As the holiday season descends upon Clifford Lake Inn, the bar magically transforms, embracing the holiday spirit with a nod to one of the most iconic Christmas films of all time.  For the festive season, the Inn’s cozy watering hole will be known as Sparkie's Christmastime Lounge, a playful tribute to National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

 

The entire space is decked out in over-the-top decorations: a life-sized Clark Griswold cutout, lot's & lot's & lot's of lights, christmas tree's and plenty of over the top holiday decor.  The movie Christmas Vacation, plays on loop in the background, with scenes of Clark's chaotic Christmas antics providing the perfect soundtrack to the festivities.  It is a place where the holiday kitsch and Griswold charm comes together in a wonderfully eccentric way.

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The drink menu at Sparkie’s is a merry mix of movie-inspired cocktails that would make even Cousin Eddie raise a glass. Highlights include the “Hallelujah Where's the Tylenol, Sh&#tter's Full, The Blessing, Is Rusty Still in the Navy”, just to name a few.

 

The real magic, though, come with the special events. The “Cousin Eddie’s Ugly Sweater Singalong Party” is an annual fav, with patrons belting out holiday songs in their worst sweaters while sipping on festive cocktails. And on Family Day, kids are treated to a hot chocolate Bar and cookie decorating while the adults enjoy drink specials and Clark Griswold-inspired stories.

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The heart of Sparkie’s Christmastime Lounge isn't just in the decorations or the drinks, but in the way it brought people together to celebrate the chaos and joy of the holiday season. Whether you are there for the annual shenanigans or just to enjoy a quiet drink by the fire, the Lounge becomes a local tradition that people look forward to year after year.  As the season draws to a close, Sparkie's Christmastime Lounge successfully turns a small town bar into the ultimate holiday escape, leaving guests with memories as bright and unforgettable as Clark’s legendary Christmas lights.