Cherokee Nation welcomes the holidays with events throughout December

Join Cherokee Nation in welcoming the holidays with special events throughout December.

In Vinita, the tribe is hosting its first-ever holiday market on Dec. 13 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center. The market will feature the work of nine Cherokee artists, including three Cherokee National Treasures.

Guests will have the opportunity to see and purchase artwork ranging from pottery and paintings to basketry and more.

“This year we wanted to expand our holiday programming outside of Tahlequah, and what better spot than the beautiful Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center,” said Donna Tinnin, senior manager of museums and events. “We hope guests come out, enjoy the day with us, and pick up a gift for a friend or loved one.”

On Friday, Dec. 5, join Cherokee Nation for “Christmas on the Square” from 4 to 6 p.m., featuring letters to Santa, ornament decorating, refreshments, kids’ train rides and the official lighting of the Cherokee National History Museum on Capitol Square.

In addition, guests can take advantage of photo opportunities with Santa and the 6-foot-tall Cherokee-inspired nutcracker and hear a Christmas story from Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.

The event coincides with the Tahlequah Christmas Parade, which begins at 6 p.m.

On Saturday, Dec. 6, Cherokee Nation museums in downtown Tahlequah will be participating in this year’s Cookie Stroll on Main, hosted by the Tahlequah Main Street Association. Guests can purchase an official box from TMSA and stroll to downtown merchants, filling their boxes full of sweet treats from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Guests visiting the square during December are encouraged to stop by the Cherokee National History Museum to check out the “First Cherokee Christmas” exhibit. The first Cherokee Christmas took place in 1805 when Moravian missionaries were invited by Cherokee James Vann to his home in Georgia.

Moravian stars were made out of paper, and scriptures were written on scrolls to decorate the first Christmas tree in Cherokee Nation.

Several Cherokee Nation cultural destinations will have adjusted hours throughout the month of December. For a full list of holiday hours and more information on Cherokee Nation cultural destinations and events, go to www.VisitCherokeeNation. com.