Artesian plans special touches to celebrate the holiday season


This article appeared in the December 2016 edition of the Chickasaw Times

‘Tis the season for Christmas cheer! Chickasaw Country celebrates Christmas in a big way with several festive events sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Events are scheduled across the Chickasaw Nation.

Holiday Films Galore

Classic Christmas movies will be featured at the McSwain Theatre and Chickasaw Cultural Center Anoli’ Theater this holiday season.

McSwain Theatre movies include:

  • “White Christmas,” Dec. 15
  • “It’s A Wonderful Life,” Dec. 22

Anoli’ Theater movies include:

  • “Elf,” Dec. 10
  • “Home Alone,” Dec. 17

The McSwain Theatre is at 130 W. Main Street, Ada, Okla. The Chickasaw Cultural Center is at 867 Cooper Memorial Drive, Sulphur, Okla.

Celebration of Lights

through Dec. 31

Enjoy the twinkling, festive lights at the Chickasaw Cultural Center during the Celebration of Lights drive-thru display. Dozens of displays featuring traditional Christmas themes and Chickasaw greetings are included in the impressive light display.

The Celebration of Lights display will be open to the public at no charge every evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., through Saturday, Dec. 31.

Chickasaw Press Christmas Book Sale

The Chickasaw Press is hosting a Christmas book sale Thursday, Dec. 8, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 9, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1315 Hoppe Blvd., Ada.

All Press books will be 20 percent off.

The Chickasaw Press preserves, perpetuates and provides awareness of Chickasaw history and culture. The Press publishes research about Chickasaw history and culture and makes the information accessible to the Chickasaw people.

The event is free to attend and open to the public. Holiday refreshments will be provided.

For more information, contact Marissa Moore at (580) 436-7282.

Holiday-themed trek in

Tishomingo Dec. 10

The Chickasaw Council House Museum, Chickasaw Capitol, Chickasaw Bank Museum and Chickasaw White House will feature holiday decorations during the Christmas at the Museums and Progressive Dinner. The event is set for 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10 in Tishomingo and Emet, Okla.

Appetizers, dinner, hot drinks and dessert will be served as participants go from one location to the next. A shuttle will be available to transport guests to the Chickasaw Bank and Chickasaw White House.

Christmas Celebration and Fine Arts Market, Dec. 17

Santa is on his way for the annual Christmas Celebration and Fine Arts Market Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Chickasaw Cultural Center.

Explore the Fine Arts Market, featuring a variety of works by Chickasaw artists. Enjoy an array of holiday activities including Christmas films, pictures with Santa, activities in the traditional village and Native American Christmas ornament workshops.

Holiday Canvas Paint, Dec. 17

Chickasaw Nation Arts & Humanities introduces holiday canvas paint classes, Saturday, Dec. 17, in Sulphur and Ada from 10 a.m. - noon or 1-3 p.m.

This event is open to the public and allows families the opportunity to create holiday-themed Native designs through painting.

Class size is limited, so reserve your seat now.

  • Arts & Humanities Building
    • 201 N. Broadway, Ada, Okla.
  • ARTesian Gallery and Studios
    • 100 West Muskogee St., Sulphur, Okla.

First Day of Winter

Celebration, Dec. 21

Crisp, cold air and a blanket of snow are what many people picture when they think of winter. The frosty season will officially begin Wednesday, Dec. 21 and the Chickasaw Cultural Center is celebrating the beginning of winter with a celebration.

The First Day of Winter Celebration will feature numerous activities for the entire family. Guests can enjoy live music, demonstrations and crafts, traditional games, storytelling and much more.

Artesian Hotel presents 3rd annual Classic Christmas celebration.

The Artesian Hotel, Casino and Spa unwraps the holiday season with lavish decorations, carolers, carriage rides, live reindeer, “Breakfast with Santa” and more.

Through Dec. 26, Artesian guests will enjoy exclusive gifts as they arrive in their rooms, including Bedré Fine Chocolate, hot chocolate K-Cups® and a 2016 Artesian Hotel Classic Christmas ornament. Complimentary hot cocoa and apple cider will also be available in the lobby daily throughout the season.

Guests can make arrangements to meet their favorite North Pole celebrity on Dec. 10 and 17 at 8 and 10:30 a.m. for “Breakfast with Santa.” A hot breakfast will be served in the ballroom while Santa visits with guests and poses for photos. Each “Breakfast with Santa” reservation includes a 4x6 portrait with the option to purchase additional prints online. Live reindeer will greet guests from 8 a.m. to noon as they enter and exit the hotel for “Breakfast with Santa.” Tickets are $25 per person or $250 per table of 10. Reservations are required.

A new tradition awaits guests this year! The Artesian will offer traditional gingerbread house decorating classes. Classes are Dec. 10 and Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 per gingerbread house. Reservations are required.

Carolers in 19th century dress will serenade visitors with Christmas favorites from 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays during the second and third weekends of December. During those same weekends, Mrs. Claus will sit by the fireplace, read stories and sing carols for the Artesian’s young guests from 6 to 8 p.m. Hotel guests can also treat themselves to milk and cookies from Santa from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily in the 2nd floor common area.

Every Friday and Saturday through Dec. 23, guests can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The rides will feature a tour through historic downtown Sulphur to enjoy the light displays on the plaza. Tickets are $40 per carriage ride. As carriages vary in size, reservations are required.  

While at the Artesian, guests can pose behind an oversized picture frame to create a unique photograph to commemorate their stay. Visitors are encouraged to share and tag photos with the hashtag #TistheArtesian on social media.

Tickets for “Breakfast with Santa,” gingerbread house decorating classes, and carriage rides are available by calling (855) 455-5255. For more information or to book a room at the Artesian Hotel, visit www.artesianhotel.com.