Walking in a winter wonderland sounds cool, but Bend can do even better. How about biking, sledding, snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, skiing, ice skating, dog sledding, golfing, even surfing in a winter wonderland? 

All of that’s possible when you visit Bend in December. Snow bundles our mountains in a cozy fleece blanket, while our sidewalks stay dry for strolling and shopping. Restaurants beckon with fireside tables piled with platters of belly-warming food and craft beer.

Wondering what to see, do, drink, eat, and enjoy in this month filled with cocoa and carols and snowflakes falling like confetti? Here’s what’s happening in Bend this December.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

By the time December rolls through, there’s usually enough snow to keep fans of Mt. Bachelor feeling festive. Most years, lifts start churning over Thanksgiving weekend, and the 2024 season got an early start with the mountain opening for season passholders Nov. 15.

Here’s what’s funny: Even with gobs of fresh powder at the ski hill, you may not see much white stuff while strolling Bend’s sidewalks and trails. What’s up with that?

Bend’s annual snowfall averages 21 inches, while Mt. Bachelor gets a whopping 410 inches of white stuff. That’s a pretty big difference with just 22 miles and some elevation separating the two.

What’s great about that is that you can spend the day savoring Mt. Bachelor’s 4,300 acres of lift-accessible terrain, along with all the skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, and dogsledding your flurry-filled heart can handle.

Then head back down to Bend to do some biking or enjoy one of the lower-elevation hikes you’ll have all to yourself this time of year. Some Bend golf courses like River’s Edge stay open year round, though be sure to bundle up warmly. If surfing’s your scene, you’ll find lunatics—er, surf fanatics—catching waves in the Bend Whitewater Park even when snow lines the shores (a drysuit is a must, obviously). Ice skating and trail running in the same afternoon? Why not!

Bottom line? It’s the best of both worlds for December in Bend, and one thing that makes this the perfect winter vacation spot.

Bring on the eggnog and carols

Seeking the best place to spend the holidays in Oregon? You’re on the right path if it’s headed for Bend. December adds an extra layer of enchantment with a fairy dusting of holiday tradition.

Enjoy treasured small-town celebrations like Bend’s annual Community Tree Lighting or the festive Christmas Parade in Downtown Bend. These events take place each year and offer fun for the whole family.

Bend’s festive Old Mill District has their own set of traditions and holiday happenings. Santa’s standing by to hear your kids’ Christmas wishes, and there’s a Tree of Joy bearing tags with wish lists from folks in need. As holiday carollers serenade you, slip a letter to Santa in the dropbox before ducking into one of the Old Mill’s wine tasting rooms for a winter belly warmer.

The annual Menorah Lighting hosted by Chabad of Central Oregon takes place in the Old Mill’s Center Plaza. The 2024 event takes place Dec. 25, and be sure to arrive before dusk so you don’t miss the main event.

Want a one-of-a-kind Bend holiday experience? Don’t miss the annual Holiday Lights Paddle hosted by Tumalo Creek. It’s a thing of wonder watching Bend’s most dedicated paddlers light up their canoes and kayaks to cruise the Deschutes River through the Old Mill District.

For more holiday happenings around Bend, check our event calendar for the dates you plan to be here. From holiday bazaars to kids’ craft fairs, there’s always something happening this time of year!

How’s Bend hiking in winter?

It’s funny to think so many folks flock here for skiing, but still hike Bend’s bare trails in December. That’s thanks to fairly low precipitation in town, compared to what’s just up the hill.

Lucky for you, winter hiking in Bend can be even more glorious that what you’ll find in July, and this time of year, you’ll have many trails to yourself.

For hikes closer to town, it’s a whole different landscape than you’ll find in the mountains. Try lower-elevation trails like those in the Oregon Badlands Wilderness or through the Crooked River Gorge (Chimney Rock is my pick out here). 

Another fab pick close to town  is Tumalo State Park, which boasts a terrific trail following the river all the way to Riley Ranch Nature Preserve. That’s another cool place to explore, featuring 184 acres filled with rimrock cliffs, pine forests, grassy meadows, and river views to make your toes curl.

