North Bend Kicks Up the Holiday Spirit!

New Ice Skating Rink and Holiday Traditions Put Downtown North Bend on the Map of Winter Destinations!

North Bend, Oregon. Not only is this city a central part of Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston, it is a destination steeped in beauty, history, and hidden gems. From historically significant landmarks like the Conde B. McCullough Memorial Bridge and the Oregon Merci Boxcar to natural wonders like the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area , North Bend is known for many of our region’s most beloved attractions.

North Bend’s lovely downtown area already abounds with unique shops and restaurants, but the city recently implemented special winter traditions to attract new visitors and keep spirits bright this holiday season and beyond. It all began the first Saturday of December when Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves descended onto downtown North Bend with a day packed with events and festivities like Waffles with Santa, Storytime with Mrs. Claus at the North Bend Public Library, a Holiday Block Party, the Annual North Bend Tree Lighting, a Lighted Truck Parade, and skating in the city’s newest winter attraction, the North Bend Ice Skating Rink .

The new ice skating rink opened earlier this month to a curious and enthusiastic crowd, and will remain open Wednesday through Saturday until Valentine’s Day. The public is welcome to skate from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays. There is no fee to enter, but ice skate rental is $5 an hour. Anyone with their own ice skates can skate for free.

“A holiday market and an artificial ice skating rink are almost essential to making downtown North Bend festive at Christmas,” it says on the City of North Bend website. “The ecological synthetic ice skating rink is expected to attract people of all ages, becoming the main leisure activity downtown during the holiday season, and increasing traffic to our central business district and beyond.”

The 3,250 sq. ft. synthetic ice skating rink is housed in a 60-foot by 83-foot translucent event tent, and the city plans to open and operate the rink annually between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day.

For much of Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston, Christmas of 2022 will be remembered for its bright lights and festive sights. If you missed the holiday festivities earlier this month, these photos help capture the spirit and joy of the day, especially the annual North Bend Lighted Truck Parade, founded in 2018 by Allen “Gator” R. Fields, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 57.

Here’s a quick list of more North Bend attractions you’ll want to explore this winter. Click here to learn more about all our Holiday Happenings on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston, including the Holiday Lights at Shore Acres .

Explore North Bend’s Historic Downtown

To get a true feel for North Bend’s unique history, head to the North Bend Information Center before embarking on a historic walking tour of North Bend . On your tour, feel free to browse and do some holiday shopping in the unique local shops like Painted Zebra , Petal to the Metal , Books by the Bay , Fat Cat Antiques , and many others. Other shopping options in North Bend include the Pony Village Mall , The Myrtlewood Factory , and Ko-Kwel Gifts at The Mill Casino * Hotel & RV Park. And for the outdoor enthusiasts, Moe’s Bike Shop and North Bend PowerSports fill the bill.

Get Your Game On at Mill Casino

Looking for some thrilling casino action? Or perhaps you’re simply after an entertaining evening? Whether your game is slots, cards, or other Vegas style gaming, you’ll find round-the-clock adventure, fun, and (fingers crossed) a jackpot right here.

Ride the Oregon Dunes

Even in the “off season”, a visit to North Bend would not be complete without an adventure on the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area , the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America. The largest riding area on the Oregon Dunes is between Spinreel Campground and Horsfall Road, just a few miles north of North Bend and Coos Bay. ATV vehicles can rent 7 days a week at Spinreel Dune Buggy with advanced reservations. Check out Steve’s ATV and Dune Bug Rentals as well.

Hunt for the Sujameco Shipwreck

Horsfall Beach is a favorite destination for beach lovers who wish to walk, fish or go tidepooling in relative quiet and solitude. If you time it right, you might see the Sujameco shipwreck, which sank in 1929, as storms sometimes reveal the ship due to shifting sands. The Sujameco was the victim of treacherous weather as it tried to cross Coos Bay bar on a stormy night of March 1929, and is one of several shipwrecks on the Oregon Coast.

Visit Simpson Park

Named after North Bend’s founder, Louis J. Simpson, Simpson Park is known for its superb scenic views and its close proximity to the bay. It is also home to Oregon’s Merci Train BoxCar . After World War II, ‘’Forty and Eight’’ or ‘’French Gratitude Train’’ cars were given to the U.S. to show France’s gratitude for the help received during the war and seal the French-American friendship. Visitors can also enjoy a playground, a covered picnic area and restrooms.

Reset in nature on the North Spit Trail

Located only 3 miles away from North Bend, this hiking trail requires moderate fitness and offers visitors spectacular views. It would be the ideal day trip if you’re up for a walk along the beautiful Oregon coast. Spanning from open sand dunes and wetlands to forested islands, the incredible landscapes will take your breath away. If you’re a beach lover, you’ll enjoy your time walking along unspoilt beaches stretching over miles.

Enjoy bird spotting on the Bluebill Trail

This is an excellent spot if you’re looking for peace and quiet, love wildlife spotting, and enjoy lush nature walks. The trail loops around a stunning lake and takes you through salal bushes, grassy meadow areas and shoreline forests. The area harbors a lot of hummingbirds, along with multiple species of fish, insects and other birds. More information about the trail here .

Want more? Click here for some unique trip itineraries, and browse through our suggestions as you plan your getaway on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston! Contact us to get even more tips, as well as the inside scoop, for finding the best local food and activities any time of the year, and visit our Adventure Page for more ideas and inspiration. Download our Visitor Guide (PDF) .