Sugar and Ice and Everything Nice – Winter Happenings to Make the Season Bright

Central Oregon has long attracted outdoor adventurers and those seeking a peaceful getaway. Whether planning to enjoy some personal tranquility time, a gathering with family or friends, or an activity-filled winter vacation in the great outdoors, the locale is a beautiful place to celebrate the holiday season with a wide array of festive events, awe-inspiring beauty, and plenty to do. We are excited to welcome you to the Crooked River Ranch Cabins: https://crookedriverranchcabins.com/, during your holiday visit. Below are a few holiday happenings:

 

Please remember to visit the individual event contact or website for Covid-19 information or for any possible event changes.

 

SantaLand in Bend’s Old Mill District

What could be more idyllic than enjoying a horse-drawn carriage ride or strolling through the festive wonderland of Bend’s Old Mill District? There will be plenty of picture-perfect, hot cocoa fueled, sharable moments at SantaLand where the kids can mingle with the elves, get a pic with Santa, sing carols, and participate in other activities with the jolly man-in-red. To see a full listing of SantaLand dates, or other events in the Old Mill District visit: oldmilldistrict.com.

 

Miracle on 34^th Street- the play

Share in the holiday spirit with the Cascades Theatrical Company’s performance of Miracle on 34^th Street- the play.  A Yuletide favorite that has everything. Select dates and times from December 3^rd to December 19^th. Visit https://cascadestheatrical.org/ for information regarding tickets, dates and times.

 

Bend Christmas Parade

Ring in the holiday season at the Bend Christmas parade, a 30-year tradition, on December 4^th in downtown Bend. Grab a blanket, or indulge in a steaming cup of hot chocolate, and join the excitement as the parade make its 2.5-mile journey along the parade route. Santa will be there; as well as the party band, Precious Byrd. To learn more about the parade or for a parade map visit: Bendchristmasparade.org

 

Tumalo Creek’s Holiday Lights Paddle Parade

The Holiday Lights Paddle Parade takes the holiday spirit out on the water. Watch costumed paddling enthusiasts light up the holidays with a flotilla of merrily decorated paddleboards, canoes and kayaks as they paddle along the Deschutes River on December 10^th.  Paddlers will make their way toward the Old Mill District Flag Bridge between 4:15 and 5:30 p.m. Past parades have included over 1,000 paddlers.

 

Ski by Candlelight at Virginia Meissner Sno-Park

Enjoy the winter solstice while snowshoeing or cross-county skiing at the Virginia Meissner Sno-Park on December 18^th. Ski by candlelight listening to the beautiful music of pianist and composer Paula Dreyer via wireless headphones on trails within a 1/3-mile mile radius as she performs her Piano Flow Live set. This free event is limited to 75 registrants. Visit https://solsticeski.eventbrite.com for more information regarding time and registration.

Ice Skate at the Pavilion

The Pavilion is just one of many opportunities for winter holiday fun. Open from November to April, the covered Pavilion hosts ice hockey leagues, curling, ice skating lessons, and open ice-skating time. A great way to experience some holiday cheer. https://www.bendparksandrec.org/facility/the-pavilion/

 

Mt. Bachelor ~ Santa on the Slopes

Create some magical memories on the slopes of Mt. Bachelor on December 24^th. Enjoy some family ski time and get a pic with Ole St. Nick, or a candy cane, as he cruises the slopes from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. https://www.mtbachelor.com/things-to-do/events/view-all-events/santa-on-the-slopes

 

New Year’s Eve Bonfire on the Snow

Does an after-dark snowshoe adventure sound magical? Bask in the glowing light of a bonfire in the middle of a hand-carved snow amphitheater while enjoying dessert and hot cocoa. Relax while a naturalist guide shares fun facts about the night sky. At midnight, toast the new year while enjoying the beautiful snow-clad evening. For more information regarding this event or other available bonfire tours visit Wanderlust Tours at: https://www.wanderlusttours.com/

End your day in the cozy comfort of the Crooked River Ranch Cabins. The holidays – a spectacular time to create magical lifetime memories!

 

See you at the Cabins,

Meghan