Portland 5 Things To Do In and Around the City This Weekend

1. Little Boxes. Everybody knows about the big box shopping deals after Thanksgiving. Well, in 2011, Portland jewelry designer Betsy Cross came up with the idea of Little Boxes - directing people to shop the smaller shops in town. The event gas grown to include scores of shops all over town. There is aslo a raffle and prizes. Head to pdx.shoplittleboxes.com for all the information.

2. Just because you think you will never eat again after Thanksgiving, it's like that is not the case. And if you are going to eat again, it might as well be delicious so head to Pix Patisserie for their annual La Fete du Macaron! Flavor contest. Cupcake stomp. Macronuts. www.pixpatisseries.com for all the details.

3. While the lighting Friday of the tree at Pioneer Courthouse Square gets most of the attention, there are plenty of holiday trees still to be lit. The annual lighting in The Peal will take place Saturday between 4:00 and 6:00 at Jamison Square Park. Gresham's Spirit of Christmas Tree Lighting will be Saturday at Arts Plaza from 5:00-6:30 p.m. and Hillsboro will have theirs Saturday at Tom Hughes Civic Center Plaza from 5:30-6:00.

4. Looking for gift ideas? America's Largest Christmas Bazaar is back at the Portland Expo Center this weekend - as they have every year since 1982. The show, with scores of exhibitors showing their stuff, benefits the Portland Police Bureau's Sunshine Division, one of the most active charities in town. Check out www.expochristmasbazaar.com for more information. And don't forget to visit Santa while you're there.

5. Cinnamon Bear is back and on the Portland Spirit, which will be transformed into Maybeland from the classic radio show. Captain Taffy will guide the cruise and faeries and elves will be there to keep you entertained. www.cinnamonbearcruise.com for more information.

BONUS

6. It's Civil War Weekend. No... it's not some re-enactment with people in period costumes. It's Oregon State vs Oregon, likely the last game for both teams this season, neither of which has had a great year. Plenty of bars, restaurants, theaters, homes... it's basically going to be on everywhere. And while Patch won't take sides... there won't be disappointment if the Beavers win.

Photo courtesy Little Boxes