Sat, December 1, 2012 7pm
The Oregon Chorale, under the direction of Bernd R. Kuehn, invites you to come hear the major work Von Himmel Hoch by Felix Mendelssohn, performed with orchestra and soloists. Old World Christmas carols will round out the concert.
Tigard United Methodist Church 9845 SW Walnut Place
503-926-8033
www.oregonchorale.org

Photo: Bridgeport Village

Tualatin, OR

Starry Nights and Holiday Lights Fri, December 7, 2012 5:30-8:30pm
Kick off the holiday season at Tualatin‘s Starry Nights & Holiday Lights, a special night filled with thousands of twinkling lights, caroling and a floating holiday tree. Enjoy activities for the kids, refreshments, and holiday cheer.
Tualatin Commons 8325 SW Nyberg Rd
503-691-3076
www.tualatinoregon.gov

Community Concerts off the Commons Sat, December 8, 2012 7:30pm
On the second Saturday of the month, enjoy an evening of musical entertainment at Community Concerts off the Commons. This concert features Bronnie Griffin, Johnny Box Connolly, Cary Novotny, Nancy Conescu and Mike Doolin. Tickets available through www.brownpapertickets.com.
Winona Grange 8340 SW Seneca St
503-691-2078
www.sandairishentertainment.com

Sherwood, OR

Alpaca Open Barn & Holiday Sale November 23rd-November 24th
Take a break from the annual Thanksgiving winery tours to meet colorful alpacas and their babies, chat with breeders, and do some holiday shopping. The Barn Store has teddy bears, clothing, handcrafted items and yarns for knitters and hand spinners.
Alpacas of Oregon 21345 SW Aebischer Rd
503-348-6954
Email: bolewicz@netzero.net
www.easygofarm.net

Sherwood Winter Festival Sat, December 1, 2012
Santa will kick off the holiday season at Sherwood’s Winter Festival. This special holiday event includes a community parade, tree lighting, holiday music, kids’ activities, and free hot dogs and cocoa.
Sherwood Plaza Shopping Center 16300 SW Langer Drive
503-625-4233/RobinHoodFestival@gmail.com
www.robinhoodfestival.org

Portland

Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by SmartPark Friday November 23 5:30pm
Be Merry at the Square! On the busiest shopping day of the year, the day after Thanksgiving, thousands of Portlanders will gather at the Square to celebrate the official start of the season by lighting the City’s spectacular 75ft Douglas-fir tree provided by Stimson Lumber Company. The Tree Lighting Ceremony, now in its 28th year, will feature a holiday sing-a-long featuring Portland’s own Thomas Lauderdale with members of Pink Martini and friends. With a big tree, 14,000 colorful lights and a festive community sing-a-long, this is an event you won’t want to miss in Portland’s living room
www.thesquarepdx.org

Holiday Ale Festival November 28th through December 2nd (check website for times)
Entering its 17th year, the Holiday Ale Festival will be at Pioneer Courthouse Square November 28th through December 2nd. More than 40+ breweries will be featured at this year’s event, all of which are created specifically to bring warmth and cheer to the holiday season. From Belgians and Barleywines to Porters and Stouts, these beers are rich, robust and full of complex flavors. For more information visit www.holidayale.com  Ages 21+

Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Holiday Sale December 8th & December 9th (11am – 6pm both days)
This biannual sale turns the Oregon Convention Sale into a true wonderland of all things handmade each spring and winter. The December event is scheduled so you find the perfect made-in-Portland gifts in time for the holidays.
www.craftywonderland.com

Festival of Lights at The Grotto – November 23, 2012 through December 30, 2012 (closed Christmas Day)
An amazing display of more than 500,000 lights illuminates the largest choral festival in the Pacific Northwest. A petting zoo, puppet shows and seasonal food and beverages also highlight the event.
www.thegrotto.org

