December 2022
Find nature’s beauty and small town cheer here
A weekend or a week here to embrace the joys of the season, experience nature and take life at a different pace may be the best gift you can give for the holidays this year. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, inspiration from nature or small town cheer and goodwill, you won’t be disappointed.
A few more inches snow will give snowmobilers, cross-country skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts the Christmas gift they want most, while anglers wait patiently for the ice to thicken. We’ve pulled out the caps, headbands, gloves, mittens and long underwear. A steaming cup of hot chocolate welcomes sledders in from the cold and foot weary shoppers, too.
Some may want to hit the trails with a camera and binoculars or, if snow conditions permit, on snowmobiles, ATVs or skis. Others might prefer to enjoy live music and other night life at local establishments or maybe do some star gazing. Either way, visitors are always welcome enjoy the area’s natural beauty and share the culture of those who live here.
Downtown Park Rapids welcomes you to think “Small Business Season” and find great service and friendly smiles at local stores as you fulfill those Christmas wish lists. Kids can write letters to Santa and drop them off in the big red mailbox in Pioneer Park on Main Street. Santa and Mrs. Claus also will be visiting with kids from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at Bella Caffé. And at 1 p.m. on Saturdays (including Dec. 24) kids can enjoy free movie matinees at Park Theater. New this season, youth organizations will wrap your gifts from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays at Wine Not? for a free will donation.
If you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit, the Park Rapids Classic Chorale has just the musical concert for you. “Oh, How Beautiful the Sky,” a concert consisting of Christmas music, will be presented Dec. 2 and Dec. 4 at Riverside United Methodist Church. The 30-voice chorale opens their 31st season by leading you on a journey of sacred and secular music. The concerts are open to the public with a free will offering at intermission. Everyone is invited to join the chorale in the social hall for refreshments after the concert.
Other seasonal festivities include a Holiday Market Dec. 3 and Dec. 4 at Timber Creek Dock & Lift Service, Christmas Sweets, Treats & Treasures Dec. 3 at Calvary Lutheran Church, a Celebration of Lights Dec. 3 in Nevis, a Holiday Gala Dec. 3 at Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center and a Christmas At Camp Drive-Thru Light Event Dec. 9 and Dec. 10 at Northern Pines Camp & Retreat Center. Find details on the Chamber calendar that may even guide you to an event where you can buy homemade lefse.
This holiday season take part in the annual winter bird count at Itasca State Park Dec. 20. Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center lobby between 7:30 and 8 a.m. for assignment of count areas. Stay a few hours or spend the day. For more information and to register, call 218-699-7259.
All season, Park Rapids’ giant tree brightens Main Street on winter nights and stands as a symbol of small town cheer and good will, lighting the way to a New Year.
Take time in December to smell the hot chocolate or celebrate the arrival of a New Year. If you need help planning a memorable and affordable visit or if you have questions, call our friendly staff at 218-732-4111 to learn more.