Best 31 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Oklahoma
Searching for Top Activities During Christmas in Oklahoma?
Christmas in Oklahoma is truly an enchanting time of the year, as the state offers a range of festive activities and attractions for people of all ages to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for nostalgic, fireside cocoa-sipping, or outdoor adventures in our frosty air, you’re bound to find the perfect outing.
We may not have the days-on-end snow that a lot of places boast, but we build an absolutely magical atmosphere full of memory-making experiences that will get anyone in a cheery, festive mood.
Check out our top 31 favorite ways to spend the season of Christmas in Oklahoma.
Table of Contents
Central Oklahoma
North Central Oklahoma
South Central Oklahoma
Northeastern Oklahoma
Central Oklahoma
1. Chickasha Festival of Light
Location: Chickasha, OK
We look forward to light shows each year, especially Chickasha’s light festival, which features a dazzling display of over three million lights. Entry and parking are free but donations are welcome. After driving through its scenic route we like to park and walk along its lighted bridge and paths. The experience is truly magical.
There is always plenty to see and do. Check out their food trucks full of snacks, food, and hot cocoa. Camel rides, carriage rides, a Santa Shuttle, a carousel, a Ferris wheel, and an ice skating rink are all open to enjoy. These activities and snack options do come with a fee. If you’re a fan of the movie, “A Christmas Story,” drive by and check out the humongous lighted leg lamp in town!
2. Martinbird Tree Farm
Location: Tuttle, OK
Nothing quite gets me in the mood for the holidays like pulling into our favorite tree farm the day after Thanksgiving. It’s located just off Highway 37 between TriCity and Tuttle. One of the owners is almost always out front wishing everyone well and helping each customer while Christmas music sounds from the farm’s speakers. Martinbird Tree Farm grows hundreds of pine trees, ready for picking, and has additional varieties as well.
After finding your dream tree, use the provided hand saw to cut it down. The farm’s tractor and trailer, complete with seats of hay bales, will be by momentarily to haul your tree to the front, as well as your family. You can always carry your tree up instead if preferred. While waiting for the workers to shake and wrap your new fragrant home addition, browse the front office’s souvenirs and Christmas trinkets for purchase, while sipping on complimentary cider, cocoa, or coffee.
Christmas in Oklahoma just doesn’t feel complete without an evergreen centered in our living room window.
Depending on where you’re located, you may want to check out these tree farms as well!
Other Christmas Tree Farms in Oklahoma:
- Wells Christmas Tree Farm – Norman, OK
- Molly and Socks Christmas Tree Farm – Bristow, OK
- Sorghum Mill Christmas Tree Farm – Edmond, OK
- Red Bird Farm – Enid, OK
3. Polar Express Rides
Location: Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City
The Polar Express Train Rides will return to Oklahoma City this year! Based on the award-winning book, as well as the movie, the 1-hour trip brings a magical Christmas experience to its passengers. Expect to see Santa, drink hot cocoa, munch on shortbread cookies, and receive an adorable sleigh bell. The onboard entertainment is engaging and wonderful. It will go down as a family favorite. Different levels of experiences are available for varying prices. It’s an unforgettable family treasure of a memory.
4. Edmond Ice Rink at Mitch Park
Location: Mitch Park in Edmond, OK
Located next to the silo in Mitch Park, the Edmond Ice Rink will be open again for visitors of all ages. Skate on real ice with friends and family in the brisk Oklahoma air!
5. Edmond Electric’s Luminance
Location: Near the baseball fields at Mitch Park in Edmond, OK
Edmond Electric’s Luminance will be a spectacular free walk-through light display. They will have events on designated days such as food trucks and pop-up shops as a part of their Merry Marketplace, and a special event night with Santa, food trucks, and shopping!
6. North Pole City Store
Location: Oklahoma City
Known as the largest Christmas store in Oklahoma, North Pole City brings a magical atmosphere to its shoppers each and every day. Find decor, artificial trees, lights, nutcrackers, collectibles, and gifts galore. Some days Santa is available for pictures, closer to the holiday. It’s family-owned and operated and has been in business for 30+ years. The new season begins in September. It gives an extra sparkle to each Christmas in Oklahoma.
7. Lyric Theatre’s A Christmas Carol
Location: Paycom Center in OKC & BOK Center in Tulsa
Charles Dickens’ classic tale comes to life in this annual presentation on stage at the Lyric Theatre. The atmosphere, sets, and characters will give you all of the warm Christmas fuzzies. It’s a wonderful event that could easily become a yearly tradition.
8. Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Locations: Paycom Center in OKC & BOK Center in Tulsa
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra comes to both Oklahoma City and Tulsa, each on a different weekend. The unique rock performance comes from the talent of Paul O’Neil and was formed with the help of talented friends. Each tour of concerts is unlike any other out there!
9. Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival
Location: Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City’s annual tree lighting festival will take place by the Bricktown Ballpark to kick off the season. There will be live performances, pictures with Santa, a letter-writing station, and treats and drinks available. Mayor Holt will host the lighting of the tree.
