Holiday Happenings Fun for the Whole Family!

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Holiday Happenings Fun for the Whole Family!

Thu, 12/03/2020 - 15:03
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Looking for a happy holiday experience that’s safe, fun and festive during a pandemic year? Visit your Ponca City cultural tourism sites and attractions with social distancing in place and enjoy the atmosphere. Several Ponca City sites have decked their halls and put on a cheerful holiday face for visitors. Knowing this year is not a “business as usual” year due to the pandemic, never-the-less our local cultural sites will inspire you and provide a friendly “holiday happening” experience as you visit.

The Pioneer Woman Museum, Conoco Museum, Standing Bear Museum and the Marland Grand Home and Marland Estate will be open to the public for touring as usual. The Standing Bear Museum, Pioneer Woman Museum and the Marland Mansion have unique gifts for the season to purchase. The Poncan Theatre provides holiday movie entertainment in a beautiful historic setting.

The Festival of Angels will put on a show very similar to year’s past. The City of Ponca City will provide the annual lighted Christmas Parade downtown and our community retailers will host a holiday open house weekend in the historic downtown district.

Festival of Angels Lighting Displays

The Festival of Angels’ holiday lights have been electrified and the gates are now open from 6:00pm to 10:00pm at Lake Ponca Park for drive through visitors to view. The large lighted Christmas angel on the grounds of the Pioneer Woman Statue signals the display route. This year due to the pandemic, the event committee is asking everyone to please stay in their vehicles to safely enjoy the lighting displays. The park will remain open through December 30th. Additional holiday lighting will be presented at Cann Gardens, also for auto touring, from 6:00-10:00pm through December 30.

Standing Bear Museum

The Standing Bear Museum at 601 Standing Bear Highway is currently open with slightly reduced hours due to the pandemic. Hours for visitation are Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Anyone driving in to Ponca City from out of town is encouraged to call first in case of unexpected closure. Masks are required while in the museum. Of special interest will be new (Clyde) Otipoby pottery pieces displayed throughout the museum. Call 580-762-1514 for more information.

Pioneer Woman Museum

The Pioneer Woman Museum at 701 Monument Road wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday. Hours of operation for selfguided tours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Masks are required in the museum and gift shop areas. The gift shop is open for visitors with lots of special items to purchase and many are Oklahoma-related. Call 580-765-6108 for more information.

Conoco Museum

The Conoco Museum at 501 E. South Avenue will be open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday. Masks are required in the museum area. Visitors can experience the history of the oil company’s journey, first as the Marland Oil Company, then as world headquarters for the Conoco Company, and following its many transitions through the years. Kids big and small can take a photo in Santa’s chair. Call 580-765-8687 for more information.

Poncan Theatre

The Poncan Theatre Company is available to rent in December for holiday events. Capacity is limited to 380 individuals for social distancing purposes. The theatre is also offering many classic holiday films for very low admission rates. “The Santa Clause” will be shown at 7:30 pm on Friday the 4th. “Home Alone” will be shown Saturday the 12th at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” starring Jim Carrey will be shown at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm on Saturday the 19th. Call 580-765-0943 for more information.

Marland’s Grand Home

The Marland Grand Home at 1000 E. Grand Avenue is open for self-guided tours Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00am to 5:00pm, and closed during the lunch hour from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Masks are required in the museum areas. Vintage style holiday decorations adorn the rooms and will delight guests. A temporary educational exhibit is featured in the library as visitors enter the home and will be in place through January 2021. The display depicts E.W. Marland’s years serving the state of Oklahoma in the legislature from 1932 to 1939. Free booklets are available explaining Marland’s roles and accomplishments as a state representative to congress and then as Oklahoma’s 10th governor. Call 580-767-0427 for more information.

Marland Mansion and Estate

The Marland Mansion welcomes holiday visitors for self-guided tours Monday thru Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Masks are required while indoors at the estate. New holiday décor is in full splendor for guests to view as they walk through the Mansion’s 55 rooms. The estate also provides a unique shopping experience featuring books and items reflecting the history of the estate, EW Marland and the local region. Call 580-767-0420 for more information.

Downtown

The City of Ponca City’s Christmas Lighted Parade on Friday, December 4th has been cancelled. The annual parade usually averages 70 parade entries. However, due to the pandemic entry participation was very low, so the decision was made to cancel for this year. Friday, December 4th through Sunday, December 6th retailers will host the Downtown Holiday Open House Weekend. Stores will provide goodies and special sales to enhance guests shopping experience.

Stay safe, stay at home and shop local for your holiday needs and entertainment this year. Even during a pandemic season, Ponca City offers delightful quality holiday experiences for all to enjoy. There’s no place like home for the holidays!