December’s a great time to explore Bend’s parks, and…what? Ohhhh, you’re picturing swings and a merry-go-round? Sure, we’ve got parks like that (plenty of ‘em) but we also have parks with wide open spaces of sweeping acreage and jaw-dropping scenery.

Explore Sawyer Park’s 53.4 acres of trees, trails, and Deschutes River frontage with outstanding birdwatching. At nearly 1,000 acres, Shevlin Park offers oodles of trails for hiking, running, biking, and nature walking, or bust out the snowshoes or cross country skis when the snow falls. Still want park amenities like play structures and sports fields, but with meandering trails that are paved and ADA friendly? Try Pine Nursery in northeast Bend and explore 159 acres of high desert splendor including a stocked fishing pond, fitness trails, an 18-hole disc golf course, pickleball courts, and a fenced, 14-acre off-leash area for dogs.

And don’t forget Pilot Butte, where you’ll get bragging rights for hoofing it up a dormant volcano. You can make it up and down in under an hour, with the bonus of epic sunrises and sunsets from the top (don’t forget your headlamp!) Bessie Butte makes another great desert hike with fewer humans than you’re likely to see on Pilot Butte. Be aware there are no dog doody bags out here, and no garbage cans, either. It’s a good chance to practice your pack-it-in, pack-it-out protocol.

Need more ideas for inspiring winter hikes? Check out this post for a plethora of suggestions perfect for December conditions. 

Oh, and invest in some microspikes for your shoes to give you peace of mind and extra traction. I don’t always need them on winter hikes, but when I do, it’s handy to slip them on and keep truckin’.

Embrace winter driving conditions

Despite what my mother might tell you, winter driving in Bend isn’t scary. You just need patience and a little preparation.

Like I shared in this Best of November post, lots of local roads shut down once snow piles up at higher elevations. The perk? So many places to explore in car-free peace! You won’t be watching for vehicle traffic on Pilot Butte if you walk up the paved road, and areas off the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway become wonderlands worth exploring on snowshoes, skis, or via snowmobile.

Does driving on ice and snow make you edgy? Keep a close eye on the Oregon Department of Transportation’s TripCheck page for up-to-the-minute info on road conditions around the state. Then scan our conditions page for even more info like weather reports, trail conditions, and road reports. If in-person interactions are more your jam, stop by the Bend Visitor Center for trail and road info, plus complimentary maps and smiles.

If you’re driving over mountain passes to reach Bend, you’ll find chains are required at various points throughout winter. Central Oregon favorite Les Schwab sells great ones, and their friendly associates can help you learn how to use them if you’re new to chaining up.

Everything happens in December!

There’s so much fun stuff happening in December that you’ll need an extra-big calendar to keep track of it all. Make note of important dates so you don’t miss something you’ve looked forward to all year.

To get your list going, here are some of the best things to do in Bend this December:

• Check out holiday lights. You’ll see neighborhood lights just driving through Bend’s streets, or head to Eagle Crest or Sunriver Resort to see spectacular, flashy displays.
• Scope out special holiday events at the High Desert Museum. There’s always something happening, from Winter Wonderland camps for kids, to their Winter Nights events when they stay open late on a few special evenings.
• Catch a holiday concert or show at the Tower Theatre.
• Go ice skating and savor the sparkle of holiday lights and a sea of stars overhead.
• Take the whole fam sledding. While this isn’t a December-only attraction, it might be your one chance if your only trek to Bend happens over winter break.
• Sip a hearty craft brew beside a fire pit on the Bend Ale Trail. Now’s a great time to swill seasonal faves you’ll only find this time of year!
• Lots of folks choose the holidays to get engaged, and wouldn’t it be awesome to plan your proposal on a snowshoe outing? Plenty of folks have popped the question on Moonlight Snowshoe Tours with Wanderlust, or check out my snowshoeing roundup to pick the spot that’s right for you.
• Make New Year’s Eve plans now. Bend loves celebrating our surge to a new year, so make those special dinner reservations now. It’s also the time to scope out parties and festivals, like the Disco Inferno Ball at the Riverhouse Convention Center featuring dinner, live music, and more. Tickets will go fast, so grab ‘em now and rest easy with your holiday plans set.

Have a great holiday season in Bend, everyone! Enjoy your walk (or snowshoe, bike, or ski run) in our winter wonderland.