Right around this time of year, the nostalgia for Old Portland goes into overdrive. We long for the legendary age of cheap rent and chartreuse and violet coffee shops belting out The Bends. We natives will tell you the history of every departed music venue in town. But before we fill our eggnog mugs with salty tears, let us remember that there are bits of OP alive and well all around us.

Pittock Mansion—the 108-year-old French Renaissance-style château built for Oregonian publisher Henry Pittock—has put on a helluva holiday display for over 50 years. This year the West Hills mansion upped its game by making the entire A Very Portland Christmas display about the iconic places, people, and events of Portland.

What’s that mean? Well, for one, there is a Darcelle-themed Turkish Smoking Room, named after our city's most storied drag queen (also the oldest living drag queen in the world), complete with disco balls, glittering crystals, and one of Darcelle’s gorgeous gowns. There are also nods to Powell’s, our beloved Packy the elephant, and even Peacock Lane. 

Get up there now—the exhibit is open until December 31.

A Very Portland Christmas

Thru Dec 31, Pittock Mansion, $11 for non-members