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Giving the Gift of Time for the Holidays
The holiday season is here—that feeling of anticipation and excitement that we’ve waited for all year is all around us. This is a time when we get the chance to recreate the joy we felt as children, whether it’s through the magic of festive lights, the joy of decorating the tree, the aroma of cookies in the oven, or cherished family traditions.
This month, we share ideas for creating a festive cocktail bar at home, along with a fun, whimsical hot cocoa bar for the kids. We’ve included recipes for creating an Oregon-inspired holiday dinner with local flavors and ingredients. You’ll also find tips for making your own holiday wreathe and making a better snowman.
This issue also features an article about the gift of time, and the “power of presence over presents.” This season, let’s try to create more memories than shopping lists!
While this season is joyful for many, it can also be a difficult time for those who are grieving, lonely, or in need. In the spirit of the season, let’s come together as a community to extend kindness and compassion to those who may be struggling. Whether it’s donating to a local charity, volunteering your time, or simply checking in on a neighbor, every act of generosity makes a difference.
As we wrap up the year, we at Bend Lifestyle are grateful to you, our readers and our partners. Thank you for sharing your stories and for reading ours.
May your holidays be filled with love, peace, and the joy of giving.
December 2025
PUBLISHER
Jane Rial | jane.rial@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lynette Confer | lynette.confer@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lynette Confer, Julie E. Furnas, Don Seaman
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
KYA Photography, Miguel Edwards
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
JANE RIAL, PUBLISHER
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Healing Reins Equine Assisted Services hosted their Diamonds & Dust Fundraising Gala on Sept. 27 at their Tumalo location. 2: The event, made possible by Title Sponsor Coyote Rock Ranch, featured craft food and beverages catered by Southern Accent Bend. 3: Polly Cohen, Healing Reins Executive Director (on the podium), was joined by emcee Shanan Kelley and KTVZ’s Kelsey Merison. 4: Healing Reins Annual Diamonds & Dust Fundraising Gala raised over $285,000 for equine assisted therapy. 5: Guests enjoyed live and silent auctions, dinner, cocktails, music and dancing. 6: (l to r): Johnny, a Healing Reins participant and Esther, a PATH certified instructor and Equine Specialist. 7: Healing Reins Equine Assisted Therapy provides people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to heal emotionally and physically through professionally recognized horse-centered therapies. Photography by KYA Photography
Broadway in Bend Holiday Benefit Concert Presented by Summit Health Cares
Experience the magic of the holidays with a dazzling night of music from Broadway’s finest talent. Don’t miss Broadway in Bend on Friday, December 12 at the Tower Theatre. An unforgettable performance led by talented stars from Kinky Boots, Chicago, Wicked, Rent, Legally Blonde and more – all for a good cause. Proceeds provide critical community support to Oregonians. Summit Health Cares is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping neighbors in underserved communities across Oregon, New York and New Jersey gain access to medical, educational and social services. TowerTheatre.org
by Miguel Edwards
Photography
2025 Festival of Trees Benefits Hospice of Redmond
The 42nd Annual Festival of Trees takes place on Saturday, December 6 at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds. With over 30 stunningly decorated Christmas trees donated for the live auction, this event includes a free family fun event beginning at 10 a.m. The evening portion of this event begins at 5 p.m. and includes dinner, music, raffles and the live tree auction. All proceeds raised during the Festival of Trees go toward Hospice of Redmond’s free services to terminally ill patients and their families. HospiceofRedmond.org
KIDS Center Announces Mobile Clinic Offering Services in 2026
KIDS Center will soon be bringing services directly to rural communities in Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson, Sherman, Harney and Wheeler counties, with a new, specially-outfitted RV. Thanks to individual donations and grants from several organizations, KIDS Center will be able to offer comprehensive child abuse evaluations, which can be transformative for a child and their family. Distance is often a barrier for evaluation and response in child abuse cases, and this clinic will ensure every child gets the help they need. KIDSCenter.org
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THE Greatest GIFT: TIME
ARTICLE BY LYNETTE CONFER
For many, the holiday season is wrapped in equal parts magic and frantic busyness, with the true meaning of the season often lost in between. As calendars fill and to-do lists grow, finding that perfect gift for everyone on the list often becomes a challenge and a chore. But what if instead of giving more material things, we gave something far more valuable—our time. What if instead of a mountain of receipts after the holidays, we have memories created and shared, helping us embrace the real reason for the season: time with family, friends, neighbors and even those in need in our own communities. Instead of losing sight of what means the most, we create more of what we all crave—connection.
