Holiday Lights in Bend
Holiday Lights in Bend – 2025 Guide
The holidays are one of the best times to visit or be home in Bend. From classic tree lightings to festive river parades, Bend knows how to light up the season. Whether you're looking to kick off the season with a big event or just take a casual drive through the best neighborhoods, here’s your guide to Holiday Lights in Bend for 2025.
Downtown Bend Christmas Tree Lighting
Every year, the community gathers downtown to light up the city's main Christmas tree and officially kick off the season. It's a festive night filled with music, lights, and plenty of holiday spirit.
Friday, December 5, 2025
Tree located near The Commons and Mirror Pond Plaza
Live music performances leading up to the tree lighting
Santa typically makes an appearance
Family-friendly event; bundle up and get there early for a good spot
Old Mill District Holiday Lights and SantaLand
https://www.oldmilldistrict.com
The Old Mill District transforms into a full holiday scene with light displays all throughout the shopping area, along with SantaLand and other fun events for families.
Lights up nightly from late November through December
SantaLand opens on weekends for photos and visits
Tree of Joy inside SantaLand offers gifts for local children in need
Restaurants and shops fully decorated for the season
Great spot to walk around with a hot cocoa and take in the lights
Tumalo Creek Holiday Lights Paddle Parade
One of the most unique Bend holiday traditions. Local paddlers deck out their kayaks and canoes in Christmas lights and float down the Deschutes River through the Old Mill.
Tentatively scheduled for Friday, December 12, 2025
Floats start near Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe shop
Best viewing areas are along the Old Mill paths
Dress warmly — sunset happens early in December
Free to watch; bring a thermos and enjoy the river lights
Sunriver Resort Holiday Light Show
https://www.sunriverresort.com
A beautiful, family-friendly light show happens nightly at Sunriver Resort's Backyard area. It's set to music and makes a great evening trip out from Bend.
Running nightly from November 28, 2025 through January 1, 2026
Light shows at 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, and 7:30 PM
Free to attend and walk around
Sunriver Resort also features ice skating, sleigh rides, and Gingerbread Junction displays
Local Favorites for Holiday Lights
There are some local spots around Bend and nearby that always get recommended for seeing festive lights. These neighborhoods and spots aren't official "events," but they're worth adding to your holiday lights route.
Camden Place off Ferguson Road: A great little loop with lots of festive houses close together. Easy to drive slowly or even walk if the weather's nice.
Eagle Crest Resort: As you drive in toward the resort, look for the big light displays along the main road. Some even set up moving light scenes that are really fun to see.
Northwest Crossing: A great neighborhood to walk. Many homes put up creative and cozy displays. Especially fun with a cup of coffee or cocoa in hand.
Old Bend Neighborhoods: Areas near Drake Park and Harmon Park sometimes have hidden gems for classic holiday lights on historic homes.
Best Neighborhoods for Holiday Lights in Bend
Bend has some standout neighborhoods where locals really go all out with decorating. Some streets even coordinate full blocks with synchronized lights.
Sarah Drive (SE Bend): Probably the best-known decorated street in town
Bonnie Bridge: Tucked into the east side, this neighborhood lights up big
Archie Briggs Road: Scenic area with a lot of beautiful, creative light displays
Awbrey Butte: Some stunning high-elevation homes with full views and festive setups
NorthWest Crossing: Lots of cozy and creative lights among the neighborhood parks
Outdoor Activities to Pair with Holiday Lights
Make a whole holiday-themed day or weekend out of it with some classic Bend activities.
Ice skating at The Pavilion in Bend
Sledding at Wanoga Sno-Park (snow permitting)
Holiday shopping stroll through Downtown Bend or the Old Mill
Snowshoe tours or winter hikes with Wanderlust Tours
Cozy fireside cocktails at favorite Bend spots like the Lot or the Brown Owl
Tips for Seeing Holiday Lights in Bend
Dress warm: Temps usually dip into the 20s–30s in December.
Go early for parking: Especially for downtown or Old Mill events.
Bring a thermos: Hot cocoa, tea, or cider make walking tours way better.
Be respectful: When touring neighborhoods, drive slow, dim headlights, and don’t block driveways.
Make a playlist: Put on holiday music in the car if you’re doing a self-guided lights tour.
Book Sunriver activities early: Their sleigh rides and skating can fill up fast.
