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
You can’t have a Central Oregon holiday without the Bend Christmas Parade. With the theme The Heart of Christmas, the downtown streets will be filled with festive floats, local performers and, of course, Santa. This tradition has been lighting up the streets since the ’50s, and it’s the perfect way to kick off your holiday season. Be there to catch the action, soak in the sights and kick-start your December with a little holiday magic.
Where to Shop for Gifts at Central Oregon Artisan Markets
Local artisans are out in full force this season, offering everything from holiday decor to one-of-a-kind gifts. Take a stroll through these festive markets, warm drink in hand and check off everything on your gift list. With live music, food trucks and plenty of holiday cheer, these markets are as much about the experience as they are about shopping. Explore the best holiday markets in Central Oregon here.
Seasonal Theater and Music in Central Oregon
Whether you’re craving classic holiday tunes or something a little more unconventional, Central Oregon has a show for every mood. From jazz and musicals to bass-dropping holiday DJ sets, the entertainment options are as varied as they are festive. Grab your tickets and get ready to be entertained.
Holiday Magic | Dec 7 & 8
For a twist on your typical holiday concert, check out Holiday Magic with the Cascade Chorale. Featuring jazz renditions of holiday classics and works from composers like Eric Whitacre and James Knox, this event promises to hit all the right notes. Plus, you’ll get a double dose of musical brilliance with performances from the 27th Street Brass Quintet and the Dove String Quartet.
Jingle Ball 2024 | Dec 6
This isn’t your average holiday party. Jingle Ball is back for its third annual holiday EDM bash, and it’s taking things up a notch. Local DJs and headliner Maddy O’Neal will take the stage in a transformed Midtown Ballroom, creating a holiday wonderland filled with an instant photo booth, activities and a whole lot of dancing. Think of it as a one-night festival with all the holiday spirit.
Swingin’ Tower Christmas | Dec 20, 21, 22
Looking for a family-friendly way to celebrate the season? Swingin’ Tower Christmas has all the holiday tunes and carols you can handle, performed by a 16-piece big band. Hosted by Mollie Tennant, it’s a show that’ll get the whole family into the holiday spirit with some toe-tapping tunes.
Wreath-Making Workshops
The holidays are all about getting your hands in the festive spirit, and what better way to do that than by crafting your own wreath? Whether you’re a crafting pro or just looking for a fun, hands-on activity, these wreath-making workshops are the perfect way to add some personalized charm to your holiday decor. Here’s where you can get crafty this season:
Summer Robbin’s Wreath Making Workshop | Nov. 30th & Dec. 1st
Get your creative juices flowing at a Wreath Making Workshop with Summer Robbins wreath-making workshop. With small bites, drinks and a capped class size, you’ll have all the space and festive cheer you need to design your perfect wreath. It’s crafting and community wrapped into one fun afternoon.
Holiday Wreath with Leah Thompson of Stumpmunk Farms | Dec 1st & Dec 7th
Join Leah Thompson at Space in Common for a wreath-making workshop that’s all about fresh, organic greenery. Leah will guide you through the entire process—from layout to finish—while you learn about the plants and flowers used, all sourced from her farm in Sisters.
And one more: Wreath Workshop Hosted by Cultivate Farms at The Grove, learn more here.
Holiday Runs in Central Oregon
Time to swap your regular running gear for something a little more festive. From ugly sweaters to reindeer headbands, these holiday-themed runs are a fun way to stay active and get in the seasonal spirit.
Ugly Sweater Run | Dec 7, 2024
It’s the 4th Annual Ugly Sweater 5K in Sisters, and it’s as festive (and hilarious) as it sounds. Run or walk through a scenic route while rocking your favorite ugly Christmas sweater, and cap it off with a post-race party at The Barn food truck pod. Bonus points for joining as a team and showing off those wild sweaters. A portion of the proceeds goes to Living Well With Dementia and the Outlaws Downhill Ski Team.
The Reindeer Rush | Date TBD
The Reindeer Rush gives kids and families a chance to run the same route as the Bend Christmas Parade. Registration is free, and the first 500 kids get a whimsical reindeer headband.
Holiday Season at the Old Mill District
The Old Mill District transforms into a holiday haven, offering everything from sparkling lights to festive performances. With a mix of shopping, music and holiday cheer, it’s the perfect place to create memories with family and friends this season.
SantaLand
Step into SantaLand at the Old Mill District and you’ll feel like you’ve walked straight into a holiday storybook. Open on select days from Nov. 29 through Dec. 23, it’s the place for kids (and adults) to visit Santa, snap a photo and even send off a letter to the North Pole. Plus, with the Tree of Joy providing gifts to families in need, this spot really captures the spirit of the season.
Holiday Lights Paddle Parade | Dec 13
If you’ve never seen kayaks and paddleboards lit up like holiday trees, you’re missing out. The Holiday Lights Paddle Parade turns the Deschutes River into a river of lights, with paddlers cruising through the water in light-adorned boats. It’s a magical display that will make you feel like you’re in your own holiday movie.
Menorah Lighting | Dec 25
Celebrate the Festival of Lights at the Menorah Lighting in the Old Mill District, hosted by Chabad of Central Oregon. Starting at 4 p.m., join in the festivities with music, hot drinks and food. It’s a beautiful way to commemorate the spirit of Chanukah with the local Jewish community, and all are welcome to attend.
Click here for more information on holiday celebrations in the Old Mill.
Holiday Season at Central Oregon Resorts
Central Oregon’s resorts know how to do the holidays right. From sleigh rides and ice skating to cozy dining experiences, these spots are the perfect getaway to create lasting holiday memories.
Black Butte Ranch
Black Butte Ranch is where holiday magic meets mountain charm. From the Christmas Tree Lighting to breakfast with Santa and a Christmas dinner, the resort offers everything you need to feel the season. Don’t miss out on snowy carriage rides between Christmas and New Year’s.
Sunriver Resort
Sunriver Resort is a holiday tradition for many, and it’s easy to see why. From brunch with Santa and a holiday light show to storytime with Mrs. Claus and so much more, Sunriver offers endless ways to get into the holiday spirit.
Brasada Ranch
At Brasada Ranch, the holidays are made for family fun. With a tree lighting, visits with Santa, and carriage rides, there’s no shortage of festive activities. Kids will love the writing letters to Santa, while adults can enjoy a special Christmas Eve Dinner at Wild Rye.
From festive runs and family-friendly performances to cozy resort getaways, Central Oregon is filled with ways to celebrate the season. So whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to enjoy some holiday cheer, there’s plenty to make this season unforgettable. For more details on upcoming events, check out our full calendar of celebrations.
