Celebrate All Things Jolly and Bright at the Many Holiday Events on Grand Lake

Editor's Note: Past holiday events have been removed from the article and new events have been added. 

The holidays have arrived on Grand Lake and everyone is getting into the spirit of the season. With Christmas parades, parties, festivals, holiday shows and much more planned, there will be many ways to celebrate all things jolly and bright this year.

Following is a list of many of the holiday happenings taking place around Grand Lake.

Ongoing Events 

Celebrate the beauty of winter at Pine Lodge Resort’s Winter Wonderland Christmas Light Tour in Ketchum.

Every evening from 5 to 10 p.m. from Thanksgiving night through New Year’s Day, everyone is invited to get into the Christmas spirit by driving through the spectacular old-fashioned Christmas light display. More than 400,000 lights will transform the resort into a festive winter wonderland of illuminated log cabins, antique cars, and woodland animals.

Admission is free and visitors can drive through the grounds an many times as they like.

Pine Lodge Resort is located at 33635 Dock Road, 2 1/2 miles east of Ketchum, off Highway 85, next to Arrowhead South Marina on Duck Creek. For more information, call (918) 782-1400.

*  *  *  *  *

The 2019 Park of Lights at Grand Lake State Park - Twin Bridges will open Thursday, Nov. 28 and run through Monday, Dec. 30. From 6 to 9 p.m. each night, the park will be transformed into a wonderland of bright lights and themed displays.

Hosted by Twin Bridges State Park and Twin Bridges Park Partners, the Park of Lights event is one of the largest displays of twinkling Christmas lights in the area and a Four State tradition. The dazzling drive-through experience features displays provided by businesses, churches, social groups, civic organizations and individuals.

Santa Claus will be visiting the Park of Lights on Saturdays, Dec. 14 and 21, from 6 to 9 p.m. Live reindeer will accompany Santa on Saturday, Dec. 21, and will be available if you want to take a picture with them.

The Park of Lights of Grand Lake State Park - Twin Bridges is a free event. Donations will be accepted at the park’s exit.

The park is located at 14801 South Highway 137, Fairland. For more information, call (918) 542-6969.

*  *  *  *  *

Make your holidays brighter this year by donating to a good cause. Beginning Friday, Nov. 29, the Craig County Salvation Army will have its red kettle set up at the Vinita Walmart.

Money collected by the Craig County Salvation Army bell ringers during the holiday season will help enable the organization to continue its year-round efforts to help those in need. The funds raised will help provide for the homeless, lodging assistance, recovery support, youth services and anti-poverty initiatives. The Salvation Army is also often the first to arrive and the last to leave during times of disaster or crisis.

The Craig County Salvation Army is located inside the Grand Nation office, 123 S. Wilson St., in Vinita. For more information, contact Grand Nation at (908) 276-2192. 

*  *  *  *  *

Give to a good cause this year and make the season bright for those in need. Reel Time Adventures Guide Service, Pritchard’s Guide Service and Honey Creek Outdoors in Grove are teaming up for a “Fill the Boat” Holiday Drive.

Everyone is asked to stop by Honey Creek Outdoors and drop off toys, clothes, blankets, and non-perishable food items. Everything will be donated to the “Be the Change” organization in Grove to help people in the community.

Honey Creek Outdoors is located at 3638 Highway 59 North, Grove.

Upcoming Events

Santa Claus is coming to FNB! Bring your children to the First National Bank Vinita branch to see Santa Claus from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12. Treats and toys will be available for the children.

FNB Vinita is located at 102 West Illinois Ave.

On Tuesday, Dec. 10, Santa Claus will be stopping by the FNB Grove branch at 600 S. Main, Grove. Bring your children by from 2 to 5 p.m. for toys and treats from Santa.

*  *  *  *  *

The Boys and Girls Club of Chelsea presents The Nutcracker at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12. Everyone is invited to join the boys and girls at Longfellow Early Childhood Center, 206 East 4th St., for this playful version of The Nutcracker.

