From Santa to carriage rides, holiday memories are ready for the making along the Deschutes River in the heart of Bend, Oregon.
The holiday tradition continues at the Old Mill District as visitors and locals alike are invited for visits with jolly old St. Nick, horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers and more. SantaLand, which has expanded and will be located in the former Orvis building at 320 Powerhouse Drive, Suite 110, opens on Friday November 28. Santa’s sleigh ride comes in the form of an AirLink helicopter, which will land in Les Schwab Amphitheater around 10am.
SantaLand: He’s Here from the North Pole Each Weekend
In the magical place called SantaLand, kiddies can capture Santa’s ear with their hearts’ desires. Photography will make the moment into holiday history. Local “celebrities” will take turns posing as the bearded gift bringer, so parents are invited to secretly guess who’s behind the disguise. Santa will be in SantaLand from 11am-5pm on the following dates:
• Friday-Sunday, November 28-30
• Friday- Sunday, December 5-7
• Friday-Sunday, December 12-14
• Friday-Sunday, December 19-21
• Monday-Tuesday, December 22-23
Carriage Rides
Enjoy complimentary carriage rides with Cowboy Carriage, brought to you by Brasada Ranch and the Old Mill District. They will pick up and drop off between Francesca’s and Ben & Jerry’s on the following dates (weather permitting): November 28-30; December 6-7; December 13-14; December 20-23; and December 27-28. Hours each day are 2-5pm. Donations and tips will benefit Kids Center, a local non-profit that helps prevent child abuse.
Tree of Joy: Give Back to Those in Need
This year’s tree will be open from November 28-December 14 inside SantaLand for community members to give a gift to a person in need this holiday season. Names may be selected and gifts delivered anytime Monday-Thursday from 3-7:00pm and Friday-Sunday 11am-6pm through December 14. Hilton Garden Inn in the Old Mill District will take gifts anytime of the day or night through December 14. Gifts must be unwrapped or in gift bags.
Carolers: Bringing the Joy of the Season Through Song
Enjoy roving musical performances by local groups such as the Summit High School Choir, the Mountain View High School Anadante Jazz Choir, High Desert Middle School Jazz Choir, Sisters High School Jazz Choir, Bend Senior High School Choir, Trinity Lutheran High School Concert Choir, High Desert Harmoneers, Peace Chords of Westside Village Magnet School and School of the Arts. Check the Old Mill District website for a schedule of performances.
Gift Wrapping for a Cause
No one has time to create beautiful gift wrapping during the busy holiday season! Wrap up all your treasures just right for only $1-$3 or by donation. All the money raised will go to Ronald McDonald House of Bend, Central Oregon Disabled Veterans and the Salvation Army. The gift wrapping station will be open inside SantaLand from 11am-5pm on the following dates:
• Friday-Sunday, November 28-30
• Friday-Sunday, December 12-14
• Friday-Sunday, December 19-21
About the Old Mill District
One of the Pacific Northwest’s most distinctive and dynamic mixed-use developments, the Old Mill District is located on 270 acres that formerly housed one of the largest pine sawmill operations in the world. The rich history of the land is coupled with spectacular mountain views, scenic river vistas and an extensive trail system to enjoy the outdoors. More than 55 local, regional and national retail businesses and restaurants call the Old Mill District home. The Old Mill District – Bend’s most unique shopping, dining, living, and entertainment experience. #HowtoBend www.theoldmill.com
