We Visit Wonderland of Lights at Woolaroc
One of the holiday activities Joss and I hadn’t done yet was Woolaroc’s Wonderland of Lights. But we corrected that this past Sunday, and I’m glad we did! It was a last-minute adventure – and I definitely thought Bartlesville was just 45 minutes away, but it’s closer to an hour. It made for a late school night, but we managed to get up and to school regardless, and despite the sleet Monday morning!
Christkindl Market (First weekend only)
A nice thing about going to Woolaroc this past weekend is that Woolaroc was also hosting the OKM Music Christkindl Market. Vendors were set up throughout the Woolaroc buildings, plus there were kids’ activities (which we largely missed due to timing), and all in all, it seemed like a very nice conjunction of events! They also had igloos available for rental next to some festive photo ops.
The lights and sights
I was confused and thought Wonderland of Lights was more of a drive-through experience. And while there are a few lights on the drive up to the main museum grounds, they’re not the main attraction. (I went back and checked the website, and sure enough, it says loud and clear, “Park and walk-through event. (Not to be experienced as a drive-through.)” Whoops! But once we wound around to the main buildings, the lights all came into view, and it is truly a beautiful sight!
Dining at the Prairie Dome Cafe
Of course, we chose the coldest date to-date of the season, and I wish I’d worn a hat and gloves. (Bundle up!) But the nice thing is, there are plenty of indoor areas to explore, including the Fraser Welcome Center, which was our first stop. Because it was about dinnertime, we visited the Prairie Dome Cafe, which is open till 8:30 during Wonderland of Lights. Although I opted for the ham and Boursin cheese croissant sandwich (yum), they also offer a bison barbecue sandwich, made with Woolaroc-raised bison. Prices were reasonable, and it made for a satisfying and tasty first stop.
Pretty tree and stained glass window inside the welcome center
Visiting the Animal Barn
After that, we braved the cold to head to the Animal Barn, where we met a friendly donkey and other cute farm animals. One of the bunnies was resting inside of a box labeled “Hen Box” or something, so we got a kick out of that. The chickens didn’t seem too bothered though.
Touring the main museum and historic Lodge
After touring the main museum, which is always wonderful, but we were mainly here for the lights so didn’t spend a ton of time inside, we headed to the Lodge. (Santa was in the main museum building as well, handing out candy canes.) The Lodge was beautifully decorated, and you can also purchase cookies and cocoa here for just about $2.50 each. Joss was thrilled they had bottles of water for sale, too.
Inside the museum entrance
Inside the Lodge
All in all, it was a fantastic holiday experience. Again, bundle up, and plan to do some walking. But it’s definitely something we’d be happy to do again!
Dates and tickets
Woolaroc Wonderland of Lights continues Fridays through Sundays, 5-9 p.m. through Dec. 21. Tickets are just $8 for adults, and $2 for kids ages 12 and under. Members and kids 3 and under get in free. It felt like a very reasonable price for all there was to see. You will purchase tickets at the gate when you arrive, not in advance. Learn more at woolaroc.org/event/woolaroc-wonderland-of-lights
