This was Accessories from the Heart’s entry in last year’s gingerbread house contest. Be sure to check out this year’s creations.

●Holiday Gingerbread Houses of Lake Oswego. Visit local businesses starting December 10 and vote for your favorite in this third annual competition. See if Graham’s Book & Stationery can hold on to their bragging rights from last year. Runs until December 25. Pick up a tour map at Lake Oswego City Hall, 380 A Avenue, or at participating stores. 503.675.2549

●Holiday Open House featuring Three Rivers Choir. Enjoy free refreshments while listening to the holiday sounds of the Three Rivers Choir led by Donna Kagan, Music Educator of the Year. Wednesday, December 12 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (choir begins at 1:00 p.m.) at the Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street. 503.675.3995

●Lakewood Theatre Company presents “White Christmas.” This holiday classic returns again this year beginning Wednesday, December 12 with performances running nightly through December 22 (except for December 17) at 7:30 p.m. There are also matinees at 2:00 p.m. on December 15, 16,22, and 23. Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State Street. Tickets are $35 Adult; $32 Senior, with student and group discounts and are available online, at the box office or by calling 503. 635.3901.

●Holiday Concert with John Nilsen. Coming off a 40 city U.S. tour, local recording artist John Nilsen lands back in town just in time to share his holiday tunes. Thursday, December 13 at 2:00 p.m. at Mary’s Woods at Marylhurst, 17400 Holy Names Drive. Free.

●Journey to Bethlehem. Watch the story of the birth of Jesus unfold as you walk through this live production. Registration required for 40-minute walk-through slots. Friday, December 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 15, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Lake Bible Church, 4565 Carman Drive. Free. 503.699.9840

●Homegrown Gift Ideas. Get inspired by demonstrations of how to make fairy gardens, living wreaths and terrariums. Saturday, December 15 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at  Dennis’ 7 Dees, 1090 McVey Avenue. Registration required. Free. 503.636.4660

●Christmas Ships Parade along Willamette River. Bundle up and head over to your favorite vantage point to catch up to 60 holiday boats making their way down the Willamette River. Boats estimated to arrive at Foothills Park, 199 Foothills Drive and George Rogers Park, 611 S. State Street between 6:15 to 6:30 p.m. Event dependent on weather and river conditions. Check for details.