The holiday season is in full swing and Central Oregon is buzzing with festive events. From art sales in a snowy setting to cozy movie screenings, cookie decorating fundraisers and enchanting musical performances, there’s no shortage of holiday cheer to fill your calendar. Here’s a roundup of must-see events to make your season extra magical.
Wednesday 12/4
Holiday Wreath Workshop with Stumpmunk Farms
In this hands-on workshop, you will learn how to create your own holiday wreath using an assortment of evergreens, juniper, dried flowers and dried citrus. Leah Thompson of Stumpmunk Farms will guide you through the process, and you get to take home a wreath that’s uniquely yours! Wed., Dec. 4, 5:30-7:30pm at Freak’N Art.
Friday 12/6
Creations from the Heart Christmas Bazaar
Annual Christmas bazaar with handcrafted gifts bags, kitchen items, quilted runners and wall hangings, knitted hats, scarves and mittens and many other items for gifting or personal use. Fri., Dec. 6, 10am-4pm at Christmas in July – Sherrie Adam’s Home (2148 NW 11th St., Redmond).
Stained Glass Ornaments
Looking for a fun way to make your holiday season memorable? Come make an ornament at the DIY Cave and create a memorable gift for yourself or a friend to hang on the Christmas tree. Fri., Dec. 6, 6-9pm at DIY Cave.
Friday 12/6- Sunday 12/8
Skyliners Holiday Art Sale
Take a snowy trip up to the historic Skyliners’ neighborhood. The Skyliners Holiday Art Sale is a yearly three-day event that showcases local artists with beautifully created pieces from clay, wood, metal and glass — each piece is made for you to enjoy. Fri., Dec. 6 to Sun., Dec. 8, 9am-6pm at Skyliners Holiday Art Sale (16250 Skyliners Rd., Bend).
Saturday 12/7
Bend Christmas Parade
Going 40 years strong, Bend’s beloved Christmas parade returns for 2024. The parade keeps on going and growing — expect this year to be the largest ever! Sat., Dec. 7, Noon in Downtown Bend.
Howlidays Saturday Screenings: “Elf”
Enjoy a holiday movie screening of the film “Elf” on a projector screen. During the movie, delight in seasonal hot beverages and snacks to enjoy the holiday season. Sat., Dec. 7, 6pm at Ponch’s Place.
RylieMay Rescue Ranch Holiday Cookie Decorating Event
Come to Spider City Brewing to decorate holiday-themed cookies and be a part of a fundraiser to help save senior dogs. Each registration includes pre-baked, unfrosted cookies and the icing, cookie decorations and fun! Sat., Dec. 7, 2-6pm at Spider City Brewing.
Holiday Magic
The Cascade Chorale is thrilled to announce a singing event that promises to enchant audiences with a delightful blend of cherished classics and fresh new music from composers like Eric Whitacre and James Knox. Sat., Dec. 7, 7pm at Tower Theatre.
Monday 12/9
Wreath Making Class
Make your own wreath this holiday season at Moonfire & Sun Garden Center. All materials will be provided, and the greenhouse will be nice and toasty while you create beautiful works of art to bring into your home. Mon., Dec. 9, 1-3pm at Moonfire & Sun Garden Center.
Kids Polar Bear Painting Plus Ornaments
Nurture your child’s creativity, boost confidence and develop essential skills through a paint class at Bevel Craft Brewing. With every brushstroke, your child will gain a sense of accomplishment, build self-esteem and explore their imagination. Mon., Dec. 9, 3:45-5:15pm at Bevel Craft Brewing.
Tuesday 12/10
Holiday Cards: Starry Winter Nights
Experience the magic in creating a starry, winter night-themed holiday card. Led by Anastasia, you’ll learn techniques to create stunning, layered mini-paintings that capture the twinkling lights of a winter starry night. By the end, you’ll have five unique handmade cards and envelopes. Tue., Dec. 10, 5:30-7pm at Freak’N Art.
Wednesday 12/11
Christmas with The Celts
Get into the holiday spirit with a Christmas show at the Tower Theatre. The Celts are known for incorporating all things Irish into a blend of genres from retro disco to country, jazz and rock. Wed., Dec. 11, 7:30pm at Tower Theatre.
Thursday 12/12
Winter Nights: Feels Like Flannel
Flaunt your flannel as you explore the Blood, Sweat and Flannel exhibition after hours at the High Desert Museum. Grab a treat at the Rimrock Café, enjoy holiday discounts at Silver Sage Trading, take photos in the photobooth, decorate holiday cookies and more. Thu., Dec. 12, 4-7:30pm at High Desert Museum.
Thursday 12/12
Intentional Burn Bundle Workshop
Enjoy an evening of intentional crafting and create a gorgeous, natural burn bundle for winter solstice celebrations. There will be a variety of botanicals and crystals to craft your own burn bundle to make for yourself or as a gift for a loved one. Thu., Dec. 12, 6-8pm at The Peoples Apothecary.
Friday 12/13
Pint & Paint
Unwind with a fun and creative pint and paint class led by Sarah from Let’s Paint. All materials will be supplied and guidance provided to help you craft your own one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Fri., Dec. 13, 6-8pm at Bridge 99 Brewery.
