TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Spread holiday cheer and join Cherokee Nation at special events throughout the month of December.
On Friday, Dec. 6, the tribe will host its annual “Christmas on the Square” event from 4 - 6 p.m., featuring letters to Santa, ornament decorating, hot apple cider, photos with Santa, and the official lighting of the Cherokee National History Museum on Capitol Square.
The event coincides with the Tahlequah Christmas Parade, which begins at 6 p.m.
On Saturday, Dec. 7, Cherokee Nation museums in 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 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.