When Thanksgiving weekend rolls around, there's no better way to kick off the holiday season than lakeside at Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks. Between the twinkling lights, festive family fun, and cozy seasonal sips, the Winter Holiday Festival turns the long weekend into a holiday escape filled with laughter, lake views, and a little tropical sparkle.
Festive Fun from Thanksgiving to the Weekend
From Thursday, November 27 through Saturday, November 29, the resort is alive with holiday cheer and family-friendly activities from morning to night for the Winter Holiday Festival.
- Letters to Santa: Kids can drop off their wish lists in the main lobby and even get a response from the big guy himself.
- Football Watch Parties: Enjoy a full lineup of Thanksgiving games and tasty specials at License to Chill Bar & Grill and LandShark Bar & Grill—because the best way to cheer is with great food, good company, and lake views.
- Crazy Train Bowling: Head to Fin City Bowling for evening fun and random prize giveaways every hour.
- Find the Lost Shaker of Salt: Hunt down the hidden silver saltshaker around the resort and win a scoop of ice cream or a round of mini-golf—because at Margaritaville, adventure always comes with a reward.
- Scavenger Hunt in Paradise: Explore the resort and discover its hidden corners to win a sweet treat or game time at Harbor Master Mini Golf.
And just a short drive away, the Enchanted Village of Lights in Laurie, Missouri, offers a dazzling drive-through holiday light display—complete with hot chocolate and local treats.
Festivities that Warm the Heart
Friday brings a mix of merry and magical moments:
- Join the Indoor Snowball Fight for friendly, fluffy fun.
- Get creative at Cookie Decorating & Reindeer Food Making Fun at JB's Boathouse Grill.
- Meet Santa himself for photos and share your Christmas wishes.
- Sip on a cup from the Hot Cocoa Bar and sing along with Christmas Caroling with Santa as the resort lights up with cheer.
Saturday keeps the festive momentum going:
- Make a keepsake at Snow Globe Making—a perfect reminder of your lakeside holiday.
- Little ones will love the Lil' Shark Builders Workshop, where they can create their own stuffed shark to take home.
- Roast marshmallows at S'mores in Paradise, held lakeside at LandShark Bar & Grill—because nothing says winter fun like gooey marshmallows by the water.
Sip, Savor, and Stay Cozy
Between the activities, stop by the Margaritaville Coffee Shop, located in the lobby, for seasonal sips that taste just like the holidays.
- Hot Apple Pie Latte: Apple, cinnamon, vanilla, and praline in a cozy blend of fall flavors.
- Hot Blueberry Cobbler Latte: Blueberry, vanilla, and praline create pure comfort in a cup.
- Iced Banana Bread Latte: A chilled take on a warm favorite—banana, vanilla, and cinnamon blended smooth.
- Pumpkin Pie Frappe: Pumpkin and vanilla come together in a sip-worthy dessert topped with whipped cream.
Endless Family Fun
When it's time to play, the fun doesn't stop. The Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park is open daily from November 21-30, offering the perfect tropical escape no matter the weather. Over at Fin City Entertainment Center, guests can enjoy bowling, billiards, and an arcade full of family favorites—all under one roof.
A Thanksgiving to Remember with the Winter Holiday Festival
Whether you're building snow globes, caroling with Santa, or relaxing lakeside with a pumpkin latte, the Winter Holiday Festival blends all the joy of the holidays with the easygoing charm of Margaritaville. It's a celebration that turns Thanksgiving weekend into a laid-back holiday getaway—complete with laughter, lights, and plenty of reasons to smile.
This season, gather your family, slip into your coziest sweater, and head to Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks, where winter magic meets lakeside paradise.