Pair seasonal treats and special shopping occasions

With snow gently falling and holidays approaching, opportunities for creating sweet memories beckon. Time honored traditions are incorporated into a bustling season that simultaneously suggests staying cozy and bundling up for something wonderful.
We hope that you’ll find enjoyment in the balance and offer these holiday happenings for your consideration.

Tree of Joy (Extended Hours)

The invitation to practice generosity is one that is welcome year round. The Tree of Joy tradition is one that we highly recommend. Located in SantaLand, tags that display children’s wishes adorn the Tree. By selecting a tag, purchasing a gift and sharing it with the Tree of Joy team, you will be contributing to a goal of delivering 850 items to those in need.

Carriage Rides

Oh what fun it is to ride…! You’ll want to sing out loud as you enjoy a tour of the Old Mill District, tucked underneath blankets while pulled by horse and carriage. We are delighted to partner with Cowboy Carriage in offering complimentary Carriage Rides with tips and donations benefiting The Kids Center. Catch a round trip jaunt between Ben & Jerry’s and Francesca’s between 1p – 4p,  Friday, December 16 through Friday, December 23rd and Tuesday-Thursday, December 27-29 (Weather Permitting).

Roving Carolers

There is something especially sweet about being serenaded by some of your most cherished songs. Have you already happened upon the community choirs performing in the the Old Mill District? If not, there is still time to do so prior to December 18th. The tentative schedule is listed below for your reference.

Wednesday, December 14 from 2-3pm, Trinity Lutheran Middle School Choir
Thursday, December 15 from 4-5pm, Trinity Lutheran High School Concert Choir
Friday, December 16 from 1:15-2:15pm, High Desert Middle School Jazz Choir
Friday, December 16 from 5-6pm, Harmoneers Men’s Chorus
Saturday, December 17 from 4-5:30pm, Victorian Carolers
Sunday, December 18 from 4-6pm, Sisters High School Jazz Choir

SantaLand

Located in the north end of the Old Mill District, SantaLand is the epicenter of holiday happenings. Why? Well, it has a lot to do with being the headquarters for the season’s biggest celebrity, Santa Claus.

All are invited to share a wish and take a photo with Santa. Parents join in the fun by guessing the local personalities donning the red suit. Karen Cammack Photography is on hand to capture the sweet and silly moments, photographs are $10 each for a 5X7 print or $15 per jpeg.

SantaLand is open from 11am-5pm. Doors open at 10:45am to begin sign-ups. Friday, December 16 through Friday, December 23rd. We recommend early arrival and checking-in for text notification to ensure a jolly visit.

Extended Store Hours and Special Shopping Events

Starting December 16th, select stores have extended their shopping hours from 9a – 9p Monday – Saturday and 11a – 7p.

Special Shopping events include Saxon’s Fine Jewelers Shop Like a Man  December 14th + December 15th. Refreshments are served, gifts are wrapped and delight is sure to follow.
On December 21st, all are invited to a Holiday Block party with The Shoe Inn, Lululemon Athletica, Vanilla Urban Threads and Nashelle in the Old Mill District. Special discounts and surprises are in store at each of the participating retailers.

A Holiday Food Drive benefiting Saving Grace and Humane Society of Central Oregon continues through December 23rd at Desperado with Shoes &. Non-perishable food donations are being accepted and with them, 10% discounts applicable to holiday purchases.

You can keep track of all of the latest shopping specials and discounts by visiting our regularly updated website roundup.

With seasonal treats at every turn, the Old Mill District offers a variety of ways to enhance the gift of presence! We hope to see you soon and as always, we welcome shared highlights with your comments, photos and memories shared by tagging #OldMillDistrict in Bend.