Joe Kline / The Bulletin file photoThe annual Bend Christmas Parade hits downtown at noon on Saturday.

Central Oregon abounds with opportunities to celebrate the holiday season over the next few weeks. Below, we’ve listed just a handful of the plays, concerts, dance performances and other events that will help you find that festive feeling.

For more details on many of these events, check out our Event Calendar on Pages 16-17 or the Planning Ahead section on Pages 18-19. And, of course, stay tuned to GO! Magazine throughout the holiday season. We’re like the helpful elves of print media!

THEATER

“SCROOGE”

A musical play based on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Redmond. Free. 7 tonight and Saturday.

“TOO WRAPPED UP FOR CHRISTMAS”

A Christmas play by the Bend Theatre for Young People at First Presbyterian Church in Bend. $5. 7 tonight, 2 p.m. Saturday.

“EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL (DEAD FOR THE HELLIDAYS)”

The cult-classic horror film inspires this campy production with a Christmas twist at 2nd Street Theater in Bend. $19-$25. 8 tonight, Saturday and Wednesday through Dec. 14, 4 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 15.

“THE SANTALAND DIARIES”

See story and info, Page 12.

A TOWER CHRISTMAS: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

An original production featuring holiday stories, dances and songs at Bend’s Tower Theatre. $12, $8 ages 12 and younger; 7 p.m. Dec. 21 and 3 p.m. Dec. 22.

DANCE

“THE NUTCRACKER”

The Central Oregon School of Ballet performs the classic ballet at Bend High School. $18-$22, $8-$10 ages 12 and younger. 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday.

“HIGH DESERT NUTCRACKER”

The Redmond School of Dance presents a locally flavored version of the classic ballet at Ridgeview High School in Redmond. $10, $5 ages 10 and younger. 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday.

MUSIC

“HOLIDAY MAGIC”

Central Oregon Community College’s Cascade Chorale performs at Summit High School in Bend, with proceeds benefiting the group and Abilitree. Donations accepted. 7 tonight, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday.

CAROL WITH THE BELLS

The Bells of Sunriver perform at Holy Trinity Church in Sunriver, with caroling by the audience. Free. 3 p.m. Sunday.

MAGICAL VOICES OF CHRISTMAS

A musical start to the holidays, plus a Santa visit at Sisters High School. Free. 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

CASCADE BRASS HOLIDAY CONCERT

The 13th annual holiday concert by the brass quintet, held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church in Bend and at 7 p.m. Thursday at Community Presbyterian Church in Redmond. Free.

TAKE 6

The pop/gospel/R&B a cappella group celebrates the season with a performance at the Tower Theatre in Bend. $35-$45, plus fees. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

CASCADE HORIZON BAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT

The local seniors’ band performs Christmas music at the Bend Senior Center. Free. 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

BACH N’ BREW CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Rock violinist Aaron Meyer performs with his four-piece band at the High Desert Museum in Bend. $35, $10 ages younger than 18. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13, doors open at 5 p.m. for viewing of exhibits.

BILL KEALE CONCERT

The popular local Hawaiian musician plays holiday songs at The Old Stone in Bend. $20, free ages 6 and younger. 7 p.m. Dec. 13.

HOLIDAY JAZZ SHOW

Local jazz singers Lisa Dae, Lori Fletcher, Michelle Van Handel, along with an all-star band, perform at the Northside Bar & Grill in Bend to benefit Cascade School of Music. $10, $5 ages 12 and younger, $25 VIP. 5 p.m. Dec. 14.

“A BAROQUE CHRISTMAS”

The Central Oregon Mastersingers perform a holiday concert at the Tower Theatre in Bend. $18 plus fees. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14, 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

MORE FUN STUFF

FESTIVAL OF TREES

A display of 33 decorated Christmas trees at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, with an appearance by Santa, followed by a gala at which the trees will be auctioned. Benefits Hospice of Redmond. Free during the day, $40 for gala. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, 5 p.m. gala.

OLDE FASHIONED CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Includes visits with Santa, a parade, a Christmas bazaar and more at the Crooked River Ranch Administration Building. Free. 11 a.m. Saturday, parade at 3:30 p.m.

BEND CHRISTMAS PARADE

“Look What’s Under the Christmas Tree!” is the theme to this annual procession through downtown Bend. Free. Noon on Saturday.

CHRISTMAS ON THE FRONT

Annual auction with trees, quilts and gifts at the Crook County Fairgrounds in Prineville. Benefits local hospice and transition patients. $10 (or $300 per table). 5 p.m. Saturday. Open house 3-8 tonight.

LA PINE HOLIDAY LIGHTS PARADE

The festive procession happens on Huntington Road and ends with an awards ceremony at the La Pine Event Center. Free. 6 p.m. Saturday.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Just what it sounds like! Dine with the jolly dude at Pine Tavern in Bend. Proceeds will provide a meal and Santa visit for area foster families. $12, $8 ages 10 and younger. Reservations requested. 9-11 a.m. Sunday.

CHRISTMAS KAYAKERS FLOAT

Kayaks and canoes decorated with lights paddle around the Deschutes River, beginning at Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe. Free. 4 p.m. Dec. 13, participants gather at 3:30 p.m.

SENSATIONAL SATURDAY: HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

Discover the multicultural holiday traditions celebrated throughout the West at the High Desert Museum in Bend. Included in admission ($12 adults, $10 ages 65 and older, $7 ages 5-12, free ages 4 and younger). 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 14.

THE COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE

Carols, family fun and more at the Tower Theatre in Bend. $6. 3, 5 and 7 p.m. Dec. 24.

CARRIAGE RIDES

Complimentary rides on the Cowboy Carriage between Ben & Jerry’s and Francesca’s in Bend’s Old Mill District. Tips and donations benefit the KIDS Center. 2-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15, 21-23 and 26-30, weather dependent.

— Compiled by Ben Salmon