Updated 9/2/25
Ring in 2026 properly in Bend!
As the year draws to a close, Bend, Oregon, transforms into a vibrant hub of festivities, offering a diverse array of events and activities to welcome the New Year. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the best ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Bend.
Table of Contents
Highlights
Ski & Snowboard
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Spend the day at Mt. Bachelor or Hoodoo. Cap it with music, good food, and a toast.
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Mt Bachelor
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Hoodoo
Downtown Bend
- Bars, lounges, breweries, and live music. Walkable. Festive lights everywhere.
- URL: https://www.downtownbend.org
Family Fun
- Early “Noon Year’s Eve” events. Ice skating under the lights. Guided snowshoe bonfire.
- URL: https://www.bendparksandrec.org/facility/the-pavilion/ | https://seventhmountain.com/winter-activities/ice-skating/ | https://www.wanderlusttours.com/bonfire-on-the-snow
Fireworks
- Look to Hoodoo’s mountain show. Enjoy holiday light displays around town and in Sunriver.
- URL: https://skihoodoo.com | https://www.sunriverresort.com/traditions
Dining Out
- Prix-fixe dinners. Cozy pubs. Breweries with music. Book early.
- URL: https://www.arianarestaurantbend.com | https://www.zydecokitchen.com | https://brickhousebend.com | https://www.riverhouse.com/dining/currents
Make it a Weekend
- Stay near the action. Ski on New Year’s Day. Do brunch. Take a First Day Hike.
- URL: https://www.riverhouse.com | https://tetherow.com | https://www.campfirehotel.com | https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.page&id=269
Mountain Celebrations
Hoodoo Ski Area
All-Day Skiing and Night Energy
- Hit groomers and glades. Stay for the evening lodge scene. Hoodoo keeps the vibe friendly and fun.
- URL: https://skihoodoo.com
Torchlight Vibes and Fireworks
- Hoodoo’s New Year’s tradition turns the slopes into a glowing backdrop. Fireworks after dark feel extra bright in the snow.
- URL: https://skihoodoo.com
Live Music in the Lodge
- Warm up by the fire. Grab a burger or chili. Enjoy bands or a DJ as midnight approaches.
- URL: https://skihoodoo.com/the-lodge/
Family-Friendly Mountain Night
- Easy parking. Close-knit scene. Kids love the snow glow and the short walk to the lodge after the show.
- URL: https://skihoodoo.com
Mt. Bachelor
Big Mountain Day
- 4,000+ skiable acres. Great groomers. Deep snowpack most years. Perfect for a full day before you head to town.
- URL: https://www.mtbachelor.com
Après at the Base
- Settle into the lodge for a pint or cocoa. Watch the last light fade off the volcano.
- URL: https://www.mtbachelor.com/plan-your-trip/dining
Family Programs
- Bachelor often builds out kid-friendly fun in holiday weeks. Think cocoa stops, meetups, and village energy.
- URL: https://www.mtbachelor.com
Getting There Safely
- Check weather and road updates. Consider the shuttle on busy days.
- URL: https://www.mtbachelor.com/plan-your-trip/getting-here
Downtown Bend Celebrations
Cocktail Lounges
Velvet
- Small, stylish, candlelit. Craft cocktails. A relaxed countdown feel.
- URL: http://velvetbend.com
Dogwood Cocktail Cabin
- Wood-lined cabin vibe and creative drinks. Good for couples and small groups.
- URL: https://www.dogwoodcocktailcabin.com
The Stihl Whiskey Bar
- Inside Old St. Francis School. Deep whiskey list. Cozy corners.
- URL: https://www.mcmenamins.com/old-st-francis-school/stihl-whiskey-bar
Breweries & Pubs
Deschutes Brewery Pub
- Bend classic. Big space. Festive energy and hearty winter fare.
- URL: https://www.deschutesbrewery.com/locations/bend-pub/
Bend Brewing Company
- River views. Seasonal beers. Low-key countdown with locals.
- URL: https://bendbrewingco.com
Silver Moon Brewing
- Lively crowd. Music and party vibes. Good for a bigger group.
