Your Guide to the Holidays at Marval Resort

The holiday season is one of the most magical times of the year, and at Marval Resort in Gore, Oklahoma, we’re ready to help you make the most of it. Whether you’re planning a peaceful Thanksgiving getaway, a Hanukkah celebration under the stars, or a cozy Christmas surrounded by nature, Marval Resort offers a unique way to enjoy the season. With festive accommodations, plenty of family-friendly activities, and a beautiful setting along the Lower Illinois River, your holiday at Marval Resort promises to be one you won’t forget.

To make the most of your holiday stay, here’s a guide to all the seasonal fun and cozy traditions you can enjoy, including our Annual Christmas Festival happening the first three weekends in December!

1. Your Holiday Feast at Marval Resort

A holiday celebration wouldn’t be complete without a special meal shared with loved ones. Whether you’re staying in one of our cabins, an RV, or at a campsite, Marval Resort makes it easy to prepare and enjoy your holiday feast in the great outdoors.

Cooking Setup for Every Accommodation

• Cabins: Some of our cabins are fully equipped with everything you need to make a delicious holiday meal. Enjoy a kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot, and dining area—all the essentials for cooking and serving a memorable meal in a cozy, rustic setting.
• RVs and Campsites: Many RVs come with stovetops, microwaves, and even ovens, making them ideal for preparing a holiday feast. If you’re camping, embrace the outdoor setting by grilling dishes over the fire. Try adding a Dutch oven or portable cooktop for additional cooking options!

Holiday Meal Ideas

• Grill and Chill: From turkey breasts to ham steaks, grilling your holiday main course adds a unique flavor to your meal. Pair with easy-to-make sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and stuffing for a traditional feast with a camping twist.
• Desserts Around the Campfire: Enjoy holiday desserts with a campfire twist! Bake pies or cookies in advance to heat over the fire, or go with a fun option like Christmas-themed s’mores. For Hanukkah, try making s’mores dreidels or enjoy classic chocolate gelt around the fire.

Nearby Grocery Options

Forgot something? No worries—there are grocery stores in nearby Gore and Sallisaw where you can stock up on ingredients and holiday essentials. Or check out our onsite general store to see if we have what you need!

2. Cozy Holiday Decorations for Your Campsite or Cabin

Decorating your space can bring an extra touch of holiday spirit to your stay at Marval Resort. Whether you’re decking out your cabin, RV, or tent, a few festive touches will make your holiday getaway even more magical.

Festive Decorations for All Types of Campsites

• Natural Decor: Use nature’s beauty to add festive touches. Pinecones, evergreen branches, and fall leaves can create beautiful table centerpieces and decorations for your outdoor space.
• String Lights: Battery-powered or solar string lights bring a warm glow to your cabin or campsite, especially as it gets dark early in winter.
• Holiday-Specific Touches: Decorate with small touches that reflect the holiday you’re celebrating, like mini Christmas trees, a Hanukkah menorah, or winter-themed decor.

Creating a Cozy Atmosphere

• Blankets and Seating: Bring extra blankets and warm seating to stay comfortable. Setting up chairs with blankets around your fire pit can create a cozy space perfect for sharing stories and sipping hot cocoa.
• Heaters and Fire Pits: Portable propane heaters are a great way to add warmth, and Marval’s campsites are equipped with fire rings for safe and cozy campfires.

3. Marval’s Annual Christmas Festival: Fun for All Ages

The first three weekends of December at Marval Resort are packed with Christmas cheer! Our Annual Christmas Festival is a family-friendly celebration featuring seasonal activities, treats, and appearances from some very special guests. Here’s what you can look forward to during our Christmas Festival weekends:

• PJ & Popcorn Party: Get comfortable in your holiday pajamas and join us in the Clubhouse for a cozy PJ and popcorn party, featuring a classic Christmas movie that the whole family will enjoy.

• Magic Christmas Tree Farm: Head to our magic Christmas tree farm and plant your very own magic Christmas tree seed. With a little holiday magic from our Christmas Fairy, watch your seed grow into a special tree of its own!

• Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest: Break out the craziest, tackiest holiday sweater you can find, and join our Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest at the Activities Center. Get creative, and you could win a prize for your festive style!

• Site Decorating Contest: Bring the spirit of the season to your campsite or cabin by entering our Site Decorating Contest. Compete for the title of “Best Decorated RV Site” or “Best Decorated Cabin.” We can’t wait to see how you transform your space into a winter wonderland!

• Meet Santa, The Grinch, and Olaf: No Christmas celebration would be complete without a visit from Santa! Join us at the Reunion Hall for hot cocoa, sugar cookies, and photo opportunities with Santa, The Grinch, and Olaf. It’s the perfect chance to capture magical memories of your holiday at Marval Resort.

4. Creating New Holiday Traditions in Nature

A holiday getaway at Marval Resort offers the perfect opportunity to create new family traditions. Here are a few ideas to make your holiday extra special.

• Holiday Hikes and Family Photos: Start a new holiday tradition with a family hike. The scenic trails around Marval Resort are especially beautiful in winter, and they provide the perfect backdrop for family photos.

• Fishing on the Lower Illinois River: Fishing is a fun activity that all ages can enjoy, and the Lower Illinois River is known for excellent trout fishing during the winter months. Bring your rods and create new memories while trying to catch the perfect holiday fish.

• Campfire Games and Stories: Share stories around the campfire, play holiday-themed games, or sing your favorite holiday songs. A crackling fire makes a perfect setting for gathering together and making memories.

• Stargazing Under Winter Skies: December is an ideal time for stargazing, with clear skies that reveal the beauty of the night. Wrap up in blankets, bring out some hot drinks, and spend an evening stargazing with loved ones.

Celebrate the Holidays at Marval Resort

With Marval Resort’s beautiful natural setting, cozy accommodations, and festive activities, your holiday getaway will be one to remember. Join us for our Annual Christmas Festival, spend quality time with loved ones, and enjoy the season in the serenity of the outdoors. Whether you’re here for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, or another December holiday, Marval Resort is ready to make your holiday season magical. Book your stay now and let us help you create memories to last a lifetime!