The holiday season is just around the corner, and with it comes plenty of opportunities to see Bend for the first or 10th time. You will find that any time during the holiday season is a great time to visit Bend but consider making your way here for the New Year’s holiday. New Year’s is always an enjoyable celebration and spending it somewhere inviting such as Bend can make it even better. You will find festive celebrations and also winter activities to enjoy during your stay. Here is what you need to know for a future New Year’s in Bend getaway:
Wanderlust Tours’ Bonfire on the Snow
There are so many ways to celebrate the New Year’s, including a toast of some kind with friends and family. You can do just that and much more when you join Wanderlust Tours for their popular Bonfire on the Snow this year. Wanderlust Tours offers some of the finest tours out into the wilderness surrounding Bend and will be bringing that excitement for a New Year’s bonfire. This is Wanderlust Tours’ biggest event of the year and is always a sellout.
The Bonfire on the Snow is a snowshoe tour experience that will see you and the others on the tour depart from their office and head out into the forest. A snowshoe hike will take you to your eventual destination, an amphitheater built from snow, where a massive bonfire will await you. The snowshoe hike will not be difficult and instead be enjoyable for ages 12 and up.
The amphitheater is a great spot to stare into the night sky, where you will be able to see faraway planets, stars, and constellations like you have never seen before. Bend is a Dark Sky Community, meaning there are restrictions on commercial lights, allowing the area to be one of the best spots to go stargazing.
At the stroke of midnight, the adults can enjoy a champagne toast to kick off the new year. The experience also provides adults with hot cocoa with hazelnut espresso vodka. Kids ages 12 and up are encouraged to join in with kid friendly hot cocoa and locally made desserts. The experience also provides you with snowshoes so you will not have to rent any. Make sure to dress warm and bring your own water for Bonfire on the Snow. This event is sure to sell out, so make sure to book your reservation today with Wanderlust Tours.
Immersion Brewery’s New Year’s Eve
Another great spot in town to celebrate New Year’s is over at Immersion Brewery. This local favorite has been popular for quite some time and their live events end up being truly special. This year will feature Bill & The Box Kid and The Spencer Marlyn Band taking the stage for a live music celebration. There will be two sets of popular dance music to help you boogie into the new year. Make sure to grab a pint of one of Immersion Brewery’s tasty beers. You can also expect a champagne toast that will help you kick off the new year in a delightful way. Immersion Brewery’s New Year’s Eve party starts at 9:00 PM so make sure to get there early!
Hit the Slopes
The month of January is always a popular time for skiing, so make sure to head on up to Mt Bachelor during your New Year’s stay. Mt. Bachelor is the local peak here in Bend and offers more than enough winter fun on the slopes. Bend only sees about 30 inches of snow each year; however, Mt. Bachelor sees over 30 feet of snow thanks to the elevation difference! Getting to the peak is extremely easy and is just a 20-minute drive from Bend. Visitors will find dozens of slopes ranging from beginner slopes up to black diamond hills. If you prefer cross country skiing, you will also find plenty of trails to explore too.
Mt. Bachelor will have all of your skiing needs covered too. You will find a gear rental shop that offers everything you need for a successful outing. Introductory lessons are also a great way to get your feet back under you if you have not skied in a while. The lessons are also a great way to introduce the kids to skiing for the first time. There is nothing that Mt. Bachelor cannot help with to make sure you have the best experience skiing on their slopes.
The New Year Is Almost Upon Us Here in Bend
Make sure you do not wait and get on out to Bend for New Year’s this year. Our vacation rentals are ready to host you and your family for an enjoyable experience. Our properties can be found nearby all of these exciting New Year’s activities.