Good morning, Bend.

Craft-O! returns for its 15th annual holiday market at The Workhouse in the Old Ironworks Arts District this weekend, hosting nearly 60 artisans offering handmade gifts and local treats.

Shoppers should arrive early given tight parking and can collect stamps for a chance at prizes.

Bend Park & Recreation District is hosting a drive-thru holiday food drive Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Larkspur Community Center’s Bend Senior Center entrance, 1600 SE Reed Market Rd to support NeighborImpact Food Bank, with additional donation bins available through Jan. 4 during regular business hours.

Two Pilot Butte Middle School students set up a toy drive to support kids in need, collecting donations for The Giving Plate.

The drive began early this month and will run until Dec. 17 — timing donations for their holiday Jingle Jam event.

Warm temperatures melted The Pavilion's ice in Bend this week and forced cancellation of skating and hockey programs as the concrete slab reached 26 degrees (ideal is 18-21).

Cooler nights expected later should help restore the rink for upcoming events.

Home Instead is running the 20th annual ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ drive — offering blankets, shampoo and quarters for laundry — to support hundreds of seniors; a volunteer wrapping party will be held at Silver Moon Brewing in Bend on Dec.

17 at 4:00 p.m.

Galley Far East Cuisine, a new restaurant serving Asian fusion dishes, opened in Bend this month.

The family-owned establishment at 62080 Dean Swift Road, unit 100 serves Thai-inspired entrees for lunch and dinner — gluten-free and vegan options are available.

Andersen Corporation announced Wednesday, Dec.

10 that it will acquire Bright Wood, a 60-year local timber fixture and the region's No. 2 private employer with 1,150 employees, to continue operating under local leadership. Pat Meyer will serve as acting CEO as Andersen steps into board-level governance.

Maxwell Friedman Group will perform live at two Domino Room shows this December.

They will play the Holiday Benefit Jam on Friday, Dec. 12 (to benefit The Family Kitchen) and a show with Mamasboy on Saturday, Dec. 27 while also working on a new recording featuring guest drummer Adam Deitch.

Oregon spotted frog counts in the Upper Deschutes Basin increased after three wet winters and bullfrog removal — scientists say this signals healthier wetlands.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will continue monitoring and restoration efforts in 2026.

The Deschutes National Forest has approved Class 1 e-bikes along 160 miles of trails at locations including Phil’s Trail Complex, Peterson Ridge Trail, Wanoga and Sunriver, although winter closures mean riders will have to wait until April 1 to ride on low elevation trails – higher trails will remain closed.

State economists project $422.8 million in estate tax revenue in fiscal year 2025 as lawmakers keep the $1 million exemption unchanged (the lowest in the nation), pushing many retirees and working families to consider moving to avoid extra costs.

Oregon health officials reported the state broke its 75-year record with 1,475 whooping cough cases this year and warn that infants are at risk — they urge pregnant people and adults close to babies to get the Tdap vaccine.

Bend Don’t Break host Aaron Switzer interviewed Kat Mastrangelo of Volunteers in Medicine — a free clinic for uninsured adults — today.

They discussed rising insurance costs and the growing need for accessible care in Central Oregon.

Central Oregon fall sports delivered memorable moments as Bend girls soccer secured its fourth state title while Summit teams excelled in cross-country, football and volleyball.

Players and coaches earned top state awards, adding excitement to a season of standout local achievements.

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

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.

Swingin' Tower Christmas

2-5 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a festive family holiday show filled with swingin’ Christmas songs and seasonal stories.

No School Day Camp

9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Amity Creek Magnet at Thompson School — Registration fee applies — Turn a day off into a fun-filled adventure with creativity for kids K-5.

Christmas Eve Dinner at Juniper Preserve

9 AM – 4 PM — Juniper Preserve — Cost varies — Enjoy a lavish holiday brunch buffet with festive cheer and seasonal favorites.

Tony Smiley Live Performance

7 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience a vibrant evening of live music from Tony Smiley.

JuJu Eyeball New Year's Celebration

8-10 p.m. — The Commonwealth Pub — Ticket information not provided — Celebrate the year's end with live Beatles tunes from Bend's very own JuJu Eyeball.