Whether you’re looking to create holiday memories with the kids or seeking an adults-only escape, Big Cedar Lodge’s Home for the Holidays is the place to get into the holiday spirit. Through December 31, America’s premier wilderness resort will be transformed into a holiday wonderland, including more than 4 million holiday lights and trees filled with ornaments. Here are just a few options, as well as a helpful itinerary to take advantage of all that Home for the Holidays has to offer.
Holiday Wonderland Tours
If you’re looking for a holiday-themed tour, check out these options to see some of Big Cedar Lodge’s scenic 4,600 acres. You can explore the grounds in a variety of ways: lace up your hiking boots, hop in the car, or enjoy a scenic tram ride.
Home For The Holidays Self-Guided Light Tour
Take a journey in the comfort of your own vehicle through the story of Christmas. Hot chocolate, s’mores, and souvenirs are available for purchase. Reservations are highly recommended.
DETAILS
- Price: $40 for cars and SUVs; $60 for mini bus
- When: Nightly from 5–10 p.m.
- Where: Check in at the Big Cedar entrance off the roundabout
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING: “This place is so incredible! The cabin is super cool and overlooking the water. The staff is amazing! Our trip started this week and ends at Christmas. The lights are awesome!” –Kaleb Garcia
Take in the festive sights while enjoying complimentary hot chocolate or cider and a traveling s’more on a stick. Guests will be surrounded by the magic of Christmas while creating lasting memories with friends and family.
DETAILS
- Price: Overnight guests $25; public day guests $30
- When: Rides depart between 6 and 9:40 p.m.
- Where: Tram pickup and drop-offs at Swimmin’ Hole Lawn
Christmas Nature at Night on the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail (open through January 7)
Experience the Ozarks after dark at Top of the Rock during a 2.5-mile journey through Nature at Night. Sip hot beverages while enjoying this unique light tour, complete with awe-inspiring displays resembling historic Native American scenes along with traditional holiday vignettes.
DETAILS
- Price: Adults $39–$44; children admission starts at $19.
12 Days of Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt
Partake in some friendly competition with families and friends to solve riddles, with clues and photo prompts across the resort leading to different holiday light displays. Festive prizes will be awarded to the speediest team.
DETAILS
- Price: $17 per person
- When: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7 p.m. by reservation
- Where: Swimmin’ Hole Lawn
Fun for Kids
At Big Cedar Lodge, kids can get up close and personal with some of the North Pole’s most important residents, including finishing their Christmas shopping with Santa’s elves or baking with Mrs. Claus.
Shop with an Elf (Through December 24)
Kids can step into Santa’s workshop, which is full of gift items for Mom, Dad, brother, sister, grandparents, or anyone else they wish to surprise on Christmas morning. Together with an elf, kids can select a gift, box it with Christmas cheer, and enjoy a cup of Santa’s favorite hot chocolate and a walking s’more.
DETAILS
- Price: $40 per gift
- Where: Check in at Swimmin’ Hole Lawn Adventure Hut in Family Wonderland
Baking with Mrs. Claus (Available Saturdays)
Join Mrs. Claus and Santa’s Elves on Saturdays in November and December for a day of baking and decorating Christmas cookies. Decorate your own chef’s apron and hat to keep while enjoying Christmas songs, stories, and games. All kids receive a cozy critter, water bottle, and crafts to keep.
DETAILS
- Price: $90 per child (kids-only event, ages 4–12 welcome)
- When: Saturdays in November and December
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING: “It’s the best mountain lodge resort I’ve ever been to! If you go at Christmas, you’ll be filled with Christmas cheer. There are so many couples and family-friendly events and fun, free surprises around every corner.” —Lauren
Fun for Adults
While the kids are busy shopping in Santa’s workshop or their own festive classes, take time to check out these offerings.
Cocktails in The Kitchen (Available Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Shake up your Tuesday and Thursday afternoons learning mixology, enjoying delicious pairings, and discovering behind-the-scenes insights at the upscale Osage Restaurant’s Chef’s Kitchen. Seating is limited, and reservations are required. Must be 21 years of age or older.
