Come welcome Santa Claus to Bend the day after Thanksgiving when he arrives in the Les Schwab Amphitheater via an AirLink helicopter!

Our connections in the North Pole say Santa will arrive around 10:15 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 28. 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.