In addition to seeing the youth in action, The Nutcracker presentation will be a fun family holiday outing in Chelsea. The children will also perform a few musical selections.

*  *  *  *  *

The Oklahoma State Bank is holding a Christmas Open House at all of its locations on Friday, Dec. 13. Everyone is invited to stop in and join the festivities from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be refreshments, finger foods, door prizes and more.

The Blue Notes Choir will be singing Christmas carols from 1-2 p.m. at the Vinita location, 120 W. Canadian Ave.

*  *  *  *  *

Rocket Skating Plus is hosting a Homeschool Christmas Party & Skate from 1-3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13. The cost is $2.65 per child. Parents pay if skating.

Parents are asked to bring a candy or a treat to share with up to 20 kids. Drinks and other food may be purchased at the skating rink.

Rocket Skating Plus, at 61805 East 315 Road, in Grove, is an Epic vendor. For those who have funds left in their learning fun, Epic will pay for the skating event.

*  *  *  *  *

For those who have been a little too caught up in living on lake time and are running behind with your holiday shopping, the Last Minute Lakers Merchants Open House Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13 and 14, is exactly what you need.

During the open house, Grove area merchants will have something for every style, taste, and budget. Finding the perfect gifts for everyone on your Christmas list has never been so easy.

For more information, contact the Grove Area Chamber of Commerce at (918) 786-9079.

*  *  *  *  *

The holiday weekend celebration at Shangri-La Resort and Hotel kicks off with an Ugly Sweater Contest and White Elephant Gift Exchange. From 6 to 8 p.m., the Holderman Ballroom is the place to be for a fun night Friday, Dec. 13.

Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater and, if you want to participate in the gift exchange fun, bring a gift of $20 or less and take your shot at trading up.

The evening will also feature Christmas cookies courtesy of Executive Pastry Chef Julie Morgan.

The Shangri-La Resort Hotel is located at 31000 South Highway 125, on Monkey Island. For information, call Katelin Threet at (918) 257-7720.

*  *  *  *  *

The historic Coleman Theatre kicks off its annual “Christmas at the Coleman” celebration at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, with a showing of the contemporary holiday movie, “Elf”.

The 2003 movie centers around Buddy (Will Ferrell) who was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa's elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn't fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father.

General admission tickets are $5.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call (918) 540-2425. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.colemantheatre.org/events.

The Coleman Theatre is located at 103 N. Main St., in Miami.

 *  *  *  *  *

Sponsored by the Jay Chamber of Commerce and the City of Jay, the annual Jay Christmas Parade will take  Saturday, Dec. 14. Lineup is at 1:30 p.m. and the parade will begin at 2 p.m.

The parade will include decorated vehicles and holiday-themed floats winding along Main Street through downtown Jay.

For more information, call (918) 253-8698.

*  *  *  *  *

A Grand Lake tradition continues as the 30th annual Grand Lake Christmas Light Boat Parade takes to the water Saturday, Dec. 14.

Hosted by the Cherokee Yacht Club and Marina, the festivities begin at 3 p.m. dockside. The event is open to the public and everyone is invited to bring their families to enjoy hot chocolate and bonfires. The parade itself will get started at dark, leaving the Cherokee courtesy docks around 6 p.m.

According to organizers. there is ample parking and a great viewing spot for the entire parade at the Cherokee Yacht Club and Marina.

A new parade route will be followed this year to maximize the number of people who can view the parade as well as shorten the route to benefit the participants.

Click here for an explanation of the new route and best-viewing sites, which will include Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina, 451107 East 320 Road, Afton, and Arrowhead Yacht Club, 32894 South 4507 Road, Afton.

The Cherokee Yacht Club and Marina is located at 33152 Browning Lane, Afton.

*  *  *  *  *

The Spavinaw Christmas Celebration, Saturday, Dec. 14, is fun for the whole family. At 4 p.m., join Santa and his elves for crafts, activities and snacks at Santa’s Workshop in the old Head Start building. Kids can also have their picture taken with Santa and receive a special gift.