DETAILS
- November: Hot Coffee Drinks
- December: Hot Tea Drinks
Boho Hat and Leather Burning Workshop (Available Sundays)
Guests can create their own stylish hats and leather masterpieces during this unique workshop. Choose from a variety of items such as key chains, coasters, wallets, and hats to burn your very own designs. Accessories are supplied to help with creating a one-of-a-kind hat.
DETAILS
- Price: $70 per person (ages 16+)
- When: 3–4:30 p.m. Sundays in November and December
Gingerbread Charcuterie Chalet (Available Saturdays)
Who says gingerbread houses are just for kids? Join for a fun holiday spin on a charcuterie class during this adults-only Gingerbread Charcuterie Chalet. Everything needed to design the dwelling of your dreams—meats, cheeses, nuts, and extra edible items for snacking—will be available. This offering is complete with two glasses of complimentary wine, beer, or soda while savoring your edible architecture.
DETAILS
- Price: $120 for two people
- When: Saturdays
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING: “It’s a great resort for the family during the holidays—like Christmas on steroids. The spa is excellent.” —Brooks Sommer
For the Whole Family
⛸️Home for The Holidays Ice Rink (Open through February 5)
Experience the all-weather, synthetic ice rink at Big Cedar Lodge, complete with a light show every quarter hour after dark. This dazzling performance features the center tree and surrounding area coming to life with spectacularly choreographed music and a lights display.
DETAILS
- Price: Overnight guests $15; public day guests $20
- When:
- November 10–20: Weekdays 4–9 p.m.; weekends noon–9 p.m.
- November 21–January 5: Daily noon–9 p.m.
- January 5–February 5: Daily 4–9 p.m.
- Where: Swimmin’ Hole Lawn
Tree Lighting Ceremony (Saturdays through December 16; December 24)
Experience this classic holiday event as the Big Cedar Christmas tree is lit up each Saturday from November 11–December 16 and again on December 24. Santa will make a stop at the event every week, and one special child will get to light the Christmas tree with him. Following the lighting, kids will have the chance to sit on Santa’s lap and receive a special gift.
DETAILS
- Price: Free
- When: 5–6 p.m.; pre-show at 4:30 p.m.
- Where: Swimmin’ Hole Lawn
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING: “I went to the Christmas tree lighting and took the tour of lights around the grounds. Loved it all! It’s a great place to spend Christmas Eve!” —Mike Jones
Special visits from holiday friends (Times vary)
Santa, his elves, and Mrs. Claus bring holiday cheer to Big Cedar Lodge with photo opportunities, ornament painting, breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus, cookie baking, and more. Even the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who will be visiting Fun Mountain to spread Christmas cheer and play games. A reservation includes a professional photo with these special guests. Event prices vary.
️Holiday crafting (Times vary)
Kids and adults alike can enjoy guided DIY classes, such as Kids Craft & Play, Paint & Pour, charcuterie board building with wood burning, holiday centerpiece creation, kids’ crafts, and wreath-making for your door.
Ugly Sweaters and PJ Parties (Times vary)
Join Santa’s elves and the Grinch for kid-friendly fun at Big Cedar with the Kids’ Club PJ Party and The Grinch’s Ugly Sweater Party. Enjoy crafts, snacks, and a cozy atmosphere. ($90 per child, ages 4–12 welcome.) Compete in Big Cedar’s Bakery Wars by showcasing your favorite cookie recipe. Win titles for the best tasting cookie, best marketing, and best presentation in this family-friendly baking competition.
Christmas Services
If you plan to visit on Christmas, church services are also available.
⛪12 Days of Christmas Chapel Service (December 25–January 5)
In Christian theology, the 12 days of Christmas span the period between the birth of Christ and the coming of the Magi, the three wise men. It begins on December 25 (Christmas) and runs through January 5 (the Epiphany, sometimes called Three Kings’ Day).
