Holiday Bazaar
Holiday Spirit Shines at the Seminole Nation Museum’s 52nd Annual Holiday Bazaar
It’s that time of year again! The Seminole Nation Museum’s 52nd Annual Holiday Bazaar returns Friday, November 21, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum, 524 South Wewoka Avenue. This community favorite helps keep the museum’s programs strong and admission free for everyone.
Visitors can shop a festive array of handmade crafts, baked goods, cheese apples, Christmas décor, and one-of-a-kind gifts — all while enjoying live holiday music and the friendly spirit that makes the Bazaar such a local favorite.
“When people come to the Bazaar, they’re helping keep our museum open and thriving,” said Richard Ellwanger, the museum’s Executive Director. “Every purchase and donation directly supports our exhibitions and education programs.”
A Local Tradition Since 1974
The first Holiday Bazaar was held back in 1974, and it’s grown into one of Wewoka’s most cherished holiday traditions. The event includes a Silent Auction featuring handcrafted artwork, gift baskets, and seasonal decorations, plus the ever-popular White Elephant Sale in the Art Gallery, packed with gently used books, crafts, and household treasures.
And of course, no Bazaar would be complete without the famous cheese apples — a local favorite since Lucy Cook brought a dozen to the very first event. Volunteers will make more than 500 cheese apples this year, continuing a tasty tradition that dates back to Helen Ellwanger’s original recipe from the 1940s.
Holiday Market, Grab Bags, and Lunch
The museum’s Holiday Market, now in its third year, showcases handmade items by local artisans — perfect for unique gifts or holiday décor. The $1 Grab Bags, created each year by Lois Roberts, are another crowd favorite, filled with little surprises and perfect stocking stuffers.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors can enjoy a delicious homemade lunch prepared by Lisa Tucker and Jennifer Kincade: Italian chicken pasta, salad, homemade bread, drink, and pumpkin spice cake with cream cheese icing — all for $12, dine-in or carry-out.
How to Help
The museum welcomes donations of baked goods, crafts, auction items, and white elephants. Items may be dropped off by 5 p.m. Thursday, November 20, or as late as 8 a.m. Friday for baked goods. Volunteers are always welcome!
If you would like to contribute cash donations, please click below to donate.
Admission to the Holiday Bazaar is free, and everyone is invited to join the fun. For more details, visit www.SeminoleNationMuseum.org, follow the museum on Facebook, or call 405-257-5580.
Come share in the holiday cheer — shop, eat, and celebrate the season at one of Wewoka’s favorite hometown traditions.
See you at the Bazaar!