New Year’s Eve in Bend, OR - Ultimate Guide (2025 into 2026)
Updated 9/2/25
Ring in 2026 properly in Bend!
As the year draws to a close, Bend, Oregon, transforms into a vibrant hub of festivities, offering a diverse array of events and activities to welcome the New Year. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the best ways to celebrate New Year's Eve in Bend.
Table of Contents
Highlights
Ski & Snowboard
Spend the day at Mt. Bachelor or Hoodoo. Cap it with music, good food, and a toast.
Mt Bachelor
Hoodoo
Downtown Bend
Bars, lounges, breweries, and live music. Walkable. Festive lights everywhere.
Family Fun
Early “Noon Year’s Eve” events. Ice skating under the lights. Guided snowshoe bonfire.
URL: https://www.bendparksandrec.org/facility/the-pavilion/ | https://seventhmountain.com/winter-activities/ice-skating/ | https://www.wanderlusttours.com/bonfire-on-the-snow
Fireworks
Look to Hoodoo’s mountain show. Enjoy holiday light displays around town and in Sunriver.
URL: https://skihoodoo.com | https://www.sunriverresort.com/traditions
Dining Out
Prix-fixe dinners. Cozy pubs. Breweries with music. Book early.
URL: https://www.arianarestaurantbend.com | https://www.zydecokitchen.com | https://brickhousebend.com | https://www.riverhouse.com/dining/currents
Make it a Weekend
Stay near the action. Ski on New Year’s Day. Do brunch. Take a First Day Hike.
URL: https://www.riverhouse.com | https://tetherow.com | https://www.campfirehotel.com | https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.page&id=269
Mountain Celebrations
Hoodoo Ski Area
All-Day Skiing and Night Energy
Hit groomers and glades. Stay for the evening lodge scene. Hoodoo keeps the vibe friendly and fun.
URL: https://skihoodoo.com
Torchlight Vibes and Fireworks
Hoodoo’s New Year’s tradition turns the slopes into a glowing backdrop. Fireworks after dark feel extra bright in the snow.
URL: https://skihoodoo.com
Live Music in the Lodge
Warm up by the fire. Grab a burger or chili. Enjoy bands or a DJ as midnight approaches.
URL: https://skihoodoo.com/the-lodge/
Family-Friendly Mountain Night
Easy parking. Close-knit scene. Kids love the snow glow and the short walk to the lodge after the show.
URL: https://skihoodoo.com
Mt. Bachelor
Big Mountain Day
4,000+ skiable acres. Great groomers. Deep snowpack most years. Perfect for a full day before you head to town.
URL: https://www.mtbachelor.com
Après at the Base
Settle into the lodge for a pint or cocoa. Watch the last light fade off the volcano.
URL: https://www.mtbachelor.com/plan-your-trip/dining
Family Programs
Bachelor often builds out kid-friendly fun in holiday weeks. Think cocoa stops, meetups, and village energy.
URL: https://www.mtbachelor.com
Getting There Safely
Check weather and road updates. Consider the shuttle on busy days.
URL: https://www.mtbachelor.com/plan-your-trip/getting-here
Downtown Bend Celebrations
Cocktail Lounges
Velvet
Small, stylish, candlelit. Craft cocktails. A relaxed countdown feel.
URL: http://velvetbend.com
Dogwood Cocktail Cabin
Wood-lined cabin vibe and creative drinks. Good for couples and small groups.
URL: https://www.dogwoodcocktailcabin.com
The Stihl Whiskey Bar
Inside Old St. Francis School. Deep whiskey list. Cozy corners.
URL: https://www.mcmenamins.com/old-st-francis-school/stihl-whiskey-bar
Breweries & Pubs
Deschutes Brewery Pub
Bend classic. Big space. Festive energy and hearty winter fare.
URL: https://www.deschutesbrewery.com/locations/bend-pub/
Bend Brewing Company
River views. Seasonal beers. Low-key countdown with locals.
