Tag: Red Shed Christmas Trees

Community, Event, Food and Drink, Montavilla

Holiday Season 2025 Starts in Montavilla

Once again, the opening of Red Shed Christmas Trees officially starts the holiday season in the area with the reopening of its Montavillage market in the Vinje & Son’s parking lot near SE 78th Avenue and Washington Street. That festive start leads to the public Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 6th at 5 p.m. in the Public Plaza at SE 79th Avenue and Stark Street, featuring a Red Shed tree. Then, local businesses have a host of WinterFest activities planned throughout December to keep people in a celebratory and giving mood.

A festive gathering around a brightly lit Christmas tree, with people celebrating in winter attire, as the evening sky glows in the background.
Tree Lighting Ceremony December 2024

Montavilla’s only seasonal tree lot in the historic downtown has grown into a winter holiday market over the years, with youth activities, handcrafted gifts, baked goods, standard wreaths, and the hard-to-find juniper wreaths. These offerings are in addition to Douglas, Nordmann, and Noble Fir trees of various sizes. That tradition almost ended after a disappointing series of targeted thefts in 2024. “It was super discouraging. We were hit three times in one month, and I didn’t know if I was going to be able to open it this year. But so many people reached out to say, ‘You’re a big part of the community, and we would really hate to see you go.’ That just meant the world to us, so we pulled out all the stops, and we’re trying to recover,” said Red Shed owner Lesle Janssen. She notes that the Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA) and neighbors are providing the support needed to make this a better year. Janssen did not want to dwell on the negative side of things because it distracts from the spirit of the holiday season, which drives her annual efforts. “You know, it’s been a crazy year, and we just really want to maintain that sense of community. We’re not here just to sell trees, we’re here to be a part of a community.”

A display of handmade beeswax candles in various shapes, including Christmas trees and roses, on a wooden shelf at a market.
Beeswax candles from Hannah Miller, Waxing & Raining Handmade Goods

Customers from previous years will recognize many vendors selling their works in the boutique gift booth. They feature pottery and soaps from Shane Reaney Studios, and those looking for a mood-setting addition to their centerpiece can find distinctive beeswax candles from Hannah Miller through her company, Waxing & Raining Handmade Goods. “She has beautiful Christmas tree wax candles that are gorgeous and some morel mushrooms,” described Janssen. The boutique will also carry “pocket mistletoe” made from pet-safe materials to avoid poisonings. PumpkinPatchHandmade sells knitwear, and the shop now offers “Red Shed Montavilla” embroidered waxed ball caps by Rustek, featuring weather-resistant properties made from sustainable natural materials. Shoppers can also purchase McTavish Shortbread confections as an edible treat while supplies last. These baked-to-order items are a special treat rarely available in small quantities and often sell out, but Janssen plans to have a good supply.

Two hats stacked on a table, one gray with 'MONTAVILLA' embroidered and one olive green with 'Red Shed Tree People' logo. A tag reads 'THE MOST SUSTAINABLE HATS ON EARTH'.
“Red Shed Montavilla” embroidered waxed ball caps by Rustek

This year, they have wood ornaments featuring artwork from Grace Babcock’s Graceful Botanical designs. They feature burned natural imagery on the wood pucks made from tree ends. Sugar pinecones have returned as a holiday decorating option sold by Red Shed. Janssen said they are “huge,” measuring 6 to 14 inches. “They’re really good on table runners around candle displays. You can take two of them and twine them together and put a bow on them as door ornaments,” said Janssen. “They’re just so incredibly beautiful, and they hold up well in water for a cylindrical display of a bouquet. You sink one of those into your glass instead of using stones, and they look amazing.” This year, they have unique crescent-shaped swags. “A swag is a half-round wreath, and we’re making those in-house this year, and people can come watch us make their swag,” explained Janssen.

A display of various Christmas wreaths adorned with pinecones and greenery, hanging on a wooden wall at a seasonal market.

