This holiday season, Bridgeport Village delivers sweet, nostalgic vibes mixed with modern-day magic that help make the time of year feel especially merry and bright. Year-round, the property’s trees and rooflines are wrapped in white lights, but during holiday months, this twinkly ambiance is further supplemented by holiday trim and greenery, along with overhead starbursts adding to the enchantment and whimsy. 

The site’s 40-foot-tall tree, a prime spot for memory-making photo shoots, marks Bridgeport’s convenient location just off I-5. The towering tree’s warm glow beckons those who come to this community gathering space for the center’s many special events or to simply enjoy seasonal lights and sounds. 

Show up to take in the sights as you stroll the center with a hot cocoa or peppermint milkshake in hand. Through the end of December, holiday music is piped into the space, and visitors can relish live performances by children’s choirs or popular caroling group Plaid Tidings, a quartet who don their signature red plaid coats as they sing the songs of the season. 

The retail options are plentiful as we head into gift-giving season, thanks to the center’s bounty of internationally renowned stores, exclusive-to-market retailers and beloved local brands. Small Business Saturday proves the perfect time to support Pacific Northwest shops like Tender Loving Empire, TAH Bags and Straightaway Cocktails. Or visit the Village’s newest retailer, MiaDonna, where guilt-free luxury means discovering fine jewelry — for a loved one or yourself — handcrafted with the highest quality lab-grown diamonds and recycled precious metals. Each purchase here funds MiaDonna’s non-profit, The Greener Diamond Foundation, which works to lead empowerment initiatives in diamond mining communities. 

Don’t forget about your own needs as you wander around Bridgeport Village, since stops into Oregon’s only Crate & Barrel might just help with holiday entertaining. And finds at Oregon’s only Container Store may help you put everything away in an organized, efficient manner after the festivities have come to a close.

Reservation-only Santa visits are well worth booking, and special events can add to the experience, like a Mrs. Claus meet-and-greet during Silent Santa (a sensory-friendly experience), which puts youngsters at ease before chatting with the jolly, bearded man of the hour. Book special pet photo sessions with Santa for the fur babies in your life, too. You can drop a letter to Santa in his North Pole mailbox, or find heirloom-worthy outfits at Le’D Bug Boutique, ideal for photos with the red-clad star of the show. Families looking for a little extra magic also can attend Mrs. Claus Storytime at Barnes & Noble.

There’s no better time to gather with friends and family you see regularly or not nearly enough, and special events like candle-making parties and wreath-making classes offer fresh ideas on how to savor quality time as a group. And since these months place great emphasis on eating and drinking well, head inside for cheery libations and signature cocktails during a happy hour gift exchange, or find delicious fuel to break up a shop-till-you-drop afternoon at new hot spots like Kona Grill. You can also head here to pick up catered fare for a hosted party at home, or to make a plan for celebrating New Year’s in style — in a welcoming setting that won’t require much fuss to attend. If you’re needing a breather before or after all the socializing and shopping, consider diving into a buttery tub of popcorn as you catch the most anticipated holiday releases at Regal Cinema.

In even better news: The property’s recent refresh has made it all-weather-friendly, thanks to additions like fire tables and overhead canopies with remote control-powered screens that can block out the wind and rain. Complimentary umbrellas might just come in handy in these wetter months as well. 

Bridgeport Village is ready to welcome all guests with a warm and cozy embrace, spreading light and love to anyone looking for a boost as we bring 2024 to a close — and gaze with hope to the fresh year ahead.