Parade of Christmas Ships December 7 – 21, 2012
For more than 50 years, this fleet of 55-60 brightly lit boats has staged performances on the Willamette and Columbia rivers during the holiday season. Visit the Christmas Ships website for dates, times and best viewing locations.
Columbia River Willamette River
www.christmasships.org

ZooLights Festival Friday, Nov. 23rd to Monday, Dec. 31st. There will be no ZooLights Monday, Dec. 24 or Tuesday, Dec. 25.
The Oregon Zoo becomes a holiday fairyland as one of Portland’s largest light displays blazes to life. Decorated train rides, kids’ activities, and music by community groups.
www.oregonzoo.org

Check with these sources for additional events and information:

www.oregonswashingtoncounty.com
www.travelportland.com

How will YOU spend the long Thanksgiving weekend this year? Hosting your relatives and serving leftovers? Enduring flight delays and searching for lost luggage in the airport?  Fighting the crowds and standing in line at the mall?

Perhaps you would prefer to spend it relaxing and sipping a vintage Pinot in Oregon Wine Country, recently listed #3 in Top 10 Wine Destinations in the United States on Trip Advisor.

During the weekend of November 23-25, more than 150 wineries throughout the Willamette Valley will open their doors to the public, offering samples of favorite labels and special vintages, tours, food, festivities and more.

Special Wine Tour packages are available here at The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport that include eight wine tasting vouchers to 4 wineries (listed below), one bottle of local Oregon wine, and late check out.  This is the perfect way to make the most of the weekend by touring some of the valley’s finest vineyards and wineries and end your adventure with us for a night of relaxing bliss.

Our partner vineyards include:

• Cooper Mountain Vineyards
• Elk Cove Vineyards
• Helvetia Vineyards
• Kramer Vineyards
• Montinore Estate
• Oak Knoll Winery
• Plum Hill Vineyards
• Tualatin Estate Vineyards

Visit www.grandhotelbridgeport.com or contact our front desk at 866-968-5757 to learn more and reserve your package today!

Oregon’s acclaimed Willamette Valley is recognized as one of the premier Pinot noir producing regions in the world. Willamette Valley Wineries Association is non-profit dedicated to supporting the quality of wines and connecting visitors to the one-of-a-kind wineries, restaurants and accommodations in the region. We represent over 190 wineries and tasting rooms throughout the region – from Portland to Eugene.

 Visit www.willamettewines.com  for tips, recommended  routes, and turn-by-turn directions on your mobile phone with the Willamette Valley Mobile Wine Tour.

Portland, Oregon comes alive during the holiday with these annual events. Spend a few days here and you will see why Portland, Oregon is one of the best travel destinations in the country!  There are too many local holiday events to mention in one blog post so visit downtownportland.org and plan your own outing.

Festival of Lights at The Grotto – Through Friday, December 30, 2011.. Closed Christmas Day
The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. The 2011 festival features nearly 170 indoor holiday concerts and an amazing display of more than 500,000 lights. illuminates the largest choral festival A petting zoo, puppet shows and seasonal food and beverages also highlight the event.

Parade of Christmas Ships – December 8 – 20, 2011
This year marks the 57th year for the Christmas Ship Parade on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers in Portland, Oregon. This fleet of 55-60 brightly lit boats has staged performances on the Willamette and Columbia rivers during the holiday season. Visit the Christmas Ships website for dates, times and best viewing locations.

ZooLights Festival – Through Jan. 1 (closed Dec. 24 & 25)
The Oregon Zoo becomes a holiday fairyland as one of Portland’s largest light displays blazes to life. More than a million sparkling lights transform the zoo into a winter wonderland. Decorated train rides, kids’ activities, and music by community groups.

From great coffee to beautiful lights to the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Portland will be merry this season!

There is a bounty of local festivals and celebrations this month in and around Portland, Oregon! Here are a few highlights of what you will find just minutes from The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport.   A special thanks to the Washington County Visitors Association for sharing this great info!

