If you think that the Lake area shuts down completely after the summer, you will be happily surprised at all of the fun events happening this winter. Your favorite waterfront restaurant at the Lake of the Ozarks may have closed its doors until next Spring, but this town is still full of fun and excitement to entertain you over the holidays. Here are a few of Dog Days Bar & Grill's favorite ways to celebrate the Christmas season at the Lake of the Ozarks.
#1 - Get out & get active.
Even though the weather is colder and it is tempting to get cozy under a blanket on the couch and binge watch your favorite shows, don't do it! At least, not the entire season. There are lots of ways to stay active in the winter at the Lake.
The first in what should become an annual holiday fun-run, is the Jingle Jog for the Tri-County YMCA of the Ozarks. Call 573-348-9230 to register early for $20, or $25 the day of on Friday, December 11. You can run or walk the 5K, or take part in a shorter 2-mile walk. Santa will be waiting at the finish line with hot cocoa, music, and games.
Old Kinderhook in Camdenton has an awesome outdoor ice skating rink, and on the weekends, you may even find Santa and his elves hanging out.
Tan-Tar-A's Timber Falls Water Park lets you enjoy water fun year-round. Waterslides, a whirlpool, and a lazy river. If it's too cold to get into the lake, this is a nice alternative.
Running around Lazer Force Lazer Tag in Osage Beach will completely make you forget the cold weather outside. For a competitive day of action, this is a great place to go.
#2 - Take in a show.
There are a lot of chances for you to get out and enjoy some amazing live entertainment this holiday seasons. Here are just a few:
- Lake Area Community Orchestra & Chorale
The Lake Arts Council's calendar is filled with lots of entertaining events, including many holiday performances throughout the entire month of December from both the orchestra and chorale.
For an incredible evening full of Christmas music and comedy, get tickets for Main Street Music Hall's 2015 holiday show. For the full schedule and ticket information, call 573-348-9500 or visit www.lakemusichall.com.
The Royal Theatre in Verailles is presenting this Christmas classic on December 11 & 12 at 7 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 3-18. Call 573-378-6226 for more details.
#3 - Enjoy the holiday decorations.
You are sure to see holiday beauty everywhere that you look. Here are a few highlights to check out.
- Lake Ozark Christmas Parade & Lake Holiday Bonfire
The annual "Christmas Magic" parade will be making its way across the Bagnell Dam Strip on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 1 pm. Afterwards, at 4:30 pm, Santa's caravan will be leaving Eagle's Landing and heading back below the dam for the Lake Holiday Bonfire featuring hot chocolate, coffee, and refreshments for the entire family.
- Holiday Lights in Osage Beach
The Osage Beach City Park is a perfect place to begin your holiday light-watching cruise around the area. There are also many beautiful displays along Osage Beach Parkway in addition to the park itself.
St. Patrick's Festival of Lights is going on until January 1, 2016 from 6 pm - 9 pm every evening, and is free and open to the public. The Enchanted Village of Lights at the Laurie Fairgrounds is also lit up nightly starting at 5 pm. It is also free, but all donations collected will be used to make it even bigger and better next year.
- Holiday Lights from the water
Celebration Cruises is hosting the 5th Annual Deck the Docks tour showcasing all of the beautiful holiday decorations seen from the lake. There are lots of gorgeous displays on docks and lakefront homes all around the area. Cruises are $25 per person, and the proceeds benefit the Dogwood Animal Shelter. Live entertainment is donated by local musicians and delicious appetizers are donated from area restaurants. This fills up fast, so reserve your tickets early.
#4 - Go to a party.
Most of the area residents have been looking forward to this favorite Lake of the Ozarks annual holiday event since last year. Sunday, December 13, bring a new, unwrapped toy and $20 (or no toy & $40) to the Country Club Hotel & Spa in Lake Ozark. This year they are trying to help at least 1800 children in the local area enjoy their Christmas. There will be a silent auction, hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, and live music from both Shawn C. and Captain Geech & the Shrimp Shack Shooters. For more information or to become a table sponsor, visit the Lake Area Christmas For Kids website.
- Wobbly Boots New Year's Eve Party
Wobbly Boots Roadhouse is going to feature one of Dog Days Bar & Grill's favorite bands this New Year's Eve - Funhouse! They will begin playing around 9 pm so you can dance your way into 2016. Keep an eye on the Wobbly Boots Roadhouse page for more details about the awesome specials they are planning for the night too.
#5 - Throw a party of your own.
Invite a bunch of your friends and family over to your place this season and host a big bash of your own! Don't worry about the cooking though, because the Barrett Restaurant Group's catering at the Lake of the Ozarks has that part covered. Simply give us a call to talk over the type of menu you would like to serve, and we'll cook it up and deliver it directly to your party. If you need a spot to entertain, we might be able to help you out with that at one of our sister restaurants. Let us know what you need and we'll do our best to make sure that it happens.
See, tons of fun, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. The Lake of the Ozarks is an awesome place to be, no matter what time of year it is. Wherever you end up, and however you choose to celebrate, the Dog Days Bar & Grill's family would like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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