DESTINATION
Staff Report | Photos courtesy of 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, Big Cedar Lodge, Top of the Rock, Finley Farms and Tulsa Zoo
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Get Festive and Cozy with a Fun Holiday Trip
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‘Tis the season for some winter fun! Take a road trip to some nearby destinations to create warming memories that will have you feeling all the love, joy and wonder of this season.
Christmastime at The Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs 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 ice skating, gingerbread house making, sleigh rides, visiting Santa’s Village and the Christmas tree forest. Santa is here — and so is the Grinch! Visit www.christmasineureka.com for a full listing of Eureka Springs’ holiday events.
Over in Missouri, Johnny Morris’ Conservation Attractions are going all out during the most wonderful time of the year. Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium is diving into another holiday SEAson of wonder. Running through Jan. 31, 2026, the Sea of Lights Enchanted Christmas will transform the aquarium. Inside the Aquarium Adventure, guests can immerse themselves in a conservation wonderland with festive sounds, brilliant lights and interactive multimedia projections. Learn more about the festivities at www.wondersofwildlife.org/seasons.
Grab your binoculars and join Dogwood Canyon Nature Park for a guided winter wildlife tour. Explore the park in its most serene season and spot some winter residents from a warm and cozy shuttle van through February 2026. Don’t forget to bring your camera for a captivating shot of a frosty paradise. Visit www.dogwoodcanyon.org/tours to book today.
Drink hot cocoa, cozy up by the fire, enjoy the sparkling lights and make memories with loved ones at Big Cedar Lodge. Through Dec. 31, Big Cedar makes the most of the holiday season with activities such as elf winter workshops, 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. This season, glide into the holidays on Big Cedar’s brand-new ice rink and tubing experience, nestled beside beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Lace up your skates and step into a twinkling holiday wonderland overlooking Table Rock Lake. This year, Big Cedar has gone all in with real ice and can’t wait for guests to feel the difference. For an even more magical stay, the resort is introducing a new elves’ surprise scavenger hunt. After booking and room confirmation, the elves will secretly set up a festive scavenger hunt in your room, complete with a special letter, hidden clues and four custom cookies. For more information about fun-filled holiday activities for the whole family, visit www.bigcedar.com/seasons/home-for-the-holidays.
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 Dec. 31. Immerse yourself in this special light tour with stunning lighted displays and a cave featuring the one-of-a-kind Bat Bar. 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.
Elevate your holiday season with yummy food and drinks at Finley Farms in Ozark, Missouri. Stir up your festive spirit with holiday mixology classes, charcuterie workshops and a story time with Santa. Don’t miss out on the seasonal menus at The Ozark Mill, a holiday menu at The Workshop featuring an eggnog latte, specials at The Garrison and more. Visit www.finleyfarmsmo.com/happenings for more details about each event.
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​And in Oklahoma, Tulsa Zoo is hosting Sweets with Santa on Dec. 13. Guests can eat scrumptious desserts, take part in arts and crafts, and most importantly, meet Santa Claus. Visitors are invited to the come-and-go style event at Rajan’s restaurant in the Lost Kingdom exhibit complex for photo opportunities, storytelling and animal chats. After meeting with Santa, stop by the Art Untamed Gallery and the gift shop for unique holiday gifts and ornaments on sale for your loved ones. To learn more, visit www.tulsazoo.org/santa.
