Stirred Thanksgiving at Rum Club 

What: A post-dinner celebration to help you get away from the relatives and relax with a digestif with industry folks and laymen alike. The laid-back affair will feature an all-stirred, all-"divestive-y" drink menu (think brown liquor, amaros, and bitters) to help you overcome Thanksgiving indulgence.
When: Thursday, November 22nd from 8 pm to 1 am 
Where: Rum Club at 720 SE Sandy Blvd
How Much: Drink specials vary, Fernet Branca will be available for the special Thanksgiving price of $3 for a one ounce pour, $6 for a two ounce pour. 

Distillery Row's Black Friday Market

What: Skip the downtown stores and get into the "spirit" of the season with this annual shopping celebration featuring five local distilleries  Alma Chocolates, Water Avenue Coffee, Sage & Sea Farms, Portland Juice Press, Zephyr’s Art Glassware, Feastworks Catering & Charcuterie, Portland Creamery, and Lovejoy Bakers. Top PDX barman David Shenaut will also be serving cocktails featuring the most festive of the market's liquor offerings.
When: Friday, November 23rd from 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Union/Pine at 525 SE Pine St
How Much: Free entry. Discount prices and boozy and foodie gifts! 

Christmas Tree Lighting at Departure

What: Get a bird's eye view of the lighting of the Pioneer Courthouse Square Christmas tree from heated decks on the fifteenth story of the Nines Hotel. Guests will enjoy a special tree lighting menu from chef Gregory Gourdet (think ginger mulled cider, fried honey buns with dates and cinnamon, duck skewers with orange and pomegranate, and maple cranberry sugar cookies) in addition to the full dinner and happy hour offerings. 
When: All night Friday, November 23rd. Lighting takes place at 5:30.
Where: Departure, on the 15th floor of The Nines Hotel (525 SW Morrison Street).
How Much: Special menu prices start at $2, regular menus available.

Alma Chocolate's 8th Annual Holiday Tasting Party

What: Taste through Alma's chocolate, toffee, icon, caramel, and truffle offerings and pre-order your holiday gifts at this annual sweet-shop celebration. 
When: Sunday, November 25th from noon to 4 pm
Where: Alma Chocolate at 140 NE 28th Ave
How Much: Free tastings and drinks.  

Dessert for Dinner with Kristen Murray

What: A celebration of all things sweet with star Portland pastry chef Kristen Murray. The four-course meal will feature new spins on fruit, creams, nuts, and chocolates with drink pairings (kicking off with savory canapes and a bit of bubbly). 
When: Thursday, November 29th at 7 pm
Where: The Chef Studio at 2818 Southeast Pine St
How Much: $64 per person, including four-course tasting menu and drink pairings. Tickets available here.  

St Johns WinterFest

What: The third-annual winter celebration and market, featuring seventeen vendors from the St Johns Farmers Market offering food-centric gifts for the holidays, the St Johns Christmas Tree Lighting, a visit from Santa Claus, a "marshmallow pit" for kids, live music, and special menus at neighboring restaurants and bars. 
When: Sunday, December 2nd from 1 to 5 pm
Where: The intersection of N Lombard and N Philadelphia
How Much: Free 

Holiday Market at the French American International School

What: Support the FAIS at this holiday bazaar featuring a "Parisian Cafe" where shoppers can indulge in crepes, pastries, wine, and cheese while browsing over 45 local venders (think handmade clothing and accessories  jewelry, ceramics, and more). A local wine expert will be on hand with discount bottles and holiday pairing suggestions.
When: Saturday, December 8th from 9 am to 4 pm
Where: French American International School at 8500 NW Johnson Street
How Much: Free parking and free admission. 

Chef Christopher Israel's Alpine Christmas

What: The next Portland Food Adventure heads to the West End for a six-course Alpine Christmas celebration care of chef Christopher Israel, with cocktail and wine pairings. The night will kick off with cocktails and passed appetizers at Kask. Diners will also have the chance to chat with Israel about his Portland culinary haunts (including Cacao and Wafu) and will end the evening with gift certificates to try them all.
When: Sunday, December 9th at 5 pm
Where: Grüner at 527 SW 12th
How Much: $125 per person. Tickets available here. 

Know about a great event coming up that should be on our radar? Shoot me an email at [email protected] or give me a shout over on Twitter at @allisonejones. Now get out there and start eating!