Red Shed trees come from Greg Smith’s Molalla Tree Farms, where they locally harvest trees raised with minimal pesticides. With 200 acres of naturally grown product, Janssen values the dependable relationship with the Molalla, Oregon, grower. “Our trees are looking really, really good this year. Even though we had a really hot summer, we had just enough water to get them good”, said Janssen. However, she noted that some varieties were not so lucky. “We are not selling grands this year. They did not weather very well.”

As in years past, the owner’s mother, Janie Janssen, assembled 400 bags of special supplies for kids to craft with, but they are available only while supplies last. The lot also offers a large outdoor-themed backdrop for family photos. Additionally, for people interested in a wintry brew, a collaboration with Montavilla Brew Works grants tree purchasers a special deal on local beer. Customers will take their “Tree Cookie” token a block over to 7805 SE Stark Street and receive a discount on a four-pack or growler refill.

Wooden ornaments with intricate burned designs hanging next to a display of assorted botanical greeting cards and a red beanie on mannequin heads.
Wood ornaments featuring artwork from Grace Babcock’s Graceful Botanical

Red Shed Christmas Trees is closed on Thanksgiving and officially opens on Friday, November 28th. As early as November 21st, shoppers began walking in to buy a tree and gifts, showing eagerness to start celebrating their winter traditions. “People were calling me early this year asking me when we were going to open,” recalled Janssen. They allowed people to come in during setup hours and shop as they have in the past. However, this year’s demand was higher than expected. “We’ve just been selling trees like crazy,” remarked Janssen.

A hand holding a small, handmade 'pocket mistletoe' crafted from green and white materials, with a red string for hanging.
“pocket mistletoe” made from pet-safe knitted materials

People can visit the tree lot every day between November 28th and December 23rd. They open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, with extended hours to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays. Janssen also noted that they can hold trees past the closing date for culturally specific customs. “If Russian Orthodox customers would like us to save them some trees, we can also do that.” That community often follows the Julian calendar, placing Christmas on January 7th, and tree purchases occur later in December. Due to the adjacent parking lot closure, they ask visitors to park on the street and then hold a parking spot in the limited space for customers to load their tree.

A snowy path lined with Christmas trees in a market, with a sign indicating 'CASH ONLY' for transactions.
Rows of trees and a sign noting cash only sales on the lot

Whenever people celebrate the winter season, METBA businesses are collaborating to support the community with music and festive cheer. From December 1st through the 20th, patrons of participating local storefronts can use the “Shop Local Montavilla” passport to earn stickers toward a raffle entry. In addition to the December 6th Tree Lighting Ceremony, Board Bard Games at 7960 SE Stark Street will host a Santa Party on December 13th with a free family event. Starting at 11 a.m., attendees can enjoy cocoa and a treat while taking a festive photo with Santa. Business district celebrations wrap up on Saturday, December 20th, with the “Merry Montavilla SoirÉe.” Starting at 4 p.m., people can enjoy food and drink specials across Montavilla while earning double stickers for the Winterfest passport.

A juniper wreath hanging at a seasonal tree lot, with Christmas trees visible in the background and festive lights strung around the area.

METBA also notes that this is a season of giving. Many supportive groups are working in the area, and they can always use donations. This year, the business association’s sponsored donation drive will accept food, kids’ clothes, adult coats, laundry cards, Fred Meyer gift cards, and toys for the Vestal Elementary School PTA to distribute to families in need. People can drop off donations throughout December during the WinterFest events and at the Montavilla Burgerville at 8218 NE Glisan Street.

Disclosure: Lesle Janssen provided a free sample of “pocket mistletoe” to MV News

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Montavilla News is supported by contributions from businesses like Build & Paint Portland, a trusted Portland house painting and carpentry company dedicated to renewing and improving homes in Portland. Many neighborhood homes have used this local company to refresh and brighten their homes, and they want to take special care of area residents. We thank them for their support.