- URL: https://www.silvermoonbrewing.com
McMenamins Old St. Francis School
- Multiple bars on one property. Courtyards. Soaking pool for hotel guests.
- URL: https://www.mcmenamins.com/old-st-francis-school
Live Music & Venues
Midtown Ballroom / Domino Room
- Big dance floor. DJ nights and band shows. High-energy New Year’s countdowns.
- URL: https://www.randompresents.com
Volcanic Theatre Pub
- Indie venue with a local crowd. Live bands and themed parties.
- URL: https://www.volcanictheatrepub.com
Tower Theatre
- Historic space. Polished productions and concerts. Nice pre-midnight stop.
- URL: https://www.towertheatre.org
NYE Dining
Upscale Dinner
Ariana
- Intimate rooms. Seasonal Northwest tasting menus. Book weeks ahead.
- URL: https://www.arianarestaurantbend.com
Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails
- New American with a Southern lean. Lively dining room for a holiday night.
- URL: https://www.zydecokitchen.com
Brickhouse
- Steak and seafood. Date-night mood. Downtown location.
- URL: https://brickhousebend.com
River Views & Early Countdowns
Currents at Riverhouse
- Dining by the Deschutes. Sometimes offers an early East Coast toast.
- URL: https://www.riverhouse.com/dining/currents
ROAM at Oxford
- Stylish hotel restaurant. Walk to bars and live music after dinner.
- URL: https://www.oxfordhotelbend.com/roam
Creative Brewery Dinners
Immersion Brewing
- Gastropub feel with seasonal specials. Good for groups.
- URL: https://www.immersionbrewing.com
Bend Brewing Company
- Pair a holiday menu with their winter ales and a river walk after.
- URL: https://bendbrewingco.com
Family-Friendly Celebrations
Noon Year’s Eve
Family Countdown Options
- Many local orgs run earlier balloon drops and kid-friendly countdowns. Ideal for younger kids.
- URL: https://www.downtownbend.org
Ice Skating Under the Lights
The Pavilion
- NHL-size rink. Fire pits nearby. Book public skate ahead when you can.
- URL: https://www.bendparksandrec.org/facility/the-pavilion/
Seventh Mountain Resort
- Outdoor rink in the pines. Cosmic Skate with lasers on select nights.
- URL: https://seventhmountain.com/winter-activities/ice-skating/
Sunriver Village Ice Rink
- Indoor/outdoor vibe with fireplaces and music. Great for a family night.
- URL: https://www.villageatsunriver.com/ice-skating/
Bonfire on the Snow
Wanderlust Tours Night Tour
- Guided snowshoe to a hand-carved snow amphitheater. Cocoa or champagne by a big bonfire. Stars overhead if the sky is clear.
- URL: https://www.wanderlusttours.com/bonfire-on-the-snow
Light Displays, River Walks, And Night Strolls
Old Mill District
Holiday River Walk
- Stroll the footbridges. Take in the lights on the smokestacks and the water. Warm up with cocoa between shops.
- URL: https://www.oldmilldistrict.com
Sunriver Resort
Light Show & Holiday Scene
- The resort glows at night with a light show during the season, plus skating and dining. It feels like a small winter village.
- URL: https://www.sunriverresort.com/traditions
Lodging & Weekend Stays
Resorts
Sunriver Resort
- Rooms, suites, and vacation homes. Dining and skating on site. Easy holiday vibe.
- URL: https://www.sunriverresort.com
Tetherow
- Modern rooms and homes near the Cascade Lakes Highway. Quiet setting and quick city access.
- URL: https://tetherow.com
In-Town Hotels
Riverhouse on the Deschutes
- On the river with views. Close to downtown and the Old Mill.
- URL: https://www.riverhouse.com
Oxford Hotel Bend
- Boutique hotel in the heart of downtown. Walk to most NYE plans.
- URL: https://www.oxfordhotelbend.com
Campfire Hotel
- Social courtyard and year-round heated pool. Fun for groups.
- URL: https://www.campfirehotel.com
New Year’s Day in Bend
First Day Hikes
Pilot Butte Sunrise
- Short hike. Big view. A classic way to start the year.