A Ham and Bean Dinner will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the same building. The menu will include ham and beans, fried taters and cornbread. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate will be served as well. The dinner is $5 for adults and $3 for children, ages 5-15. All proceeds benefit the Holidays for Kids in Spavinaw.

Capping off the fun day will be a Christmas Parade on Main Street. Line up for the parade begins at 6 p.m. at the fire station. The parade will start at 6:30 p.m.

*  *  *  *  *

Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina is one of the best places to watch the 30th annual Grand Lake Christmas Light Boat Parade. The marina will once again be hosting its annual Christmas Boat Park Watch Party and Potluck at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.

The event is open to the public and everyone is invited. Harbors View Marina will provide a turkey, ham and one of Bud’s famous prime ribs. Everyone else is invited to bring a dish and be a part of this festive potluck.

Docks Bar will be open and serving up Christmas cheer. The bar is now enclosed so it will be warm. The boutique will be open with lots of great deals so you’ll be able to squeeze in a bit of Christmas shopping as well.

Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina is located at 451107 East 320 Road, Afton.

*  *  *  *  *

Floats, off-road vehicles and whatever participants can get festive decorations on will be parading across Pensacola Dam on Saturday, Dec. 14. The Grand Lake O’ Cherokee Christmas Land Parade will start at 5 p.m. in Langley at the Langley City Park, on the corner of Highway 82 and Cherokee (Main Street). The theme is “Light Up Grand Pensacola Dam”.

Promising 100 percent family fun, the land parade will travel across the Pensacola Dam into Disney, ending at the Disney Assembly of God Church. For the second year, there will be a professional fireworks display over the Pensacola Dam during the parade. The fireworks will start at dark.

Cash awards for best float and best vehicle will be presented after the parade. It is free to enter the parade; however, organizers are doing a canned food drive and will be collecting items before the parade. All donations will go to the Grand Lake Community Ministries/Blue House.

After the parade, the Disney community will host a meet and greet with Santa Claus at the Disney Town Hall. The first 300 children in attendance under the age of 12 will receive free gifts from Santa.

For more information, contact Copperwood Lodge at (918) 435-5577 or Langley City Hall at (918) 782-9850.

*  *  *  *  *

Grove will celebrate the season with a time-honored tradition Saturday, Dec. 14, as the Lights on the Lake 19th annual Lighted Christmas Parade rolls through town. One of the largest Christmas parades in the Grand Lake area, this holiday parade will feature lighted floats, marching bands and a variety of organizations, all decked out for the Christmas season.

Renowned News On 6 meteorologist Travis Meyer will serve as the grand marshal for this year’s parade. He will be accompanied by storm chase JD McManus.

This year’s parade theme is “A Grand Ole Country Christmas” Ozarks Charm and Southern Hospitality, which embraces Grove’s down-home roots. It will start at 5:30 p.m.

The parade route will begin at the Grove Civic Center and travel north on Main Street to the intersection at Third and Main, where it will turn left and travel down Third Street to Cheapo Depot.

Prior to the parade, musical guest David Bridges and the Message will be performing from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on the Community Center lawn, 104 West Third. Stop by and enjoy some heartwarming bluegrass music, fun, and fellowship as you wait for the Lights on the Lake 19th annual Lighted Christmas Parade to start.

*  *  *  *  *

Shangri-La Resort Hotel’s incredible holiday weekend continues Saturday, Dec. 14, with its inaugural Winter Gala. The new Shangri-La tradition begins with cocktails at 6 p.m. in the Roosevelt Ballroom, followed by a fabulous plated dinner. Terry Jordan will provide entertainment during the cocktail hour and House Party will perform live for the dancing and/or listening crowd after dinner.

Tickets for the Winter Gala are $75 per person.

For those who want to dance the night away, the Shangri-La Hotel is offering an after-gala special for Saturday night that includes a hotel room and breakfast for two for $109.

RSVP to Katelin Threet at (918) 257-7720 or call (918) 257-4204 for more information.

