Celebrate Ugly Sweater Day

By Steph Barnhart

While Christmas, Hanukah, and Kwanza get all the attention, it's easy to forget about December's most humorous holiday: National Ugly Sweater Day is Friday, Dec 18. And, Portland being Portland, you've got a destination to celebrate: Downtown. While you're doing your holiday shopping, be sure to check out the monumental attire of downtown statues rocking the finest ugly sweaters.

In the Pioneer District on Southwest Yamhill and Morrison streets (between Fifth and Sixth avenues), a team of local fiber artists are yarn bombing Animals in Pools, Allow Me (aka "Umbrella man") and Kvinneakt. Come take selfies with these yarn-bombed statues. Be sure to tag pictures with #uglysweaterpdx.

With your help, it won't just be the statues staying warm this holiday season. The Transition Projects warm clothing drive welcomes donations of new or gently used warm winter clothing. You can drop off donations at the following locations through Thursday, December 24:

  • Boys Fort– 902 SW Morrison
  • Nordstrom– 701 SW Broadway
  • Pioneer Place– customer service kiosk, lower level near the Gap
  • PDX Pop-Up Shops – 438 NW Broadway and 341 NW 5th Avenue
  • Travel Portland Visitor Information Center at Pioneer Courthouse Square

Carpal tunnel got your holiday shopping down? Well, you could try actually leaving the house and hitting up Downtown Portland retailers for in-store-only items and, you know, human interaction. Visit longtime favorites Nordstrom, Macy's, Powell's Bookstore and Pioneer Place and while you're there, check out one of the great new businesses: Wildfang offers all things tomboy; Detroit-based Shinola is known for American-made fine watches, leather goods and bicycles; women's clothing brand Jarbo presents sleek and high quality women's separates; Pandora offers custom charm bracelets; and any doll lovers dreams come true at American Girl.

If you're downtown on Sunday, Dec. 20, SmartPark has a special gift just for you: free parking. Customers who park at a SmartPark garage can visit the customer service kiosk at Pioneer Place (lower level near the Gap) or Boys Fort (902 SW Morrison St.) or PDX Pop Up Shops (at 438 NW Broadway and 341 NW 5th Avenue) any time between noon and 5 p.m. to show their eligible Smart Park ticket for the day and receive one $5 parking voucher to cover their parking for the day.

For more information on downtown events and happenings this season, please visit www.downtownportland.org, Facebook: Downtown Portland, Twitter: InDowntownPDX; and Instagram: DowntownPDX.. Join the conversation using hashtags #uglysweaterpdx and #pdxpopupshops.

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