Christmas in Bend (2025) - Your Holiday Guide

HolidayThings to Do
Written By All Things Bend

Updated 9/2/25

Bend, Oregon comes alive in December. With snowy peaks in the distance, twinkling lights across town, and the scent of fresh pine in the air, it feels like a real-life winter postcard. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you're a longtime local, there's no better time to experience the magic of Bend than during the holidays. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making the most of Christmas in Bend.

Christmas bend or

Table of Contents

    Christmas Events in Bend (2025)

    Bend's December calendar is full of family-friendly events, local traditions, and seasonal fun:

    Downtown Bend Christmas Fun

    Sit With Santa

    • Visit Santa in downtown Bend and let kids share their Christmas wishes.

    • Bring your own camera or phone to take photos — no professional photographer required.

    • Kids receive a candy cane after their visit.

    • Perfect for families looking for a quick, fun holiday stop while shopping downtown.

    • More details: https://www.downtownbend.org/christmas

    Holiday Lights

    • The downtown tree lighting countdown happens around 5:45 in Mirror Pond Plaza.

    • Arrive early to get a good viewing spot, as the plaza fills up quickly.

    • After the lighting, stroll through Wall Street and Minnesota Avenue to enjoy twinkle lights overhead and decorated storefronts.

    • Many local businesses extend hours during the holiday season, so you can shop while soaking in the festive atmosphere.

    • Parking fills up fast — consider walking from nearby neighborhoods or carpooling.

    • Event updates: https://www.downtownbend.org/christmas

    Choir Performances & Community

    • Local choirs sing holiday favorites throughout the evening, adding a classic Christmas soundtrack to downtown.

    • Central Oregon Daily broadcasts live from the plaza during the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. news, showcasing the community celebration.

    • Bend’s mayor joins the festivities, making this a true community gathering.

    • The event brings together families, friends, and neighbors, creating a small-town holiday atmosphere in the heart of Bend.

    • Check the official schedule for choir performance times: https://www.downtownbend.org/christmas

    Bend Christmas Parade

    Christmas Tree Lighting

    Old Mill Christmas Fun

    Santa Flies In

    SantaLand

    Drop Off Letters to Santa

    Tree of Joy

    • Choose a gift list from the Tree of Joy inside SantaLand.

    • Purchase a non-violent, unwrapped gift and return it to SantaLand.

    • The Salvation Army and Rotary Club deliver gifts to local families.

    • 2025 dates coming soon.

    • Location: SantaLand, second level above Lush Cosmetics.

    • More info: https://www.oldmilldistrict.com/holiday-happenings/

    Christmas Paddle

    • A Bend holiday tradition where kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are decorated with lights and float down the Deschutes through the Old Mill District.

    • Best viewing spots are the Old Mill footbridges and riverside trails.

    • The event is free for spectators and typically draws dozens of glowing boats.

    • 2025 date coming soon.

    Sunriver Christmas Holiday Fun

    Christmas Dining at Sunriver Resort

    Santa & Mrs. Claus Visits

    Grand Illumination

    • Sunriver’s official holiday tree lighting and fireworks celebration.

    • Festivities include live music, Santa visit, train rides, telescope viewing, and kids’ activities.

    • Food from local vendors plus shopping in the Merchant Trader.

    • Outdoor stage entertainment and holiday fun for the whole family.

    • Details: https://www.sunriverresort.com/things-to-do#!/e/grand-illumination-71c73139

    Holiday Light Show

    More Things to Do Around Christmas

    There’s a lot more to the holiday season in Bend than just events and shopping. Here are some memorable ways locals and visitors alike enjoy Christmastime around Central Oregon:

    Ice Skating & Sledding

    • The Pavilion (Bend): NHL-size rink, fire pits, snow play area, food and beverage. Info: https://www.bendparksandrec.org/facility/the-pavilion/

    • Seventh Mountain Resort Rink: Outdoor rink with fire pits, hot cocoa, Cosmic Skate on Fridays. Info: https://seventhmountain.com/winter-activities/ice-skating/

    • Sunriver Ice Skating at The Village: Music, fireplaces, indoor viewing. Phone: 541-593-5948. Info: https://www.villageatsunriver.com/ice-skating/

    • Redmond Ice Rink: Seasonal rink in downtown Redmond next to Centennial Park. Info: https://www.redmondoregon.gov/

    • SHARC Tubing Hill (Sunriver): Tubing on Neveplast, open even with variable snow. Info: https://www.sunriversharc.com/

    • Wanoga Sno-Park: Sledding hill with warming shelter, fireplace, and toilets. Sno-Park permit required. Permit info: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/vehicle/sno_park_permits.aspx

    More Winter Fun Near the Old Mill

    • Walk the Deschutes River Trail at sunset and see light reflections.

    • Shop Old Mill boutiques for Central Oregon art, gear, and gifts.

    • Dine at Greg’s Grill, Anthony’s, or Pastini with views of holiday lights.

    • Ski or snowboard at Mt. Bachelor, then return for dinner and a movie at Regal Old Mill.

    • Watch the Holiday Paddle Parade if scheduled in 2025.