Friday 12/13 + Saturday 12/14
Christmas in Powell Butte
Grab gifts for your loved ones this holiday season at Christmas in Powell Butte, a bazaar with a great selection of vendors offering unique and quality items for the perfect gift this year. Fri., Dec. 13, 2-7pm and Sat., Dec. 14, 9am-4pm at Powell Butte Community Center.
Friday 12/13
Winter Salads
Warming stews, casseroles and hearty chilis become staples for our meal planning once the weather turns brisk, but we all know we still have to get our veggies in. Learn to create wholesome seasonal salads with Chef Suzanne Landry using winter greens, veggies, grains, protein, fruits and nuts. Fri., Dec. 13, 2-3:30pm at Becky Johnson Center.
Saturday 12/14
Holiday Cheer Drive Thru
Come one, come all for some holiday cheers. Drop off letters to Santa, snap a photo, grab some hot cocoa and say hello to the Healing Herd at Healing Reins. Sat., Dec. 14, 2-4pm at Healing Reins Equine Assisted Services at Cline Falls.
Santa is Coming to Ponch’s Place
Mark your calendars because Santa is coming to Ponch’s Place for festive photos! Bring your friends, family and even your furry companions. There will be a team member capturing the holiday magic. Sat., Dec. 14, 4-6pm at Ponch’s Place.
Sunday 12/15
Santa Baby Drag Brunch
Head over to Deschutes Brewery Bend Public House for a Santa Baby brunch featuring fabulous drag performances. Indulge in delicious, hand-crafted brunch specials and festive, glittery cocktails while being entertained by some of the most talented drag queens in town. Sun., Dec. 15, 11am-2pm at Deschutes Brewery & Public House.
Plays Out Loud: “A Christmas Carol”
Spend an evening reading an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic story with friends and neighbors. Members of the Deschutes Public Library will provide the script while you provide the dramatic skills. You’ll be randomly assigned roles and so be prepared to play Scrooge, Fezziwig or Tiny Tim. Sun., Dec. 15, 5:30-7:30pm at SCP Redmond Hotel.
Monday 12/16
Winter Wonderland Terrariums
In this hands-on session, you’ll create a magical, snowy scene inside a glass terrarium — perfect for decorating your home or giving as a one-of-a-kind gift. All materials will be provided including a glass terrarium, fairy lights and other festive supplies. Mon., Dec. 15, 5:15-7pm at Freak’N Art.
Cozy Winter Storytelling
It’s getting colder, so come together and listen to some heart-warming stories. Storytellers and local teacher Matthew Friday will tell you traditional winter folk tales from around the world. Snacks and hot cocoa will be provided during this cozy event. Mon., Dec. 16, 5:30-6:30pm at East Bend Public Library.
Thursday 12/19
Holiday Watercolor People Blobs
Participate in this artsy event over the holiday season. In this class, Lee Kellogg will teach you how to make people from blobs of watercolor paint to populate your artwork. All skill levels are welcome. Thu., Dec. 19, 10:30am-Noon at Sisters Library.
With a Child: Holiday Cookie Decorating
Get in the festive spirit with your kiddo at the holiday cookie decorating event. Together, you’ll decorate delicious holiday cookies and leave with tasty treats to enjoy at home. Thu., Dec. 19, 5-6:30pm at Freak’N Art.
Friday 12/20
Santa Meet & Greet
Meet Santa and take some photos while helping a good cause. Cookie decorating kits are available for $5 and benefit the RMHC, or bring an item from the wish list such as paper towels, Lysol wipes or Ziploc bags and get a free cookie kit. Fri., Dec. 20, 4-6pm at Craft Kitchen and Brewery.
Friday 12/20- Sunday12/22
Swingin’ Tower Christmas
Enjoy the return of the beloved, family-friendly show with the liveliest songs and stories of the season. Host Mollie Tennant heads a cast of local performers accompanied onstage by her husband Jim’s live, 16-piece big band. Fri., Dec. 20-Sun., Dec. 22, 7pm at Tower Theatre.
Saturday 12/21
Santa’s Workshop
Juniper Preserve hosts a Santa’s workshop that aims to spread the spirit of giving, joy and imagination. The workshop features a holiday experience filled with toy making, cookie decorating and photos with Santa. Sat., Dec. 21, 3-6pm at Juniper Preserve.
Monday 12/23
Christmas Movie Trivia
Put your holiday knowledge to the test with Christmas movie trivia featuring films such as “Love Actually,” “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “The Santa Clause.” Gather a team of six people max and wear your ugliest Christmas sweater for a chance to win extra prizes. Mon., Dec. 23, 6-8pm at Bevel Craft Brewing.
Tuesday 12/24
Christmas Eve Open House at Maragas Winery
Be a part of an old-fashioned Christmas tradition at a Central Oregon winery. Picture cozy and festive surroundings paired with a cup of mulled wine, spiced popcorn and live Christmas carols at the open house. Tue., Dec. 24, 11am-3pm at Maragas Winery.
Christmas Eve Dinner
Delight in a special Christmas Eve dinner at Juniper Preserve. The menu features food from a roasted heirloom beet salad to red wine-braised short ribs and an apple cranberry cheesecake. Tues., Dec. 24, 5-7:30pm at Juniper Preserve.
This article appears in The Source Weekly December 5, 2024.
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