The annual Christmas card photo is a beloved tradition, but you may be feeling that the poses in yours are looking a little tired and the smiles on the faces you love appear to be forced, but that doesn’t mean you need to stop the tradition. You can shake up your favorite tradition by changing the location, perhaps taking the photos on the road to Bend during your annual family vacation and even if you pose in matching pajamas in front of a roaring fire, in much the same way you have done for years, doing so in the cozy comfort of our Bend Vacation Rentals holiday hideaways will be an important change. This guide to where you can take your family holiday photos while vacationing in Bend will give you many more ideas on how to make family photos in Bend this Christmas shine brighter than all others!
Bend Community Tree Lighting, December 6
Magic is in the air, a magic that will be reflected in every photo you take as you gather around the Bend Community Tree, watching as with a flick of the switch it lights up the night. Offering Christmas carols performed by local choirs, hot cocoa, and a celebrity meet and greet (and by celebrity, of course we mean old St. Nick himself), this joyful celebration will provide many incredible photo opportunities, with the resulting photos helping to remind you of the fantastic time you had during your holiday getaway to the Northwest!
Tumalo Falls in the Deschutes National Forest
When we look through our Christmas family photos throughout the years, the ones that stand out are often made more unique because of the background, and you can’t get more unique than a family photo posed in front of the iced-over Tumalo Falls. Located just 14 miles from downtown Bend, the crystalline beauty of the frozen water adds a “Frozen” quality to your photograph and provides a stunning backdrop to the colorful winter clothing you all will be wearing. This spot isn’t accessible by car in the winter months, but it IS accessible by snowshoes or cross country skis via a relatively easy hike.
The City of North Bend Christmas Parade, December 7
Now it is true, it can be difficult to take pictures at night, but as the lighted Christmas Parade passes by your spot on its route, it may be the perfect time to take a candid shot of your kids. All the colors of the rainbow will be reflected on each face, vying for attention with sparkle in their eyes as the magic of Christmas lives on in their tiny souls, and when you take the shot from the side, capturing the profiles you love so much, as well as a blurry portion of the lighted floats that have already passed, we think you will find that THIS is the ideal shot to grace your annual Christmas card.
Drake Park, 777 NW Riverside Boulevard
Although not as popular today, when we were little, snow globes were a whimsical part of the holiday, and as we carefully shook them, making snow fall on whatever scene was in the center of the globe, we often wished we could climb inside and play. During your Bend adventures, you may discover your globe dreams can come to life as you pose in front of a frozen Mirror Pond while the limbs of the trees bend against the weight of the snow piled upon them and perhaps even more snow gently falls to the ground around you. While not technically a snow globe, it will feel as if you climbed inside one, and the pictures taken here will have a dreamy quality that truly reflects the spirit of the season.
SantaLand, Old Mills District, Weekends from November 29th Through December 23
Starting the Friday after Thanksgiving, the Old Mills District becomes North Pole South on the weekends, offering the North Pole Express mailbox, the Tree of Joy, and of course, Santa Claus, who is waiting to pose for pictures with your good little boys and girls and getting a head start on what to direct the elves to build in preparation of the most exciting night of the year. The pictures taken in SantaLand are sure to be filled with all the excitement of the season and will be even more so the closer we get to Christmas.
Photo Ops at Home with Bend Vacation Rentals
Still have your mind set on a Christmas photo in front of the fireplace? Our properties at Bend Vacation Rentals offer fireplaces in rooms with windows that stretch from floor to ceiling, ensuring that the lighting will be just about perfect for your holiday photo tradition. Bring out the matching jammies, dress your pooch in a Christmas hat and scarf (many of our vacation rentals are pet friendly ones!), and pose for pictures filled with light, joy, and not a single forced smile. Reserve your favorite escape today!
If you’re planning a Halloween getaway to Bend, OR, you’re in for a treat. This charming town transforms into a festive wonderland each October, offering the perfect backdrop for a memorable trick-or-treat adventure. Our guide will lead you through the top spots in Bend for trick or treating in Oregon and experience local Halloween magic.