Community

Red Shed Trees Returns with Early Sales

Red Shed Christmas Trees will officially reopen its seasonal Montavillage location in the Vinje & Son’s parking lot near SE 78th Avenue and Washington Street on November 29th after the Thanksgiving holiday. However, shoppers looking to beat the rush can find a wide selection of Douglas, Nordmann, Grand, and Noble Fir trees by shopping early, as long as they do not mind dodging staff setting up the lot. Trees selection ranges from tabletop two-foot decorations to 15-foot tall trees, including potted live trees. Shoppers can buy wreaths, garlands, and other decorations to extend their holiday decor. Owner Lesle Janssen has once again brought in local artists and makers to sell their crafts at a gift boutique located at the southeast corner of the property.

Red Shed staff are still setting up but people can shop for trees now

All Red Shed trees come from Greg Smith’s Molalla Tree Farms, where they locally harvested them with minimal pesticides. With 200 acres of naturally grown product, Janssen values the dependable relationship with the Molalla, Oregon, grower. “I really like Greg. He puts a lot of love into his trees. He has many different fields to choose from. So when there’s a hot summer. There’s a blight. There’s this. There’s that. He still has things to choose from, so we’re always getting good trees,” said Janssen.

As with previous years, Red Shed Trees is cash only to keep their prices low and maintain a respectful salary for the seasonal staff. That saves processing fees and reduces the payment bottleneck that complicates checkout. Lesle Janssen often makes space in her tree lot for free festive activities. As in previous years, Peter McNamee Photography provided Mount Hood and Crater Lake shots on massive backdrops for people to pose against for free self-service portraits.

David Kelly and Lesle Janssen in Seasonal Boutique stand 2023

McNamee is a Montavilla resident and one of the vendors selling their works in the boutique. The pottery and soaps from Shane Reaney Studios will also return to the holiday supply booth. For those looking for a mood-setting addition to their centerpiece, Hannah Miller sells distinctive beeswax candles through her company, Waxing & Raining Handmade Goods. The boutique will also carry pocket mistletoe, felted and crocheted. Sugar pinecones are the newest addition to the holiday decorating options sold by Red Shed. Janssen described them as “huge and off the hook.” Shoppers can also purchase confections made by McTavish Shortbread for an edible treat while supplies last. These baked-to-order items are a special treat rarely available in small quantities and often sell out, but Janssen plans to have a good supply this year.

Red Shed Christmas Trees is open during setup and will remain open until they run out of stock. People can visit the lot daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with an additional hour in the evening on Fridays and Saturdays. They have both standard wreaths and hard-to-find juniper wreaths. Garland is sold by the foot, up to 75 feet long, and customers needing to buy a stand or arrange delivery also have options. Red Shed is a Montavilla tradition, serving 3,000 residents each year, and they are the official supplier of the community Holiday Tree installed in the Public Plaza at SE 79th Avenue and Stark Street. The tree-lighting ceremony will take place on Saturday, December 7th, from 4 to 6 p.m. Organizers will light up the Montavilla Plaza Christmas tree at 5 p.m.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Help keep independent news accessible to the community. Montavilla News has a Patreon account or you can pay for a full year directly online. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to consider becoming paid subscriber or sponsor. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.

Community, Entertainment, Event, Food and Drink

Montavilla WinterFest 2023

The Montavilla 2023 WinterFest begins on December 2nd with the Holiday Tree Lighting in the Plaza at SE 79th Avenue and Stark Street. The Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA) has made an annual tradition of this districtwide celebration that offers events throughout the month, including Santa or Hanukkah Harry pictures, shopping, and a self-guided boozy-tasty tour of the neighborhood.

Once again, the shops of Montavilla have coordinated a festive itinerary for residents and visitors alike. It starts with the ceremonial Tree Lighting in the Plaza on December 2nd at 5 p.m. For two hours, beginning at 4 p.m., people can purchase mulled wine and beer or enjoy complimentary hot cocoa while listening to festive music in the plaza. Attendees are encouraged to bring an ornament to hang on the community tree provided by Red Shed Christmas Trees.

