[December 5th, 2007]

As the last leaves fall and the temperature drops, you can smell it in the breeze: It’s A Christmas Carol season on stages around town. In honor of the holiday production, it’s time to sort the men from the crippled little boys (and girls). Here are this year’s onstage “Tiny Tim” contenders.

WEDNESDAY DEC. 5

[MUSIC] Aimee Mann

Mann’s second annual Christmas Show is a throwback to the star-studded variety-show revues of generations past—with some S.A.D. tossed in. Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave., 233-1994. 8 pm. $35.50.

[SHOP] Crave Party

Holiday shopping is a bitch, unless you attend this extravaganza featuring local designers, boutiques, music and a catwalk where models showcase the goods for sale. Castaway, 1900 NW 18th Ave., 5-9 pm. All ages. $15 in advance, $20 door.

[BENEFIT] Reggie Watts

The phenomenally popular hip-hop comedian is back in town for a PICA fundraiser. Aura, 1022 W Burnside St., 242-1419. $50-$75. 21+.

THURSDAY DEC. 6

[CIVICS] Copwatch

Get an earful from folks who have filed a complaint with the watchdog Independent Police Review. It’s better than dinner theater. St. Francis Church, 330 SE 11th Ave., 7-9 pm. All ages. 21+. Free.

FRIDAY DEC. 7

[MOVIE] The Golden Compass

Phillip Pullman’s effort to kill God makes the big screen just in time for Christmas. God responds by destroying one major American city. We’re spending the weekend at Timberline. Area theaters. See review.

[WORDS] Naomi Klein

A columnist for The Nation challenges the idea that capitalism and democracy go hand in hand in her new book, The Shock Doctrine . First Unitarian Church, 1011 SW 12th Ave., 725-3307. 7 pm. $5-$20 donation. All ages.

[MUSIC] Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings

The Dap Kings do foundation soul better than anyone in show business. Don’t hold it against Sharon&co. for being born in the wrong decade. Doug Fir, 830 E Burnside St., 231-9663. 9 pm. $15.

SATURDAY DEC. 8

[HOLIDAY CHAOS] Santacon

The army of Santas traipsing through PDX, bringing tidings of Southern Comfort and joy, are back. See page 55 for details. Skidmore Fountain, Southwest Ankeny Street and Second Avenue. Noon. 21+. Free.

SUNDAY DEC. 9

[DISH] Festival of Latkes

East Side Dining Club returns with a festive feast centering on the humble latke. Whose jealous of Santa now? Nobody. Victory, 3652 SE Division St., 236-8755. 7 pm Sunday, Dec. 9. $55. See dish listings for more info.