Santa is not flying into the Old Mill District in 2020, but look out for news about when he’ll be visiting the district!

Just one day after the I Like Pie Run on Thanksgiving 2019, Santa Claus hitches a ride into the Les Schwab Amphitheater with his helicopter buddies from AirLink.

Our connections in the North Pole say Santa will arrive around 10:15 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 29. Santa traditionally chats with children and families after he land before heading over to SantaLand in the Old Mill District.

Located this year in the former Gymboree space between REI and Tumalo Art Co., SantaLand highlights the holiday festivities in Bend. Families can stop in and take pictures will Jolly St. Nick every Friday through Sunday after Thanksgiving until Dec. 15 and daily Dec. 19-23. The Tree of Joy, a program that provides gift suggestions for children and families in need, is also based out of SantaLand.

The least stressful Black Friday sale you’ve ever seen will also be going on Friday, Nov. 29, in the Old Mill District.

Santa’s dramatic drop in kicks off a month-long holiday celebration in Bend.

Other events this winter include a very special First Friday Gallery Walk on Dec. 6 in which the Old Mill District is decorated and illuminated for the holiday season, Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe’s annual Holiday Lights Paddle Parade on the Deschutes on Dec. 13, the Chabad of Central Oregon’s menorah lighting ceremony on Dec. 22, and of course carolers throughout the month of December.