Get Away to Shangri-La Resort This Holiday Season
Photo credit: Photos courtesy of Shangri-La.
If you’re looking to get away for a quick recharge during the holidays or for a unique setting to host a holiday gathering, look no further than Shangri-La resort in Northeast Oklahoma. The resort is bringing holiday magic to the shores of Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees with a month-long calendar of festive events for families, specialty packages and an over-the-top New Year’s Eve celebration. From lakeside sleigh rides and Santa visits to chef-curated dining and artisan showcases, the vast array of offerings makes Shangri-La a top destination for effortless holiday gatherings.
“Our goal is to give families and friends the opportunity to celebrate together without the stress,” said Shangri-La Vice President Lance Funderburk. “From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, Shangri-La becomes a holiday home on the lake.
“What we hear time and again from our guests is that Shangri-La gives them space to slow down. Our team has created a calendar that blends celebration with ease—from chef-led dinners to family activities—so people can be fully present with the ones they care about.”
Holiday Highlights (Dec. 1-28)
Fa La La Package
Stay three nights and enjoy the fourth night free. Includes an “Elf Express” stocking delivery to guestrooms, where festive elves sneak into your room with stockings filled with toys and treats for the kids and maybe a little holiday magic for grown-ups, too. There’s also an optional holiday décor makeover add-on, where your guestroom is decked out with festive holiday décor before you arrive.
Seasonal Merriment
Events throughout the month include:
- The Marina’s Jingle Boats Light-Up Celebration, where resort guests and marina slip holders bring the holiday spirit to Grand Lake with dazzling boat decorations.
- Santa’s not the only one hanging around Shangri-La this December—Mrs. Claus will be here for a tea party! Kids of resort guests and members will sip hot cocoa (or tea) and enjoy snacks while listening to a Christmas storybook reading and decorating holiday cookies to take home during the Afternoon Tea with Mrs. Claus.
- Horse-drawn Sunset Sleigh Rides & Caroling, which is complimentary for resort guests and $10 per member or Grand Lake patron. Snuggle up for a charming horse-drawn carriage ride along the lakeshore, complete with holiday carolers. The perfect way to watch the sun set over Grand Lake’s winter skies!
- The community-favorite Parade of Lights & Après Shangri-La is Dec. 23. Resort guests, members and locals can light up their golf carts and join the holiday parade through the resort. Then gather on Doc’s Lawn for Après Shangri-La — cozy s’mores, holiday drinks and lakeside cheer under the stars.
- Polar Express Night at The Anchor is Dec. 21. All aboard for an evening of holiday magic open to Shangri-La members, resort guests and the Grand Lake community. Cozy up for a special showing of “The Polar Express,” meet Santa for photos and let little ones get creative with holiday crafts. With a hot cocoa bar, a s’mores roasting station and plenty of seasonal cheer, it’s the perfect way to make warm memories on a winter night.
- All-day Christmas Day football tailgates. Watch every game with wings, pizza and festive cocktails — your lakeside sports bar home for the holidays!
- Festive Touches: The Spa’s Arctic Berry Bright & Merry Facial and holiday cocktail specials at The Summit bring seasonal flair to every stay.
For more information, visit www.shangrilaok.com/holidays.
New Year’s Eve: Dec. 31-Jan. 1
- Celebration at The Summit (adults only): A three-course prix fixe dinner with live entertainment, DJ sets, a champagne toast and midnight countdown under the stars. Dinner and celebration $225 per person; late-night entry after 9 p.m. $75.
- The Anchor Kid’s Bash: A supervised Vegas-style party for children with games, a DJ, mocktails, photo booth and countdowns at 10 p.m. and midnight. Complimentary for resort guests.
- New Year’s Day: Football, brunch specials and game-day cocktails at The Anchor.
For more information, visit www.shangrilaok.com/NYE.
Special Offers
- Home for the Holidays Package: Book one room and receive 25% off additional rooms, perfect for extended families or group getaways.
- New Year’s Eve Package: Includes access to the Celebration at The Summit, Kid’s Bash and New Year’s Day brunch specials.
About Shangri-La Resort
Tucked away on Oklahoma’s Monkey Island—a scenic seven-mile peninsula famed for its dramatic shoreline and Cherokee heritage—Shangri-La Resort is a premier lakeside resort where luxury and recreation converge. The resort offers 119 guest rooms and suites, 45 holes of championship golf including the acclaimed Battlefield Par-3 Course, The Anchor & Racquet Club, a full-service marina, watercraft rentals and a variety of signature dining experiences. Guests also enjoy The Spa at Shangri-La, multiple pools, a fitness center and over 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Whether for family getaways, romantic escapes, corporate retreats or seasonal celebrations, Shangri-La is a timeless lakeside haven on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. For more information visit www.shangrilaok.com.
