Looking for fun, festive, and engaging activities in Central Oregon this week and weekend? From holiday markets to outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone.
Festive Holiday Events
Holiday Markets & Bazaars
- Three Sisters Lions Club 14th Annual Holiday Fair in Sisters runs through December 20, featuring local artisans, handmade goods, and festive treats. Admission is free. (centraloregonvacationhomes.com)
- Holiday Bazaar at Tetherow Resort in Bend on Wednesday, December 3, 4–8 p.m. Shop local vendors in a cozy mountain lodge atmosphere. (centraloregonvacationhomes.com)
- Shillings Holiday Makers Market in Bend on December 6–7, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (Saturday) and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (Sunday), offering handmade gifts and décor. (centraloregonvacationhomes.com)
- Festival of the Trees in Redmond at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center on Saturday, December 6 — a sparkling forest of decorated trees, auctions, and live entertainment. (centraloregonvacationhomes.com)
Lights, Parades & Evening Cheer
- Christmas in the Pines (Prineville): nightly drive-thru winter wonderland light display throughout December, generally from 5:30–9:00 p.m. (centraloregonvacationhomes.com)
- Bend Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 6 at noon, themed “A Storybook Christmas.” Expect floats, costumed characters, and Santa strolling through downtown Bend. (centraloregonlocalbuzz.com)
- Downtown Bend Christmas Tree Lighting on Sunday, December 7 in the evening at Drake Park. Join live music, warm treats, and a festive countdown. (centraloregonlocalbuzz.com)
Sip & Shop, Pop-Ups & Makers’ Markets
- Holiday Sip & Shop at Worthy Brewing in Bend on Saturday, December 6, 4–8 p.m., featuring local wine, craft beer, vendors, and raffles — free to attend. (centraloregonvacationhomes.com)
- Holiday Sip & Shop – Wild Ride Brewing in Redmond on Saturday, December 6, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., with local vendors, food, drinks, and holiday cheer. (centraloregonlocalbuzz.com)
- Christmas Market at Wild Ride Brewing, Redmond on Sunday, December 7, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., featuring artisan vendors, crafts, gifts, and seasonal brews. (centraloregonlocalbuzz.com)
- Magical Markets of Merriment at the Deschutes Historical Museum in Bend, weekend of December 6–7, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., in a historic schoolhouse setting. (centraloregonlocalbuzz.com)
Cultural & Family-Friendly Activities
- “Ebeneezer Scrooge’s Big Bend Christmas Show” by Cascades Theatrical Company, December 4–21 in Bend. A festive, family-friendly adaptation of the Dickens classic. Tickets range from $25–$35. (centraloregonvacationhomes.com)
- Under the Starlit Pines in Sunriver on December 9, evenings from 5:30–8:30 p.m. Enjoy twinkling lights, music, and warm drinks at the Sunriver Nature Center. (centraloregonvacationhomes.com)
- Geminids Meteor Shower Starlight Snowshoe Tour in Bend on December 12–14, 7–11 p.m. Guided night snowshoe trek under the meteor “shower,” complete with cocoa. Tickets around $150. (centraloregonvacationhomes.com)
- Brunch with Santa in Sunriver on December 14, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Enjoy photos and a buffet brunch at Tetherow Resort. Reservations required. (centraloregonvacationhomes.com)
Live Entertainment & Special Attractions
- Swingin’ Tower Christmas show at Tower Theatre from December 18–21 — a big band holiday celebration with story and song. Tickets $44–$54. (bendsource.com)
- Jurassic Quest at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center December 19–21. Life-size animatronic dinosaurs, big fun for the whole family. Tickets approx. $25. (bendsource.com)
- Dirksen Derby at Mount Bachelor December 19–21 — snowboarding and sit-ski banked slalom, free to spectate. (centraloregonvacationhomes.com)
Nature & Outdoor Activities (Weather Considerations)
With an atmospheric river bringing heavy rain to northwest Oregon this week—though Central Oregon may see milder effects—conditions could be slick, especially in mountainous or forested areas. Showers are expected to ease by the weekend. (axios.com)
Nevertheless, there are great year‑round outdoor options:
- Shevlin Park in Bend offers 981 acres of hiking, cross‑country skiing, mountain biking, and pond fishing. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The High Desert Museum near Bend showcases wildlife exhibits and cultural history—great for a rainy or chilly day. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Tumalo State Park, approximately 5 miles northwest of Bend, offers scenic river-side picnicking, hiking, and birdwatching. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Smith Rock State Park, just outside Redmond, is iconic for stunning views, hiking, or climbing if weather allows. (axios.com)
Local Library & Community Workshops
Deschutes County libraries host several free public programs this week:
- Snowshoeing in Central Oregon talk at Bend Library on Wednesday, December 3 at 6:30 p.m. (ktvz.com)
- Caroling by Central Oregon Mastersingers at Bend Library on Thursday, December 4 at 2:00 p.m. (ktvz.com)
- Bells of Sunriver Holiday Performance (date per library schedule) at Redmond Library. (ktvz.com)
Highlights At a Glance
- This Week (Dec 3–7): Holiday bazaars, Reindeer Room pop‑up bar, library events, and the tree lighting in downtown Bend.
- This Weekend (Dec 6–7): Shillings Market, Bend Parade, Festival of the Trees, Magical Markets of Merriment, Wild Ride Christmas Market.
- Next Weekend (Dec 12–14): Geminids Snowshoe Tour, Elf the Movie screening, Broadway in Bend, Brunch with Santa (Dec 14).
- Upcoming (Dec 18–21 and beyond): Swingin’ Tower show, Jurassic Quest exhibit, Dirksen Derby snowboarding event, and more winter fun.
From cozy indoor markets to exhilarating outdoor adventures and live performances, Central Oregon offers a magical mix of winter delight. Enjoy the festive spirit—and stay prepared for shifting weather!
