December 2021
Take time to smell the hot chocolate
Mother Nature decorated the countryside with snow before Thanksgiving, and up north that means the white-frosted ground and pines will stay beautiful all winter. A few more inches of the white stuff 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.
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 to you and yours for the holidays. 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 doing some star gazing. Either way, visitors are always welcome to share the culture of those who live here and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.
Downtown Park Rapids invites you to Love Local 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 kids can enjoy free movie matinees at Park Theater. Seasonal cultural festivities include the Sweets, Treats & Treasures event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 at Calvary Lutheran Church. Enjoy this holiday cookie walk, handcrafted items and gently used holiday decor, sponsored by CHI St. Joseph’s Health Auxiliary. Medora’s past and present stars will bring family friendly entertainment for A Magical Medora Christmas at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec.16 at the Park Rapids Area High School auditorium. The Chamber events calendar 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 Tuesday, Dec. 14. 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 800-247-0054 to learn more.