(GERING, NE) Christmas is coming! What better way to start preparations than the way our ancestors did in the nineteenth century? Scotts Bluff National Monument, Legacy of the Plains Museum, and Chimney Rock National Historic Site will be hosting a variety of activities that evoke Christmases of the past on Saturday, December 3, 2022. All three events will be FREE!
“Christmas on the Prairie” at Scotts Bluff National Monument offers visitors a chance to make nineteenth century style holiday ornaments from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children and adults will have a chance to make a variety of old-style ornaments, including: popcorn strings, paper lanterns and stars, dough ornaments to paint, as well as corn husk dolls. Enjoy refreshments and a 15% discount on bookstore items courtesy of our cooperating association Black Hills Parks and Forests Association.
At Legacy of the Plains Museum, “High Plains Christmas” will give people an opportunity to enjoy some outdoor and indoor fun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ride on a hay rack, build a Christmas ornament, write a letter to Santa to send via Pony Express, enjoy live music, and purchase our delicious soups and hot chocolate. High Plains Christmas kicks off our “Trees Along the Trail Contest” and “Yuletide Lights”. The tree contest consists of Christmas trees decorated by community non-profit organizations competing for your votes. The ballots will be available for $1.00 each. This is the kickoff of the event which will continue through December 23rd. The contest benefits the museum and area charities.
Chimney Rock National Historic Site will celebrate “Christmas at the Rock” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors will have a chance to play games and enjoy holiday treats and music.
The Scotts Bluff National Monument visitor center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The summit road is open (weather and conditions permitting) from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. All Monument trails are open from sunrise until sunset. Additional information about Scotts Bluff National Monument programs and schedules can be obtained at the visitor center, by calling 308-436-9700 or by visiting our website at http://www.nps.gov/scbl/index.htm or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/scottsbluffnps.
A group makes holiday ornaments during the 2017 Christmas on the Prairie event. NPS image.