The holiday season in Central Oregon is full of festive events and traditions.
Snap pictures with Santa in the morning and attend a holiday market from local makers in the afternoon. December nights are filled with local theater and colorful holiday light displays. Whether you prefer running a festive 10K or riding a sleigh at local resorts, there’s an event for everyone. Discover the holiday magic in Central Oregon
Experience the Bend Christmas Parade
The annual Bend Christmas Parade will take over the streets of downtown on December 2, 2023, with the theme “The Lights of Christmas.” Grand Marshal Trish Smith and family lead the festive spectacle, organized by the dedicated volunteers of the Bend Christmas Parade Committee. Since its inception in the 1950s, the parade has evolved into a beloved tradition that marks the start of the holiday season each year. Join in the family fun, be on the lookout for a Santa sighting and let “The Lights of Christmas” brighten downtown Bend. Click here for more information.
Where to Shop for Gifts at Central Oregon Artisan Markets
Local artisans showcase their creativity, offering an array of seasonal decor and one-of-a-kind gifts. Stroll with a cup of hot chocolate or a hot toddy in hand as most markets feature food trucks, live music and festive libations. Find local gift-shopping experiences at holiday markets across Central Oregon.
Bend Moonlight Market: Naughty or Nice | December 1
Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, everyone is invited to the Bend Moonlight Market. Local makers, resellers, and artists showcase their work alongside a flash tattoo station, live music, food and drink stations and plenty of holiday cheer. Free entry and all ages are welcome to help kick off the shopping season. Click here for more information.
First Friday Holiday Market | December 1
Explore local craftsmanship at The Local Assembly’s First Friday Holiday Market, featuring a thoughtfully curated collection of artisan-made products, including clothing, art, jewelry and handmade goods. Support local talent and capture the spirit of the season. Click here for more information.
Holiday Makers Market | December 2
Jumpstart your holiday shopping at Bevel Craft Brewing’s Holiday Makers Market. Browse 20 local vendors, sip on craft beer and treat yourself to tasty bites from food carts. Spread cheer by donating an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots and enjoy a free beer from Bevel in return. Smile for a photo with Santa and let him know your Christmas wishes. Click here for more information.
Schilling’s 2023 Holiday Makers Market | December 2 and 3
Schilling’s Garden Market presents its 4th Holiday Makers Market, showcasing fresh wreaths, artisanal goods and treats from local vendors. Meet Santa, enjoy live holiday music and participate in a vendor-donated raffle. This market takes place outdoors. So rain, shine or snow, it promises to be a winter holiday experience. Click here for more information.
Craft-O! Holiday Bazaar | December 9 and 10
Craft-O! is the ultimate destination for locally crafted holiday shopping, hosted by The Workhouse, Gathered Wares, Mud Lake Studios, Furnish Hope & Home and Desert Rose Cactus Lounge. Peruse offerings from around 50 talented artisan vendors, and warm up at Cafe Des Chutes with boozy lattes, hot chocolate or a glass of wine. Click here for more information.
Holiday Spirit Market | December 16
Experience the joy of the season at the inaugural Holiday Spirit Market. Delve into a haven of meaningful gifts featuring healing crystals, handcrafted jewelry, ceremonial cacao, natural perfume, knits, wood, leather, vintage goods and more. Redefine gifting this year and explore a diverse array of thoughtful treasures. Click here for more information.
Seasonal Theater and Music in Central Oregon
Throughout the season, Central Oregon theaters and venues brim with festive holiday spirit. Whether you yearn for an evening of swanky jazz, the jubilant notes of a holiday musical or even the lively beats of a bass-dropping holiday DJ set, there’s a show for everyone. Get your tickets and celebrate with these entertaining holiday events in Central Oregon.
Holiday Magic | December 2 and 3
Find festive jazz at Cascade Chorale’s “Holiday Magic.” Experience a lively mix of classics and exciting new pieces. This year, the event brings back the much-loved Jazz Central, as well as special guests—27th Street Brass Quintet and Dove String Quartet. Click here for more information.