URL: https://bendbrewingco.com
Silver Moon Brewing
Lively crowd. Music and party vibes. Good for a bigger group.
URL: https://www.silvermoonbrewing.com
McMenamins Old St. Francis School
Multiple bars on one property. Courtyards. Soaking pool for hotel guests.
URL: https://www.mcmenamins.com/old-st-francis-school
Live Music & Venues
Midtown Ballroom / Domino Room
Big dance floor. DJ nights and band shows. High-energy New Year’s countdowns.
URL: https://www.randompresents.com
Volcanic Theatre Pub
Indie venue with a local crowd. Live bands and themed parties.
URL: https://www.volcanictheatrepub.com
Tower Theatre
Historic space. Polished productions and concerts. Nice pre-midnight stop.
URL: https://www.towertheatre.org
NYE Dining
Upscale Dinner
Ariana
Intimate rooms. Seasonal Northwest tasting menus. Book weeks ahead.
URL: https://www.arianarestaurantbend.com
Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails
New American with a Southern lean. Lively dining room for a holiday night.
URL: https://www.zydecokitchen.com
Brickhouse
Steak and seafood. Date-night mood. Downtown location.
URL: https://brickhousebend.com
River Views & Early Countdowns
Currents at Riverhouse
Dining by the Deschutes. Sometimes offers an early East Coast toast.
URL: https://www.riverhouse.com/dining/currents
ROAM at Oxford
Stylish hotel restaurant. Walk to bars and live music after dinner.
URL: https://www.oxfordhotelbend.com/roam
Creative Brewery Dinners
Immersion Brewing
Gastropub feel with seasonal specials. Good for groups.
URL: https://www.immersionbrewing.com
Bend Brewing Company
Pair a holiday menu with their winter ales and a river walk after.
URL: https://bendbrewingco.com
Family-Friendly Celebrations
Noon Year’s Eve
Family Countdown Options
Many local orgs run earlier balloon drops and kid-friendly countdowns. Ideal for younger kids.
Ice Skating Under the Lights
The Pavilion
NHL-size rink. Fire pits nearby. Book public skate ahead when you can.
URL: https://www.bendparksandrec.org/facility/the-pavilion/
Seventh Mountain Resort
Outdoor rink in the pines. Cosmic Skate with lasers on select nights.
URL: https://seventhmountain.com/winter-activities/ice-skating/
Sunriver Village Ice Rink
Indoor/outdoor vibe with fireplaces and music. Great for a family night.
URL: https://www.villageatsunriver.com/ice-skating/
Bonfire on the Snow
Wanderlust Tours Night Tour
Guided snowshoe to a hand-carved snow amphitheater. Cocoa or champagne by a big bonfire. Stars overhead if the sky is clear.
URL: https://www.wanderlusttours.com/bonfire-on-the-snow
Light Displays, River Walks, And Night Strolls
Old Mill District
Holiday River Walk
Stroll the footbridges. Take in the lights on the smokestacks and the water. Warm up with cocoa between shops.
Sunriver Resort
Light Show & Holiday Scene
The resort glows at night with a light show during the season, plus skating and dining. It feels like a small winter village.
Lodging & Weekend Stays
Resorts
Sunriver Resort
Rooms, suites, and vacation homes. Dining and skating on site. Easy holiday vibe.
Tetherow
Modern rooms and homes near the Cascade Lakes Highway. Quiet setting and quick city access.
URL: https://tetherow.com
In-Town Hotels
Riverhouse on the Deschutes
On the river with views. Close to downtown and the Old Mill.
URL: https://www.riverhouse.com
Oxford Hotel Bend
Boutique hotel in the heart of downtown. Walk to most NYE plans.
URL: https://www.oxfordhotelbend.com
Campfire Hotel
Social courtyard and year-round heated pool. Fun for groups.
URL: https://www.campfirehotel.com
New Year’s Day in Bend
First Day Hikes
Pilot Butte Sunrise
Short hike. Big view. A classic way to start the year.
URL: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=30
Oregon State Parks First Day Hikes
Guided options across the state. Check the list in late December.