Beaverton Harvest Market Saturday, Nov. 19 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Fill your cornucopia at this one-time harvest market, timed perfectly for the Saturday before Thanksgiving. In addition to seasonal foods, the market features vendors offering flowers and crafts

German Holiday Market at German American School, Beaverton
Saturday, Nov. 19 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) &
Sunday, Nov. 20 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Enjoy traditional German food, novelties, nutcrackers and live entertainment at this free, two-day event, which is in its 12th year. Admission is free. For more information, please contact the school at 503-626-9089

Thanksgiving Wine Weekend- Various Washington County wineries Friday, Nov. 25 – Sunday, Nov. 27
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend in Washington County’s wine country, when wineries are all open and often have special perks such as vintage tastings, live music and/or light appetizers.

16th Annual Holiday Ale Festival November 30th – Sunday, December 4th, 2011.  Pioneer Courthouse Square, Portland.  Each year, the Holiday Ale Festival annually gathers up dozens of these winter warmers for a joyous five-day celebration. More than 40+ breweries will be featured at this year’s event, all of which are created specifically to bring warmth and cheer to the holiday season.

Hillsboro “Holly Days” Market Saturday, Dec. 3 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Second & Main Streets, downtown Hillsboro
This seasonal market is held in conjunction with the tree lighting and Santa visit. This year, there will be about 35 vendors, as well as live entertainment and activities for children. More info.

The fall and winter holidays are upon us which means we are in for a very exciting  season here at The Grand Hotel Bridgeport.   Don’t miss the following events happening at Bridgeport Village, one of the premiere shopping destinations in the Pacific Northwest (and our neighbor!). Reserve the Grand Shopping Package and you’ll receive a $25 Bridgeport Village gift card with your stay!

Visit www.bridgeport-village.com to stay current on all events and store promotions!

Halloween Family Fun Festival: Sunday, Oct. 30 from 2-5pm
Powered by Radio Disney

Civil War Pep Rally: Wednesday, Nov. 23  4-8pm- Ducks vs. Beavers!

The Beatniks FREE Concert & Holiday Tree Lighting Friday, Nov. 25  6-8:30pm

Bridgeport Village is the Pacific Northwest’s preeminent fashion and lifestyle shopping center. Consisting of 500,000 sq.ft., the center offers an outstanding and enviable array of the regions first and exclusive one of a kind and internationally renowned stores and boutiques including Cole Haan, The Container Store, Crate & Barrel, Z-Gallerie, Eileen Fisher, MAC Cosmetics, Tommy Bahama, Under U 4 Men along with the only Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Francesca’s Collections, Hot Mama and Coldwater Creek Spa and the largest Regal Cinema in the state — now with an IMAX Theater.

Spend Thanksgiving in Oregon Wine Country!  Willamette Valley kicks off the winter wine tasting and the holiday season during the 29th Annual Wine Country Thanksgiving Event November 25-27, 2011. More than 150 wineries and tasting rooms in the Willamette Valley will open their doors for special tastings and holiday festivities. For more information about participating wineries, visit willamettewines.com

To receive a mailer that includes a list of activities at each winery and a touring map, email info-at-willamettewines.com. Please include your mailing address when sending an email request.

Celebrate on your getaway with wine tasting and festivities by reserving your “Wining Encouraged” Wine Tour Package here at The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport. Touring some of the valley’s finest vineyards and wineries and end your adventure with us for a night of relaxing bliss. Our partner vineyards include:

Cooper Mountain Vineyards
Elk Cove Vineyards
Helvetia Vineyards
Kramer Vineyards
Montinore Estate
Oak Knoll Winery
Plum Hill Vineyards
Tualatin Estate Vineyards

This package starts at $169.00, plus tax and includes: (8) wine tasting vouchers to the 4 wineries of your choice (1) bottle of local Oregon wine

To make the most of your Oregon wine tasting experience, follow these great Wine Tasting Tips compliments of Willamette Valley Wineries Association!

