Christmas in Bend (2025) - Your Holiday Guide
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 Events in Bend (2025)
Bend's December calendar is full of family-friendly events, local traditions, and seasonal fun:
Bend Christmas Parade
A beloved tradition downtown, typically the first Saturday in December.
2025 info TBA
Christmas Tree Lighting
https://www.downtownbend.org/christmas
Friday, DECEMBER 5TH 2025
4pm-7pm
Downtown Bend
Old Mill Holiday Happenings
Santa flies in
Go to Santaland
Drop off letters to Santa
Tree of JOy
Sit with Santa
TBA for 2025
Santaland
TBA for 2025
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:
Sledding and Snowshoeing
Wanoga Sno-Park: A favorite for families with a dedicated sledding hill and space for everyone to spread out.
Virginia Meissner Sno-Park: Great for snowshoeing or Nordic skiing, with peaceful forest trails and stunning mountain views.
Skyliners Road: A more low-key option for people looking to sled or hike through snow-covered trees.
Note: You’ll need a Sno-Park permit to park at these locations. Always check road and snow conditions before heading out.
Ice Skating
The Pavilion Ice Rink: Bend’s outdoor covered rink near downtown. Offers open skate sessions, rentals, and a festive winter vibe.
Seventh Mountain Resort: This smaller rink nestled in the pines is perfect for kids and families looking for a more relaxed experience.
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
This annual after-hours experience includes seasonal activities, live music, crafts, and holiday lights across the museum grounds.
Learn more here: https://highdesertmuseum.org/winter-nights/
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!
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.
