Winter weather is here, snow is plentiful and the Christmas season is in full swing. If you’re feeling festive, check out the list of holiday events below -– there’s a wide variety of celebratory activities in Central Oregon between now and Christmas Day.
Thru Dec. 18
Three Sisters Lions Club’s 6th annual fund-raising faire with creations from local vendors is open daily, 352 E. Hood Ave, Sisters. Hours: Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-6 & Sun 11-4. (206) 850-5352.
“It’s a Wonderful Life,” a live radio play: A small ensemble of actors bring dozens of characters to the stage to tell the classic story of George Bailey. 7:30 pm, Cascades Theatrical Company, 148 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. Adults $20, Seniors $16, Students $13. (541) 389-0803.
Thru Dec. 23
Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides: As part of Starfest, wagon rides are offered every Fri & Sat at 4:30 pm, Eagle Crest Resort. $10 adults, $5 children 5 & up. Reservations required. (541) 923-2453.
Thru Dec. 31
Starfest: Everyone is welcome to take a complimentary self-guided tour of this mile-long animated holiday light exhibit adjacent to Eagle Crest Lodge along Falcon Crest Drive. 4-10 pm, Eagle Crest Resort, 1522 Cline Falls Rd. (541) 923-2453.
Thru Jan. 1
18th Annual Traditions Holiday Celebration: A winter celebration that harkens back to a time when generations embraced the season — and each other. More than 150 family activities, including sleigh rides, snow shoeing, elf tuck-ins, holiday movies, Santa’s Workshop (create your own handcrafted holiday keepsake) & Gingerbread Junction (gingerbread houses will be on display in the Abbot Room). Sunriver Resort, 17600 Center Dr, Sunriver. (541) 593-1000.
Wednesday, Dec. 14
Sisters Classic Old-Time Radio Experience (SCORE) will perform “Miracle on 34th Street,” a live radio presentation with many sound effects created right on stage. Musicians from Sisters Ukulele Group will also perform. 7 pm (doors open at 6:30), Sisters Community Church, 1300 W. McKenzie Hwy. Donations accepted. (541) 548-0601
Dec. 14-15
Carriage Rides at the Old Mill: Courtesy of Cowboy Carriage. 2-5 pm (pick up/drop off is between Ben and Jerry’s and Francesca’s), Old Mill, Bend. Free; tips and donations benefits Kid’s Center.
Thursday, Dec. 15
A Pearl Harbor Christmas: This live radio play depicts how Redmond responded to the abrupt plunge into World War II, with live sound effects, period advertisements & great big-band music. 7-8:30 pm, Redmond High School, 675 SW Rimrock Way, Redmond. Veterans attend free. (541) 923-4800.
Dec. 15- 16
“The Night Before the Night Before Christmas”: Will a couple of unexpected characters help restore Lou’s Christmas Spirit in the St. Nick of time? 7:30 pm, Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall, Bend. $22-$32. (541) 317-0700.
Friday, Dec. 16
Cloudchaser Grand Opening: Mt. Bachelor’s newest lift opens to skiers and riders; official ribbon cutting at 10:30 am at the base of Cloudchaser, Mt. Bachelor. (800) 829-2442.
Sisters High Desert Chorale, with the High Desert Bell Choir & Sisters Children’s Choir, present their annual Christmas concerts. 7 pm at Sisters Community Church, 1300 W Mckenzie Hwy. Free, w/refreshments (offering taken). (541) 549-1037.
Small, Dancing Light: Free concert of advent and Christmas music featuring the Nativity Choir and Orchestra, with special guests Bend Camerata. 7 pm, Nativity Lutheran Church, 60850 Brosterhous Rd, Bend. Free. (541) 388-0765.
Sunriver Music Festival Fireside Concert: Performance by Patrick Lamb, who has toured the world to sell-out crowds, is known as “saxophonist to the stars” & is one of the youngest members in the Oregon Music Hall of Fame. 6:30 pm, Sunriver Resort. (541) 593-9310.
Saturday, Dec. 17
Wreath Laying Ceremony: Come be a part of this moving ceremony as Christmas wreaths are laid at the graves of military veterans at 1,100 cemeteries across the United States. In Bend: 9-10 am at Deschutes Memorial Chapel & Gardens, 63875 N Hwy 97.
Family Winter Wonderland Sing Along: Come raise your voice & enjoy treats at the Winter sing-along, 10 am, Sisters Library. (541) 312-1072.
Central Oregon Showcase: Enjoy holiday tunes & harmonies with Central Oregon Showcase Choir, an educational barbershop chorus & member of Sweet Adelines International. 3-4 pm, Redmond Library, 827 Deschutes Ave, Redmond. (541) 312-1032.
Holiday Mulled Wine Celebration: Come soak in the cozy Christmas surroundings in the Maragas Barrel Room with a complimentary taste of their mulled wine & listen to holiday music featuring Michael John. 11 am-5 pm, Maragas Winery, 15523 Hwy 97, Culver. No cover, but please bring a packaged food item for the Central Oregon Food Bank. (541) 546-5464.
Brunch With Santa: Join Santa and all of his Sunriver friends for a holiday brunch (fun holiday characters will also be on hand). 8:30 am-1 pm, Great Hall, Sunriver Resort, 17600 Center Dr, Sunriver. $49 adults, $25 children 6-12. Reservations required. 541-593-1000.
