The holidays are right around the corner, and if you’re looking for a getaway that feels like home, look no further than Big Cedar Lodge. As part of its Seasons of Big Cedar, for nearly 20 years the destination has been offering families a host of activities and events that make for a cozy, festive holiday season that will suit any size family.
Each year, Big Cedar Lodge, created by noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, welcomes more than a million visitors to its picturesque property. Its holiday season runs from November 6th through December 31st, with daily, weekly, and one-of-a kind specialty events, all with a backdrop of more than one million holiday lights throughout the resort.
“Big Cedar Lodge during the holidays is something you have to see to believe,” said Janet Glaser, Senior Public Relations Manager. “With Christmas lights adorning every inch of the property, a Christmas tree in every cabin, and the special holiday activities that are offered, there is no place like it for the holidays. We hope people are inspired to visit to make lifelong memories in the beautiful setting of the Ozarks that Johnny Morris created.”
Light Up Your Holiday
If you want to see the full light display, hop on the resort’s tram with a complimentary cup of hot chocolate in hand and enjoy a 25-minute guided tour. Also enjoy the magic of the season with Big Cedar’s tree lighting ceremony each Saturday in December through the 21st and on the 24th, in which one child is chosen to light the tree with Santa!
Ice Skating
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned skater, Big Cedar offers the perfect family activity at its ice rink. If you decide to skate past dark, the rink comes alive with holiday lights to provide the perfect festive setting.
Holiday Scavenger Hunts
If your family welcomes Elf on the Shelf for the holidays, you don’t have to worry about leaving him or her at home! Kids can hunt around Big Cedar’s property to find all its Elves on the Shelves. Take pictures of each one and turn them in for a special prize! For older kids and adults, you can enjoy Big Cedar’s Sleigh Bell Scurry. Follow clues to collect wreath-decorating items and then make your masterpiece while sitting by a cozy campfire with s’mores and hot chocolate. The best part is you get to keep your wreath as a Big Cedar souvenir!
Visits from Santa or his Elves
Nothing makes the holidays more special than a visit from Santa or his elves! Big Cedar offers several opportunities for kids to get a glimpse of Kris Kringle or his toy makers. For early risers, you can have Santa visit your room at sunrise for a personal one-on-one visit and he even brings a special gift. Schedule a visit all the way from the North Pole with Santa’s elves to collect letters and read children bedtime stories. Every Saturday before Christmas, you can enjoy breakfast with Santa, complete with decorating your own stocking or for the night owls, Santa will even visit kids in their room following the tree lighting ceremonies.
Memories with Mrs. Claus
Santa isn’t the only one dishing up fun for the holidays! Mrs. Claus reads stories to kids—complete with milk and cookies. She also holds a cooking and baking workshop every Saturday in December, complete with a craft, story, and a movie. Participants even get gifts and a meal. Don’t forget about the elves! They love to also visit kids, deliver stockings, and will hand-deliver letters to Santa. They will even help kids decorate their own special Christmas ornaments to keep.
Holiday Creativity
For kids who love to create holiday masterpieces, there are plenty of options. They can enter the gingerbread decorating competition and display their candy creation at Fun Mountain and possibly win a prize! They can also decorate stockings or even their own mini Christmas tree during a pajama party.
Big Cedar’s New Year’s Bash
Don’t wait to make your reservations to ring in 2022 at Big Cedar Lodge! Celebrate with a night of live music, dancing, food (including a dessert bar) and a champagne toast at midnight!
For reservations or more information on any activity, visit www.bigcedar.com.
