HOLIDAYS & WINTER
CORE OF THE GORGE

Spend the Holidays and Winter in Bingen, Washington

Celebrate the season in Bingen, Washington, where small-town holiday festivities meet the natural beauty of the Columbia River Gorge. Browse local shops, warm up with hot cocoa, and gather for a festive tree lighting during Sleigh Bells on Steuben on Saturday, November 28, 2026. Then make time for the scenic trails, cozy retreats, and winter adventures that make Bingen a wonderful place to spend the season.

Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving weekend getaway or a quiet winter escape, you’ll find plenty of reasons to stay a little longer.

Celebrate the Holidays in Bingen

Sleigh Bells on Steuben: November 28, 2026

Spend Small Business Saturday in Bingen with an afternoon of holiday shopping and an evening of family fun. Sleigh Bells on Steuben brings together local businesses, a fire truck parade with Santa, and a community tree lighting to welcome the holiday season.

Shop Small, Share the Holiday Spirit

Explore Bingen’s businesses from noon to 5 p.m. and find something special for the people on your holiday list. Watch for participating businesses to announce special promotions and open houses, giving you even more reasons to browse, shop, and support local.

Take your time discovering gifts and visiting favorite stops before heading to the evening festivities.

Hot Cocoa, S’mores, and Santa

The Tree Lighting Festival takes place at the Surf Mill Lot from 3 to 7 p.m., with hot cocoa, family activities, s’mores stations, and pictures with Santa.

At 4:45 p.m., gather to watch the fire truck parade with Santa, ending at the tree. Santa will be available for photos from 5 to 6 p.m., so bring your wish lists and get ready to capture a holiday memory.

The celebration’s sparkling centerpiece arrives at 6 p.m. with the tree lighting. Afterward, enjoy more pictures with Santa from 6:15 to 7 p.m. as the festival wraps up.

Make It a Holiday Weekend

Keep the cheer going with Christmas Karaoke at Chips beginning at 8 p.m. Sing a seasonal favorite or enjoy the festivities with friends.

On Sunday, November 29, at 9:30 a.m., join Nika at NK Studios to get moving after Thanksgiving dinner and a weekend of celebrating.

Sleigh Bells on Steuben at a Glance

Saturday, November 28

  • Noon–5 p.m.: Small Business Saturday shopping
  • 3–7 p.m.: Tree Lighting Festival at the Surf Mill Lot
  • 4:45 p.m.: Fire truck parade with Santa, ending at the tree
  • 5–6 p.m.: Pictures with Santa
  • 6 p.m.: Tree lighting
  • 6:15–7 p.m.: More pictures with Santa and festival wrap-up
  • 8 p.m.: Christmas Karaoke at Chips

Sunday, November 29

  • 9:30 a.m.: Get moving with Nika at NK Studios

Bundle up, bring the family, and make Bingen part of your holiday weekend traditions.

Event details are preliminary and subject to change. Check back for updates as the celebration approaches.

Winter Adventures in Bingen and Beyond

When the temperatures drop, the Columbia River Gorge becomes a tranquil haven of icy beauty, offering a mix of adventure and relaxation.

Hiking and Waterfall Viewing

Experience the Gorge’s dramatic winter landscapes with fewer crowds:

  • Coyote Wall Recreation Area (5 min from Bingen): Hike, bike, or ride through 30+ miles of open trails with breathtaking views.
  • Dog Creek Falls and Panther Creek Falls: Stunning, accessible waterfalls near Stevenson and Carson.
  • Hardy/Rodney Falls: A moderate hike near Beacon Rock State Park with incredible views.

Snowshoeing, Skiing, and Snowmobiling

The Gorge’s snowy trails offer endless opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts:

  • Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort (34 miles from Bingen): Perfect for downhill skiing or cross-country adventures.
  • Dog Mountain: A winter wonderland for snowshoeing enthusiasts.
  • Sno-Parks: Groomed trails at Oldman Pass, Koshko Sno-Park, and others (permits required).

Festive Activities and Relaxation

Charming Holiday Events

  • Light Displays: Small-town charm lights up the season in Bingen and nearby towns.
  • Winter Markets: Find unique crafts and gifts at seasonal markets.

Wine Tasting and Cozy Experiences

  • Visit local wineries like Syncline Winery, Domain Poullion, AniChe Cellars and the 4 tasting rooms right up the hill in White Salmon.
  • Unwind at the Society Hotel Spa in Bingen, featuring a saline pool, hot tub, sauna, and cold plunge.

Bird Watching and Scenic Drives

Bird Watching Hotspots

Bingen is a birder’s paradise in winter. Popular sites include:

  • Catherine Creek (8 min from Bingen)
  • Klickitat River Canyon and Trout Lake National Area Preserve

Scenic Winter Drives

Take a leisurely drive through snow-dusted landscapes:

  • Lewis & Clark Trail Scenic Byway: A stunning route with views of waterfalls and dramatic cliffs.
  • Klickitat Canyon River Drive: Meander along the picturesque Klickitat River.

Plan Your Winter Stay in Bingen

With its charming holiday traditions, serene outdoor adventures, and cozy winter retreats, Bingen is the ultimate destination for winter fun and holiday cheer. Don’t miss the magic of this Pacific Northwest gem – book your stay and start creating unforgettable memories in Bingen, Washington!

LEARN MORE @ THE BINGEN BLOG

Sleigh Bells on Steuben: Celebrate the Holiday Season in Bingen

The 2026 Bingen Holiday Gift Guide

Winter in The Gorge – Washington Edition