The Unhinged Holiday Show | December 9
Get ready for The Unhinged Holiday Show, an uproarious mix of stand-up and sketch comedy presented by Bits N Skits. Featuring some of Bend’s favorite comedians and hosted by Christine Keefer and Whitney Russell, this show is bound to be a riot of laughs mixed with holiday cheer. Click here for more information.
Jingle Ball 2023 | December 16
Join the ultimate EDM holiday bash! Don’t miss out on the fun—arrive early to snag your tickets for five hours of non-stop dancing to the tunes of Bend’s finest DJs. Get into the holiday spirit with a photo booth, crafts and a cozy lounge area. The theme is laid-back with a touch of glam, so throw on your “funny formal” attire for a night of beats and good vibes. Click here for more information. Click here for more information.
Jazz at the Oxford–A Patrick Lamb Charlie Brown Christmas | December 17 and 18
Musician Patrick Lamb showcases a family Christmas celebration with the timeless music of Vince Guaraldi. Don’t miss the traditional holiday sounds of an award-winning musician at this classic jazz event. Click here for more information.
Swingin Tower Christmas | December 21, 22 and 23
Get into a festive groove at Swingin’ Tower Christmas—a family-friendly celebration with Christmas tunes, carols and heartwarming stories. The event features a 17-piece big band and your favorite local singers. Be on the lookout for Olive the Elf and a special visit from Santa. It’s a holiday experience for all ages you won’t want to miss. Click here for more information.
Holiday Runs in Central Oregon
As temperatures dip, it’s prime time to inject some festive fun into your fitness routine with these holiday-themed running races. Beyond uniting the community, it’s also the perfect excuse to showcase those creative holiday costumes. Whether you’re donning your ugliest sweater, sporting a Rudolph-red nose or simply cozying up in your warmest gear, it’s time to break a sweat in holiday style.
Ugly Sweater Run | December 2
Embrace the holiday spirit at the 3rd Annual Ugly Sweater 5K Run or Walk in Sisters. Tackle the scenic route adorned in your favorite ugly Christmas sweater and cap off the run at The Barn food truck pod with a lively post-race party and an entertaining ugly sweater contest. Families can create teams for added fun and a portion of the proceeds support Sisters High School’s cross-country team. Click here for more information.
The Reindeer Rush | December 2
In its first year, The Reindeer Rush is a way for children and their families to precede the Bend Christmas Parade by following the same route through downtown. Enjoy free registration and the first 500 kids who sign up receive a whimsical reindeer headband. Click here for more information.
Holiday Lights & Cookie Run | December 6
The FootZone Holiday Lights & Cookie Run route will be full of sweetness and holiday fun. Gather at FootZone and, for a dash of competition, bring your best-baked entry for the chance to win a cookie competition. The 3-mile route offers a tour of local lights and decorations. After the run, indulge in cookies and hot chocolate, cider and holiday treats. Participate in the contest for a shot at a $25 FootZone gift card. Celebrate the season by combining a fun run, sweet treats, and a showcase of your cookie-making prowess. Click here for more information.
Holiday Season at the Old Mill District
Some of the best holiday events in Central Oregon are found in The Old Mill District, which comes alive with festive cheer throughout December. From SantaLand’s enchantment to sparkling lights and cheerful carolers, the atmosphere is brimming with festive joy. As snowflakes gently fall, the Old Mill transforms into a picturesque holiday haven, inviting everyone to create cherished memories and embrace the spirit of the season.
SantaLand
Step into the magical world of SantaLand at Bend’s Old Mill District. The beautiful wonderland, nestled between Sweet Tooth Candy Shoppe and Sunglass Hut, is the perfect setting for dropping off letters to Santa, mingling with elves, meeting Nutcracker ballerinas and capturing moments with the jolly man in red. Throughout November and December, Santa is available for photos every Friday and Saturday, and an outdoor Christmas mailbox invites children to send letters to Santa.
