Fresh with anticipation and brimming with excitement, guests visiting Sunriver Resort this holiday season should start dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones they used to know. Crystal clear mornings, days merry and bright, voices sweet and full of goodwill and cheer, lighting of the Christmas tree and the shushing of sleighs along the Deschutes River are but a few of the many adventures that await during Traditions at Sunriver Resort.

Whether a returning guest or a first-timer, the holidays at Sunriver Resort offer a family-friendly atmosphere spiced with seasonal activities and special events for everyone. Like Santa, you might want to check the list twice to not miss a moment, for there are nearly 200 events offered during the holidays.

Traditions at Sunriver Resort brings alive the spirit of the Christmas Season, kicking off with Grand Illumination on Nov. 27 from 1:30 -7 p.m.

“The Grand Illumination is our signature kick-off event for the entire Traditions celebration,” explained Jennifer Rea, a spokesperson for Sunriver Resort. “It represents the transition from Thanksgiving into the Christmas season where Santa, elves and gingerbread reign supreme and when we hope to fill our guests’ days with experiences as fun and festive as old St. Nick himself.”

Adjacent to the main Lodge, resort guests can gather at the North Pole tent early in the afternoon to enjoy children’s craft projects, face painting, pony rides (the reindeer are in training!), and to indulge in tasty treats and watch the antics of Mr. Magic. Before sundown, the Victorian Carolers christen the holidays with songs of resounding joy as the crowd celebrates the Grand Illumination parade and tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Spectacular and bright, the Illumination gets the party started.

A special treat, especially for the youngsters, is the Elf Tuck-ins. Playful elves visit at night and read bedtime stories to sleepy children before tucking them in with holiday wishes and special treats.

“Guests have loved the Elf Tuck-ins,” Rea stated. “It’s been a fun and festive way for families to get energetic little ones not only into bed but excited about bedtime even after a long day of crafts, sweets and snowy activities.”

Available for Sunriver, Crosswater and Caldera Springs communities on the nights of Nov. 28 and Dec. 11, 12 and 18 -24 from 6 -9 p.m., these encounters will surely get the plum fairies dancing.

During the day from Dec. 4 to Jan. 1, wander through Gingerbread Junction in the Resort’s Abbott Room where villages built of cookies, gingerbread, candies and other sweet treats invite close inspection. Donations from “lot” sales are donated to the Newberry Habitat for Humanity, with the resort matching donations up to $2,500. Visit sunriver-resort.com/gingerbread to sign up.

Of course, there are a host of outdoor activities which include snowshoe and snowmobile tours, and horse sleigh rides along the Deschutes River, weather permitting. On the first day of winter, Dec. 20, enjoy the night in the Frozen Fort playing freeze tag, making frozen slime and drinking frozen snowball punch! And if the weather turns frightful, one can always have Snow Much Fun indoors on Dec. 23 and 30, from 6 -9 p.m. Frosty will be on hand, and enjoy an indoor snowball fight or create some snow dough crafts.

With the feeling of Christmas approaching, the 17th annual Traditions will keep the busy sidewalks alive with children laughing and people passing. Santa’s Workshop, located in The Outpost, invites guests to step into a magical world and make their own hand-crafted gift. Open Friday and Saturday afternoons, from Nov. 28 to Dec. 19, and during the week of Christmas, remember to give yourself at least 30-45 minutes to finish your project. And on Dec. 22, from 6 -9 p.m., there is an Elves-in-Training where all things are elf.

Make your days merry and bright with Gingerbread Cookie Decorating (Dec. 5, 12 and 19), bring to life your own huggable stuffed Bear Factory™ bear (Nov. 28 and Dec. 28, 10 a.m. – noon), or jump around during the Holiday Pajama-Rama (Dec. 26, 6 -9 p.m.). But don’t forget to save some energy for Christmas Day dinner and the New Year’s Eve bash at the lodge!

For more information on how to plan your magical Sunriver holiday, visit sunriver-resort.com or call 855-420-8206 to make reservations and start your holiday Traditions.