7 minute read
A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
A Little Something
FOR EVERYONE Experience the holidays Central Oregon style
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By Annette Benedetti
This year, holiday magic abounds with a plethora of fantastical events. Grab your calendar and get ready to fill it with shows and activities, as the Central Oregon community has simply outdone itself with next-level opportunities for celebration—your crew won’t want to be left out!
The following are the top picks for must-see activities and events this holiday season:
Old Fashion Christmas
The Old Fashion Christmas event at the fairgrounds has been around for eight years, giving families the opportunity to get some shopping done while having a whole lot of seasonal fun. This indoor experience is packed with gifts, art, antiques and food vendors and is home to a stunning holiday display with a Candy Land maze that leads right to Santa. There’s so much to do, but don’t worry, there are resting areas with holiday movies playing, hourly drawings for prizes, demonstrations and a Christmas tree coloring contest for kids. The entrance fee is $5 with a voluntary canned food donation benefiting a local charity food bank.
When: Nov. 12 & 13
Where: Deschutes County Expo Center
Online: centraloregon shows.com
Ice Skating
Any holiday experience in Central Oregon wouldn’t be complete without a family ice skating session. Check out these local rinks:
Tradtions at Sunriver
The Pavilion in Bend: Offering recreational skating for all ages and abilities, The Pavilion hosts Sunday Family Skate for only $6/ person, which includes a skate rental. Check online for hours:
bendparksandrec.org/facility/the-pavilion/
Seventh Mountain Resort: The skating season at this outdoor rink opens on Nov. 18 with a holiday bazaar and annual food drive. You can find the details at:
seventhmountainriverco.com/ice-skating/
Village Ice Pavilion in Sunriver: This location includes an indoor viewing area, an indoor/outdoor fireplace and a solar screening system that offers shelter from inclement weather. The skate season starts in late November. More info: sunrivervillagefun.com
Redmond Ice Rink:
Located in downtown Redmond, this rink welcomes skaters of all ages and abilities. For opening dates and details check it out online: raprd.org/ice-rink
Traditions at Sunriver
Sunriver Resort goes the extra distance with its Traditions Holiday Experience. This remarkable annual holiday event is 50 years old for a good reason. It kicks off with the Grand Illumination and gives families the opportunity to take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through a snowy meadow, sip hot cocoa by the fire, decorate a gingerbread house, build their own Takoda the Bear, witness light shows and of course, play in the snow. Loads of beautiful holiday decorations and lights make for a festive experience as well. When: Beginning Nov. 19 Where: Sunriver Resort
Online: sunriverresort.
Bend com/activities/winterChristmas traditions-holidayParade
The Nutcracker: A Child's Tale
Your family will love this heartwarming take on a classic. Valerie Holgers' Académie de Ballet Classique’s “The Nutcracker: A Child’s Taleˮ features local dancers as they tell the story of a young girl, Clara, who befriends a nutcracker on Christmas Eve. Through movement and music, the dancers bring the nutcracker and the night’s adventure to life in an unforgettable way that will leave the audience with sugar plums dancing in their heads for the rest of the season. Note: There are two performances this year: 1:30pm and 6pm.
When: Nov. 26
Where: Tower Theatre
Online: towertheatre.org
Bend Christmas Parade
After its cancellation in 2020 due to the pandemic, the Bend Christmas Parade returned with a boom in 2021, clocking the largest attendance on record. Word on the street is that this year’s event is going to be even better. Run entirely by volunteers, the parade has been an icon of Bend for the past 29 years. This year’s theme is, “A High Desert Christmas.” Your family can expect an impressive lineup of floats, marchers, performances and even the possibility that Santa might attend. Arrive early to stake out your prime viewing territory.
When: Dec. 3 at noon
Where: Downtown Bend (you can find the map online)
Online: bendchristmasparade.org
Central Oregon Youth Orchestra Winter Concert
This is no average winter concert; this is an opportunity to revel in local holiday music performed by talented kids! Experience an assembly of 35 music students of all ages from across the region led by COCC music professor Travis Allen, and conducted by Redmond Proficiency Academy’s Jonathon Moore. You never know, the show may inspire the young music lover in your family to pick up a new instrument!
When: Dec. 13
Where: Tower Theatre
Online: towertheatre.org
Central Oregon Locavore Holiday Gift Faire
Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artisans, crafters and more at the annual Locavore Holiday Gift Faire. From stunning pieces of art to handmade apparel, local honey and jewelry that makes a statement, there is something for everyone on your list. Bonus: The gifts you buy give back to the Bend community, as every item bought is created locally. Check the website in advance for up-to-date COVID precautions. 10am – 4pm.
When: Dec. 19
Where: Unitarian Universalist Church
Online: centraloregonlocavore.com
Photos from Tradtions at Sunriver
CHEERS TO OUR
During the holidays, it’s always fun to wander downtown or meander through the Old Mill District with the family while browsing the local shops and ducking in for a warm drink. Bend has some wonderful, locally owned places that are perfect for finding those unique gifts.
Shopping locally really is the way to go. Not only do independent businesses offer quality items, but by spending your holiday dollars with them you are supporting and nurturing your own community. Unlike buying online, they hire locals and thereby boost the Central Oregon economy.
If you value great customer service and a personal experience (holiday gift wrapping, a festive atmosphere and such), then head to one of these Bend Nest approved businesses, as they really go above and beyond in building relationships with local families.
Leapin’ Lizards Toy Co.
Downtown Bend, 953 NW Wall St. 541-382-8326 | leapinlizardstoys.com Leapin' Lizards is an independently-owned, specialty toy store in Downtown Bend, Oregon. We carry a wide range of hand chosen, educational and fun toys and gifts. Since our start in 1995, we have been providing fun for the young and the young at heart. Here at Leapin' Lizards we believe that community is everything. We strive everyday to create an environment of play and growth through our excellent customer service, high quality products and joyful space. We want our community to feel as proud of our store as we are.
Wild Child
Old Mill District, 680 SW Powerhouse Dr #1003 (541) 797-6857 | wildchildbend.com Located next to Regal Old Mill cinemas, Wild Child curates the world’s best, most sustainable children’s clothing and toys. We are mothers supporting mothers, and we have local seamstresses, authors, artists and designers! We have things for expectant mothers, babies and kids. For the holidays you can find games, wooden toys, dolls, crafts, dress-up, art supplies and stocking stuffers! The owner, Keri, is a kindergarten teacher and has always loved working with children and families. This holiday, find something unique for the special little one in your life! Wild Child—making childhood magical!
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