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Writer's pictureAmber Eilers

Have a Holly Jolly Holiday Season in Rim Country

Updated: Dec 28, 2023

Updated December 2023


A brand new year is just around the corner! Can you believe it?!


If you're celebrating New Years Eve in Rim Country and looking for places to go, look no further. We will add to this post as we hear of more events in town!


First up: Pinewood Tavern! This special menu will be available all weekend, from 3pm to close. On Saturday, the restaurant will be ringing in the New Year a day early, with a live DJ too! So fun!



Next: THAT Brewery! Hurry and make a reservation to this epic NYE bash. Dress up, and get ready for a fun time!



Next up: The Strawberry Lodge! They will be preparing a special dinner menu on New Year's Eve! Reservations are required, so make sure to save your spot fast!


But that isn't all... Here are some more places to check out while visiting during New Year's weekend!


Pie Bar: Open 9am-5pm NYE and New Year's Day. Closed following Wednesday

Old County Inn: Open 11am-9pm NYE and New Year's Day. Closed Tuesday/Wednesday following

Early Bird Cafe: Open 6:30am-2pm NYE and New Year's Day, might close early New Year's Day

Bandits: New Year's Eve Party 8pm-12pm

Pine Creek Espresso & Fudge: Open 8am-2pm, closed New Year's Day


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Visiting Strawberry and Pine in the winter is so special. If you have been here this time of year, you know exactly why! There’s something so magical about having to don a warm winter coat and hat and being surrounded by pine “Christmas” trees. Here at the Inn, we love decorating the outside and inside for our guests to enjoy all season long.



While we are still keeping our fingers crossed for some snow SOON, there are still plenty of fun activities to partake in this month around town! Read below for a rundown on some of our favorite yearly Christmas activities.


Staying Over Christmas and Need a Place to Eat?

No worries, we got the inside scoop on holiday hours this weekend for you!


Pie Bar: Open this weekend through 5pm Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day to Wednesday

Mamajoe's Italian Grill: Open Friday 5-8pm, Saturday 8-4pm, closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Sportsman's Chalet: Open 356 days a year, open early at 10 am Christmas Day

Strawberry Lodge (Ricky's Italian): Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Old County Inn: Open this weekend through Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day

Early Bird Cafe: Open this weekend, open Christmas Eve 6:30am-12pm, closed Christmas Day

Pinewood Tavern: Open this weekend, open Christmas Eve until 8pm (call before), closed Christmas Day

THAT Brewery: Open this weekend, open Christmas Eve 11am-6pm (call before), closed Christmas Day

Pine Provisions: Open this weekend, open Christmas Eve until 3pm (call before), closed Christmas DayPine Creek Fudge Ice Cream & Espresso: Open Saturday 8am-4pm, closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day


Rusty Pinecone: Open Saturday 10am-4pm, open Christmas Eve 10am-2pm, closed Christmas Day

Ponderosa Market: Open Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Lavender Farm: Open Christmas Eve 10am-5pm, closed Christmas Day

Pine Farmer's Market: Open Friday & Saturday 10am-4pm


Strawberry Chapel Service Times:

Christmas Eve worship at 10am

Candlelight service at 5pm


Santa Claus is coming to Pine!

One of our favorite local spots, The Rusty Pinecone, hosts a "Santa's Workshop" event every Saturday & Sunday (through December 17th) where you can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus & snap a photo. Santa's helpers will even help little kids search the store & pick out the perfect gift for their parents - isn't that the cutest idea? They even stick within your allotted budget. There's free hot cocoa, and of course, photo ops with Santa! You'll want to include this in your plans especially if you have little ones to get them into the Christmas spirit!




Christmas shopping extravaganza

Sick of giving out the same old scarves and candles to your loved ones and friends this holiday season? Head to Downtown Pine for your Christmas shopping! So many of our local stores are offering Christmas specials and unique gifts.


The Honey Stand: Give the gift of local honey this year. Offering adorable gift boxes and sample boxes filled with unique and delicious honey, this will wow anyone! They also have a wonderful collection of jams, salsas, and more. I know some of my personal favorite gifts to give and receive are from small, local businesses.


The Pine-Strawberry Farmer's Market: Loaded with more local Christmas goodies and gifting options, your Strawberry-loving friend or family member will be so thrilled! The market is open Fridays and Saturdays, so plan accordingly.


Pine Provisions: Stock up on Christmas treats and sweets galore! Our friends over at Pine Provisions have created a whole section dedicated to exciting holiday goodies. They have a fantastic beer and wine selection too!


Farmers Market: Visit the Pine-Strawberry Farmers Market (open on weekends) for the best selection of locally made treats and home decor!


Fudge Shop/Wrens Nest: Shop for locally made goods such as pottery, paintings, and more, and grab some fudge while you're there too!


Strawberry Chapel: Cookies and Carols on Sunday, December 17th at 4pm


Pine Community Center: Community Christmas Sing-along, December 1st at 6:30pm


Payson Electric Light Parade

Head to Payson on Saturday, December 9th for the annual Electric Light Parade! The theme is "'73 Jubilee," and I can't wait to see what the entrants come up with this year! Wear warm clothes, grab some hot cocoa, and have a great time! The town is also hosting "Christmas in the Pines" earlier that same day. See below for all of the details.


Go for a Brisk Winter Hike

You all know there’s no shortage of great hiking up here. Check our hiking blog posts and pick your favorite! This time of year, the trails are less crowded, making it a great time to explore.



Have a very merry holiday season,

-Carson & Amber

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