Top Trick-or-Treating Spots in Bend
You can kick off your Halloween exploration in the heart of downtown Bend, where the festive spirit is palpable. The downtown area, with its historic charm and friendly atmosphere, offers a welcoming environment for families looking to enjoy an evening of trick-or-treating. Many local businesses and shops enthusiastically participate in the Halloween fun, offering treats and sometimes even small surprises for little goblins and ghouls.
Next, you can head to the charming neighborhoods surrounding downtown Bend. Areas like the Old Farm District and the River West neighborhood are particularly popular during Halloween. These communities are known for their well-decorated homes and generous candy-givers, creating a festive and family-friendly environment. The enthusiasm of the residents in these areas truly enhances the Halloween experience, making it a must-visit for trick-or-treaters.
For a touch of local tradition, you can check out the annual Halloween event at the High Desert Museum. This attraction not only provides educational exhibits but also hosts special Halloween-themed activities. Kids can enjoy storytelling sessions, hands-on crafts, and even a chance to see some friendly wildlife up close. This event offers a delightful alternative to traditional trick-or-treating and adds a unique twist to your Halloween experience.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit some of Bend’s popular parks during the Halloween season. Parks like Drake Park and Pioneer Park often feature community events and gatherings that are perfect for trick-or-treating. These parks create a festive atmosphere with their beautiful settings and are an excellent choice for families who want to combine outdoor fun with Halloween celebrations.
Additionally, if you’re looking for something a bit different, consider visiting the local schools and community centers. Most of these institutions host Halloween parties and trunk-or-treat events that are designed to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for kids. These events often feature themed games, contests, and a variety of treats, making them a fun alternative to traditional neighborhood trick-or-treating.
For those who prefer a more structured Halloween experience, several local businesses offer special trick-or-treating events during the season. Stores like the Market of Choice and local breweries often have trick-or-treating hours where children can collect candy while parents enjoy a festive atmosphere. These events are a great way to experience local hospitality and get into the Halloween spirit without having to navigate traditional trick-or-treat routes.
Finally, be sure to check out the Bend Park and Recreation District’s Halloween-themed activities. This organization often hosts events such as haunted houses and pumpkin patches that are designed to entertain and thrill. These activities offer a fun and engaging way to celebrate Halloween and are perfect for families looking for additional holiday experiences beyond trick-or-treating.
Elevate Your Bend Getaway with Our Exceptional Rentals
After a delightful Halloween adventure in Bend, OR, you can retreat to our stunning vacation rentals that promise comfort and luxury. Nestled in prime locations around town, these properties offer a perfect home base for exploring all the festive fun. Imagine relaxing in spacious living areas, beautifully decorated to reflect the charm of Bend, where every detail is designed with your comfort in mind.
Our vacation rentals in Bend feature fully equipped kitchens, ideal for preparing hearty meals or Halloween treats after a day of trick-or-treating. Here, you can enjoy the convenience of modern appliances and ample counter space, making it easy to cook up a feast or just whip up a quick snack. The cozy dining areas provide a perfect spot for family meals, and most of our Bend property rentals include outdoor spaces where you can unwind.
Our Bend properties also come with a range of amenities that cater to both relaxation and entertainment. Spacious living rooms with plush seating and flat-screen TVs are perfect for winding down after a day of festivities. Most of our homes in Bend also include game rooms or outdoor fire pits, offering a cozy environment for gathering with loved ones and sharing stories of your Halloween adventures.
For those who seek a touch of luxury, several of our Bend rentals feature private hot tubs and stunning mountain views, providing a tranquil retreat after your Halloween escapades. Imagine soaking in a hot tub under the stars, reflecting on a day filled with joy and excitement. Our vacation rentals ensure that your stay in Bend is not only memorable but also incredibly comfortable.
Book Your Bend Halloween Getaway Stay at Our Breathtaking Vacation Rentals
As you prepare for a Halloween adventure in Bend, you’ll discover that this charming town offers an array of magical trick-or-treating spots. From festive neighborhoods to exciting local events, Bend promises a Halloween experience to remember. You can make your stay even more special by reaching out to book one of our stunning vacation rentals in Bend, where comfort and luxury await.