The Shangri-La Resort Hotel is located at 31000 South Highway 125, on Monkey Island.

*  *  *  *  *

“Christmas at the Coleman” continues as the historic Coleman Theatre, the Tulsa Praise Orchestra and FrontLine Singers present “A Big Band Christmas” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.

Special guests performing at the concert include world-class trumpeter Mike Williams, who was lead trumpet with the Count Basie Orchestra for 33 years, singer Ernestine Dillard, “the woman with the voice who helped heal America” and Colleen Thompson, a featured singer with the Tulsa Praise Orchestra and special vocalist for Honor Flights.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and $5 for students and children.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call (918) 540-2425. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.colemantheatre.org/events.

The Coleman Theatre is located at 103 N. Main St., in Miami.

*  *  *  *  *

Mooney’s Ugly Sweater Party is Saturday, Dec. 14. Pull on your best ugly Christmas sweater and join in the fun at Mooney’s Sunset Bar and Grill. The party starts at 8 p.m. and will include a special acoustic performance by Barrett Lewis and Rick Huskey.

Mooney’s Sunset Bar and Grill is located at 320 Lake Front St., in Disney.

*  *  *  *  *

It wouldn’t be the holiday season without an awesome Christmas party. So pull on your ugliest Christmas sweater or dress up like your favorite holiday character and head on over to the Monkey Island Pub Christmas Costume Party at the Monkey Island Pub on Saturday, Dec. 14. Even the staff will be in costume at the party.

From 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., Monkey Island Pub will be celebrating the season with a night of holiday cheer, good friends, great drinks and, maybe, some holiday mischief. D.J. Robbie will be in the house playing all your favorite jams.

Monkey Island Pub is located at 55950 East 290 Road, on Monkey Island. For more information, call The Pub at (918) 257-8791.

*  *  *  *  *

Mulligans will be hosting Pictures with Santa and a Delicious Brunch on Sunday, Dec. 15. The public is invited to come enjoy Mulligans’ famous buffet-style brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bring the kids because Santa Claus will arrive at noon and stay until 2 p.m. The jolly fat man will be taking pictures and toy requests during his visit. Cameras will not be provided, so be sure and bring yours to capture the moment.

Mulligans is located at the Patricia Island Country Club, 4980 Clubhouse Road, in Grove.

*  *  *  *  *

The Miami Animal Alliance invites everyone to join them for their fourth annual Christmas Cookie Walk on Sunday, Dec. 15.

Shoppers walk through the aisles and fill their cookie boxes to the brim with an assortment of homemade cookies and goodies. There will be more than 100 varieties of cookies and other treats such as fudge, candy and breads available to choose from, including sugar-free choices. The cost is $6 per pound.

The Christmas Cookie Walk is a fundraiser for the Miami Animal Alliance, which is a no-kill rescue, foster program that offers transport services and low-cost spay and neuter services. All proceeds benefit the Miami Animal Alliance for the care, prevention and food of MAA pets and help with its low-cost spay and neuter services.

The Christmas Cookie Walk will be held in the Oklahoma State Bank Hospitality Room from 1:30 to 4 p.m. The bank is located at 120 West Canadian Ave., in Vinita.

*  *  *  *  *

The Coleman Theatre presents the classic holiday movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life” Sunday, Dec. 15. The showing is a tradition that is part of the theatre’s annual “Christmas at the Coleman” celebration.

The movie will begin at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $5.

The Coleman Theatre is located at 103 N. Main St., in Miami.

*  *  *  *  *

Grove First Baptist Church invites everyone to join them for Celebrate Christmas Together, an evening of Christmas music, crafts and fun Sunday, Dec. 15. From 5 to 7 p.m., tables and booths will be set up in the MPR with a variety of activities for families to enjoy.

The fun will include cookie decorating, bow-making, popcorn stringing, crafts for younger and older children and more.

Grove First Baptist Church is located at 501 East 13th St., in Grove.

