I know we are still in November, but many of December’s highlights come early in the month and/or have an early registration deadline. So, take a look at some of this month’s highlights.

VIRTUAL DRINK AND DRAW. The Arts Council of Lake Oswego’s Drink and Draw programs have been a popular offering and going virtual hasn’t stopped that. When their first date sold out, they added another night. Crafters (even beginner level) will learn how to needle felt, the apparently approachable and addictive sill of sculpting raw wool with a barbed felting needle. By the end of the session, participants will end up with a penguin ornament perfect for hanging on their tree. The class is $30 for the two-hour session with felt artist LeBrie Rich along with kits that include the materials needed which can be picked up the week before the event. Register online.

DIY WINTER WREATH DEMO (LIVE STREAM). Covid has given us the time and the excuse to learn how to do things ourselves. If you’re wanting to create your own holiday wreath this season, tune into this demonstration offered by Dennis’ 7 Dees Landscaping and Garden Center on Thursday, December 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. You’ll learn how to hand-tie a wreath around a circle of wire with fresh greens and seasonal accents. The event is free, but you need to register online.

ARTISAN HOLIDAY MARKET. Since we can’t seem to get enough of our beloved farmer’s market, the City has invited local artisans to sell their handcrafted items as part of an Artisan Holiday Market in Millennium Plaza Park on Friday, December 4 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The scene promises to be merry and bright so make plans to attend. Farmers’ Market COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place and face coverings are required.

THE GROVE HOLIDAY PARTY. This neighborhood boutique is hosting a holiday party on December 3 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. where customers can pick up holiday wreaths and greenery that they’ve pre-ordered through Potted in Portland. Swig Rig, a mobile beverage bar, will be on hand offering some libations to spice up the evening.  

VIRTUAL SANTA VISITS. The Lake Oswego Kiwanis Club is offering virtual Santa visits for kids Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, December 5 for $20/visit. When booking, parents are invited to share some insider information about their child to add to the magic. Each visit will be recorded, with families receiving a copy that they can share. The 10-minute time slots are available on a first-come basis. Proceeds will be used to support youth programs for underserved children at River Grove and Oak Creek elementary schools, as well as a handful of homeless students within the Lake Oswego School District. Make your reservation early and online.

SHOP LOCAL CHALLENGE. The Lake Oswego Review has launched a campaign to support local businesses called “Shop Local Challenge.” Residents are invited to accept the challenge by supporting a business they may not typically frequent from restaurants to florists to boutiques.

While Small Business Saturday has been an annual promotion sponsored by American Express to get shoppers to “shop small” on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, this is more of an ongoing campaign to support Lake Oswego businesses who are doing their best to survive given the effects of Covid-19.

To give shoppers a goal to reach, the newspaper suggests that they coordinate how much they spend with the dates each Saturday falls on, and try to meet that if not exceed it. So, on November 28, spend at least $28; December 5, spend an amount ending in 5; $12 on December 12 and $19 on December 19.  

HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE. The Arts Council of Lake Oswego has opened its doors to its fourth annual hand-selected, all-media Holiday Marketplace at its ARTspace Gallery through December 30. Find the perfect gift from over 30 artists’ work that includes ceramics, fine art, growlers, jewelry, candles, handcrafted soaps and lotions, ornaments and wearable textiles.

PRESENTATION ON RACISM IN OREGON HISTORY. Why not give yourself the gift of knowledge this holiday season and tune in for this Zoom presentation on December 10 at 6:00 p.m. by Oregon Historical Society Executive Director Kerry Tymchuk. The program is presented by the Oswego Heritage Council and Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the City of Lake Oswego and the Lake Oswego School District. Register online.

A WHITE CHRISTMAS. While the extended forecast for Lake Oswego only shows a chance for snow showers sprinkled throughout the month, we can always hope for more, and if we are really greedy, dream of a white Christmas. It has happened before, it can happen again. That makes the month of December magical, as it should be, here in Lake Oswego.

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