Those looking to take their Santa and Hanukkah Harry pictures can visit Board Bard Games on Saturday, December 9th, without the high prices or arduous journey to the mall. The free three-hour-long do-it-yourself (DIY) photo event starts at 11 a.m. within the storefront at 7960 SE Stark Street. Dress up and swing by with your camera or phone to snap a photo with one of the holiday icons.

On December 16th, people can enjoy the food and beverage event Merry Montavilla Soiree at locations throughout Montavilla. Select locations in the business district will offer special menu items and seasonal drinks from 4:00 p.m. until the close of business. Check the METBA website for updates and participating locations.

Then, on December 17th, people are encouraged to support neighborhood businesses with a special Shop Local Montavilla event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This day represents an opportunity to look for those unique holiday gifts that do not require a click and a containership to deliver.

Recognizing that the winter season is not all about personal joy, METBA is hosting a districtwide donation drive throughout December. Businesses throughout the neighborhood will collect items for Montavilla Collective to distribute to those in need. They accept outerwear, blankets, sleeping bags, socks, boxers, gloves, hats, and scarves. See the donation drive’s webpage for details about item condition requests and drop-off locations.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Correction: A precious version of this article stated the photo event starts at 1 a.m. It starts at 11 a.m. and last for three hours.

Disclosure: The Author of this article serves on the METBA board but was not involved in planning these events.

Community, New Business

Red Shed Tree Sales and Seasonal Boutique

At 10 a.m., on November 24th, Red Shed Christmas Trees reopened their seasonal Montavillage location in the Vinje & Son’s parking lot near SE 78th Avenue and Washington Street. Shoppers will find a wide selection of Douglas, Nordmann, Grand, and Noble Fir trees ranging from 2 to 15 feet tall. Wreaths and garlands are just some of the extended holiday decorations offered at this outdoor sales lot. Owner Lesle Janssen has once again brought in local artists and makers to sell their crafts at a gift boutique located at the southeast corner of the property.

All Red Shed trees come from Greg Smith’s Molalla Tree Farms, where they locally harvested them with minimal pesticides. With 200 acres of naturally grown product, Janssen values the dependable relationship with the Molalla, OR, grower. “I really like Greg. He puts a lot of love into his trees. He has many different fields to choose from. So when there’s a hot summer. There’s a blight. There’s this. There’s that. He still has things to choose from, so we’re always getting good trees,” said Janssen.

Fighting inflation is top of mind for Janssen. Red Shed Trees is cash only this year to keep their prices low and maintain a respectful salary for the seasonal staff. That saves processing fees and reduces the payment bottleneck that complicates checkout. As a consequence of that discussion, Janssen says they will have competitive pricing compared to other options. “I notice that our prices are lower than Home Depot, and we have better trees.” There are online payment options for people shopping in the boutique for gifts or decorations, with the purchase going directly through the maker’s payment system.

Tree price card. Red Shed is cash only and trees larger than 10 feet often require reservation.

Lesle Janssen has made space in her tree lot for free festive activities for several years. Pre-pandemic, they offered craft activities for children, but they transitioned to take-home activity packs in recent years. This season, the owner’s mother, Janie Janssen, assembled 500 bags for kids to pick up and craft at home. They also offer two large outdoor-themed backdrops for people to take family photos. As in previous years, Peter McNamee Photography provided the forest and mountain shots used in the massive prints.

McNamee is a Montavilla resident and is one of the vendors selling their works in the boutique. Also returning to the holiday sales booth are the pottery and soaps from Shane Reaney Studios. While supplies last, people can purchase confections made by McTavish Shortbread. These baked-to-order items are a special treat rarely available in small quantities and often sell out. For those looking for a mood-setting addition to their centerpiece, Hannah Miller sells distinctive beeswax candles through her company Waxing & Raining Handmade Goods.