Across the ages and cultures, the act of giving has been shown to bring great joy not only to the receiver, but also to the giver. According to Harvard Health Publishing, “When we give to others, it activates the parts of our brain associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust, creating a ‘warm glow’ effect that benefits both the giver and the receiver.” Similarly, research from UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center has found that giving—whether through kindness, volunteering, or time—boosts our sense of purpose and happiness.
Studies in health and wellness also show that giving your time, which so often feels in short supply, can
actually make you feel as if you have more time, not less. For many, offering time and energy to others feels like an investment—one we too often overlook.
Giving the gift of time shifts the holiday season away from transactions and back toward traditions. It does not mean giving up material gifts altogether. It’s more about weaving more meaningful experiences into the fabric of holiday celebrations. These gifts of time help create memories and shared experiences that will last a lifetime, long after the material gifts are set aside and possibly forgotten—and can be surprisingly simple.
THE POWER OF PRESENCE OVER PRESENTS
Giving our time to others is a powerful gesture. Unlike a sweater that can get lost in the back of a closet or a book that might never be opened, a shared afternoon, thoughtful conversation, or an outdoor adventure can become a cherished memory.
The beauty of time gifts is their flexibility. Whether small or grand, structured or spontaneous, they can be tailored to fit any relationship. A quiet coffee date with a homemade baked good for a friend, a date night with a spouse, a snowshoeing adventure with siblings or children, a game night with grandparents, or a ride to the grocery store for an elderly neighbor. These experiences strengthen bonds in ways that material gifts never can.
Another plus is that giving time can ease some of the financial and logistical pressure that often comes with holiday gift giving. With a touch of creativity and a lot of love, these offerings can be crafted to suit each person on your list.
GIFTS THAT STAND THE TEST OF TIME
As Christmas trees and lights are taken down and stored and we bid goodbye to the holiday season for another year, the gifts that linger in our hearts are not the ones tied up with bows. It’s the time spent side by side—the laughter, conversations, and shared experiences that weave our lives together with others that matter the most and last far beyond holiday celebrations.
This year, consider swapping out a few store-bought presents for moments that truly matter. By giving your time you are offering something priceless that enriches both giver and receiver—something that creates connection, stands the test of time, and never goes out of style.
Creative “Time Gift”
Ideas for Everyone on Your List
• Babysitting voucher for a busy friend or sibling
• Monthly date night
• A home-cooked meal night
• Tech help session for someone who needs it
• A snow day adventure with thermoses of hot cocoa
• Movie night at home with a theme
• Memory Lane drive for someone who can no longer drive
• Walk around the neighborhood with a friend or neighbor living alone
• Volunteer together for a local animal shelter or food bank
• Closet clean-out buddy session
• Neighborhood helper day (shoveling, decorating, errands)
• Story time “subscription” for children or grandchildren (in person or video chat)
• Game night with family or friends
• Baking day with recipe exchange
• Help someone tackle a home project
• Host a winter walk and wine night
• Craft day for children
• Offer to run errands
• Offer to walk dogs or pet sit so someone can get away
• Cooking lessons for a young person
MAKING YOUR GIFT OF TIME FEEL EXTRA SPECIAL
Even though gifts of time do not come in store-bought boxes, they can still feel festive and intentional. A beautifully designed coupon book, a handwritten note, or a wrapped calendar of planned experiences can transform a simple gesture into something tangible and memorable. Thoughtful presentation and festive wrapping show how much you care—and make the promise of time feel like a true gift.
Create a Simple Handmade Coupon Book
Personalized “time vouchers” are easy to make and add a thoughtful touch to your gifts.
What you will need:
• Heavy cardstock or decorative paper (pre-cut scrapbook cardstock works well)
• Hole punch; ribbon, twine or brads
• Scissors or a paper cutter
• Pen, markers or printer
Steps:
1. Cut and Stack: cut paper into uniform rectangles or purchase pre-cut colored card stock from a local craft store or online.
