Bend
Daily News
Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Bend. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 23rd of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A new shuttle called the Meissner Bus runs every weekend between Bend’s Park and Float lot and Meissner Sno-Park to lessen traffic and parking stress for skiers. Riders pay $5 for a one-way or round-trip and must reserve seats as the service runs through the winter season. Central Oregon Daily
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Brooks Boat House, a new banquet and seafood venue for large groups, will open next to Pine Tavern in downtown Bend. The space offers views of Mirror Pond and is designed to attract its own crowd without competing with the established restaurant. Central Oregon Daily
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ McMenamins Old St. Francis School is hosting a free live music countdown event with shows each evening from Friday, Dec. 26 through Tuesday, Dec. 30 in Father Luke’s Room. The lineup features Tony Smiley, Thomas T and the Blue Chips, JuJu Eyeball, Five Pint Mary and Aladinsane. Bend Bulletin
- ➤ Central Oregon will ring in the new year with local live music. Call Down Thunder and The Hasbens will perform at the Domino Room (51 NW Greenwood Ave.) at 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve, while The Belfry in Sisters will host Kota Dosa at 8 p.m. Bend Bulletin
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Beef prices are at their peak this Christmas as shoppers fill carts for premium cuts at Central Oregon Locavore in Bend. Analysts say prices will slowly decline over the next several years as drought reduces the beef cow herd. Central Oregon Daily
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Oregon is set to receive about $2.56M from Mercedes-Benz USA + Daimler as part of a nationwide settlement that will prompt consumer relief for nearly 4,100 affected vehicles. State officials say funds will be used for emissions program adjustments and to provide $2,000 to each qualifying owner. The Oregonian
- ➤ The U.S. House passed a bill to remove the gray wolf from the federally protected list; Oregon Rep. Cliff Bentz said the change will let ranchers better defend their livestock as management shifts to the states and the bill heads to the Senate. Central Oregon Daily
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ AAA warns that holiday travel may face delays and icy roads on mountain passes as nearly 2 million Oregonians journey for Christmas. Travelers from Bend and central Oregon should plan extra time at local airports or on the roads. Central Oregon Daily
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Mt. Bachelor announced it will open today for the winter season after a warm fall delayed its start, with 19 inches of snow at the base. The resort advises skiers to stay on open+groomed terrain and will reveal lift and event details later. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Mt. Bachelor opens today after 19 inches of snow fell at the mountain base, with a first chair event scheduled at 8:45 a.m. The resort advises skiers & riders to stay on groomed runs while family events continue at Meissner and Wanoga amid early season conditions. Central Oregon Daily
- ➤ Three Central Oregon basketball teams won early season tournaments last weekend. The Crook County boys and Redmond girls won at Marshfield High School in Coos Bay while the Trinity Lutheran boys claimed the title at Cascade High School in Turner, and each team now prepares for their Saturday matchups. Bend Bulletin
-
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
-
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.
-
Sunday Swim: Cold Plunge in the Deschutes
7:30-8:00 a.m. — Riverbend Park — Free entry — Start your Sunday with a refreshing cold plunge in the beautiful Deschutes River for an energizing morning experience.
-
Beertown Comedy Open Mic
6:30-9:30 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a hilarious night of local comedy at Bend's favorite open mic night.
-
New Year’s Eve 2026 Celebration with Watkins Glen
9 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — $28 — Celebrate the New Year with live music, specialty cocktails, and a midnight champagne toast.
-
Gino Vannelli Concert
8-10 p.m. — Oxford Hotel Bend — Ticket price unknown — Experience the timeless jazz vocals of Gino Vannelli at this unique venue.
-
Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC) Class
8 AM - 4 PM — Ewing Outdoor Supply — Exam registration required (additional fee) — Gain essential skills for irrigation contract execution with provided lunch.
-
Bend Thirsty Third Thursday Networking
4-6 p.m. — The Cellar — First drink free for registered attendees — Network with design and construction professionals in a relaxed atmosphere.
-
Maxwell Friedman Group Concert
7 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — $19.25 — Enjoy an evening of live music in a vibrant local venue.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Bend Daily News
Welcome to the Bend Daily News, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Bend, Oregon community. If you like the Bend Daily News, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Bend.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Bend and across Oregon. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Bend Daily News
A free Bend community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://benddailynews.com/sitemap