- URL: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=30
Oregon State Parks First Day Hikes
- Guided options across the state. Check the list in late December.
- URL: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.page&id=269
Brunch To Refuel
Victorian Café
- Big plates. Strong coffee. Famous brunch line and a festive crowd.
- URL: https://www.victoriancafebend.com
Chow
- Casual and local. Great for families and friend groups.
- URL: https://www.chowbend.com
Jackson’s Corner
- Two locations. Rustic breads, bowls, and espresso.
- URL: https://www.jacksonscornerbend.com
Snow Play And Chill
Back To The Mountain
- Day two on snow can be the best. Fewer crowds and calmer energy.
- URL: https://www.mtbachelor.com | https://skihoodoo.com
Sledding And Tubing
- Wanoga Sno-Park for sledding. SHARC tubing in Sunriver runs on Neveplast year-round.
- URL: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=38360 | https://www.sunriversharc.com
Hot Spring Soak
- Check road and snow conditions first, then plan a day trip to soak and reset.
- URL: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=38394
Transportation, Weather & Practical Tips
Getting Around
Rideshare, Taxi, Shuttle
- Plan a ride if you’re celebrating downtown. Some hotels add shuttles. Book ahead.
- URL: https://www.downtownbend.org
Mt. Bachelor Shuttle
- Skip parking stress on peak days. Confirm holiday schedules in advance.
- URL: https://www.mtbachelor.com/plan-your-trip/getting-here
Winter Conditions
Dress Warm
- Even short walks outside can be icy and cold. Layers, boots, hats, and gloves are a must.
- URL: https://www.visitbend.com
Check Roads And Weather
- Storms can move in fast. Look at conditions before you drive.
- URL: https://tripcheck.com
Reservations And Timing
Book Early
- Tables, rooms, tours, and lift tickets go fast. Lock them in weeks ahead.
- URL: https://www.opentable.com | https://www.mtbachelor.com | https://skihoodoo.com | https://www.wanderlusttours.com/bonfire-on-the-snow
Family Timing
- Do an early dinner, then skating or a river walk. Save the late countdown for adults.
- URL: https://www.bendparksandrec.org/facility/the-pavilion/
Sample Plans You Can Copy
Chill And Cozy
Late Afternoon Check-In
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Drop bags. Warm up by a lobby fire. Stroll for cocoa.
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Dinner
- Brickhouse for steak. Walk to a lounge after.
- URL: https://brickhousebend.com
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Countdown
- Velvet for a low-key toast and good music.
- URL: http://velvetbend.com
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New Year’s Day
- Brunch at Victorian Café. Pilot Butte for a short hike.
- URL: https://www.victoriancafebend.com | https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=30
Family Fun All The Way
Afternoon Skating
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The Pavilion or Sunriver rink. Finish with hot chocolate.
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URL: https://www.bendparksandrec.org/facility/the-pavilion/ | https://www.villageatsunriver.com/ice-skating/
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Early Dinner
- River view at Currents. Back to the room before bedtime.
- URL: https://www.riverhouse.com/dining/currents
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Early Countdown
- Check for Noon Year’s Eve or early family events.
- URL: https://www.downtownbend.org
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New Year’s Day
- Sled at Wanoga. Quick nap. Easy dinner in town.
- URL: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=38360
Mountain To Midnight
Day At Bachelor Or Hoodoo
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First chair. Long lunch. One last lap by sunset.
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Après And Music
- Lodge beers and snacks. Watch the sky turn deep blue.
- URL: https://www.mtbachelor.com/plan-your-trip/dining | https://skihoodoo.com/the-lodge/
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Countdown
- Head to town for Volcanic Theatre Pub.
- URL: https://www.volcanictheatrepub.com
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New Year’s Day
- Brunch at Jackson’s Corner. Easy river walk in the Old Mill.
- URL: https://www.jacksonscornerbend.com | https://www.oldmilldistrict.com
Bend gives you options. Ski and celebrate on the mountain. Toast with friends downtown. Make it a family night with skates and cocoa. Book early. Dress warm. Add a full day for New Year’s brunch and a First Day Hike. You will start 2026 with clear air, big skies, and a story to tell.
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