With the holidays upon us, it is easy to feel swept up in the frenzy. We want to remind you to do something nice for yourself this year, and schedule a relaxing trip to Chincoteague Island to join us in celebrating the transition from 2023 to 2024. Whether you are a fan of the outdoors or would rather enjoy time away from the hustle and bustle inside, we have something for everyone this month! The best part? The Refuge Inn is offering a fantastic deal: stay two nights from December 26 to January 2, and get the third one free! So put us on your calendar this year, and come celebrate with any one (or all!) of the events below:
After Christmas Fun!
The “Tally Rally” for the 124th Audubon Christmas Bird Count will take place at the Herbert H. Bateman Education Center on the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Friday, December 29. Registration for this event is required. Please contact Kevin Holdcomb at 757-336-6122 or Kevin_Holcomb@fws.gov for more information.
Watercolor Workshops will be held at the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance on Friday, December 29 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, December 30 at 9 a.m. On December 29, enjoy a Beginning Watercolor Pencil Workshop that introduces participants to watercolor pencil over a period of three hours. The fee for this workshop is $45. On December 30, learn the technique of Batik Watercolor Art on Rice Paper. This art form combines watercolor and hot wax on somewhat fragile rice paper and creates the appearance of stained glass. The fee for this workshop is $55. Register beforehand as class sizes are limited. Visit www.chincoteagueca.org/classes for more information.
Take a break from the cold, and visit the Island Theatre on Friday, December 29 for Holiday Inn and Saturday, December 30 for The Nightmare Before Christmas. Showings begin at 7pm. Adult tickets are $7, and tickets for seniors and children 13 and under are $5. There will be a beer and wine cash bar. Visit the Island Theatre’s website for more information.
Celebrate the New Year!
On New Year’s Eve, join our Chincoteague family at the Pony Island Horseshoe Drop at Robert Reed Downtown Park from 11pm until midnight. Many participants wear their favorite costumes to this event, but costumes are not required. This year’s theme is Saltwater Cowboy Shenanigans. Events will begin at 11pm, so be sure to arrive early, dress warm, and bring your camera. The lighted horseshoe will drop at midnight!
Join us for the famous Polar Pony Plunge on New Year’s Day! Break out your costume once more and plunge into the ocean with us. The event begins at 1:24pm on the beach. Spectators are invited, and friends who wait with towels and blankets for plungers to emerge from the water are encouraged! Participation in this event is free, but plungers must sign a waiver and release form. Visit the event website for more information.
Relax at the Refuge!
Be sure to bring your swimsuits so you can enjoy our lovely indoor heated pool, hot tub, and sauna. We’ll have Amarin coffee freshly brewed, an assortment of flavored and herbal teas, and fresh bacon egg and cheese sandwiches each morning to keep you warm and cozy. We also have a great selection of matching hats, gloves, and scarves in the gift shop in case you decide to hit the trails while you’re here. Speaking of which, did you know that Michael at the front desk can coordinate bicycle rentals for you in the winter? This is an exclusive perk for Refuge guests!
We can’t wait to see you once more in 2023! Don’t forget– from December 26 through January 2, stay two nights with us and get the third one free! There’s no better place to ring in the New Year than Refuge Inn on Chincoteague Island. Give us a call at 757-336-5511 to make your reservation today.