In addition to making space for craftspeople who don’t have a storefront, Red Shed is supporting Hats For Healing with another local business, Flipside Hats. Flipside makes all the beanies worn by tree lot staff, and Lesle Janssen is promoting their work. This year, the tree lot will sell tree seedlings people can plant on their property and earn Carbon reduction credits. Red Shed employee Alex Wick is also the founder and CEO of Cascadia Carbon. His NFTree program uses NFT technology to enable homeowners to register their carbon-sequestering trees and participate in the voluntary carbon offset market. People can purchase a Redwood, Douglas Fir, or Grand Fir seedling to register with the program, and they track its carbon capture as it grows.

David Kelly and Lesle Janssen in Seasonal Boutique stand

Red Shed Christmas Trees is open now and will remain open until they run out of stock. People can visit the lot daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with an additional hour in the evening on Fridays and Saturdays. They have both standard wreaths and hard-to-find juniper wreaths. Garland is sold by the foot, up to 75 feet long, and customers needing to buy a stand or arrange delivery also have options. Red Shed is a Montavilla tradition, serving 3,000 residents each year, and they are the official supplier of the community Holiday Tree installed in the Public Plaza at SE 79th Avenue and Stark Street.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Update: In a partnership with Montavilla Brew Works at 7805 SE Stark Street, people who purchase a Red Shed Christmas Tree will receive $2 off the price of a beer 4-pack or $3 off a 64oz Growler fill. Promotion ends December 24th and limited to one per customer, other exclusions may apply.

Bar, Entertainment, Event, Food and Drink, Montavilla

Montavilla’s Saturday Winter Celebration

Two events will attract visitors to Montavilla’s commercial corridors this Saturday evening. Winter Wassail along NE Glisan Street features festive beverages, snacks, carolers, and holiday lighting. Participating stores and restaurants between 82nd and 68th Avenues will remain open for last-minute holiday gifts and festivities. People are invited to Wassail (Go from location to location caroling and/or drinking in merriment) on Glisan from 4 to 8 p.m. this December 17th.

Promotional image provide by event coordinators

That same night, SE Stark Street businesses will host the Montavilla Soiree & Pub Crawl from 6 to 9 p.m. The Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA) organized this winter celebration in the historic downtown to support neighborhood businesses as they enjoy the best parts of the colder months.

Promotional image provide by event coordinators

Drinkers, shoppers, and anyone looking for a fun Saturday night can explore the collection of holiday-themed cocktails, food specials, live music, and late-night last-minute shopping in one big evening event. No matter where you reside, some part of Montavilla will have an activity to warm your spirit on a cold night.

These are some of the participating businesses on Glisan Street:

These are some of the participating businesses on Stark Street:

Rahabs Sisters will be collecting gloves, hats, jackets, blankets, and tents. Drop off locations will be Union Rose and Wink Vintage.

By

Jacob Loeb

Disclosure: The author if this article serves on the Montavilla/East Tabor Business Association (METBA) board. METBA sponsors some of these events.

Community, Event, Services

Red Shed Trees and Seasonal Artistry

On November 25th, Red Shed Christmas Trees returns to the seasonal Montavillage location in the Vinje & Son’s parking lot near SE 78th Avenue and Washington Street. This year, tree lot owner Lesle Janssen plans to expand the artistic offerings sold alongside the traditional wreaths and trees. Shoppers will find an assortment of Douglas, Nordmann, and Noble Fir trees. However, the location also features crafts from local artists, cookies, and activities for kids. Janssen acknowledged that the tree industry costs are rising, but Red Shed will absorb those increases and keep prices at the same level as last year, ensuring people can still afford a holiday celebration.

Beyond tree sales, Janssen is a fan of the holiday season and a dedicated supporter of local artists. Consequentially, the tree lot includes more than just standard items. Since opening the Montavilla tree lot in 2008, the variety of items and activities offered at the location has increased. This year they will have pottery and soap from Shane Reaney Studios, prints from Peter McNamee Photography, confections made by McTavish Shortbread, and other holiday accessories.

