Good morning, Bend.

Bend Park and Recreation will hold a one-day winter registration next week for January through March activities.

Registration opens Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 6:00 a.m. online and in person at several locations after recent tech upgrades improved access.

Bend Fire and Rescue will bring the Santa Express to three neighborhoods to collect food, toy and clothing donations for the Salvation Army.

Starting Friday, Dec. 5 at 6:00 p.m. in Southeast Bend, the route moves to Northwest on Saturday, Dec. 6 and to Southwest on Monday, Dec. 8.

Mt. Bachelor ski area remains closed today as only 2 inches of snow have fallen while 24 inches are needed, leaving ski shops & rental agencies waiting for forecasted snowfall.

Local businesses are optimistic that a change in the weather will soon boost winter activity.

Little Women will be performed live starting today at 7 p.m. at Open Space Event Studios (220 NE Lafayette Ave) as part of eight holiday productions through Dec.

13; tickets cost $30.

Central Oregon School of Ballet stages its 39th annual Nutcracker with performances this Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at Mountain View High School, while Grand Kyiv Ballet presents its own Nutcracker at 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at the Tower Theatre.

On Tuesday, an Air Link helicopter landed at Powell Butte Community Charter School after the school won the Firebusters Grand Prize Assembly from the Central Oregon Fire Prevention Cooperative; students met Crook County firefighters and learned fire safety before celebrating with prize bag goodies (including a free burger voucher).

Boulder Ridge of Bend was named Eastern Oregon’s Operator of the Year by the Oregon Department of Forestry for thinning nearly 2,000 acres of trees on the eastern slopes of the Cascades + lowering wildfire risk.

The award honors the company’s careful work in improving forest health.

City staff who speak Spanish will work at the Latino Community Association office on Twin Knolls Drive once a week starting in January to help community members navigate city processes (office at 2680 NE Twin Knolls Drive).

This effort brings government services directly to where the Latino community gathers.

The Bureau of Land Management extended the deadline to apply for special recreation permits for guided activities on the Lower Deschutes and Crooked Rivers south of Prineville.

Completed applications must be delivered by (4:30 p.m.) on Dec. 15 for permits valid starting in the 2026 season.

The Oregon Water Resources Department is accepting grant applications for eligible homeowners with wells that are dry or damaged by wildfire, offering up to $40,000 per grant.

Awards will be made on a first-come, first-served basis, and applicants should review the criteria to determine if they qualify.

The Portland Trail Blazers expanded their Rip City Television Network on Wednesday to include Deschutes County so local fans can now watch over-the-air games on Channel 18.2 and cable channels — in partnership with Sinclair and Central Oregon Daily News.

Christmas in July with Central Oregon Holiday Toy Drive Santa

Central Oregon Holiday Toy Drive has taken over for the Toys for Tots which has suspended operations in Central Oregon and Marines from MCL 1308 with support from Summit Health are taking over with our Santa on the 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st of July and 7 of August every Thursday at 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm BRING A TOY PLEASE its needed

FunkShui & Guests Live Show

7-10 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Enjoy a fun night with live funk music by FunkShui and guests.

Kids Night Out with Camp Fire Central Oregon

1:30-4:30 a.m. — 437 NW Wall St, Bend, OR — Donation-based event — Kids enjoy games, crafts, and dinner while parents have a night out.

Schilling's 2025 Holiday Makers Market

6 PM - 12 AM — Schilling's Garden Market — Parking ticket required — Celebrate creativity and community with local vendors, festive food, and holiday cheer.

Community Leaders Christmas Party 2025

6-8 p.m. — The Haven Coworking — Free entry — Celebrate the Christmas season with leaders from across Central Oregon in a casual holiday gathering.

Evan Mullins Live Performance

6-8 p.m. — Silverleaf Café — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of amazing covers and original music with talented local musician Evan Mullins.

Holiday Lights Paddle Parade

4-10 p.m. — Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe — Free entry — Experience the enchanting spectacle of illuminated kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards on the Deschutes River.

SantaLand Celebration

11 AM – 5 PM — Old Mill District — Free entry — Experience the festive spirit with Santa, holiday gifts, and special moments in SantaLand!

Open Mic Night at Silver Moon Brewing

1-4 a.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Hone your craft in a supportive environment during this lively open mic night.

SHINE Acoustic Performance

8-10 p.m. — The Commonwealth Pub — Free entry — Enjoy classics from the '70s, '80s, '90s and beyond with SHINE's acoustic trio.

Swingin' Tower Christmas

7-8:30 p.m. — Tower Theatre, Bend, OR — RSVP required — Experience a festive holiday show with swingin' Christmas songs and local performers against a backdrop of a live big band.