As the temperature drops and we start to use our fireplaces for warmth as well as ambiance, we look forward to a jolly and bright winter season in Sunriver. In addition to snow sports at Mt. Bachelor and the surrounding area, Sunriver has a variety of seasonal fun planned for the winter and holiday seasons. Whether you plan on moving to Sunriver this season or will be visiting for the holidays, you’ll find something for everyone to enjoy while you’re here. Plan ahead to attend these winter events in Sunriver.
Traditions Holiday Celebration at Sunriver Resort
The biggest holiday celebration comes in the form of Sunriver Resort’s Traditions Holiday Celebrations with activities and events occurring through the end of the year. Traditions kicks off on Saturday, November 17 with Grand Illumination and runs through Tuesday, January, 1. We’ve included an array of events that will be happening throughout the season, but a full list and descriptions of everything going on during Traditions can be found in this brochure.
Grand Illumination
Saturday, Nov. 17
12pm – 7pm
Grand Illumination has become a favorite tradition for locals and holiday visitors to Sunriver. Head over to the Lodge at Sunriver Resort for the Grand Illumination tree lighting ceremony and enjoy an evening of fun for the entire family. Visit with Santa, participate in children’s crafts, train rides, Oregon Observatory telescope viewing, face painting, fireworks and more. The Resort will have local food vendors on site as well as food available from their restaurants. Activities begin at 12pm on Saturday with the lighting ceremony taking place at 5:45pm.
Holiday Marketplace
Friday, Nov. 23 – Saturday, Nov. 24
10am – 4pm
Find a special gift or treat yourself at the 17th Annual Sunriver Resort Holiday Marketplace in the Homestead Building. This annual arts and crafts show features items created by local and regional artists including jewelry, fine art, metalwork, soaps and lotions, woodworking and more.
Gingerbread Junction
Saturday, Dec. 1 – Tuesday, Jan. 1
The 23rd annual Gingerbread Junction benefits Habitat for Humanity of La Pine and Sunriver. Gingerbread houses will be on display in the Abbot Room of Sunriver Resort and include works of art constructed by local artists, students and businesses.
Elf Tuck-Ins
Various dates throughout the holiday season.
Santa’s helpers read your child a bedtime Christmas story and says goodnight with warm holiday wishes and a special treat bag. Tuck-ins are available throughout Sunriver, Caldera Springs and Crosswater by appointment for children under age 12.
Santa’s Workshop
Fridays and Saturdays from Thanksgiving through Christmas. Daily December 21-26, closed on Christmas Day.
Create your own holiday keepsake when stepping into Santa’s magical workshop. Visitors can sip a warm mug of hot cocoa. Create a hand-painted ceramic mug, glass ornaments, nightlights and more when visiting Santa’s Workshop at Sunriver Resort.
Sunriver Music Festival’s Christmas Concert
Friday, Dec. 7
Doors at 6pm, Concert at 6:30pm
Treat yourself to an evening of holiday music, cold beer and warm friends at Sunriver Music Festival’s annual Christmas concert held in the Homestead Building at Sunriver Resort. This year’s concert features boogie-woogie pianist Arthur Migliazza. Visit sunrivermusicfestival.org for more information about tickets.
Sleigh Rides
Reservations: 541-593-6995
Treat your family or friends to a beautiful horse-drawn sleigh ride along the Deschutes River. Sunriver Stables offers rides in a Victorian sleigh, which holds four adults and two children comfortably. Cuddle up under a warm blanket and experience this time-honored Sunriver tradition.
Brunches and Dinners
Various dates and times throughout the holiday season.
Gather with friends and family for incredible holiday meals and brunches at Sunriver Resort. Beginning with a holiday plated brunch at Carson’s American Kitchen on Saturday and Sunday, November 17 and 18, you can taste the season at Sunriver Resort. Thanksgiving dinners, brunch with Santa, Christmas dinners, New Years dinners and brunches can all be expected to be delicious.
New Year’s Eve Party
Monday, Dec. 31 at Sunriver Resort
9pm – 1am, Doors at 8pm
Ring in 2019 with a dance party at Sunriver Resort. The event includes party favors and a champagne toast as well as music and an open dance floor. Attendees must be 21 years old or older and advanced ticket sales begin on December 1.
Activities at The Village at Sunriver
Sunriver Resort isn’t the only venue hosting holiday events and activities in Sunriver this season. The Village at Sunriver hosts an array of holiday activities for the entire family starting with the Rockin’ Holiday Kickoff over Thanksgiving weekend.
Santa’s Little Helper Workshops
Wednesdays, Nov 21 – Dec 19
Elf team leaders help kids in the one workshop you won’t want to miss this holiday season. Kids create a holiday gift for a loved one in their life. This is a kids only event, which allows parents to enjoy time spent holiday shopping or enjoying each other’s company. The workshop includes a holiday snack and each workshop is limited to 12 kids, ages 5-12.
Ice Skating in The Village
Opens Thanksgiving Day
Ice skating in Sunriver has been a favorite activity among locals and visitors for many years and with a newly upgraded rink you can enjoy this winter tradition. Hours vary daily and depend on the holidays, but ice skating operations run through the winter season.
Rockin’ Holiday Kickoff
Saturday, Nov. 24
2pm – 7pm
Now coming into its third year, the Rockin’ Holiday Kickoff welcomes the winter and holiday seasons with hot coffee and cocoa as well as carolers and various performers. Visit Santa Claus for free photos and then explore the Alpine Express Trackless Train. End the night by watching the lighting of the Village Christmas tree and a rockin’ concert to ring in the holiday season.
2019 Sunriver Brewing Company K-9 Keg Pull
Saturday, Feb. 2
12pm – 3pm
Come back in February for Sunriver Brewing Company’s K-9 Keg Pull, which features dogs in a variety of weight divisions pulling “kegs” down a 150-foot snow runway. Each participating pooch will be timed and prizes will be awarded in each weight category. Vendors for humans and canines will be on-and during the event. Participants and spectators are encouraged to bring dog food donations, which will be given to the Humane Society of Central Oregon.
Happy holidays from Scott, Robyn and Jordan from team Tuttle and Tuttle. We hope you’ll visit us while you’re in Sunriver for the holidays at our offices in The Village at Sunriver.