*  *  *  *  *

Oh, what fun! The Grove Public Library is hosting Library Lights Monday, Dec. 16. Everyone is invited to bundle up and be a part of the holiday fun and lights on the library lawn from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Visit with Santa Claus and meet two of his reindeer. Enjoy an outdoor holiday movie while you wait to meet Santa. There will be plenty of popcorn and hot cocoa to warm up up.

Be sure to bring outdoor chairs and/or warm blankets to be cozy while watching the movie.

The Grove Public Library is located at 1140 NEO Loop, in Grove.

*  *  *  *  *

The Abby Beal School of Performing Arts is sponsoring a “‘Reader’s Digest’ Christmas Songbook” at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.

A sponsor a fundraiser for the Christian H.E.L.P. Center, the evening will feature vintage Christmas music showcased by Terry Jordan and Sue Straw. Patti Beth Anderson will provide the narration.

Advance tickets are $10 per person, or $15 at the door. Students through high school are free. Seating is limited, so call today. Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard/Discover/American Express) are accepted by phone or in person at the church.

The benevolent arm of the Grove Ministerial Alliance, the Christian H.E.L.P. Center’s provides provide food and emergency assistance to those in need in Northern Delaware County.

For more information on the “‘Reader’s Digest’ Christmas Songbook” event, contact the church office at (918) 786.4113.

St. Andrews Episcopal Church is located at 555 East 3rd St., in Grove.

*  *  *  *  *

The Coleman Theatre hosts a SIX® Christmas, a showbiz spectacular filled with powerhouse vocals and the high-octane energy of six multi-talented brothers who take musical entertainment to a whole new level. The special concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Coleman Theatre.

Let SIX® transport you from their regular season where they bring their best bits and fan favorites to a Christmas SIX-perience you and your family will remember for many Christmases to come!

Tickets are $37 for adults, $32 for seniors and veterans, and $22 for students and children.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (918) 540-2425.

The Coleman Theatre is located at 103 N. Main St., in Miami.

*  *  *  *  *

You’re invited to Christmas at COS. The Christmas service starts at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 22. There will be singing and fun, as well as appearances from the elves, Glitter Mittens and Figgy Pudding, and possibly even the jolliest man of all, Santa Claus.

COS is located at 1600 West Har-Ber Road (corner of Har-Ber and Rockwood), in Grove.

New Year’s Eve Festivities

The Grove Public Library is hosting a Noon Year’s Eve Party for all ages from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Come ring in the “noon” year at the library. The fun will include snacks, games, music and more.

The Grove Public Library is located at 1140 NEO Loop, in Grove.

*  *  *  *  *

Ring in 2020 with River Bend Casino & Hotel at its New Year’s Eve 2020 Celebration of the Century. The fun starts at noon Tuesday, Dec. 31, with Grand Prize slot tournament rounds at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 p.m.

Compete in a “walk-up” slot tournament for every 25 points earned. At each Grand Prize slot tournament round, the top 10 players will compete for thousands in cash and free play prizes. Plus, all guests can enjoy $5 Free Play from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Get the party started with party favors while Dr. Funk & The Soul Vaccinations take the stage inside Club 60 West at 9 p.m.

Ring in the new year with confetti and $5 Promo Play from 12:15 to 2 a.m. on January 1, 2020.

River Bend Casino and Hotel is located at 100 Jackpot Place, in Wyandotte.

*  *  *  *  *

Mulligans at Patricia Island Country Club is hosting a Second Chance New Year’s Eve Casino Night 2020 on Tuesday, Dec. 31. A new year’s eve to remember, the Casino Night benefits Second Chance Pet Rescue of Grand Lake.

Dinner is at 6 p.m. and casino games start at 7 p.m. The fun will continue to 2 a.m. The $80 per person evening includes a dinner buffet, complimentary toast at midnight and first round of chips.

Call (918) 786-1010 for reservations to the casino night.

Another way to help Second Chance Pet Rescue this holiday season is to donate an item on its wish list. Requested items include Pedigree adult and puppy dog food (dry and canned), Purina Cat Chow kitten and adult (dry and canned) and non-clumping kitty litter, as well as dog and cat treats. Please no stuffed toys for dogs.