2. Decorate the Cover: Add a title (such as, “A Gift of Time”) and personalize with recipient’s name, stickers or other decorative items.
3. Fill in the Coupons: On each page, write a specific “time gift” that recipient can redeem, such as “One evening walk together” or “A homemade dinner of your choice” or “An afternoon of help with a home project,” etc.
4. Bind It: Punch holes along one edge and tie with a ribbon, or secure with brads.
5. Wrap It Up: Place the finished booklet in a small box or wrap it festively to make it feel extra special.
Tip: Prefer a digital design? Create your coupons in Canva or Google Docs, then print on cardstock and assemble as above.
Calendar of Experiences
Pick up a few inexpensive calendars for the year ahead and use stickers and colorful ink to pre-schedule monthly activities. Add a personal note to emphasize flexibility. For a more custom touch, design a photo calendar with personalized photos and graphics, along with tentatively pre-scheduled events. Print, assemble and wrap for a gift that keeps on giving all year.
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OREGON INSPIRED HOLIDAY RECIPES
Local Flavors and Seasonal Ingredients Add a Twist to Your Traditional Meal
When we think of a traditional holiday meal, classic dishes come to mind – oven roasted or smoked turkey, baked ham, stuffing, seasonal vegetables, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, rich gravy, warm rolls and perhaps a casserole or two. Like most states, Oregon boasts a unique cuisine that deeply influences our state’s culture, daily eating habits and our holiday traditions.
Our natural, rich resources – from farm raised turkeys to ocean and river waters that provide
fresh seafood and fish, to moisture rich terrain that yields grapes, berries and mushrooms and the fertile regions known for hazelnuts and hops –offer a diverse selection of ingredients. Add to this Oregon’s local purveyors producing award-winning cheeses, beer and wines and it’s clear, Oregon truly has everything for an amazing holiday meal.
Central Oregonians are committed to buying and consuming local foods and beverages, reflecting a sense of pride, along with comfort in knowing where
ARTICLE BY JULIE E. FURNAS
their food comes from. Many grocery stores and specialty stores often stock goods and foods from local farmers and ranchers and area restaurants also serve dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
An Oregon style holiday dinner begins with sipping locally crafted cocktails, wines and beer around a grazing table of local cheeses, like Rogue Creamery’s Rogue River Blue, Tillamook Extra Sharp White Cheddar and Briar Rose Butterbaby cheeses. Complemented by olives, fresh vegetables, nuts and locally sourced meats, an authentic Oregon charcuterie is not complete without smoked salmon dip and hearty artisan crackers.
Combining two Oregon favorites—bite-sized mushrooms and Dungeness crab—it’s possible to create a standout hot appetizer that can be passed around the room before the main event. And the best part about this holiday meal? The desserts of course! In Oregon, we have a deep love for our pies and what better to accompany the classic pumpkin than a pie that brings together Oregon grown hazelnuts, high quality chocolate, and a splash of bourbon—a sweet and unforgettable way to end your holiday meal.
OREGON MARIONBERRY CIDER CRUSH (ONE DRINK)
1. Muddle a handful of marionberries in a cold shaker
2. Add 2 ounces of Crater Lake Vodka or Wild Roots Marionberry Vodka
3. Add 2 ounces of fresh apple cider
4. 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice
5. Shake and pour into a copper mug filled with ice and top with Ginger Beer, garnish with a lemon wedge, cinnamon stick or apple slice; enjoy.
CRAB STUFFED MUSHROOMS
Ingredients:
• 14 large cremini or button mushrooms, stems removed, and brush cleaned
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
• 1/3 cup of panko breadcrumbs (divided in half)
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter
• 2 finely diced scallions
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Olive Oil
Directions:
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Place clean mushroom caps on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and either lightly coat or spray with olive oil. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayo, grated Parmesan, half of the panko breadcrumbs, diced scallions, minced garlic, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning. Gently fold in the chopped Dungeness crabmeat. Season with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter and rest of panko breadcrumbs. Spoon 1 ½ tablespoons into the mushroom cap. When all the caps are filled, spread the buttery panko mixture over the top of all the mushrooms. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle parsley on top and serve immediately.