Tucked away in nature’s paradise of thick forests, the beautiful Cascades, and free-flowing rivers, Bend is an all-season destination for your adventures. It is a friendly destination for virtually all kinds of celebrations. Whether you are flying out with family or you crave a solo vacation, Oregon is one place you can count on. Here are a few reasons to consider spending Labor Day in Bend, Oregon for this year’s celebrations.
A Nature Lover’s Paradise
Bend can be best described as a nature lover’s paradise. The reason behind the name is the large number of natural features it harbors in the vicinity. Even the immediate positioning of the city is on the iconic Deschutes River. Waking each day to these marvelous doings of nature is something to be proud of while vacationing in the city.
The best way to interact with nature will be to go out for a hike. The hilly train of the city means there is a lot of ground for you to cover. You may as well explore intense activities such as mountain climbing. The free-flowing rivers of the city also come with a chance for you to put your angling skills from the past into practice.
Enjoy Whitewater Rafting
Your water activities in Bend go beyond fishing. You are also in the right place to enjoy a splash in the cool waters of the Cascades. Apart from swimming, rivers in the city are suitable for intense activities such as canoeing and whitewater rafting.
Rafting is more of a luxurious form of adventure that allows you to explore the lower sections of the river and its environments. With a safety jacket over your body, there is no need to worry about the turbulence you encounter out there on the river.
Within the city are multiple travel firms ready to facilitate your rafting needs. Book your spot and hit the river like the rest do. Bring your camera to document the fond memories that wait for you downstream.
Park Adventure for Family Fun
Labor Day adventures in the city go beyond what you can do individually. The broader family is a crucial part of the experience. Bend is a city of multiple packs all packed with several activities suitable for the family setting. Start the experience by renting a bike and engaging your kids in riding competitions within the park. Kids can easily spend the whole day riding bikes but can hardly last an hour hiking in the woods. The fun part also involves riding horses. These rides help you explore the fun of the park while still not breaking a sweat.
A City of Diverse Art and Culture
The diversity of Bend goes beyond what nature has to offer. Human creations of art and culture also play a significant part. Bend is a city of multiple museums meant to showcase the cultural diversity of the city. Artifacts in these museums tell stories of the American Civil War among others. It is the best chance for your kids to experience a practical example of all the theories they learn in school.
The diversity is also displayed by the foods available for you to explore. Delicacies from across the globe have found their way to the city. Whether you are after Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, or the usual American style, you have it all in the city.
Have Fun at the Bend Ale Trail
Your holiday adventures in Bend get better with each step you make. This time, it is the iconic Bend Ale Trail working the magic for you. While other trails in the city are known for the hiking activities that lie ahead, this route has none of that. You are here for the locally crafted drinks.
As the name suggests, it is a trail of multiple ale manufacturers all with unique craft. Spend time exploring craft from each of them as a unique way of summing up your holidays in Oregon.
High-End Vacation Homes Present
The luxurious properties from Bend Vacation Rentals are part of your vacation experience in Bend. Our homes in the city are the epitome of diversity. With one-, two-, three-, four-, and five-bedroom properties in place, there is enough space for varied groups of vacationers to rent in the city.
Apart from the space available, these properties feature high-end amenities meant to enhance your vacation in Oregon. Kitchens are furnished with stainless appliances for your culinary activities. The living rooms have huge glass windows to pump in enough natural light into your rented space. Other luxury features to look out for include warm bedrooms, high-speed internet, cozy couches, and enhanced cleaning mechanisms.
Where to Rent in Bend, Oregon
Choosing a vacation rental in Bend shouldn’t always be a daunting task. Our professional customer support team has compiled a comprehensive list of properties perfect for your holidays in the city. Contact us today for your luxury rentals in Bend.
Bend at Christmas time is the closest thing to magic that any of us will ever experience. The only thing you can do is come and see it for yourself! Immerse yourself in the beauty of winter in one of the loveliest cities. Here are a few of the things we’re most excited about for Bend Christmas 2019:
Holiday Marketplace
Take a little trip to Sunriver on November 24th and 25th to get some Christmas shopping in. Here you’ll find locally handcrafted goods and art, from handmade soap to lovely metalwork to fine jewelry. This event is in its 16th annual run and it gets bigger every year! Find it at the Great Hall at Sunriver Resort.