Mulligans is located at 4980 Clubhouse Road, in Grove.

*  *  *  *  *

The Rocket Skating Plus New Year’s Eve Skate Party offers family fun for all ages. The fun starts at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, and continues until 1 a.m. January 1. There will be hourly prize drawings, hats and noise makers at midnight.

The skate party is $6.50 for the first two hours and $1.50 for each consecutive hour.

Rocket Skating Plus is located at 61805 East 315 Road, in Grove. Call (918) 787-8746 for more information.

*  *  *  *  *

Celebrate the biggest night of the year at Mooney’s Sunset Bar and Grill New Year’s Eve Party. Enjoy dancing and delicious cocktails served by the best mixologist on Grand Lake.

From 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 31, Mooney’s will be celebrating a New Year’s Eve you’ll never forget. The house will be rocking all night long.

You must be 21 or older to join the fun. Mooney’s reminds everyone to drink responsibly. Lodging is also available with room rates starting at $75.

Grand Lake’s most iconic venue, Mooney’s Sunset Bar and Grill is located at 320 Lake Front St., in Disney.

*  *  *  *  *

Celebrate 2020 at A Paralandra New Year’s Eve at Grand Lake Casino Tuesday, Dec. 31. The New Year’s Eve celebration will include a $25,000 cash countdown drawing at 10 p.m., party favors and a midnight countdown, even some cool surprises.

Hard rock band Paralandra hits the Venue 655 stage at 9 p.m. to blow out 2019 and party in the new year. Come ring in a winning new year.

Grand Lake Casino is located at 24701 South 655 Road, in Grove.

*  *  *  *  *

Count down to the new year with a step back in time to when music was wild and carefree, bartenders were kings and this nation was alive with an atmosphere that went down in the history books as the roaring ’20s, at the Monkey Island Pub Roaring ’20s New Year’s Party.

From 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., the party with Great Gatsby style will feature flappers, gangsters, silent film stars and more partying in the new year. Come dressed in costume or come as you are. It’s going to be fun, no matter how you dress. Just bring yourself and the folks at Monkey Island Pub will take care of the rest.

Monkey Island Pub is located at 55950 East 290 Road, on Monkey Island.

*  *  *  *  *

Ring in the new year with a Monkey Island New Year’s Eve at Shangri-La Resort Hotel. The celebration plans include special New Year’s Eve room rates, $129 room for a standard room, and includes a New Year’s Eve late night/early morning breakfast buffet for two at Doc’s Bar & Grill.

A special $199 rate is available for a two-night stay and includes a complimentary 4 p.m. check-out on New Year’s Day.

Hotel guests will also receive free transportation to and from the numerous Monkey Island venues hosting festive New Year’s Eve events. These venues include The Shebang, Big Shots Rhythm & Booze, Monkey Island Pub, Blind Swine, the Road Hog Saloon and Cherokee Casino-Grove.

Doc’s Bar & Grill will be hosting a special New Year’s Eve prime rib dinner menu, along with a champagne toast at breakfast buffet from 1 to 4 a.m. January 1.

Doc’s will also have special offerings on New Year’s Day, so stay all day and watch college football games.

The Shangri-La Resort Hotel is located at 31000 South Highway 125, on Monkey Island. For room reservations or more information, call (918) 257-4204.

*  *  *  *  *

Step into the new year with a First Day Hike at Grand Lake State Park - Bernice Area Wednesday, Jan. 1. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and shoes and join the hike along the state park’s paved nature trail.

The hike begins at 11 a.m. and is rated as easy and suitable for all ages. Pets are allowed on leashes.

After the hike, everyone is invited to meet the state park’s animal ambassadors while warming up with hot cocoa in the Nature Center.

Organizers suggest bringing a refillable water bottle, binoculars and a camera.

Grand Lake State Park - Bernice Area & Nature Center is located at 54101 East Highway 85A, in Bernice.