DETAILS
- Price: Free
- Where: Big Cedar Lodge Garden Chapel
Itinerary
Yes, there’s a lot going on at Big Cedar Lodge’s Home for the Holidays. If you’re wondering how to soak up as much Christmas spirit as possible, we’ve created this helpful itinerary, including a mix of festive family activities, crafting, and opportunities to explore the beautiful grounds. This itinerary is based on a Monday-through-Saturday visit during Home for the Holidays. (Adjustments can be made based on personal preferences and availability of activities during your stay.)
Day 1 (Monday): Arrival and Winter Wonderland Kickoff
- 4 p.m.: Check-in at Big Cedar Lodge. Then visit the Mrs. Claus Welcome Table in the Registration building to learn about Home for the Holidays activities/events.
- 6 p.m.: Holiday Tram Ride across Big Cedar Lodge’s property
- 7 p.m.: Dinner at Devil’s Pool Restaurant
- 8:45 pm: In-room Santa visits for the kiddos
Day 2 (Tuesday): Family Fun and Santa’s Workshop
- 8 a.m.: Breakfast at Devil’s Pool restaurant
- 9 a.m.: Explore the property, and shop for the perfect Christmas gift at the Big Cedar Shoppe
- 10 a.m.: Elves Winter Workshop at Fun Mountain
- 11 a.m.: Lunch at Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill at Fun Mountain. (While you’re there, explore all that Fun Mountain has to offer, including bowling, golf simulators, laser tag, arcade, and more.)
- 1 p.m.: Shop With an Elf on the Swimmin’ Hole Lawn
- ⛸️4:30 p.m.: Skate at the Home for the Holidays Ice Rink
- 5:30 p.m.: Dinner at Worman House
- 7 p.m.: Take a self-guided light tour through more than 4 million dazzling lights. (Available from 5–10 p.m.)
- 8 p.m.: Return to cozy accommodations, including hot chocolate by the fire and s’mores-making with the whole family.
Day 3 (Wednesday): Creative Workshops and Grinch’s Ugly Sweater Party
- 9 a.m.: Breakfast at Truman Café and Custard
- 10–11 a.m.: Gingerbread Build-Off at Fun Mountain
- 11:30 a.m.: Lunch at Devil’s Pool restaurant
- 1:30 p.m.: Solve Elf on the Shelf Riddles across the property with the whole family.
- 3 p.m.: Holiday Wreath-Making at Fun Mountain
- 5:30 p.m.: Dinner at The Buzzard Bar
- 7 p.m.: 12 Days of Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt
Day 4 (Thursday): Ice rink and Nature at Night fun
- 9 a.m.: Breakfast at Devil’s Pool restaurant
- 10 a.m.: Explore the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum
- Noon: Lunch at Arnie’s Barn at Top of the Rock
- ⛸️2 p.m.: Skate at the Home for the Holidays ice rink
- 5 p.m.: Dinner at Osage Restaurant at Top of the Rock
- 7 p.m.: Explore Nature at Night on the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail
Day 5 (Friday): Kids PJ Party and Parents Night
- 10 a.m.–noon: Paint and Pour
- Noon: Lunch at Devil’s Pool restaurant
- 2–2:30 p.m.: Storytime with Mrs. Claus at Falls Lodge lobby
- 5–8 p.m.: Kids Club PJ Party at Fun Mountain. (In the meantime, parents can enjoy an evening of drinks and dinner together.)
- 5:30 pm: Parents enjoy drinks at Harry’s Cocktail Lounge and Bar
- 6:30 pm: Parents enjoy dinner at Worman House
- 8 p.m.: In-room elf visits for the kiddos
Day 6 (Saturday): Checkout
- 7–11 a.m.: Breakfast with Santa
- 11 a.m.: Check out of Big Cedar Lodge
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Big Cedar Lodge. To learn more, visit www.bigcedar.com