    • District hub: https://www.oldmilldistrict.com/

    Holiday Model Train at the Downtown Library

    • Each year, a longtime local trainman sets up a detailed model train display in the Downtown Bend Library around Christmas. It’s a magical stop for kids and adults alike—and a tradition many families return to every year.

    Winter Nights at the High Desert Museum

    Visit the Alpaca Farm in Terrebonne

    • Just 45 minutes north of Bend, Crescent Moon Ranch in Terrebonne is home to dozens of alpacas. Around the holidays, the ranch often has a festive feel with photo ops and a gift shop full of alpaca wool goods.

    • It's a unique stop for families or anyone looking for a low-key holiday outing.

    Cozy Up with a Warm Drink

    • Backporch Coffee Roasters: House-roasted beans, holiday drinks, and a great local vibe.

    • Lone Pine Coffee Roasters: A smaller shop with high-quality espresso and a cozy setting.

    • Thump Coffee: Located downtown and on Brookswood, Thump has rich blends and friendly staff—ideal for warming up after being out in the cold.

    Watch a Holiday Movie

    • Tin Pan Theater: A hidden gem with a tiny screen and big personality. Keep an eye out for classic holiday films.

    • Regal Old Mill: For new releases or a Christmas movie night out with friends or family.

    Best Parts of Town to Visit During Christmas

    Certain neighborhoods and districts in Bend really shine during the holidays:

    Downtown Bend

    • Lined with festive lights and decorated storefronts.

    • Perfect for shopping local and enjoying winter window displays.

    • Hot cocoa spots, art galleries, and boutiques are all within walking distance.

    The Old Mill District

    • A stunning setting along the Deschutes River.

    • Holiday lights, shopping, restaurants, and scenic trails.

    • Events and seasonal photo ops often scheduled through December.

    NorthWest Crossing & River Rim

    • Residential neighborhoods that go all out with light displays.

    • Ideal for an evening driving tour to admire the decorations.

    Sunriver

    • Sunriver is a great spot to visit for Christmas!

    sunriver snow at christmas

    Where to See Christmas Lights

    Bend locals take holiday lights seriously. Explore these areas for top-tier displays:

    • Awbrey Butte: Gorgeous views and beautifully decorated homes.

    • River Rim & SE Bend: Creative, coordinated lighting displays.

    • Drake Park and Downtown: A festive atmosphere complete with the city tree.

    • Check Local Maps: Each year, community-shared maps pop up online to guide your DIY light tour.

    Christmas Tree Cutting in Bend

    Cutting your own tree is a classic Bend tradition. The Deschutes National Forest offers $5 permits to harvest a tree (available online or at local hardware stores).

    • https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/b8d732af-ec55-11ea-b83f-6e0e43d29f74

    • Where to Go

      • Skyliners Road

      • Cascade Lakes Highway

      • Near Sunriver or Sisters

    • What You Can Cut

      • Max tree height: 12 feet

      • Max stump height: 12 inches

      • Species: Pine, fir, and cedar (varies by location)

      • Take the entire tree, not just the top

    • What to Bring

      • Printed permit

      • Saw, tarp, gloves, warm clothes

      • Tape measure, rope/straps, and a full gas tank

      • Food, water, map (don’t rely on GPS)

      • Chains/shovel if snow is expected

    • When to Go

      • Early December

      • Tree Care Tips

        • Cut a fresh slice off the trunk when you get home

        • Keep it in water and out of wind if storing outdoors

        • Drag gently or wrap in a tarp to protect needles

    Winter Recreation

    Christmas break is the perfect time to get outside. Bend has world-class winter options:

    • Mt. Bachelor: Skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing with panoramic views.

    • Snowshoeing & Nordic Skiing: Meissner Sno-Park and Virginia Meissner Nordic Center offer miles of trails.

    • Ice Skating: The Pavilion in Bend has public skate sessions and rentals.

    • Hot Springs Day Trip: Soak in nearby spots like East Lake Hot Springs or McCredie after a snowy hike.

    Local Shopping & Holiday Markets

    Support local makers and pick up unique gifts:

    • Holiday Markets: Held at locations like the Deschutes County Fairgrounds, Volcanic Theatre Pub, and OSU-Cascades.

    • Downtown Shops: Peruse one-of-a-kind boutiques, outdoor gear stores, and art galleries.

    • Old Mill Stores: Name brands mixed with locally owned gems.

    Christmas Dining in Bend

    Many local restaurants offer special holiday menus.

    • Dinner Out: Pine Tavern, Ariana, and The Brickhouse are great picks.

    • Sweet Treats: Pick up pies, cookies, and pastries from Foxtail Bakeshop, Sparrow Bakery, or The Dough Nut.

    • Pre-order Options: Many bakeries and markets let you order in advance for Christmas Eve pickup.

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    All Things Bend

    The team behind "All Things Bend" is a passionate group of Bend locals dedicated to celebrating and sharing the beauty, culture, and spirit of Bend, Oregon. With a deep-rooted love for the region, they provide insights into its natural wonders, vibrant community, and hidden gems, aiming to inspire both residents and visitors to explore and appreciate all that Bend has to offer.

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