Dec. 17-20
Train Man – All Aboard: Meet Mike, the Train Man, & see his amazing toy trains. Sat-Sun noon-5 pm; Mon 10 am-1 pm & 5-8 pm, Tue 10 am-5 pm. Downtown Bend Public Library, 601 NW Wall St., Bend. 541-617-7050.
Breakfast With Santa: Black Butte Ranch’s culinary staff offers a special Holiday Kids Buffet for young guests visiting Santa. Seatings at 9 & 11 am. The Lodge Restaurant, Black Butte Ranch. Adults $17 Kids $14 and little ones under 4 are free. Reservations: (541) 595-1260.
Sunday, Dec. 18
Holiday Jam: Free acoustic music jam from 1:30-3:30 pm, The Pines Clubhouse, 612 Brooks Camp Rd, Sisters. Bring your instrument or just come to enjoy the music. (541) 719-0497.
Sisters High Desert Chorale, with the High Desert Bell Choir & Sisters Children’s Choir, present their annual Christmas concerts. 2:30 pm at Sisters Community Church, 1300 W Mckenzie Hwy. Free, w/refreshments (offering taken). (541) 549-1037.
Dec. 18-19
“The Nutcracker”: The Royal Ballet’s presentation of The Nutcracker arrives for exclusive 2-day central Oregon engagement only at Sisters Movie House. Dec. 18 at 2 pm; Dec. 19 at 6 pm. Sisters Movie House, 720 Desperado Ct., Sisters. $12.50. (541) 549-8800.
Dec. 19-22
Santa on the Ranch Horse Camp: Bring your children for a fun-filled day while you finish up your Christmas shopping: Horseback riding (in an indoor arena), Christmas crafts, hay Rides, camp games & a visit from Santa. 10 am-2 pm, Rhinestone Ranch, 24375 Dodds Rd, Bend. Kids 4 & up. $65/day or $225/4days. (530) 588-4780.
Dec 20-24
The Santaland Diaries: Based on the true chronicles of David Sedaris’ experience as Crumpet the Elf in Macy’s Santaland display, this tells the tales of his odd encounters with the public during the height of the holiday crunch. (Recommended for adults only; mature content and language). 7:30 pm, 2nd Street Theater, 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend. $12 plus fees, $15 at door. (541) 312-9626.
Wednesday, Dec. 21
Winter Solstice Celebration: A joyful evening of ice skating, treats & twinkling lights designed to welcome in winter’s delights. 6-9pm, The Pavilion Ice Rink, 1001 SW Bradbury Way, Bend. $6, includes skate rental. (541) 389-7588.
Sisters High Desert Bell Choir: Performance of holiday music by this all-volunteer, professional caliber community chorale. 6 pm, The Lodge Restaurant, Black Butte Ranch. (541) 595-1260.
Dec 21-23
A Tower Christmas: Popular beloved holiday stories, dances & songs; performers include Central Oregon’s top actors, musicians & media personalities, with a special appearance by St. Nick. 7 pm, Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall, Bend. $10 children, $15 adults. (541) 317-0700.
Carriage Rides at the Old Mill: Courtesy of Cowboy Carriage. 2-5 pm (pick up/drop off is between Ben and Jerry’s and Francesca’s), Old Mill, Bend. Free; tips and donations benefits Kid’s Center.
Dec. 22, 26 & 28
Winter Snowshoeing Adventure and Bonfire: Complete with s’mores & hot chocolate. Lower Glaze Meadow Golf parking lot, Black Butte Ranch, Sisters. Guests are responsible for renting/bringing their own equipment on the day of the event (which is geared for ages 10 & up). 2-4 pm or 5-7 pm, Black Butte Ranch. $10 per person; $5 ages 10-12. Pre-registration is required; space limited. (541) 595-5879.
Saturday, Dec. 24
Brunch With Santa: Join Santa and all of his Sunriver friends for a holiday brunch (fun holiday characters will also be on hand). 8:30 am-1 pm, Great Hall, Sunriver Resort, 17600 Center Dr, Sunriver. $49 adults, $25 children 6-12. Reservations required: (541) 593-1000.
Christmas Eve Dinner: A la carte menu featuring duck confit, marbled potatoes, brussel sprouts, dried cherry gastrique, lobster pot pie & more. 3-8 pm, The Ranch House Restaurant, Brasada Ranch. Reservations: (541) 526-6870.
Sunday, Dec. 25
Christmas Day Celebration Brunch: Lobster bisque, pecan-quinoa waffle, bacon-wrapped elk tenderloin, smoked duck breast, beef tenderloin & more. 11:30 am-5 pm, The Lodge Restaurant, Black Butte Ranch. $60 per person. (541) 595-1260.
Christmas at Brasada Ranch: Buffet dinner 3-7 pm, Range Restaurant & Bar; $50 adults, $28 children 5-10. A la carte menu featuring smoked prime rib, loaded baked potato, glazed carrots; paella for two, & more. 3-8 pm, Ranch House. Brasada Ranch. (541) 526.6870.
Christmas Dinner at The Great Hall: Christmas buffet dinner from 2-7 pm, Sunriver Resort, 17600 Center Dr, Sunriver. $59 adults, $28 children 6-12. Reservations required: (541) 593-1000.
About the Author
Lisa Broadwater, GRI, CDPE, is a Central Oregon-based real estate professional who specializes in listing and selling homes, especially in Sisters, Tumalo, Bend and Redmond.