The holiday season is here, and communities across the area are planning celebrations full of holiday cheer, entertainment, food, family fun, a little gift shopping and of course, plenty of Christmas lights.
Here’s a look at some of the activities around the county this holiday season:
Pauls Valley will be hosting its Thursday night Christmas in the Valley celebrations downtown again this year on Dec. 4, 11 and 18. The season will kick off with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Thursday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m. at the Santa Fe Depot plaza.
The tree lighting will be followed by Christmas in the Valley activities for the whole family, including snowball fights, holiday crafts, a DJ Dance Party, professional photos with Santa, s’mores, hot chocolate, face painting, caricature art and inflatables. All activities are free, and will continue from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, and Thursday, Dec. 18.
There will also be $5 meal baskets for sale at all three events supporting local fundraisers.
The Pauls Valley Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Christmas Gnome Scavenger hunt Dec. 4-11. Area residents can help Santa find his lost Christmas Gnomes as they visit participating local businesses throughout the week. As they find the hidden gnomes at each location, they will receive a stamp on their gnome tracking form.
Completed forms can be returned to the Chamber of Commerce office, 112 E. Paul Ave., by noon on Dec. 12 to be entered in a prize drawing for a basket of gift cards from local businesses. A list of missing gnomes can be picked up at any participating business starting Dec. 4.
As of press time, participating businesses include Cactus Closing; Garvin, Agee, Carlton Law; Hinkle Printing and Office Supply; Iron Wolf Coffee House; Reavis Drug; Sharpe’s Department Store; Sooner Home Furnishings; Shelter Insurance; The Daisy Patch; The Vault; Valley Blossom Shop; Valley Gifts and Awards and Valley Market.
The Pauls Valley Fire Department’s annual Chili Supper and the city of Pauls Valley’s Christmas Parade will be held a little later than normal this year, moving from the first Monday in December to Saturday, Dec. 13.
This year, Pauls Valley Tourism is also sponsoring a Jingle Jackpot Prize Drawing. Those holding tickets earned by shopping participating local businesses and restaurants between Nov. 1 and Dec. 12 will be entered to win cash prizes, gift certificates and gift cards. That prize drawing will be Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. at the Pauls Valley Fire Dept., 201 S. Walnut.
The Fire Department’s 25th annual Chili Supper, hosted by the PV Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, will be from 4-6 p.m.
The Christmas parade will follow at 7:15 p.m. in downtown Pauls Valley. This year’s parade theme is “The Grinch of Who Valley.” The entry fee for parade entries is $25, and all entries must be decorated in the theme. Entry forms are available at City Hall, 100 W. Paul Ave.
Wynnewood’s Downtown Christmas Parade will be Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 6:30 p.m. This year’s parade theme is Western Winter Wonderland. Entry forms are available at the Wynnewood Library, 108 N. Dean A. McGee. The parade route will begin at Wynnewood’s City Park and wind through downtown.
The Wynnewood Fire Department will also be holding a Chili Cook Off Dec. 3 in downtown, across from Mettry’s beginning at 6 p.m. Sampler bowls will be $5. The entry fee is $10, and entries should include at least three pounds of chili for serving. Cash prizes will be awarded. Call or text 405-207-6379 or 405-207-3740 to enter.
The annual Elmore City Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade and Chili Cook Off will be Saturday, Dec. 6. The Chili Cook Off will be held at the Elmore City Community Center, 104 S. Main Street. Entries should be at the kitchen by 4 p.m., serving will begin at 5 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded for first place and people’s choice. For more information contact Louisa at 405-268-1875.
The Elmore City Community Center will also host The North Pole Store from 5-7 p.m. Dec. 6. Residents can shop local vendors while enjoying the parade.
Elmore City’s Christmas Parade of Lights will start at 6 p.m. along Main Street. All parade entries must include Christmas lights. For more information, or to enter, contact Tammy at 580-788-2520. Cash prizes will be awarded for first through third place parade entries.
Elmore City will also hold a Griswold’s Decorating Contest for holiday lights and decorations. Participating homes must be within a five-mile radius of Elmore City. Judging will take place Dec. 3. The grand prize is a $200 gift certificate to Thompson’s Marketplace. For more information or to sign up contact Louisa at 405-268-1875.