10. Territorial Christmas Celebration in Guthrie
Location: Guthrie, OK
The town of Guthrie celebrates Christmas with a piece of history in mind – Oklahoma’s early days. Local shops open up for the Territorial Christmas Celebration and townspeople dress in historically-themed attire. Find hot cocoa, warm fires, and lots of entertainment and shopping during special events.
11. North Pole Adventure
Location: On I-240 in Oklahoma City
North Pole Adventure is open during the month of December, up until Christmas. It’s a blast for the whole family, with various sections to visit with North Pole-themed activities and decor. I think of it as a large craft show, with various booths or departments to visit up and down the walkway. Kiddos get to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. They also get to write letters and play in a huge, wintery snow scene. Visiting the reindeer was a highlight, as was sipping on hot cocoa and munching warm chocolate chip cookies. There’s a snack bar with lots of options for purchase.
12. Nutcracker
Location: Oklahoma City Civic Center & Tulsa Performing Arts Center
Both Ballets’ versions of the Nutcracker should not be missed. They’re magical portrayals of the much-loved holiday performance. We haven’t been able to attend yearly, but it’s always a treat when we do, especially when we make it a family outing.
13. Yukon’s Christmas in the Park
Location: Yukon, OK
People from all over come to see Yukon’s spectacular display of lights, free of charge, but donations are welcome. Over 3 miles with 5 million lights span the park in Yukon. You can drive through and park and walk as well. There is an ice skating rink and train rides available for a small fee. Bundle up and prepare for so much Christmas joy when visiting their displays. It opens the Saturday before Thanksgiving and runs through New Year’s Day. Entry is free, but donations are welcome and appreciated.
14. Downs Family Christmas
Location: Norman, OK
The Downs Family Christmas Light Show is unique each year, with a new set of songs set to over 280,000 lights that are strewn over magical displays. We like to grab a donut and cocoa or coffee from Hurts Donuts in Norman and then sit and watch the show for a while. Entry is free, but 100% of donations go to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.
15. A Very Merry Pops
Location: Civic Center in Oklahoma City, OK
Ring in the holiday season by attending Oklahoma City’s festive philharmonic concert, A Very Merry Pops. Its holiday-themed music fills the halls with cheer and musical joy. It’s an orchestra performance you don’t want to miss.
16. Orr Family Farm’s Breakfast with Santa
Location: Orr Family Farm in South Oklahoma City
Enjoy Breakfast with Santa at Orr Family Farm for a fun-filled morning event. Kiddos get to meet and take pictures with Santa, ride the train and carousel, listen to storytime, and enjoy scrumptious pancakes while on the farm.
17. Devon Ice Rink
Location: Myriad Gardens in OKC
The Devon Ice Rink has been a favorite of ours for years. Our daughter is a competitive skater, so it’s always fun to return to a rink made of real ice and watch her skate amidst the twinkling lights with friends and family. Tasty treats and drinks are available for purchase.
18. Oklahoma City Zoo Safari Lights
Location: Oklahoma City Zoo
Drive through the Oklahoma City Zoo Safari Lights and view animal-themed, lighted displays and sculptures. There are also photo opportunities and treats available!
19. Lights On Broadway
Location: Automobile Alley in Oklahoma City
Lights On Broadway takes place on some Saturdays in December in Automobile Alley. The local shops and restaurants have their festive windows ready, and visitors will find pop-up activities along the sidewalks with Santa sightings, live music, and more for all to enjoy.
Curious about visiting the Oklahoma City area in general? Learn more from our previous post, here.
North Central Oklahoma
20. Enid Lights Up The Plains
Location: Enid, OK
Enid Lights Up The Plains promises lots of festive joy to kick off the holiday season. This annual tradition takes place the Friday after Thanksgiving. Visitors can enjoy live performances, food trucks, lighted displays, an ice skating rink, a parade, and shopping, to name a few.
21. Christmas in the Village
Location: Enid, OK
Find a nostalgic Victorian Christmas experience in the Humphrey Heritage Village, located at the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center in Enid. At Christmas in the Village, you can find caroling, ornament decorating, drinks, crafts, and visits with Santa.
22. Merry Main Street in Stillwater
Location: Stillwater, OK
Stillwater’s Merry Main Street hosts multiple activities and festive workshops in a large geometric igloo. Check out their page for updates. Have breakfast with Santa or hop on a carriage ride while you’re there!
South Central Oklahoma
23. Sulphur’s Christmas Parade of Lights
Location: Sulphur, OK
Sulphur’s annual Christmas Parade of Lights features a variety of festive floats. Enjoy the small-town surroundings, then visit the Chickasaw Cultural Center and have dinner at the Artesian or Flower Bluff Manor. The shops downtown have so much to offer such as wine tastings, retail, ice cream, tea, & coffee. Check out the Travertine Nature Center and hike through the many trails in the local area. You can easily make an entire weekend of it!
