Deck your calendars with these holiday events in Central Oregon to celebrate the season.
Starlight Christmas Parade in Redmond.
Old Fashion Christmas
November 11-12 | Redmond
Start the holiday season at the Old Fashion Christmas event, held at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond. There will be a variety of handmade and artisan goods made by local artisans, along with antiques. Work your way through the candy land maze that leads to Santa, and enjoy classic holiday movies that will be playing throughout.
Holiday Good & Gift Festival
November 17-19 | Redmond
Each year, Redmond’s Holiday Food & Gift Festival draws thousands of attendees. While you shop booths from more than 120 local vendors selling their handmade and artisan goods, fuel up with gourmet food samples. This is the seventeenth year for the festival that is one of the largest of its kind in the Pacific Northwest.
Santa’s Workshop
November 18 | Prineville
Kids ages 3 to 9 are invited to spend an afternoon making crafts and holiday gifts at Santa’s Workshop at the Carey Foster Hall in Prineville. With unlimited access to arts and crafts, kids can make projects for gifts to give throughout the holidays. The event costs $5 per child, and they’ll have unlimited access to create as well as time to get a picture with Santa.
Grand Illumination
November 18 | Sunriver
Families will enjoy the Grand Illumination tree lighting party and ceremony at Sunriver Lodge, which will have children’s activities, visits from Santa, train rides, sleigh rides and more. Live music will entertain throughout the evening. There will also be pony rides and a petting zoo from DD Ranch. Local food vendors will be on site at this free event.
I Like Pie Run
November 23 | Bend
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, two Bend running traditions joined this year for one Thanksgiving morning fun run, appropriately dubbed the I Like Pie Run, that benefits the Boys and Girls Club of Bend and NeighborImpact. Join the 5k or 10k races, or a family-friendly walk/run on a shorter course through the Old Mill District. Don’t forget to bring a pie to donate or enter into the pie backing contest.
Rockin’ Holiday Kickoff
November 24 | Sunriver
Head to the Village at Sunriver for the second annual Rockin’ Holiday Kickoff. There will be hot cocoa and hot coffee to sip on while you and your family listen to carolers sing classic holiday tunes in the village. There’s also an opportunity to get free photos with Santa. Kids can also ride the Alpine Express Trackless Train through the village. After sunset, stay for the Christmas tree lighting and a concert.
Holiday Marketplace
November 24-25 | Sunriver
Start your holiday shopping at the Holiday Marketplace at Sunriver. On November 24 and 25, check out handcrafted goods from local and regional artists and artisans, including jewelry, art, textiles, metalwork and woodwork, soaps and lotions and more. The two-event now, now in its sixteenth year, will take place in the Great Hall at Sunriver Resort.
Starlight Christmas Parade
November 26 | Redmond
This annual tradition is one of the favorite holiday parades in Central Oregon. Residents line the streets of downtown Redmond to watch the Starlight Christmas Parade that begins as the sun goes down. After the parade, stay for the Christmas tree lighting.
Community Christmas Tree Lighting
December 1 | Bend
Each year, Bend’s holiday season kicks off with the Community Christmas tree lighting. Local choirs will lead the crowd in Christmas carols and sing festive holiday songs. The event begins at 6 p.m., and the tree will be lit by Santa at 6:59 p.m.
Jingle Bell Run
December 2 | Bend
Be a part of the kickoff to the Bend Christmas Parade at the annual Jingle Bell Run. Dress up in holiday gear to walk or run in the 5k or 1-mile races. The whole family can participate in this run that benefits the Arthritis Foundation.
Bend Christmas Parade
December 2 | Bend
Following the annual Jingle Bell Run in the morning, Bend’s annual Christmas parade will begin at noon. The holiday tradition features floats from local businesses and community organizations. This year’s theme is “Christmas Surprises.”
A Tower Christmas: Swing Into the Holidays
December 20-23
Featuring the eighteen-piece Tower Big Band, A Tower Christmas is a holiday tradition in Bend. This year’s theme is “Swing into the Holidays,” and the family-friendly performances will feature classic as well as contemporary holiday music.
