November 15
Flannel & Frost
FUNDRAISER – This unforgettable evening brings the community together for a night of celebration, generosity and impact, featuring a lively auction, great food and plenty of flannel—all to support local youth programs.
Boys & Girls Club of Bend | $150
bgcbend.org/flannel-frost-gala/
November 15 + 16
Holiday Bazaar
SHOP – Shop for holiday gifts and crafts, find treasures at this annual huge rummage sale and take home delicious baked goods. All products are made by church members—no commercial vendors! Proceeds benefit local non-profits. 9am – 2pm.
Bend Church | Free
November 15 + 16
Winter Traditions & Festival of Trees
SHOP – Browse through 35+ vendors at this holiday bazaar in La Pine. In addition to shopping, there will be Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch in attendance.
La Pine Activity Center | Free
lapineseniorcenter.org
November 21–23
Holiday Food & Gift Festival
SHOP – This 26th annual festival returns! Shop hundreds of exhibitors and local artisans for arts, crafts, jewelry, clothing, woodcraft, music, photography, toys, Christmas décor and much more. Discover one-of-a-kind gifts, support small businesses and complete your holiday shopping early.
Deschutes County Expo Center | $7; free for kids
expo.deschutes.org/events
November 22–January 1
Traditions at Sunriver Resort
HOLIDAY – Kicking off with the Grand Illumination, this holiday tradition gives families the opportunity to visit Santa, enjoy hot cocoa by the fire, experience a horse-drawn sleigh ride, enjoy huggable characters, holiday shopping and more. Enjoy the spirit of the holidays in Sunriver and don’t miss the fireworks show!
Sunriver Resort | Free
sunriverresort.com/traditions
November 22
The High Desert Saxophone Quartet
MUSIC – The High Desert Saxophone Quartet is comprised of musicians from the Cascade Symphonic Winds, a wind orchestra sponsored by Central Oregon Community College. They will present a program of classical transcriptions and music from the Great American Songbook. 4pm.
Redmond Library | Free
Deschutespubliclibrary.org
November 22 (weather permitting)
Opening of Seventh Mountain Ice Rink
SKATE – Ice skating is a wonderful way to enjoy the magic of winter. Bring the kids or schedule some adult time. Skates are included with admission or bring your own and receive a discount. All ages are allowed, and skates come in all sizes. Concessions are available.
Seventh Mountain Resort | Prices vary
seventhmountainriverco.com/ice-skating
November 22–30
Silver Sage Trading Winter Sale
SHOP – If you’re looking for that unique Central Oregon gift, head to the High Desert Museum’s gift shop, Silver Sage Trading, where, during this time, members receive 20% off most merchandise. (10% off for other visitors). Those coming exclusively to shop may enter the museum for free. Check in at admissions. Open daily 11am–4 pm.
High Desert Museum | Free
highdesertmuseum.org
November 27
Redmond Turkey Trot
RUN – Come for a Thanksgiving fun run (5 or 10K) with your family and friends. Registration includes race entry (no official timing), a discounted Hoodoo ski lift ticket and a t-shirt (while supplies last). Don’t miss The Brace Place 1K kids race which is free for all kids ages 10 and under!
Juniper Golf Course | $30–$35
redmondturkeytrot.com
November 27
I Like Pie Run
RUN – On Thanksgiving morning, bring the entire family to the Old Mill District for this iconic Bend run anytime between 7:30–9:30am to run or walk a 1.3-mile or 5K loop. Each registered participant will receive a unique beanie (first 3,000). All proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Bend.
Old Mill | $25–45
cascaderelays.com/events/i-like-pie/
November 28 (conditions permitting)
Mt. Bachelor Opening Day
SKI – Grab your shredding buddies and come up to Mt. Bachelor for Opening Day 2025! Conditions permitting, Mt Bachelor will open the day after Thanksgiving. Fingers crossed for deep snow, free refills and loads of stoke!
Mt. Bachelor | Prices vary
mtbachelor.com
November 28
Holiday Village Market
SHOP – This enchanting event transforms our community into a winter market wonder, featuring unique holiday gifts, delicious treats and Santa!
10am–4pm.
Centennial Park in Redmond | Free
visitredmondoregon.com/events-in-redmond-oregon
November 28–December 22
Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Bend Christmas Show!
