Holiday spirit may be a state of mind more than a physical place, but that’s not always true in Bend. 

See, a woodland creature whispered in my ear with secrets for finding Bend’s most magical spots. Those places that feel so infused with holiday spirit it’ll gush out your toes and fingertips, spritzing everyone around you with joyful vibes.

If that sounds more “wow” than “biohazard,” keep reading to learn Bend’s best spots for finding holiday spirit.

Head for the forest

Few places on earth hold more soul-stirring beauty than the forest, and that’s true no matter what time of year you visit.

But if holiday chaos has you hungry for an extra dose of spirit, get thee to the woods, stat. Choose a lower-elevation winter hike for the option to hoof it in regular ol’ hiking boots in blissful solitude.

Or let a professional guide you through a forest bath with R’oming Yoga. This was my family’s post-Christmas treat last year and I’m still moved by the experience of touching, smelling, and fully absorbing everything the forest has to offer. Think of it as a cool combination of meditation and hiking.

If snow’s what your soul craves, book a snowshoe outing with Wanderlust Tours. Choose from daytime outings shushing through the trees with clear blue skies overhead, or the sparkling wonder of a moonlight snowshoe adventure. Your guide provides all the instruction, gear, transportation, and spellbinding knowledge of the area’s geology and history.

Want to blend your outdoorsy experience paired with holiday tradition? Hop online to grab a $5 permit that lets you troop through the woods and cut down your own holiday tree to haul home with you. Now there’s a cool souvenir!

Find your religion

Spirituality means something different to each of us. In Bend, it doesn’t matter if you tend your spirit from a temple, church, mosque, synagogue, yoga mat, or a springy bed of fallen pine needles. If you’re seeking some holy space, odds are good you’ll find it here. 

Bend churches and other houses of worship run the gamut from Baptist to Buddhist, so scan the listings to find your spiritual home base when you vacation in Bend.

If organized religion isn’t your jam (or maybe you just want to try something new?) consider kickstarting a meditation practice with classes at a Bend wellness center like Blissful Heart or Bend Community Healing. They offer a variety of classes and workshops like meditation, yoga, acupuncture, Zero Balancing, Qigong, and more.

Plant your butt on a barstool 

Spirits come in many forms, including vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, and bourbon. If that’s your preferred form of holiday spirit, belly up to the bar to find a perfect Bend happy hour or cozy cocktail bar.

I’m currently smitten with the cocktail offerings at Dear Irene, including the Crimson & Clover (Tanqueray Gin, raspberry, Cocchi Rosa, lemon, cardamom bitters, and egg white). I’m also diggin’ the swanky setup at Bar Rio where I adore the Agent Frankle (vodka, Aperol, Strega liqueur, passionfruit, spiced bitters, vanilla, lime).

Newcomer Hook and Plow has a lilikoi mojito that’s outstanding (white rum, passionfruit juice, mint, lime, grand marnier). If Bend snow has you dreaming of tropical beaches, head for Rapa Nui Tiki Lounge for a Viking Fog Cutter (lemon, orange, light rum, cachaca brandy, akvavit). And don’t get me started on the cocktail offerings at Rancher Butcher Chef, where the La Vida Verde (mezcal, acompani flora green, lillet blanc, fennel, lime, and a splash of soda) is currently making me swoon.

If low-octane spirits are more your speed, Bend’s got lots of spots offering low-alcohol and alcohol-free mocktails. At Lady Bird Cultural Society, try the low-ABV Lawn Boy featuring sauvignon blanc, carano botanical bitter, la croix, and an orange wedge. For a tasty booze-free beverage, you can’t beat their Blind Serpent with citrus-cardamom syrup, wilderton luster, cucumber basil, and tonic, or try their Fins Up made with Monday’s n/a mezcal, pineapple, coconut, lime, and luxardo.

Feeling more like cocktail hour in your jammies from the comfort of your Bend hotel or vacation rental? 10 Barrel makes some killer canned cocktails, including their brand-new twist on a White Russian. White Out RTD is made with oat milk, scratch-made Kahlua, and a heavy dose of premium vodka. Cheers!

Schedule some holiday spirit

If your inner organizer needs a special event to anchor your quest for holiday spirit, December’s the month when Visit Bend’s event calendar brims with holiday happenings. 

Seek out seasonal offerings like tree lightings and parades, or maybe a holiday fun run to kick that spirit into high gear.

From a Hanukkah Menorah Lighting in the Old Mill District to the annual Tumalo Creek Holiday Lights Paddle, you’re bound to find the perfect spot of spirit for your holiday agenda. 

Go where holiday vibes happen

If you’re dreaming of scenes from a holiday Hallmark Movie, look no further than Downtown Bend. With storefronts boasting holiday displays and trees sparkling with lights, there’s a festive air to the whole zone. Swing by the new Willamette Valley Vineyards Bend tasting room for a tipple or hit Bellatazza for a cup o’joe or cocoa for the ultimate belly warmer.

In the Old Mill District, they’ve created a whole holiday wonderland complete with Santaland, a special mail slot for Letters to Santa, and a Tree of Joy so you can help folks less fortunate.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Bend when we’re seeing snowfall in town, either of those spots becomes ten times more magical. They’re also great stops for all your holiday shopping needs.

Seek out spots for joy

Holiday spirit doesn’t have to be about any one particular holiday. It’s sometimes just an extra heaping helping of joy, so seek out spaces to spark some.

Frolic with frisky felines at Playful Paws Cat Cafe or head for one of Bend’s off-leash dog parks to see canine bliss in full force.

Cradle a steaming mug of cocoa in your mittens while watching skaters twirl on the Pavilion’s ice rink, or head for the High Desert Museum to giggle over otters and their new baby beaver.

Even something as simple as smiling at strangers or practicing Leave No Trace principles in the great outdoors can leave you sparkling with joyful vibes.

Here’s to a happy holiday season. Now get out there and find your spirit!