We love the holidays! And we love Stillwater! So what could be better than the holidays IN Stillwater? This holiday season there are a variety of festivities throughout the community that are sure to get you into the spirit of the season. We’ve gathered together a selection of events that we think you will not want to miss.
Free Carriage Rides
Visitors can tour Downtown Stillwater by horse-drawn carriage this season free of charge. The rides embark from Block 34 (directly east of the Stillwater Community Center), running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 1, 8, 15, and 22.
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show
Town and Gown Theatre presents a new take on a heartwarming classic brought to life as a 1940s radio play broadcast. Nov. 29-Dec. 2 and Dec. 6-9. Visit townandgown.org for ticket information.
Downtown Tree Lighting
Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at Chris Salmon Plaza at the corner of 9th and Main. Sunday, Dec. 2, 6 – 7 p.m. Sponsored by the Downtown Merchants.
Home for the Holiday
During designated times between December 4-22, stop in at the Prairie Arts Center to create one of several fun holiday projects. Make a card, paint a ceramic ornament, paint a ceramic coffee mug, create your own gift wrap or paint one 12” x 12” or 11” x 14” canvas or four mini 2” x 2” canvases with acrylic paint. Additional information regarding times and cost are posted online at artscenter.okstate.edu/calendar.
Stillwater History Museum Holiday Open House
Kick off the season with the Stillwater History Museum’s annual open house featuring a seasonal exhibit and historical decorations. The open house will take place on Thursday, Dec. 6 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with Christmas caroling by the Stillwater Community Singers. Afterwards, walk over to watch the Stillwater Christmas Parade of Lights. (See the article in this month’s issue for more information about this event. You can find it in print, in the digital issue, or in an upcoming post.)
Stillwater Christmas Parade of Lights
Bundle up and gather together your family and friends for this holiday favorite. The parade takes place on the first Thursday of December every year and is the perfect way to ring in the season. The parade begins at 7 p.m. on Dec. 6. (See the article in this month’s issue for more information about this event. You can find it in print, in the digital issue, or in an upcoming post.)
Holiday Pops
Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater when the Oklahoma State University Symphony Orchestra performs music of the season including: The Polar Express, Frozen, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Mannheim Steamroller, and more. Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Seretean Center for the Performing Arts. General admission is $10, Students and Seniors $7. Tickets at music.okstate.edu.
Classic Cinema at the Center
On Friday, Dec. 7, Friends of the Stillwater Community Center will present another Classic Cinema at the Center with a showing of the Christmas classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life” in the Winfrey Houston Theater at the Stillwater Community Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the movie begins at 7 p.m. Popcorn and water are available. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated and go to support events like this one. For more information about Classic Cinema at the Center visit sccfriends.com.
Breakfast with Santa
The City of Stillwater is hosting its annual Breakfast with Santa Saturday, Dec. 8 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Stillwater Community Center, 315 W. 8th Ave.
Breakfast with Santa is a community event where children can visit with Santa and parents can take photos. Tickets are $3 per person, and includes holiday crafts and breakfast. Adults must accompany children during the breakfast. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Community Center. Tickets will also be available at the door.
For more information, contact the Community Center at 405.533.8433 or email [email protected]
Community Holiday Tree Decorating Party
Come on down to Block 34 in Downtown Stillwater on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. for a tree decorating party. The event is free to attend. Enjoy holiday music, carriage rides, and goodies.
Bring a decoration from home or make one at the party. There will be crafting materials available to help you make and personalize your own holiday ornament to hang on one of the community holiday trees. To reserve a tree for your group, call the Community Center at 405-533-8433 or email [email protected].
In case of inclement weather, the craft making party will move indoors to the Stillwater Community Center. For more information see our earlier post.
Santa in the Park
Santa Claus will be at Lake McMurtry Park at the East Side Recreation Area on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. Come out and get your picture taken with Santa and then enjoy a hayride through the festively decorated park. There will be hot cocoa, cookies, and crafts. Proceeds benefit Lake McMurtry Friends Inc. For more information visit https://www.lakemcmurtry.com/santa-in-the-park.html
Gingerbread People
Decorate both edible and ceramic gingerbread people at the Prairie Arts Center on Tuesday, Dec. 11 from 4:30 to 6 p.m.. Participants will first paint ceramic gingerbread people ornaments, then afterwards, decorate gingerbread people cookies with icing and candy; nothing better than art and dessert! Cost: $15.00 for members, $20.00 for non-members. Visit artscenter.okstate.edu for more information.
Stillwater Community Singers Holiday Concert
Thursday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Stillwater Community Center. Free Admission.
Stillwater Community Band and Stillwater Jazz Holiday Concert
Friday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. Stillwater Community Center. Free Admission.
Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America at Fairlawn Cemetary will take place on Saturday, Dec. 15. A Remembrance service will take place at 11 a.m. followed by the laying of a live balsam wreath on each grave of Fairlawn’s 1,347 veterans, audibly stating the name of the interred and thanking them for their service. Fellowship, Christmas goodies, and hot chocolate and coffee will follow. Service members are invited to wear their uniforms or other symbols of their service.
A Gift of Christmas Luminaria at Park View Estates
Saturday, Dec. 15 and Sunday, Dec. 16 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Gather up the family for a drive through Park View Estates during their annual Luminaria display. The Grinch, Cindy Lou, and Santa will also be available for photographs on Greenvale Court on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. Olive Garden is sponsoring The Grinch and Cindy Lou. (See the article in this month’s issue for more information about this event. You can find it in print, in the digital issue, or in an upcoming post.)
Winter Solstice Party at Modella Gallery
Friday, Dec. 21 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The community is invited to bring a Winter Solstice Party at Modella Gallery in downtown Stillwater. Bring an art supply to donate and wear your tackiest sweater.
Community Christmas Dinner
Tuesday, December 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Stillwater Community Center. Free Admission.
