DESTINATION
Staff Report | Photos courtesy of 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, Big Cedar Lodge, Finley Farms, and Tulsa Zoo
Follow the Road to Holiday Cheer
‘Tis the season for some festive fun! Take a road trip to some nearby destinations to create lasting memories that will have you feeling all the love, joy and wonder of this season.
Christmastime at The Crescent Hotel has become one of the region’s most popular winter holiday traditions. All dressed up for the holiday season, the property’s stunning Christmas decorations serve as the ideal setting for pictures and lifelong memories. It’s truly the happiest time of year for families to gather, so the hotel has a full schedule of activities for visitors, residents and guests. Enjoy activities such as the Christmas tree forest, holiday arts and crafts, gingerbread house making, candy cane hunt, sleigh rides, and much more. Santa is here — and so is the Grinch! Also, kids can enjoy the enchanting Teddy Bear Tea event Dec. 22 with their favorite teddy bear or doll.
Visit www.christmasineureka.com for a full listing of Eureka Springs’ holiday events.
Across the state line in Missouri, Johnny Morris’ Conservation Attractions are going all out during the most wonderful time of the year. Running through Dec. 20 on select nights, Scuba Claus is coming to town. Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium is diving into another holiday SEAson of wonder. Experience the magic as Scuba Claus and his trusty helper, Peppermint, dive into the Great Barrier Reef to spread the joy of Christmas with you and all their underwater friends. Spend the evening with Mrs. Claus as she reads a cheerful holiday story, then enjoy hot cocoa, festive crafts and write a letter to Scuba Claus! Learn more about the festivities at www.wondersofwildlife.org.
Experience the Ozarks after dark at Top of the Rock on the 2.5-mile journey Nature at Night on the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail running through Jan. 5! Immerse yourself in this special light tour featuring stunning lighted displays and classic holiday scenes. Sip on hot beverages and be surrounded by twinkling lights and a festive spirit while connecting to the great outdoors. Find more details at www.topoftherock.com.
Drink hot cocoa, cozy up by the fire, enjoy the sparkling lights and make memories with loved ones at Big Cedar Lodge. Through Dec. 30, Big Cedar makes the most of the holiday season with activities such as ice skating, shopping with an elf, baking or story time with Mrs. Claus, visits from Santa himself, holiday tram rides, stocking decorating, and of course, more than 4 million holiday lights on display all around the property.
For more information about fun-filled holiday activities for the whole family, visit www.bigcedar.com.
Elevate your holiday season with a bit of crafting at one of Finley Farms’ workshops in Ozark, Missouri. Create keepsake ornaments using natural materials during a team-up event with Wonders of Wildlife. While you work, enjoy hot cocoa and learn about some of your favorite winter-loving critters such as polar bears, reindeer and penguins. Or, discuss the art of flower pressing, and design the perfect ornament for your tree or to display in your window for year-round enjoyment. Other events throughout the month include caroling around the Christmas tree, a symphony performance and Christmas dinner in The Garrison, and cookies and story time with Mrs. Claus. Visit www.finleyfarmsmo.com/happenings for more details about each event.
Over in Oklahoma, Tulsa Zoo is hosting Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 7 and 14. Guests can eat a scrumptious hot breakfast, take part in arts and crafts, and most importantly, meet Santa Claus. Visitors will ride the Polar Express from the zoo entrance to the North Pole event facility to enjoy cookie decorating, photo opportunities, storytelling and animal chats, and a breakfast buffet of waffles, eggs, hashbrowns, bacon and more. To learn more, visit www.tulsazoo.org