SMOKED SALMON DIP
Ingredients:
• 8 ounces hot-smoked salmon fillet
• 8 ounces of softened cream cheese
• 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup of sour cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon drained, roughly chopped capers
• 1 small shallot, minced (about 2 tbsp)
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Directions:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Beat with a hand mixer or spatula until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in all the additional ingredients and mix very well until all
are combined. Gently flake the salmon into the mixture, making sure the pieces aren’t too large. Let sit in the fridge for a minimum of one hour to overnight. When ready to serve, sprinkle more fresh dill and chives on top, serve with a baguette or fancy crackers.
CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT BOURBON PIE
Ingredients:
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup of brown rice syrup or light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 cup of Oregon Spirit Bourbon Whiskey
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1 1/3 cup coarsely chopped hazelnuts
• 3/4 cup of chopped dark chocolate
• 1 9-inch unbaked pie shell, chilled or frozen
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium saucepan combine sugar, brown rice syrup and butter. Stir ingredients over medium heat until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Let cool slightly, set aside. In a large bowl combine eggs, bourbon, vanilla and salt. Whisk well to combine. Slowly stir in sugar mixture. Stir in hazelnuts and chocolate. Allow to cool slightly, then pour into the pie shell. Bake the pie for 50 to 60 minutes until the filling is set, though still slightly jiggly in the center and crust is golden. Allow it to cool completely, serve with whip cream, vanilla ice cream or a glass of milk.
Cocktails and Cocoa
Elevate Your Holiday Entertaining with a Festive Cocktail Bar for Adults and a Whimsical Hot Cocoa Bar Kids Will Love
ARTICLE BY JULIE E. FURNAS
There is a long history of clinking glasses during the holidays, toasting to prosperity and wealth, dating back to ancient midwinter festivals with communal, spiced warm drinks like mulled wines and old English ‘wassail’ or cider blended with apples, oranges and spices. As trade routes expanded in the Middle Ages and other spirits became more accessible, holiday beverages evolved, giving rise to the diverse range of holiday drinks we enjoy today.
These traditions carry on, getting together to enjoy seasonal foods and beverages and toasting to the new year ahead. Wintertime brings warm, cozy flavors like pear, cranberries, peppermint, cardamom and more in our seasonal drink, food and dessert recipes. It’s the ideal season for bold, rich red wines, darker beers like porters and stouts, and cocktails featuring whiskeys, dark rums and amaretto. Seasonal flavored liquors like peppermint schnapps and eggnog whiskey also add a festive twist to classic holiday drink recipes.
For a holiday cocktail hour, choose a few easy-to-make recipes or large batch cocktails that guests can serve themselves, such as a Sparkling Holiday Sangria. A well-stocked holiday bar has plenty of white and red wines, seasonal beers and non-alcoholic beverages. An aperitif or dessert beverage could include ports, meads or coffee with Bailey’s Irish Cream. Be sure that your holiday bar set up includes beer and wine openers, appropriate glasses, chilled cocktail glasses, festive wine glass charms and bottle stoppers, plenty of ice, straws and cocktail napkins.
Peppermint Espresso Martini (single serving)
Ingredients:
• 1.5 ounces of Crater Lake Hazelnut Espresso Vodka
• 1 ounce of Kahlua
• .5 ounce of Peppermint liqueur
• 1 ounce of freshly brewed cold brew or chilled espresso
• Crushed peppermint candies and espresso beans for the garnish
• Fill the shaker with ice and ingredients. Shake for 20-30 seconds; pour into a martini glass. Sprinkle the crushed and peppermint candies on top and add three espresso beans
In Italian tradition, the first espresso bean symbolizes good health, the second is for prosperity and wealth and the third is for happiness and joy.
Kids Gourmet Hot Cocoa Bar
If the holiday party is kid-friendly — a gourmet hot cocoa bar is a fun and festive way to give kids their own space to be creative. Letting kids customize their drinks adds excitement and keeps them engaged. Setting up a special hot cocoa bar is easy and adds a special touch to holiday celebrations. For extra fun, set out some board games, art projects or holiday books so kids have some activities while sipping on their hot cocoa.
