Top Portland Events, Dec. 16 to Dec. 22

Wednesday Dec. 16

Nick Lowe's Quality Holiday Review

[SAINT NICK] What white-haired traveler comes to Portland nearly once a year, bearing gifts aplenty? In this season's magic bag, the songwriting genius carries tender blue-eyed soul and a healthy dose of gallows humor. Expect a mix of traditional holiday tunes and Lowe's own dystopian Christmas songs. Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave., 234-9694. 8 pm. $35. Under 21 permitted with legal guardian.

Thursday Dec. 17

Christmas Vacation

[CLASSIC] You could drink and watch on your couch, but the holidays are for sharing. Mission Theater gives you a free cocktail with your ticket and a prize for wearing an ugly Christmas sweater. Mission Theater, 1624 NW Glisan St., 223-4527. 8:30 pm. $10. 21+.

Deschutes Abyss Release Party

[BEER] For the 10th year in a row, Deschutes will release its Abyss barrel-aged Imperial stout just in time for Christmas—and at the brewpub they'll host a vertical tasting dating to 2011 so you can taste how the previous years' entrants have aged. And if you like the 2012 best, just…don't drink the bottles you buy today until 2018. Science! Deschutes Portland Public House, 210 NW 11th Ave., 296-4906. 9 am.

Friday Dec. 18

In Good Company

[DANCE] Northwest Dance Project's annual end-of-year show is all new works choreographed and performed by some of Portland's top dancers. With another Princess Grace Award and a new studio this year, the company has reason to celebrate. Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark St., 421-7434. 7:30 pm. $40. Under 21 permitted with legal guardian.

Saturday Dec. 19

Hailey Niswanger

[LOCAL SOUL] A quick-jabbing alto sax player with a big, clean sound, Hailey Niswanger is one of the most talented young jazz musicians in the country. Residing for most of the year in New York, the West Linn native is home for the holidays, and she's brought the majority of the band she used for her latest release, PDX Soul, back with her. Dante's, 350 W Burnside St., 226-6630. 9 pm. $10. 21+.

Sunday Dec. 20

A Greener Christmas Hip-Hop Toy Drive, feat. Devin the Dude

[WEED WRAPS] The amiable Texas stoner-rap vet headlines Portland rap ambassador Cool Nutz's annual holiday toy drive. There's not a tremendous difference between what Devin released in 1994 and his newer fare—which is to say, he'll still gladly accept that vaporizer for Christmas. Peter's Room at Roseland Theater, 8 NW 6th Ave., 971-230-0033. 8 pm. $10 with toy donation, $18 without. All ages.

Willamette Week