Santa, carolers and community highlight the season

It’s impossible to be in Bend during the holidays and not feel festive.
From Celebrity Santas and roving carolers in the Old Mill District to the Jingle Bell Run and Christmas parade downtown, the eggnog flows like wine in this part of Oregon during the holiday months.

Here’s some of our favorite Bend holiday events of 2018:

Celebrity Santa
Santa’s pretty busy during the winter months, so the Old Mill District has enlisted a jolly army of local celebrities to represent him in our SantaLand. Parents, can you guess who the Celebrity Santa of the day is?
Located between desperado and Avalon Salon in the Old Mill District.

Visit Santa in Bend every Fri-Sun until December 23 at the Old Mill District

Menorah Lighting for Chanukah
Meet in the Old Mill District’s Center Plaza by 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 for this annual tradition presented by the Chabad of Central Oregon. Music, hot drinks, potato latkes and the Great Chanukah Gelt Drop! (Gather chocolate coins as they rain down!)

Tree of Joy
This season give a gift to a child in need. Located in SantaLand, the Tree of Joy has the names and wish lists of Central Oregon children who need a little help. Names need to be selected and gifts delivered by Dec. 16. Trust us, providing for these kids will be one of the highlights of your holiday season.

Roving Musical Performances
Experience the joy and surprise of roving musical performances throughout the Old Mill District by local choir groups this holiday season. Bella Acappella gets things started on Dec. 1 from 2 to 3 p.m. Carolers will perform various afternoons and evenings through Dec. 23. Full schedule here.

Downtown Bend Christmas Tree Lighting
A Central Oregon tradition like none other, spend the evening singing carols and listening to local choirs before the traditional lighting of the downtown Bend Christmas Tree on Nov. 30. Festivities start at 4 p.m. and Santa is set to light the tree near Crow’s Feet Commons at 5:28 p.m.

Bend Christmas Parade
Capture the spirit of Christmas on Dec. 1 at noon for Bend’s annual Christmas parade. The parade starts on the intersection of Newport and Harmon, runs east on Newport, turns south on Wall and then meanders along Riverside Blvd. before it crosses the Galveston Street Bridge and ends.

Jingle Bell Run
This annual fun run is the kickoff for the downtown Bend Christmas parade on Dec. 1.  Dress warm or dress up or both.  Proceeds benefit the Arthritis Foundation. There is a 5K and 1 mile option (great for kids). This walk/run is a great activity for the whole family!