Set Up:
Table: Festive tablecloth and decorations
• Hot chocolate – try a slow cooker recipe that will keep at a warm/low heat temperature
• Holiday mugs or double insulated paper cups
• Festive straws
• Hot chocolate toppings can include small and large marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, cinnamon sticks, peppermint sticks or crushed peppermint candies, cookie sticks, chocolate or caramel covered spoons, flavored syrups and chocolate shavings.
Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa
Serves: 12–14
Ingredients:
• 8 cups 1% or whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream (for extra creaminess)
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Pour the milk, cream, and sweetened condensed milk into the slow cooker. Whisk in the cocoa powder and salt until smooth, then stir in the chocolate chips.
2. Cover and cook on low for two hours, stirring occasionally to melt the chocolate evenly.
3. Once the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is silky smooth, stir in the vanilla. Switch the slow cooker to warm to keep the cocoa at the perfect sipping temperature during your party.
4. Ladle into mugs or festive holiday cups. Let the kids (of all ages) get creative and customize their mugs of hot cocoa with all the fun toppings.
Tip: Give the cocoa a good stir every so often and add a splash of milk to thin it if it gets too thick.
A WREATH OF YOUR OWN
ARTICLE BY LYNETTE CONFER
HANDCRAFTED EVERGREEN WREATHS TO WELCOME THE SPIRIT OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON
This holiday season, sprinkle a bit of magic into your home with a handcrafted evergreen wreath. There is something timeless about gathering fragrant boughs, weaving them into shape on a circular frame, and adding elegant, even whimsical, accents like ribbons, berries, or ornaments. Whether you are using trimmings from a tree your family cut by hand, or selecting greenery from a local craft store, creating your own wreath is a joyful, hands-on tradition the whole family can enjoy. Hang it on your front door to welcome guests or display it as a table centerpiece—capturing the spirit of the season and infusing your home with holiday charm.
01
PREPARE THE GREENS
SUPPLIES
Start with a sturdy wire or grapevine wreath frame, floral or paddle wire, pruning shears, hot glue gun and plenty of evergreens like fir, pine, or cedar. Mixing varieties gives your wreath texture and depth. Decorative accents—such as ribbons, berries, pinecones, or ornaments— add a festive touch. Gloves are optional, but handy to protect your hands from sap and needles during assembly.
Trim branches into smaller, manageable pieces, about 6-8 inches long. Group a few pieces together to form small bundles, mixing textures and greenery types for a rich, layered look. This prep work makes assembly easier and helps the finished wreath look balanced and full. Lay everything out within easy reach to streamline the creative process.
BUILD THE WREATH BASE
Lay your first bundle of greenery against the wreath frame and secure the stems tightly with floral wire. Overlap the next bundle slightly, covering the stems of the previous one, and continue working around the frame in the same direction. Adjust placement as you go to keep the shape even and lush. Tuck in extra sprigs to fill gaps as needed.
ADD ACCENTS AND HANG
02 03 04
Once your wreath is fully covered, step back to fluff and adjust any uneven spots. Add decorative touches like ribbon, pinecones, berries or ornaments, wiring them securely in place. Keep the design simple and elegant, or go bold with a large bow. Finish by attaching a ribbon loop for hanging, and display your wreath on a door, wall or tabletop.
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ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN
There’s probably no more quintessential symbol of winter than a snowman. We’ve all seen Frosty and are probably pretty familiar with Olaf. But if you want to install one into your own yard, you’ll have to put a little elbow grease into creating one without the help of world-class animators.
Here are some tips to help give your yard a well-dressed frozen sentry sure to turn your neighbors’ heads.
Tip 1:
NOT ALL SNOW IS SNOWMAN SNOW.
It takes more than a flurry to build a snowman. Heavy, slushy snow won’t work, and if it’s too powdery dry it won’t pack together. If you can pack a good snowball, you can build a snowman.
Bonus tip: Dry snow can be modified to workable snowman snow with a quick spritz of water from a spray bottle, or a light mist from that garden hose you really should have already put away for the winter.
Tip 2:
ROLL TOWARDS YOUR GOAL
— THE LONG WAY.
Decide where to position your snowman and make that your finish line. Start with a
A Few Tips to Get You Rolling
Creating a Better Snowman
well-packed snowball and get rolling, but don’t just go in one direction. Roll the ball to start accumulating snow, then roll back, then roll in a different direction. Pack and begin to shape your snowball as you go. Reinforce as necessary. Look to use a 3-2-1 ratio for the sections.