Shane Reaney is a neighborhood artist in the early stages of growing his business, and this venue increases exposure for lesser-known creators. “I’ve been making pottery and soap as a hobby for many years, but I am just beginning to do this full-time. Having an opportunity to get my creations in front of so many people in such a festive space will help introduce my affordable creations to lots of new people,” said Reaney. At the Red Shed location, people can choose from a selection of Reaney’s mugs, small planters, incense holders, and soap dishes. Staff will also display an assortment of hand-crafted soap to sell alongside the pottery options.

Peter McNamee Photography offers images capturing the wilderness areas of the Northwest. McNamee prints his photos on eight-by-eight-inch metal panels. The picture is fused onto specially coated aluminum, creating a vibrant image that is durable and impervious to water. Fans of McNamee’s work can also pose in front of a giant backdrop featuring one of his landscape photos.

For over 30 years, Portland’s McTavish Shortbread has provided fresh-to-order cookies for customers. It is an independent craft bakery providing the “foodie’s version of the classic Scottish cookie” to coffee shops, wineries, boutique hotels, and select grocery stores. The family-owned and operated bakery will only create a limited number of cookies for this location. Customers are encouraged to stop in early to buy the cookies they want.

Lesle Janssen is excited to bring back the children’s craft area this year. During the pandemic, Red Shed staff sent ornament creation kits home with kids, and that option will continue. However, kids can stay entertained at the designated holiday creativity station this year while parents shop. Janssen said this event is open to all children and does not require purchase. Crafty adults can also pick up free tree limbs that staff clip from the base of trees. A few inches are always trimmed from the tree’s base to allow it to mount in a watering stand. Those surplus branches can find a new use in mantel decorations or other projects.

For people interested in a wintry brew, a collaboration with Montavilla Brew Works grants tree purchasers a special deal on local beer. Customers will take their “Tree Cookie” token a block over to 7805 SE Stark Street and receive a discount on a six-pack or growler.

After Thanksgiving, shoppers can head to Washington Street to look for the holiday decorations and festive activities that will begin the buildup to the winder celebration. Vinje & Son at 544 SE 78th Avenue is again hosting Red Shed in its parking lot accessed from SE Washington Street. Starting Friday, they are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily with a bonus hour Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, keeping the lot open until 9 p.m. Paid delivery options are available to drop off trees at a customer’s doorstep.

By

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Montavilla News has a Patreon account. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to please consider becoming a paid subscriber or sponsor. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.

Event, New Business

Xmas Tree Lots Return to Montavilla

It is the season to bring the outdoors inside with a Christmas tree or holiday wreath. The neighborhood is fortunate to have two reoccurring tree lots, allowing Montavilla residents local access to the winter decorations. This year, Red Shed Christmas Trees joins Montavillage’s location in the Vinje & Son‘s parking lot near SE 78th Ave and Washington Street.

In 2008, Lesle Janssen began selling trees in Montavilla Town. Janssen’s Montavillage tree stand started at 76th and SE Stark next to Beets Auto Body. The lot moved to 78th and Washington in 2015. This year, Montavillage merged with longtime Christmas Trees retailer Red Shed. Janssen continues Red Shed’s 20-year tradition of providing fresh local products in a warm, community-building atmosphere. They are open seven days a week, 10 AM – 8 PM. On Friday and Saturday, sales staff are available for an additional hour. Paying in cash is recommended for faster service, and delivery options are available.

Montavillage near SE 78th Ave and Washington Street

There is another reoccurring Christmas tree lot at the corner of NE 92nd Ave and Glisan Street for those closer to NE Glisan. This vacant lot hosts tree sales nearly every year. They advertise Douglas fir, Grand fir, and Noble fir trees.

Expect to pay a little more for a tree this season. A challenging growing season may have an impact on tree prices. If a cut tree is in your holiday plans, you do not have to travel far to find one. Check out these local lots and see if you can find the right tree for your home.

Tree lot at the corner of NE 92nd Ave and Glisan Street