🌟 And to all a good night

Good morning, Bend!

Today’s newsletter is going to be a little shorter than usual because, let’s be honest, we’ve all got presents to wrap, hams to defrost, eggnog to chug, and jelly-of-the-month club memberships to hand out to our highest-performing employees.

But before we dive in, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has subscribed to the Bend Buzz. I started this newsletter only six months ago, and watching it grow so quickly has been nothing short of incredible. I am grateful for the wonderful community that’s formed around it. Your many, many emails with suggestions and kind words are always very much appreciated!

As some of you know, the Bend Buzz is a one-person show (although my wife deserves a shoutout for proofreading most of these before they go out). It’s a lot of work—but very rewarding for me.

Also, a huge thank you is in order for the phenomenal group of advertising partners who support the newsletter! If you’d like to chip in and support the Bend Buzz directly, you can do that below. Every little bit helps and is very much appreciated.

I hope everyone around the high desert has a wonderful holiday season and enjoys some crowd-free turns at Bachelor tomorrow morning.

Let’s get to it.

— Derek Carlson

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Tuesday

🎅 Santa on the slopes: Head up to the mountain to get in some Christmas Eve turns, and while you’re up there, keep your eye out for Santa. The big man will be shredding the gnar and handing out candy to all the good little skiers and boarders. 10 AM - 2 PM Mt. Bachelor

⛸️ Holiday skate at the Pavillion: Gracefully glide across the ice to the music of the holidays, or, if you’re me, slowly shuttle along and hope you don’t fall while kids skate circles around you. 9 - 11:15 AM & 1 - 4 PM The Pavillion

Christmas

🕎 Menorah lighting at the Old Mill: Stop by the Old Mill District for the lighting of the menorah with the Chabad of Central Oregon. Festivities to celebrate the first night of Chanukah will include music, hot drinks, food, and more. 4 PM Old Mill District

🎉 Christmas at the Commonwealth: Need to get away from the in-laws or want to hang out with some new friends? Head down to the Commonwealth Pub, where they will be showing football, playing games, and having a very jolly good time. 10 AM - close 30 SW Century Dr

Thursday

🔥 Winter nights by the fireside: Put down the eggnog and head to the High Desert Museum for the final winter nights of the year! This week’s theme is by the fireside. 4 - 7:30 PM High Desert Museum

🎣 Pop’s flies at Confluence: Do you want to talk about that new gear you got for Christmas and connect with fellow fly fishers? Head down to Confluence Fly Shop for an evening of stories, films, and more. 6 PM 325 SW Powerhouse Dr

❄️ Deck the halls: Get out of the house and shake off those Christmas cookies with a night of beats from local DJs at the Capitol. 8 PM 190 NW Oregon Ave

🎥 Holiday movie trivia: Swing by the Bend Wine Bar for an evening of holiday movie trivia from Quizhead Games. 6 PM 550 SW Industrial Way

🦘 Kids open play at Free Spirit: Let the kids burn off that candy cane-fueled energy during free play time at the ninja gym. Free Spirit Yoga has both toddler and kid open playtime available all week long. 9 AM - 4:30 PM 320 SW Powerhouse Dr

LIVE MUSIC

Tuesday

😴 

Christmas

😴 

Thursday

River’s Place | Vince Bigo | 6 PM
The Lot | Marco Polo | 6 PM
Mountain Burger | Paul Eddy | 5 PM
Commonwealth Pub | Switchback | 7 PM
Beach Hut Deli | Fluffalove | 5 PM
McMenamins | Pete Kartsounes | 6 PM

THANKS!

Stay warm, and thank you again for reading!

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