Winter in Portlandia

This special Christmas episode features multiple sketches centered around winter in Portland. The main sketch shows Portlanders desperately chasing spots of sunshine through the dreary winter weather - when the sun peeks through the clouds onto a patch of grass, everyone rushes there with lawn chairs, barbecues, beer, and boomboxes playing reggae music, celebrating for mere seconds before the sun moves and they chase it to the next spot. Other sketches include Peter and Nance struggling with Peter's pasta addiction as they try to avoid winter weight gain, Candace's son Robert visiting the Women & Women First feminist bookstore during the holidays (dealing with vagina pillows and gender-neutral baby care), artisan curators Bryce and Lisa opening their Outlet Hotel for winter vacations, Donald and Stu operating their food trailer "Stu's Stews," and a basement recording studio outfitted with gear from Pet Sounds sessions.

This was aired as a special episode before Season 3 officially began on January 4, 2013. The episode received critical acclaim for its satirical take on Pacific Northwest winters and seasonal affective disorder. The episode has been praised as one of the most relatable sketches for actual Portland and Seattle residents.