Community Bend Christmas Tree Lighting
Come for the whole month of December and kick off your Christmas season with this community tree lighting ceremony (lit by Santa himself) on December 6th. This annual celebration really brings us all together, and it’s the perfect way to begin your Christmas in Bend. Join the choir and the crowd in the singing of all our favorite Christmas carols in downtown Bend.
A Tower Christmas: Swing Into the Holidays
This is a holiday tradition that we all look forward to each year. “Swing Into the Holidays” is this year’s theme, so you can only guess what kind of lively and fun holiday music this 18-piece band will feature! This family-friendly event takes place on December 20th – 23rd, so it makes a great leadup into the main event: a magical Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Bend.
Christmas in Bend, Oregon
Mt. Bachelor is open on Bend Christmas Day, which means that this Christmas can be a time of adventure! Sleep in and make yourselves some nice hot coffee in your rental home, then head out and hit the slopes together for a white Christmas you’ll never forget. Go skiing, go snowboarding, do whatever your heart desires!
Spend the afternoon visiting Bend Whitewater Park for a winter scene that feels like an oil painting. Explore downtown Bend for a taste of Christmas magic courtesy of the twinkling lights and the lightly fallen snow. Even if no fresh snow falls in Bend on Christmas Day, you never have to drive far to find it! Try the nearby Wanoga Sno-Park—just remember to bring your sleds and your sense of fun.
Merry Christmas from the Bend Vacation Rentals family!
Take a minute to picture how serene and warm you’ll feel this Christmas when you spend your stay in one of our beautiful rental homes. Get in touch with us today at 541-385-9492 and we’ll help you get started on your 2019 Bend Christmas Getaway!
Bend, Oregon is a gorgeous community with a surrounding landscape that will continually take your breath away, from the majestic mountains to the quiet cafes in town. Year-round, Bend opens its arms to visitors, and during the holidays the atmosphere turns downright magical. There are a thousand reasons to head to Bend for the holidays. Here are just a few:
Picturesque Scenery
If you were to take a moment to close your eyes and imagine a picturesque, postcard-worthy winter scene, with snow-dusted pines and a pastel sky, you’d probably be picturing Bend in the wintertime. You’ll want to bring along your warmest jackets, your snowshoes, and all your favorite winter sporting gear, because there is no better time or place to break them out than here in Bend for the holidays.
Wild Winter Adventures
The mountains around Bend average 30 feet of snowfall per year—much, much more than the mild 30-inch average that the city enjoys. That means that the world of winter magic awaits you on the mountain tops! Book a Moonlight & Starlight Snowshoe Tour with Wanderlust Tours, which also offers other adventures, like snow camping, and a New Year’s Eve bonfire. Take the family to see what it’s like to ride with sled dogs if you’re looking for a more creative way to enjoy the snow. But the biggest winter adventure of all is our favorite: winter sports. Try backcountry skiing on Cinder Cone, or cross-country skiing on Wanoga Sno-Park Cross-Country Loop.
The Magic of Bend for the Holidays
Some of our favorite perks of the holidays are those right here in town. Warm up after a long day snowshoeing to Tumalo Falls by heading into town for a craft beer at Silver Moon Brewing, plus a good, old-fashioned burger. Get into the holiday spirit with us at the annual Christmas Parade, to be held this year on Saturday, December 7th. See the Holiday Lights Winter Paddle Parade on December 13th; it’s a one-of-a-kind parade that you’ll never forget, where Bend’s paddling enthusiasts deck their canoes and kayaks with holiday lights and decorations and head down the Deschutes River together.
Home Away from Home
When you’re planning a holiday destination, the most important thing is finding somewhere that will feel like home to everyone during your stay. That’s where Bend Vacation Rentals can lend a helping hand. Simply call us today at 541-385-9492 and we’ll help you get started!