Top December Events in Central Oregon
Tisha Kelly • November 10, 2025
December's Best Events in Central Oregon
Your Guide to December Events in Central Oregon
December in Central Oregon brings sparkling lights, festive traditions, and a cozy winter atmosphere. From community parades and craft fairs to mountain events and holiday brunches, there’s something for everyone this month. Here’s a look at what’s happening around Bend, Sunriver, Sisters, and beyond:
- November 28–December 20
Three Sisters Lions Club 14th Annual Holiday Fair (Sisters) – Celebrate the season at this beloved community fair featuring local artisans, handmade goods, and festive treats. Free admission at Sisters Elementary School. Runs weekends 10 a.m.–6 p.m. - December 3
Holiday Bazaar at Tetherow Resort (Bend) – Shop local vendors, handmade crafts, and holiday décor in the cozy mountain setting of Tetherow Resort. Free admission. 4 p.m.–8 p.m. - December 4–23
Hoodoo Wintervention (Sisters) – Kick off the winter season with Hoodoo’s biggest event of the year at Three Creeks Brewing. Expect live music, raffles, giveaways, and winter fun. Times vary; free to attend. - December 4–21
Ebeneezer Scrooge’s Big Bend Christmas Show (Bend) – A festive, family-friendly twist on the classic Dickens tale presented by Cascades Theatrical Company. Tickets $25–$35. Showtimes vary. - Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays throughout December
Christmas in the Pines (Prineville) – A drive-thru winter wonderland of dazzling lights at the Crook County Fairgrounds. Runs 5:30 p.m.–9 p.m. each night with extended hours on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. - December 6
Festival of the Trees (Redmond) – The Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center transforms into a sparkling forest of decorated trees, with auctions and live entertainment. Times vary; ticketed event.
Shillings 2025 Holiday Makers Market (Bend) – Local artisans and crafters fill Shillings Garden Market with handmade gifts, home goods, and festive décor. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free entry.
Holiday Sip & Shop (Bend) – Enjoy local wine, craft beer, and shopping at Worthy Brewing Company. 4 p.m.–8 p.m. Free to attend.
Bend Christmas Parade (Downtown Bend) – A holiday favorite featuring floats, lights, and Santa! Parade begins at noon downtown.
Downtown Bend Christmas Tree Lighting (Downtown Bend) – Gather around Drake Park for the official lighting of the city tree. Music, cocoa, and plenty of holiday cheer. Begins at 6:30 p.m. - December 7
Shillings 2025 Holiday Makers Market (Day 2) (Bend) – The holiday market continues with more local makers and festive finds. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. - December 9
Under the Starlit Pines (Sunriver) – A magical evening event featuring twinkling lights, music, and warm drinks at the Sunriver Nature Center. 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Ticketed event. - December 11
Elf the Movie (Bend) – Kick off your holiday spirit with a screening of Elf at the Tower Theatre. Show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets $15. - December 12–14
Holiday Lights Parade (Bend) – A glowing procession of decorated floats and community spirit through the Old Mill District. Free to attend.
Geminids Meteor Shower Snowshoe Tour (Bend) – Join Wanderlust Tours for a guided night snowshoe under one of the brightest meteor showers of the year. 7 p.m.–11 p.m. Tickets $150.
Broadway in Bend (Bend) – Experience a night of show-stopping performances at the Tower Theatre. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $45–$75. - December 14
Brunch with Santa (Sunriver) – A family favorite at Tetherow Resort featuring photos with Santa and a delicious brunch buffet. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Reservations required. - December 19–21
Dirksen Derby (Mount Bachelor) – The annual snowboard and sit-ski banked slalom event returns! Watch pros and locals carve the slopes while raising funds for local adaptive sports programs. Times vary; free to spectate. - December 25
Christmas Brunch & Dinner (Sunriver Resort) – Enjoy festive dining at the Lodge Kitchen, or reserve a spot at the Christmas Buffet in the Great Hall. Times and pricing vary; reservations required.
Book your vacation rental and enjoy all the festive December events in Central Oregon for an unforgettable stay!
Share to social media
More posts you may like...
A Cozy Winter Weekend Itinerary in Sunriver Built Around Good Food, Quality Time, and Outdoor Adventure. Sunriver is the perfect home base for a relaxing winter getaway. From nearby Mt. Bachelor to closer-to-home restaurants and attractions, Sunriver has everything you need for a fun and enjoyable stay at your Sunriver Vacation Rental . Friday: Settle In & Ease Into the Weekend 3 pm | Arrive in Sunriver Head to the Village to explore the shops, grab a treat, and stretch your legs. 5 pm | Check In Check in to your rental, unpack, freshen up, and head to Sunriver Brewing Co for a laid-back family dinner. 7 pm | Wind down Back at the house, slip into your suit and kick off your weekend with a relaxing soak in the hot tub, followed by a movie by the fire. Saturday: Snow Day ❄️ 8 am | Breakfast + Gear Prep Make a big breakfast at home, pack your snow gear and plenty of snacks, and head up to the mountain. 9:30 am | Head to Mount Bachelor ⛰️ Whether you're a skiing/snowboarding family or just looking for some fun in the snow, Mt Bachelor has a wide variety of winter activities to enjoy. You can make this day as long or as short as you'd like by packing your own lunch or enjoying one of the many dining options Mt. Bachelor has to offer. 1 pm | Lunch and Hot Cocoa Either call it a day and head back to Sunriver for lunch and a cup of hot cocoa to warm you up, or take a few minutes to refuel and get back out there! 2:30 pm | Mid-Day Reset Head back to the rental to warm up with a soak in the hot tub or enjoy games and snacks by the fire. Resting and decompressing between activities is the key to a successful weekend in Sunriver. 4:30 pm | Ice Skating If you're up for it, head to The Village for family ice skating. They offer rentals and skate assist devices for children 12 and under. Tall socks and gloves recommended. Saturday Evening | Cook In & Wind Down Head back to the house and lean into a relaxed night at your Sunriver Vacation Rental . Cook something simple, or grab food to-go, and enjoy a cozy dinner at home. Sunday: Brunch & Sunriver Nature Center on Your Way Out 10-11 am | Check out & head to brunch On your way out of town, head to Cafe Cintra for coffee & brunch. 12:00 pm | Sunriver Nature Center If you're looking to sneak in one last adventure before heading home, the S unriver Nature Center offers a botanical garden, nature trails, and engaging educational programs for all ages. It's the perfect way to end your weekend in Central Oregon. Where You Stay Matters Staying somewhere like Cottonwood 8 makes this kind of weekend effortless. A hot tub, indoor fireplace, and proximity to everything Sunriver has to offer turn a great winter weekend itinerary into a memorable one. View our Family-Friendly Winter Guide for more things to do in and around Central Oregon.
What to Look For in a Vacation Rental for a Large Group
A family winter weekend itinerary in Bend spent enjoying classic Central Oregon winter activities and time together. Use this as a starting point for your stay.