Tip 3:
EVEN SNOWMEN CRAVE STABILITY.
Once you get your base section in place, shore up the bottom with snow. Then at the top, create a bowl-shaped indentation to allow the next section to sit securely. Ensure each section is well-packed with added snow around the “joint” between the sections.
Tip 4:
SNOW IS HEAVY. ENLIST A BUDDY.
A willing helper can help lift that heavy next stage into place. You can even roll it onto a tarp and lift from either side to get it up there. A third set of hands can help move it into place. Otherwise, use plywood as a ramp to roll it up yourself (braced well against the bottom with plenty of support underneath, so as to not damage the base). You might need an extra bowl of Wheaties to roll it up there alone.
Tip 5:
PILOT HOLES ARE YOUR FRIEND.
Simply jamming details into your snowman can mess with its integrity. Use a sharp stick to gently create some pilot holes for your features before you set them into place.
Tip
6:
GIVE HIM SOME PERSONALITY.
There’s always that classic snowman uniform of a scarf, hat, a carrot nose and coal (sure, we all have that lying around these days — river rocks might be easier to get your hands on). Or you could be a bit more creative, maybe with an old oversized Hawaiian shirt, a jazzy vest, or go all-out and channel your inner Martha Stewart, breaking out your Dremel to make something custom for your wintery lawn guest. You might need to use your imagination — not many of us have corncob pipes or top hats anymore, either.
Pro tip: if you’re dressing your snowman, put any body clothing you might use on before adding the arms.
Just remember. If you mess it up, it’s ok because he’ll be back again some day.
Kick off the holiday season with High Desert Chamber Music at their 18th Annual Gala, sponsored in part by Mission Building, Lynch Murphy McLane LLC, Callan Accounting, and Barbour & Associates. Featuring a performance by the Spotlight Chamber Players, dinner, silent auction, and desert dash, the proceeds from this event benefit HDCM programs, including their Concert Series and educational outreach. HighDesertChamberMusic.com
DECEMBER 6TH-7TH
6th Annual Holiday Makers Market
Schilling's Garden Market | 10:00 AM
Celebrate the season at the 6th Annual Holiday Makers Market hosted by Schilling's Garden Market. Enjoy a festive weekend of shopping, sipping, and seasonal cheer with 40+ curated vendors, handmade gifts, delicious food, festive drinks, live music, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Portion of proceeds from parking tickets will benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). SchillingsGardenMarket.com
DECEMBER 6TH
Bend Christmas Parade
Downtown Bend | 12:00 PM
Ring in the holidays with the Bend Christmas Parade! Cascade Relays Foundation is honored to help carry this beloved tradition forward. Get ready to step into a world of wonder — this year’s parade theme is “A Storybook Christmas!” and brings all your favorite holiday tales to life. So bundle up and join us as we celebrate the magic of the holidays. BendChristmasParade.org
DECEMBER 12TH
Tumalo Creek Holiday Lights
Paddle Parade
Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe, 8056 Industrial Way, Bend | 4:00 PM
Join paddlers from across Central Oregon as they light up the Deschutes River and the Old Mill District with a magical display of decorated kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Paddlers will gather at Tumalo Creek’s shop and float upriver in a stunning procession of illuminated vessels. Spectators can enjoy the festive spectacle from the Old Mill District footbridge. TumaloCreek.com
DECEMBER 12TH
Broadway in Bend
Tower Theatre | 7:00 PM
Get into the holiday spirit with a night of show tunes performed by Broadway’s finest talent. Presented by Summit Health Cares, celebrate the holidays with a star-studded group of Broadway performers—all for a good cause. Proceeds provide critical community programming to support Oregonians. This year’s event will be hosted by Christopher Hanke (Rent). Doors open at 6 p.m. TowerTheatre.org
Ring in the New Year with family and friends guided by a naturalist on a snowshoe tour through the snow-covered landscape in the Cascade Mountains west of Bend. Meander through the forest to a hand-carved amphitheater where a crackling bonfire awaits. Enjoy delectable desserts, hot cocoa and toast the new year at midnight with champagne! Transportation and snowshoes provided. WanderlustTours.com
