The Artesian Hotel offers Classic Christmas Giveaway

SULPHUR, OKLAHOMA (Oct. 23, 2018) – Staff at The Artesian Hotel, Casino and Spa are preparing to deck the halls in anticipation of the 5^th annual Classic Christmas celebration. The event, which runs throughout the holiday season, will feature lights and decorations, Breakfast with Santa, live reindeer, a Christmas Ball, carriage rides and more.

“Christmas is a magical time at The Artesian Hotel and in the city of Sulphur, and we strive each year to create an experience that is truly one-of-a-kind,” said Justin Williams, Artesian area general manager. “The Classic Christmas celebration is a way for families to start new holiday traditions and make memories that will last a lifetime.”

Holiday festivities begin at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 24 with the community’s Christmas in Sulphur celebration. Christmas in Sulphur will include music, entertainment, food trucks and more, followed by a Christmas Parade of Lights and the Official Lighting Ceremony when The Artesian and other downtown businesses switch on their elaborate light displays.

More than 150,000 LED lights will outline The Artesian’s traditional spires and turrets while more than two-dozen Christmas trees fill the inside of the hotel, including a grand 20-foot tree at the hotel’s entrance.

On Dec. 8 and 15, Santa will fly in from the North Pole for breakfast with his fans from 8–10:30 a.m. each day. Breakfast with Santa reservations includes a hot breakfast served in the ballroom and an opportunity to meet and snap a photo with Santa. A 4×6 portrait will be included, with the option to buy more prints online.  In addition, live reindeer will greet guests from 8 a.m. to noon both days. Seats are $25 per person or $250 per table of 10. Reservations are required.

New this year, The Artesian Ballroom will host a Christmas Ball on Dec. 22 from 8 p.m. to midnight. The Christmas Ball will feature holiday décor, a dance floor and holiday music performed by Aubrey Anna. The Christmas Ball is free, but reservations are highly encouraged.

Two Fridays and Saturdays in December will feature visits from carolers and Mrs. Claus. Carolers dressed in Victorian garb will entertain guests from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7-8 and Dec. 14-15. Mrs. Claus will also visit The Artesian on those days to sit by the fireplace and read stories from 6 to 8 p.m.

Horse-drawn carriages will offer tours through downtown Sulphur and its numerous light displays on Friday and Saturday evenings beginning Dec. 7 and running through the weekend before Christmas. Tickets are $40 per carriage ride. As carriages vary in size, reservations are required.

In The Artesian’s lobby, hotel guests can also treat themselves to milk and cookies from Santa from 7 to 9 p.m. each Friday and Saturday in December leading up to Christmas. Complimentary hot cocoa and apple cider will also be available.

The Chickasaw National Recreation Area’s Historic Candlelight Tour is scheduled for Dec. 7-8 and will take visitors on a walking tour of Flower Park, which will be decorated with more than 1,000 candlelit luminaries. The tours take approximately one hour and will begin at 6 p.m. with the last tour starting at 9 p.m. The tour is free, but reservations are required and can be made by calling the Travertine Nature Center at 580-622-7234.

While visiting The Artesian, guests also have the opportunity to pose behind an oversized picture frame to commemorate their stay. Visitors are encouraged to share and tag photos with the hashtag #TistheArtesian on social media.

“The holidays are a special time at The Artesian and we love sharing the joy of the season with our guests,” Williams said. “The lights, decorations and all of the holiday activities set the scene for a perfect family holiday outing. We hope you can join us.”

To make reservations for Breakfast with Santa, the Christmas Ball and carriage rides, call 855-455-5255. For more information or to book a room at The Artesian, visit www.artesianhotel.com. An official calendar of events is below.