• Plan your route ahead. Visit wineries that are in close proximity to limit driving. Call ahead to confirm hours.
• Get a designated driver! For a carefree day of tasting…it’s the prudent thing to do. Take advantage of local tour services that are fun and affordable.
• Avoid wearing any perfume, cologne or heavily scented lotions. It will interfere with your tasting experience as well as the experience of those around you.
• Spit…like the professionals. Or use dump buckets that are often placed on tasting room bars. It’s the cool thing to do. You will be able to taste more fantastic wines.
• Ask a lot of questions. This is your opportunity to educate your palate and learn more about the wine making process. Tasting Room staff are friendly and love to share their knowledge with guests.
• Explore a new wine tasting region. Likely you’ll experience less congestion and you’ll have a great time tasting new wines! Check out our wine tasting routes for some ideas.
• Likewise, try a new type of wine or “varietal” during your wine tasting. You must taste the Valley’s signature Pinot Noirs, but don’t be afraid to try something new. You may like it!
• Visit small wineries and larger wineries to enjoy a variety of wine tasting experiences. Chat with winemakers in an intimate setting, taste from the barrel or enjoy some live music and specialty food pairings.
• Don’t miss out on special discounts and offers at wineries during tasting events. And, if you discover a winery you really love, consider joining their wine club. You’ll likely receive discounts, exclusive deals, access to special releases and free tastings.

Our halls are decked and our stockings are hung!  Yes, the weather outside IS indeed frightful….so come inside and unwind in our warm and welcoming lobby.  Luxurious hotel amenities which include an indoor pool with spa, fitness room, free WiFi, free covered parking, and a complimentary hot breakfast buffet are sure to please.   By the way, it is not too late to take advantage of  our “Holiday Specials” and receive a discounted rate! Call 866-968-5757 to learn more.

We have had a “Grand” time decorating our home so it feels more like your home while you are traveling for the holidays.  Enjoy these Christmas photos taken by our General Manager, Josh Sanders!

Decorated for Christmas!

Warm and Cozy Fireplace

Our Christmas "elves" are ready to help make your season bright!

The 2010 Holiday Season is here and we have several announcements to make to our loyal guests and friends to kick things off!

The Grand Gives Back 2010

This holiday season we have adopted the theme, The Grand Gives Back 2010 . We have purchased our poinsettias that decorate our lobby from Sunnyside Environmental School’s 2010 Wreath & Poinsettia Sale. This is a local school initiative to raise money for school activities by selling fresh holiday decorations.

In keeping with the spirit of giving back, we will also be hosting a Salvation Army Angel Giving Tree to benefit local families who need our help this season. To learn how you can help make someone’s holiday brighter, please come by our lobby or contact us at 866-968-5757.

Stay tuned- we will announcing more initiatives to give back to the community that has given us so much!

The Grand Hotel Bridgeport Black Friday Special

It’s no secret that retail stores are offering BIG discounts to holiday shoppers the day after Thanksgiving so we want to make your Bridgeport Village shopping experience the best.  Our Black Friday Special is $99 and includes an early chef prepared breakfast to fuel your day (not to mention we are walking distance of the Bridgeport Village Shopping District- one of Oregon’s Premiere shopping destinations).

You will also have access to our luxurious hotel amenities including:

• Shuttle Service
• Indoor pool and spa
• Work Out Room
• Meeting Rooms
• Complimentary high-speed internet
• Complimentary covered parking

Holiday Events at Bridgeport Village

Bridgeport Village is bringing in the Holiday Spirit with their annual traditions!  On Friday, November 26 (Black Friday) Santa will be rolling into Bridgeport Village on the Bridgeport Express Train.

That evening, you won’t want to the miss the big Light Up The Night Holiday Event from 6-8pm featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus, live entertainment from the Tom Grant band featuring Shelly Rudolph, and the official lighting of the stunning Holiday Tree in Center Court.