EDITOR’S UPDATE: Due to unseasonably warm weather, Visit Stillwater announced that the opening of Stillwater’s Winter Wonderland has been postponed until December 1, 2017.
Story and images provided by Visit Stillwater
Creating a holiday tradition can seem daunting – where to go, what to do, picking the perfect color scheme for the holiday photo – it’s a lot to consider. This holiday season, we suggest Stillwater’s Winter Wonderland as the perfect location for your newest family tradition. Luckily for residents, it’s right here in Downtown Stillwater.
Ice Skating
Outdoor ice skating in Oklahoma? You bet! Visit Stillwater, in partnership with the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and our generous sponsors, is bringing a “real ice” ice rink to Downtown Stillwater, November 24, 2017 – January 1, 2018. The ice rink will be open daily with special events occurring throughout the season, such as autograph nights with OSU athletes and live music.
To magnify your family tradition to the next level – you can book a private ice party through VisitStillwater.org/holidays to have the entire rink just for you, your friends, and family. There are also opportunities for group ticket discounts when ten or more tickets are purchased. We suggest buying in bulk if you need gifts for employees and clients. Group tickets are also great for incentives and giveaways.
Santa and His Reindeer
Whether you have been naughty or nice this year may determine your level of enthusiasm for Santa Claus being stationed at Stillwater’s Winter Wonderland this holiday season. Who knows, maybe he will pardon all grievances due to his enthusiasm for visiting Downtown Stillwater every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through the holidays! Not only will Santa be downtown, but thanks to Payne County Economic Development Authority, Santa’s reindeer are planning to make the long flight from the North Pole so visitors to Stillwater’s Winter Wonderland will have a chance to interact with and learn about Santa’s reindeer everyday throughout the season. You may even be able to grab a selfie with Rudolph!
Carriage Rides
When imagining the perfect pinterest-worthy tradition, do you picture your family bundled under blankets in a horse drawn carriage covered in twinkle lights? We did too. Kincaid Carriages will give free carriage rides on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings during the entire holiday season. Now, you can get that picture-perfect family photo you have been dreaming of for the mantle.
Food Trucks
No event is complete without good grub and Stillwater’s Winter Wonderland is no exception. The Northern Oklahoma Food Truck POSSE will be represented in Downtown Stillwater everyday with all of your cold weather favorites including hot chocolate, caramel corn, or a Purdy Q’s haystack! In fact, the Purdy Q Sweet Treats Truck will be stationed in the food truck court the entire time the ice rink is open because you can never have enough homemade ice cream. Don’t worry about the winter weather; we will have you covered (literally!) with tents and heaters to keep you warm while you dine with the Food Truck POSSE members.
We give a special thank you to our community partners, Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, Stillwater Medical Center, Harrison Electric, Tv-31, Stillwater News Press, Payne County Economic Development Authority, and Downtown Stillwater BID #1 for their partnership in bringing Stillwater’s Winter Wonderland to our community this holiday season.
To learn more about the Winter Wonderland experience in Stillwater this holiday season, go to VisitStillwater.org/holidays. “Like” Visit Stillwater on Facebook, and follow “@VisitStillwater” on Twitter. If you already consider yourself a seasoned “staycationer,” we would love to hear about your hometown favorites and staycation tidbits. Use #staycationstillwater when you share your next local experience on social media! The Visitor Information Center, located at 2617 W. 6th Avenue, is open 24/7 or call 405-743-3697.
