The horse-drawn carriage rides in downtown Lake Oswego, Oregon, have been a big hit with our family.

Lake Oswego, Oregon is making it very easy for you to get into the holiday spirit over the next few weeks. Once again this town of 36,000 belies its size in the variety of activities it offers to ensure that there is more merry and less bah humbug in your December. Here is just a sampling of events to choose from.

WHITE CHRISTMAS: The Lakewood Theatre Company continues its performances of the holiday favorite with shows running from December 1-18 with Thursday-Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. on December 4, 11, and 18 and one Sunday evening performance on December 11 at 7 p.m. Held at the Lakewood Center for the Arts at 368 S. State Street in Lake Oswego. Ticket prices: $32 for adults, $29 for seniors with other discounts available for students, groups and season ticket holders.  Order online , call (503) 635-3901 or stop by the Lakewood Center for the Arts.

WEST END HOLIDAY MARKET: Enjoy a European style indoor market with crafts, gifts, ornaments, treats and entertainment at the West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way, Lake Oswego. Saturday, December 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, December 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Get your kid’s photo taken with Santa and his elves at the Youth Action Council  photo booth from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. Cost: $6 each or two for $10.

HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES: Snuggle up with a blanket and tour downtown Lake Oswego in holiday style. Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 11 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Rides depart from Millennium Plaza Park, 200 First Street in Lake Oswego. Cost: $3 for ages 11 and older; $1 for children ages 3-10; free for ages 2 and under.

“HOLIDAY MAGIC BREAKFAST THEATRE”: Children from ages 3-12 will enjoy this musical revue featuring some of their favorite holiday and fairy tale characters brought to life by students from Lakeridge, Clackamas, Wilson and Jesuit High Schools. A continental breakfast will be served 30 minutes before each show at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 3, 10 and 17 at the Lakewood Center for the Arts, Community Meeting Room, 368 State Street, Lake Oswego. Advance reservations are required and can be made by purchasing $11 tickets either online or by calling (503) 635-3901.

HOLIDAY CONCERTS: If music helps you get in the mood, then you’re in luck. In addition to local high school holiday concerts, you can check out some of these: The Bells ‘n Brass Holiday Program at Lake Grove Presbyterian Church on Sunday, December 4 at 1:30 and 4 p.m. featuring the Oregon Symphony Brass Quintet; The Lake Oswego Mellennium Concert Band at Lakeridge High School on Sunday, December 4 at 7:30 p.m.; or the Marylhurst Symphony Christmas POPS Concert on Sunday, December 11 at 7 p.m. in the Clark Commons at Marylhurst University. And while it’s not a concert, there will be holiday sounds offered by The Stafford Singers at 2 p.m. during the Lake Oswego Library’s Holiday Open House on Wednesday, December 14 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Check the links for details to all these events.

LAKEWOOD IN LIGHTS: The Lakewood Center has decked the halls for this annual event to benefit the Rising Star Program which offers performance and education opportunities for youth at the Lakewood Theatre Company. The evening of music, food and silent and oral auctions will be hosted by Tracy Barry and Larry Blackmar. Monday, December 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State Street. Tickets: $50.00 ($35 tax-deductible) are available online, at the Lakewood Center Box Office or by calling 503-635-3901.

 HOLIDAY HOME TOUR: The Lake Oswego Women’s Club has arranged for you to tour five of Lake Oswego’s finest homes all decked out in their holiday splendor with proceeds benefiting local non-profits and community organizations. Thursday, December 8, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $30 with special reduced pricing for groups of four or more. Available online or at local stores.

WINTER BREAK ACTIVITIES: No need for the kids to get bored while waiting for Santa to arrive. The Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department has put together a holiday schedule of camps and events including a Holiday Gift Workshop, Lake Oswego Moms Club Holiday Faire, and Winter Break Holiday Camp. Check it out.

HOLIDAY HOUSES OF LAKE OSWEGO: Businesses of Lake Oswego will compete to see who can create the most popular gingerbread house during this second annual event. Pick up a tour map at the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department at 4101 Kruse Way in Lake Oswego, check out all the houses displayed in local stores and vote for your favorite between Monday, December 12 and Saturday, December 24. Participating businesses are still being lined up. Call for more information: (503) 697-6500.

CHRISTMAS SHIPS PARADE: Bundle up and head over to Foothills Park at 199 Foothills Drive in Lake Oswego on Saturday, December 17, for a perfect vantage point (especially if you warm up by the shelter fire) to view up to 60 holiday boats as they make their way from RiverPlace Marina in Portland to George Rogers Park in Lake Oswego. Estimated time of arrival is 6:15 to 6:30. Event dependent on weather and river conditions. Check for details.

What’s your favorite holiday event? I’d love to hear about it.

Be sure to stay up-to-date on things to do and reasons to love Lake Oswego. Subscribe to my blog by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column.