Updated December 2024
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 for you!
Pie Bar: Open until 5pm Christmas Day. Closed Christmas Day
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: Closed Christmas Day
Early Bird Cafe: Open Christmas Eve 6:30am-12pm, closed Christmas Day
THAT Brewery: Open Christmas Eve 11am-6pm (call before), closed Christmas Day
Pine Provisions: Open Christmas Eve until 3pm (call before), closed Christmas Day
Pine Creek Fudge Ice Cream & Espresso: 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:
Friday, December 6th - Cookies and Carols 6pm
Tuesday, December 17th - Kids' Nativity Pageant 6pm
Tuesday, December 24th - Christmas Eve service 6pm
Tuesday, December 31st - New Years Even Party 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 22nd) 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.
Farmers Market: Visit the Pine-Strawberry Farmers Market (open on weekends) for the best selection of locally made treats and home decor!
Strawberry Chapel: Cookies and Carols on Sunday, December 17th at 4pm
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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