THEATER – One of the holiday season’s favorite tales has been reimagined and transformed into a gut-busting, fun and family-friendly theatrical experience that incorporates our very own Cascades Theatre into the story. Take a spin with Ebenezer, all three ghosts, Tiny Tim and more in this music-filled show. A story about transformation, this show is clever and high energy—a concentrated shot of holiday fun and festivity.
Cascades Theatrical Company | $42–$47
cascadestheatrical.org
November 29–30
The Nutcracker: A Child’s Tale
SHOW – Bring the whole family to this heart-warming take on a classic, featuring local dancers as they tell the story of a young girl, Clara, who befriends a nutcracker on Christmas Eve. Through movement and music, the dancers bring the night’s adventure to life.
Tower Theatre | $33–$57
towertheatre.org
November 29
Starlight Parade
HOLIDAY – With Cousin Eddie’s festive float, Uncle Lewis’s questionable holiday cheer, and Clark’s… well, Clark’s enthusiasm, you’ll experience a holiday spectacle like no other. Clark’s antics might just steal the show. The festivities begin at 5pm on 6th Street. Grab some eggnog and find your spot to witness the unpredictable fun of our National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation-themed parade.
Downtown Redmond | Free
visitredmondoregon.com/events-in-redmond-oregon/
November 29
Holiday Palooza & Tree Lighting in Sisters
HOLIDAY – All are welcome as Sisters combines two favorite holidays into one spectacular event! The Holiday Palooza will kick off with a holiday parade down Main Street and culminate with holiday activities, including the tree lighting ceremony at Fir Street Park. Enjoy festive music and free hot chocolate to get you in the holiday spirit! 3:30–5:30pm.
Fir Street Park | Free
sistersrecreation.com
December 3
Kids 3D Printing Workshop
LEARN – Are you curious about exactly how something gets from an idea to a real-world object? This class will cover everything from how a 3D printer works to creating and printing custom designs. You will be directed to the proper software to add to your own computer for future self-learning too. Beginners and intermediate beginners including repeat participants are welcome and will progress in skill level. All materials included.
DIY Cave | $99
diycave.com
December 5
Kids Night Out!
FUNDRAISER – Parents/guardians enjoy a night off, leaving the kiddos (ages 4-11) to experience an evening packed with games, crafts, activities and a DIY meal. This fundraiser event supports the teen program, with certified babysitters volunteering to get hands-on experience.
Amity Creek Magnet at Thompson Elementary
campfireco.org/specialevents
December 5
Santa Pajama Event
PLAY – Get into the holiday spirit with a magical, pajama-themed celebration at Free Spirit! Dress your little ones in their cutest holiday PJs and snap adorable photos with Santa and his merry elves. The fun continues with festive group games, hands-on ornament-making and plenty of giggles as kids stay active in the vibrant ninja gym.
Free Spirit Bend | $28
freespirityoganinjaplay.com
December 6
Bend Christmas Parade
PARADE – Don’t miss this annual holiday tradition in downtown Bend. Check out the floats, marching bands, decorations and so much more! Santa is sure to make an appearance! Grab a spot early—the parade starts at noon.
Downtown Bend | Free
bendchristmasparade.org
December 6
Festival of Trees
FUNDRAISER – During the daytime event, the community is invited to come see Santa, hear some local live music and, best of all, view the 30+ stunningly decorated (donated!) Christmas trees prepped and ready for the live auction, which will take place during the evening event. The daytime event is free to the public and typically draws a huge crowd! During the evening, attendees purchase tickets to enjoy dinner, music, raffles, games and an exciting live Christmas tree auction. All proceeds raised go towards various free programs.
Hospice of Redmond
hospiceofredmond.org/festival-of-trees/
December 6 & 7
Holiday Magic
MUSIC – As winter deepens and the light of day grows scarce, we often turn inward-listening more closely to silence, to memory, to the subtle rhythms of the season. Under the masterful direction and artistry of James W. Knox, this evening’s concert, “A Season’s Journey,” is shaped by that turning. It offers not just a collection of carols and choral works, but a meditative progression through the themes of mystery, wonder, joy and community that define this time of year. Come share in the joy!
Tower Theatre | $25–$37
towertheatre.org
December 10
Kids Woodworking
ART – In this kid-friendly workshop, participants will design and build their very own child-sized, one-piece wooden cutting board. Along the way, they’ll learn the basics of measuring, shaping, sanding and finishing wood—all with age-appropriate and safe tools under the close guidance of experienced instructors. All materials included. 5:30-8pm.
