Bend kicks off the holiday season with Santa’s arrival and festive events

Bend, ORE. (KTVZ) -- Bend is ringing in the holiday season with a variety of festive events around town.

Over in the Old Mill District, Santa made a grand entrance behind the Hampton Inn. He was flown in by an AirLink helicopter with the help from Deschutes County Search and Rescue.

"It's our first time here, and it was a really cool experience." said Lana Niblock, who was attending the event with her family. "I feel like no matter where you go along the river, get a good view of him coming out. And he waved to everybody, and our kids got to wave home, so it was really fun."

The event kicked off the grand opening for Santaland, which will be open from 11 am to 5pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Christmas.

At the event, you can expect a holiday bazaar, with a handful of craft vendors, and take photos with Santa. There will also be a reading nook and a coloring station, as well as a movie screening room. 

The White Christmas Holiday event also kicked off Friday at the Riverhouse Convention Center. There will be a variety of vendors, arts and crafts, a kids coloring contest, and a chance to meet Santa.

"This is a great place to come do your shopping for Christmas presents because you can see things that you will not see anywhere else." said event organizer, Richard Esterman.

They also will feature a few holiday classics, including "White Christmas," "Home Alone," and "Miracle on 34th Street."

White Christmas runs Friday from 9am to 7pm. You can also stop by on Saturday from 10am to 6pm.

Bend Brewing Co. will also host their annual Christmas tree lighting Friday night. According to the brew pub in downtown Bend, Santa will be there from 4:30-6:30 for pictures & the tree will be lit at 6pm sharp.