Northeastern Oklahoma
24. The Gathering Place Winter Wonderland
Location: Tulsa, OK
The Gathering Place in Tulsa is a state-of-the-art children’s park, but transforming it into a holiday setting just takes it to the next level! It becomes a Winter Wonderland during the holiday season with special events, Santa visits, photo opportunities, hands-on activities, and train rides. It’s a wonderful time of year to visit.
25. Rhema Lights
Location: Broken Arrow, OK
Gorgeous spreads of LED lights fill the park with mesmerizing scenes and synchronized musical displays. Enjoy Rhema Lights by strolling, driving through, or taking a carriage ride. Festive concessions are available for purchase too.
26. Arvest Winterfest
Location: Tulsa, OK
Located outside of the BOK Center on 3rd Street in Tulsa, Arvest Winterfest’s annual celebration features an outdoor ice skating rink, horse-drawn carriage rides, tasty treats, and music. It’s an urban holiday must-do if you’re in the area.
27. Tulsa Christmas Parade
Location: Tulsa, OK
Since 1926, Tulsa has hosted the annual Tulsa Christmas Parade, drawing hundreds of onlookers. It’s the best kind of way to kick off the season in early December. The parade moves through the historic streets of downtown Tulsa, with varied floats, bands, and groups, celebrating the season. Awards are given as well!
28. Claremore’s Dickens on the Boulevard
Location: Claremore, OK
Claremore’s Dickens on the Boulevard is a 2-day event that kicks off Christmas in Oklahoma in full historical flair in downtown Claremore. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, historical reenactments, food, dances, and fun.
29. Woolaroc Wonderland of Lights
Location: Bartlesville, OK
More than 750,000 lights illuminate the grounds of Woolaroc Wonderland of Lights, providing a gorgeous space for visitors to walk or ride a wagon and enjoy the holiday atmosphere. Santa can be found in the museum and visitors can munch on treats while listening to live entertainment. The annual event is a treat for the whole family!
30. Santa’s Ozark Mountain Village
Location: Grove, OK
Grove’s Har-Ber Village is transformed into a nostalgic, Victorian-styled space where visitors feel all of the warmth of the Christmas season. See Santa and enjoy carolers, treats, and other holiday activities as you step into a bit of history firsthand.
31. Sapulpa Route 66 Christmas Chute
Location: Downtown Sapulpa, OK
The Sapulpa Route 66 Christmas Chute, along historic Route 66, is quickly becoming a must-see for Christmas in Oklahoma. The sidewalks are lined with various themed Christmas ornaments under canopies, filling the streets with light and festive colors. Santa will appear some weekends, ready to see children, while bands play nearby. Shopkeepers open up into the evening hours, allowing visitors to shop as they walk. Sip some hot cocoa or visit a food truck along the street. Rent a private snow globe for some fun smores-making or just walk through and enjoy the atmosphere!
Restaurants & Sweets Shops to Visit During Christmas in Oklahoma
If you’re in the mood for a festive meal out, we’ve got our top picks lined up for you.
Royal Bavaria in Moore, OK
This German restaurant is located in Moore, OK, and gives us all the warm, nostalgic feeling of Christmas. The food is as scrumptious as it is filling. Their varied menu is authentic and freshly made from scratch. We often get their Holiday Dunkel which is only available this time of year. Not into Dunkel? Purchase a hot cider in a collectible mug instead. (Or maybe just get both, like us!) This establishment is a wonderful treat year-round. Their outdoor beergarten is the setting for our summer and fall birthdays each year. Whether indoors or out, it’s a magical treat.
Roosevelt’s in Tulsa, OK
Talk about a delight for the eyes… Roosevelt’s in Tulsa goes all out when it comes to Christmas decor. Their ceilings and walls are lined with hundreds of ornaments, lights, and decor and every inch is breathtaking, in our opinion. We went twice the year before last, once at dinner and once at brunch. Be prepared for a lengthy wait!
Katiebug’s Sip & Sweets in OKC
Located in Oklahoma City in Automobile Alley, Katiebug’s is a shop that sells hot cocoa, homemade marshmallows, freshly baked goods, and festive-themed treats galore. It’s quaint and adorable and makes me think of a gingerbread house when walking up its steps. Originally built as a home, it’s been converted into the perfect space for selling sweets and such. It quickly became a favorite. Learn more about its pumpkin patch season here.
Tellers OKC
Located in the First National Bank building in Oklahoma City, Tellers takes their decor up a merry notch for the season. It’s a wood-fired Italian grill with a varied menu. A huge tree stands in the great hall, and many special events take place during the month such as Cookies and Cocoa with Santa and a Christmas Day Feast.
Wrap-Up: Christmas in Oklahoma in a Nutshell
Christmas in Oklahoma is a magical time of the year, regardless of which part of the state you’re in. Fill your days with holiday cheer and travel to as many events as you’d like. There’s something to do around almost every corner. We try something new almost every year, but we have our personal favorite traditions that we like to revisit as well. Start planning your holiday travel itinerary and let us know your favorite finds!
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