DIY Cave | $119
diycave.com
December 10
Rock The Holidays with Violinist Aaron Meyer
MUSIC – Mark your calendars for this event, featuring concert rock violinist Aaron Meyer in Sunriver. Aaron will perform original material and hits of the season, combining contemporary and classical styles with his dynamic rock band. This event is presented in collaboration with the Tower Theatre Foundation.
The Tower Theatre | $40–$65
sunrivermusic.org
December 10
Rainbow Family Night: Redmond
READ – This event highlights newly published LGBTQIA2S+ books for the whole family, provide space to connect with other local families and allow new friends to create rainbow crafts together. Snacks and drinks provided. Bring the whole family! 5:30–6:30pm.
Redmond Library I Free
deschuteslibrary.org
December 12–14
Geminids Meteor Shower Starlight Snowshoe Tour
TOUR – The Geminids Meteor Shower is one of the most plentiful showers that grace the night skies each year! Cruising on snowshoes under the night sky, immerse yourself in the winter wonderland of the Deschutes National Forest, enjoy a cup of delectable hot cocoa and meander through the powdery snow! During the adventure, naturalist guides will share the history of trapping on snowshoes or discuss the invention of snowshoeing by Native Americans. Enjoy the hushed ambiance of the forest coupled with the glimmer of starlight.
Deschutes National Forest | $130
wanderlusttours.com/special-events
December 14
Kids’ Entrepreneur
Holiday Market
SHOP – See what the kids have dreamed up this time. Everything for sale is kid made and curated. Get on that holiday shopping and find gifts, food, jewelry, artwork and more! 1 – 4pm.
Elks Lodge | Free
kidsentrepreneurmarket.com
December 18–21
Swingin’ Tower Christmas
SHOW – Enjoy a family-friendly holiday celebration of the most swingin’ Christmas songs, as well as traditional carols and stories of the season. A 17-piece big band of top local musicians lays down the groove for several of your favorites. Host Mollie Tennant (“Annie”, “Cats,” “Mamma Mia,” “Les Miz”) heads a cast of local performers accompanied onstage by her husband Jim’s live 16-piece big band.
Tower Theatre | $44–$54
towertheatre.org
December 19–21
Jurassic Quest
EXHIBIT – Jurassic Quest is the world’s largest, most popular dinosaur event with unique and exciting experiences for the whole family. Observe the herd of life-size animatronic dinosaurs including Apatosaurus, Spinosaurus and an incredible T-Rex!
Deschutes County Fair &
Expo Center | $25
jurassicquest.com
December 19–21
Dirksen Derby
SNOWBOARD – Come out for this all-ages snowboarding race to raise money for charities and individuals in need. The 100% hand-dug Parallel Banked Slalom course challenges racers with a speedy but technical course. The world-class timing system combines riders’ times down the Red Course (more difficult) and the Green Course (more friendly) for a final combined time at the end of the weekend.
Mt Bachelor Ski Resort | $50–$75
dirksenderby.com
December 27
Sunriver Christmas
Bird Count
NATURE – An annual, day-long bird census held in the Sunriver area as part of the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count, this long-standing citizen science project takes place in early winter to monitor bird population trends. Volunteers gather to identify and count birds within a 15-mile radius, contributing valuable data to the survey.
Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory
snco.org
December 31
New Year’s Eve Bonfire on the Snow
TOUR – Ring in the new year with this tour at midnight under the light of the solar system’s twinkling lights. Cruising on snowshoes, find the destination of a hand-carved amphitheater in the snow where a crackling bonfire awaits. Join in for a magical meander through the powdery forest at night.
Deschutes National Forest | $170
wanderlusttours.com/special-events
January 1
New Year’s Relay
SKI – Each skier from each team will ski a 2km loop for a total distance of 6km for the whole team, except for the youngest category which will have a shorter course. Each skier may choose their own technique. Costumes are strongly encouraged. This is a casual and family-friendly event. Come for the laughs and stay for the goodies and raffle brought to you by Strictly Organic Coffee and MBSEF.
Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center | Prices vary
mbsef.org/new-years-nordic-relay/
January 18–18
Bring It On: The Musical
THEATER – From the creators of Hamilton and Next to Normal comes a high-energy musical that blends the thrill of competitive cheerleading with the drama, humor and heart of high school life.
Cascades Theatrical Company | $42–$47
cascadestheatrical.org
This article appears in BendNest Winter 2025.
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