December has slipped in with twinkle lights, chilly evenings, and every excuse to linger a little longer by the fire. Around here, the Inn feels like it took a deep breath…and then put on her holiday best.
The tree is glowing in the parlor, garlands trail down the staircase, and the dining room is dressed for slow mornings and warm mugs. Whether you’re planning a stay, hosting your own crew, or simply soaking up the season—here’s what’s happening from our perch this month.
Holiday decorating at the Inn always starts with good intentions and ends with me on a ladder, Jeremy handing me a garland, and one of the cats trying to abscond with the ribbon. Tradition at its finest.
But once everything is in place—soft lights, evergreen, the faint aroma of cinnamon—it feels like the Inn exhales. December has a way of slowing us down. Inviting us to savor, to gather, to wander outside and notice how even the quiet streets shine this time of year.If Mineral Wells is part of your holiday plans, we’d love to be your home base—whether you’re visiting family, sneaking away for a staycation, or gifting a future getaway with one of our Magpie Inn gift certificates. Book your stay!
Feathered Forks
Hot Cocoa Sundays are back!
Every Sunday evening from 6–7pm, we’re hosting our Pop-Up Hot Cocoa Bar—complete with all the cozy toppings and the perfect kick-off to your Christmas Light Tour around Mineral Wells.
Dates:
• Nov 30
• Dec 7
• Dec 14
• Dec 21
And yes… the dining room is extra snug this year. Holiday mugs, twinkle lights, and the scent of something warm baking in the kitchen—just the way we like it.
Holiday Hosting Tips
While we’re on the topic of hosting: if you’re welcoming family and friends this month, here are a few Magpie-tested Host Tips to help your home feel just as welcoming:
Set the tone the second guests walk in.
A simple simmer pot of orange, clove, cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla makes the whole house feel like a warm hug.
Prep breakfast the night before.
A French toast bake or overnight casserole buys you a quiet morning and a peaceful cup of coffee.
Create a “help-yourself” drink station.
Cocoa, cider, or a coffee bar keeps the kitchen from feeling chaotic and helps guests settle in.
Use the Rule of 3 for décor.
Choose three areas to decorate deeply—entryway, dining table, staircase—and keep the rest simple. Warm, not cluttered.
Perch Picks
If you’re looking for a little cheer beyond the porch, December in Mineral Wells has plenty to offer:
Month of Merry: Cookie Crawl – December 11
Eat, drink, and crawl your way through Historic Downtown Mineral Wells! Delicious cookies, festive shops, snacks, beverages, and the happiest kind of holiday wandering from 4–7pm.
Christmas Light Tour Maps – FREE at Magpie
Pick up your cocoa, grab a map, and let your car radio do the rest. Mineral Wells really shows off in December.
Shopping for Gifts?
Downtown shops, makers, and boutiques are full of treasures—plus you’re supporting local businesses while you browse.
Gift Certificates
And if you’re looking for a simple, thoughtful gift this season,
Magpie Inn gift certificates are now available.
They’re perfect for future getaways, anniversaries, slow weekends, or a little “treat yourself” moment waiting on the calendar.
Just reach out and we’ll take care of the rest.
Critter Chronicles
Fancy’s December Dispatch:
“I would like to report that the indoor trees have been installed. Management says they’re ‘for decoration,’ but we all know they’re my new climbing gyms. Also, please come to the cocoa nights so I can supervise.”
Postcards from Magpie: Cocoa, Twinkle Lights & December Moments
The house settles into its winter glow now,
and the twinkle lights along the porch cast soft halos
on the quiet street outside.
Evening cocoa warms the hands,
and garlands catch the shimmer of passing headlights
like they’ve been waiting all year for this moment.
It’s that hush before Christmas—
where comfort lingers, gratitude rises,
and every corner holds the small magic of December.
From our perch to yours,
The Magpie Inn Family