URL: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.page&id=269
Brunch To Refuel
Victorian Café
Big plates. Strong coffee. Famous brunch line and a festive crowd.
URL: https://www.victoriancafebend.com
Chow
Casual and local. Great for families and friend groups.
URL: https://www.chowbend.com
Jackson’s Corner
Two locations. Rustic breads, bowls, and espresso.
URL: https://www.jacksonscornerbend.com
Snow Play And Chill
Back To The Mountain
Day two on snow can be the best. Fewer crowds and calmer energy.
URL: https://www.mtbachelor.com | https://skihoodoo.com
Sledding And Tubing
Wanoga Sno-Park for sledding. SHARC tubing in Sunriver runs on Neveplast year-round.
URL: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=38360 | https://www.sunriversharc.com
Hot Spring Soak
Check road and snow conditions first, then plan a day trip to soak and reset.
URL: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=38394
Transportation, Weather & Practical Tips
Getting Around
Rideshare, Taxi, Shuttle
Plan a ride if you’re celebrating downtown. Some hotels add shuttles. Book ahead.
Mt. Bachelor Shuttle
Skip parking stress on peak days. Confirm holiday schedules in advance.
URL: https://www.mtbachelor.com/plan-your-trip/getting-here
Winter Conditions
Dress Warm
Even short walks outside can be icy and cold. Layers, boots, hats, and gloves are a must.
URL: https://www.visitbend.com
Check Roads And Weather
Storms can move in fast. Look at conditions before you drive.
URL: https://tripcheck.com
Reservations And Timing
Book Early
Tables, rooms, tours, and lift tickets go fast. Lock them in weeks ahead.
URL: https://www.opentable.com | https://www.mtbachelor.com | https://skihoodoo.com | https://www.wanderlusttours.com/bonfire-on-the-snow
Family Timing
Do an early dinner, then skating or a river walk. Save the late countdown for adults.
URL: https://www.bendparksandrec.org/facility/the-pavilion/
Sample Plans You Can Copy
Chill And Cozy
Late Afternoon Check-In
Drop bags. Warm up by a lobby fire. Stroll for cocoa.
URL: https://www.riverhouse.com
Dinner
Brickhouse for steak. Walk to a lounge after.
URL: https://brickhousebend.com
Countdown
Velvet for a low-key toast and good music.
URL: http://velvetbend.com
New Year’s Day
Brunch at Victorian Café. Pilot Butte for a short hike.
URL: https://www.victoriancafebend.com | https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=30
Family Fun All The Way
Afternoon Skating
The Pavilion or Sunriver rink. Finish with hot chocolate.
URL: https://www.bendparksandrec.org/facility/the-pavilion/ | https://www.villageatsunriver.com/ice-skating/
Early Dinner
River view at Currents. Back to the room before bedtime.
URL: https://www.riverhouse.com/dining/currents
Early Countdown
Check for Noon Year’s Eve or early family events.
New Year’s Day
Sled at Wanoga. Quick nap. Easy dinner in town.
URL: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=38360
Mountain To Midnight
Day At Bachelor Or Hoodoo
First chair. Long lunch. One last lap by sunset.
URL: https://www.mtbachelor.com | https://skihoodoo.com
Après And Music
Lodge beers and snacks. Watch the sky turn deep blue.
URL: https://www.mtbachelor.com/plan-your-trip/dining | https://skihoodoo.com/the-lodge/
Countdown
Head to town for Volcanic Theatre Pub.
URL: https://www.volcanictheatrepub.com
New Year’s Day
Brunch at Jackson’s Corner. Easy river walk in the Old Mill.
URL: https://www.jacksonscornerbend.com | https://www.oldmilldistrict.com
Bend gives you options. Ski and celebrate on the mountain. Toast with friends downtown. Make it a family night with skates and cocoa. Book early. Dress warm. Add a full day for New Year’s brunch and a First Day Hike. You will start 2026 with clear air, big skies, and a story to tell.