Tree of Joy
Spread the spirit of giving through the Tree of Joy, a heartwarming collaboration between the Salvation Army, Rotary Club of Greater Bend and the Old Mill District. To find gift suggestions for families facing challenges, simply pick up a list, select an unwrapped present and return it to SantaLand. The Salvation Army and Rotary Club ensure these thoughtful gifts will reach the recipients and brighten the holidays of for those in need.
Menorah Lighting
Join Chabad of Central Oregon for a Menorah Lighting in the Old Mill District on December 7. Starting at 4 p.m., festivities commence with music, hot drinks, food and community camaraderie. The event symbolizes light, faith and resilience, unites the local Jewish community and welcomes all backgrounds to commemorate the Festival of Lights, Chanukah (Hannukah).
Holiday Lights Paddle Parade
Witness a beautiful light show on the Deschutes River with the Holiday Lights Paddle Parade on Friday, December 15, starting at 4 p.m. Paddlers from Central Oregon gather near Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe before cruising upriver. Kayaks, canoes or paddle boards are adorned in colorful lights, turning the water into a dazzling holiday display. Join the fun and witness a parade that transforms the Deschutes into a festive river of lights.
Carolers
Get into the holiday spirit with area choirs as they spread cheer in the Old Mill District throughout December. With a cup of hot chocolate in hand and surrounded by the Old Mill District’s holiday lights, listen to local choirs of all ages fill the air with the sounds of the season.
Click here for more information on holiday celebrations in the Old Mill.
Holiday Season at Central Oregon Resorts
The holidays are especially magical at the beautiful resorts in Central Oregon. From sparkling light displays to artisan markets, sleigh rides and ice skating, Central Oregon’s resorts offer ample opportunities to create both new traditions and lifelong memories.
Black Butte Ranch
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at Black Butte Ranch. Attend the Christmas Tree Lighting at the Lodge, featuring caroling and delightful treats. Experience holiday magic at Breakfast with Santa, complete with photos and cookie decorating. Indulge in the Christmas Buffet, the Christmas Eve Dinner or a carriage ride at the Ranch. Ring in the New Year with a special menu and live music at Aspen Lounge. The Lakeside Bistro offers breakfast and a recovery bar on New Year’s Day. Select events may require reservations. Lasting holiday memories are created at Black Butte Ranch. Click here for more information.
Tetherow Resort
Embrace festivities at Tetherow Resort with its 2023 Holiday Bazaar, featuring local makers and artisans. Enjoy snacks, shop local, and donate a gift to Toys for Tots and get a complimentary drink. Bring kids of all ages to Brunch with Santa, complete with crafts and Santa appearances. The Christmas Eve dinner begins with seasonal cocktails and includes options for every dietary need. Events are open to the public, though Tetherow Members enjoy special discounts.
Sunriver Resort
Celebrate tradition at Sunriver Resort with horse-drawn sleigh rides, fireside hot chocolate and nightly festivities, including the Grand Illumination ceremony. Witness a mesmerizing Holiday Light Show. Join Santa’s Brunch Visits, decorate gingerbread kits, and join in the Takoda the Bear Scavenger Hunt. Enjoy Sunriver Stables Sleigh Rides (weather permitting). Relish in festive Christmas dinners and buffets. Visit Gingerbread Junction’s 27th Annual fundraiser and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Craft treasured memories at Sunriver Resort this holiday season. Click here for more information.
Brasada Ranch
Experience a festive holiday season at Brasada Ranch with family activities, from cozy carriage rides and visits with Santa to ranch-to-table dining. Brasada offers horseback rides to Spirit Rock with panoramic views and a place to savor hot chocolate and gourmet s’mores. Kids enjoy Brasada’sHot Cocoa Scavenger Hunt. Don’t miss special events like Breakfast with Santa, Christmas Eve Dinner and an adults-only New Year’s Eve Dinner at Range Restaurant & Bar. The Cosmic Kids New Year’s Eve Party keeps children entertained with games, crafts, a glow pool party and more.
For more holiday events in Central Oregon, visit our calendar page for an updated lineup of celebrations.
Read more at BendMagazine.com
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