Ready to experience the joy of the holidays in Oklahoma City? Let our guide lead the way. Whether you're an Oklahoma City veteran or a first-timer, this guide helps you create lasting holiday memories.
Popular events during the season include the Downtown in December celebration, which transforms the heart of the city into a winter wonderland filled with festive lights and activities for all ages. In addition, the Tulsa Winterfest offers a charming ice-skating rink and unique holiday shops that capture the spirit of the season. And the Territorial Christmas Celebration is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing traditional crafts and historical reenactments. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Oklahoma City
- Downtown in December
- Tulsa Winterfest (Tulsa)
- The Nutcracker Ballet (Tulsa)
- The Nutcracker Ballet
- Territorial Christmas Celebration (Guthrie)
- Polar Express Train Ride
- Holiday River Parade
- A Territorial Christmas Carol (Guthrie)
- Lyric’s A Christmas Carol
- Holiday Pop-Up Shops
See these and even more events listed below!
Oklahoma City Holiday Light Displays
Territorial Christmas Celebration
What to Expect:
Historic downtown Guthrie decorated with thousands of Christmas lights.
Description:
Guthrie's Territorial Christmas Celebrations blend historic authenticity with holiday excitement, offering a traditional Christmas experience in Oklahoma.
Where: Guthrie | More Info: Territorial Christmas Celebration
FREE Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Diverse holiday performances leading to the tree lighting.
Description:
The Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival is a free, family-friendly event featuring photos with Santa, face painting, and diverse holiday performances. Enjoy ballpark snacks, hot chocolate, and holiday postcards while watching the Christmas tree lighting by Mayor David Holt.
Where: Oklahoma City | More Info: FREE Tree Lighting Ceremony
Yukon’s Christmas in the Park
What to Expect:
Extensive light displays and character experiences.
Description:
Yukon's Christmas in the Park features over 500 unique lighted displays, a Santa Express Train, and character experiences, all set in a breathtakingly illuminated park.
Where: Yukon | More Info: Yukon’s Christmas in the Park
FREE Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday lighting ceremony.
Description:
The FREE Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is a cherished community event where the city comes together to illuminate the holiday season with festive lights and joyful music.
Where: Moore | More Info: FREE Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Oklahoma City Holiday Markets and Shopping
Downtown in December
What to Expect:
Comprehensive holiday celebration with diverse activities.
Description:
Downtown in December is a series of holiday events and attractions in downtown Oklahoma City, featuring festive events, outdoor attractions, performing arts, holiday shopping, family activities, toasty treats and refreshments, and stunning light displays.
Where: Oklahoma City | More Info: Downtown in December
Merry Marketplace
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with local vendors and festive park lighting.
Description:
Shop unique holiday vendors at Merry Marketplace, featuring local artisans and seasonal items. Enjoy holiday singing, special guests, and the park lighting during the Luminance Kickoff Event.
Where: Edmond | More Info: Merry Marketplace
Holiday Pop-Up Shops
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with a variety of seasonal items.
Description:
Holiday Pop-Up Shops offer a curated selection of seasonal items and gifts, providing a one-stop shopping experience for holiday essentials.
Where: Oklahoma City | More Info: Holiday Pop-Up Shops
The Santa Market
What to Expect:
Large variety of handmade crafts and gifts.
Description:
The Santa Market at Oklahoma City Fairgrounds features over 150 vendors selling handmade arts and crafts, including jewelry, home decor, and hand-painted ornaments. This event offers a wide array of unique gifts for family and friends.
Where: Oklahoma City | More Info: The Santa Market
Sleigh Bells Market
What to Expect:
Two-floor market with local vendors.
Description:
Sleigh Bells Market is a holiday event featuring local vendors selling handmade, boutique, and unique items, including jewelry, decor, and art. It takes place in the OKC Farmers Public Market Building and Southeast Expo Center, offering a variety of holiday and Christmas-themed goods.
Where: Shawnee | More Info: Sleigh Bells Market
Oklahoma City Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Sensory-friendly performance for children and adults with sensory sensitivities.
Description:
Oklahoma City Ballet presents The Nutcracker, a traditional ballet with choreography by Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye. The performance features Tchaikovsky's spirited score and includes students from the OKC Ballet Yvonne Chouteau School, along with live music from Canterbury Youth Voices and the OKCPHIL. The event also includes a sensory-friendly performance on December 18, in partnership with AutismOklahoma.
Where: Oklahoma City | More Info: The Nutcracker Ballet
The Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker Ballet, featuring exciting choreography by Val Caniparoli and Ma Cong, colorful costumes, and larger-than-life moving sets, brings the classic tale to life with live accompaniment by the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. Set in 19th century Germany, this production includes special elements designed specifically for Tulsa, such as the beloved Golden Driller. The epic battle between the Nutcracker Prince and the Mouse King, along with the enchanting appearance of the Sugarplum Fairy, makes this a captivating holiday tradition.
Where: Tulsa | More Info: The Nutcracker Ballet
Holiday River Parade
What to Expect:
Water skiing elves and sparkling holiday boats.
Description:
The Holiday River Parade at Riversport OKC features live entertainment, Reindeer Games, Santa's Elves Ski Show, and a Holiday Boats Parade with a Laser Lightshow and Fireworks. Enjoy sparkling holiday boats and hot chocolate in a festive atmosphere.
Where: Oklahoma City | More Info: Holiday River Parade
Polar Express Train Ride
What to Expect:
Live storytelling and character interactions on a train ride.
Description:
Relive the classic holiday story aboard a real train with characters leading a reading of the book, cookies delivered by dancing chefs, and the chance to meet Santa.
Where: Oklahoma City | More Info: Polar Express Train Ride
Lyric’s A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Two casts throughout the run.
Description:
Lyric’s A Christmas Carol is a holiday production featuring Charles Dickens' classic tale with stunning sets, sparkling costumes, and a cast of beloved characters.
Where: Oklahoma City | More Info: Lyric’s A Christmas Carol
A Territorial Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Historic downtown Guthrie setting.
Description:
A reimagined adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale, set in historic downtown Guthrie, featuring a 90-minute performance with a 15-minute intermission.
Where: Guthrie | More Info: A Territorial Christmas Carol
Christmas Spectacular
What to Expect:
Holiday fireworks display with special appearances by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.
Description:
The Christmas Spectacular in Moore, Oklahoma, features a free event at Moore Central Park Amphitheater with special appearances by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, Christmas carolers, tree lighting, and a Mini Merry Market. The event includes holiday fireworks sponsored by local businesses.
Where: Moore | More Info: Christmas Spectacular
Oklahoma City Other Holiday Activities
Tulsa Winterfest
What to Expect:
Free photo opportunities with Santa Claus every Sunday.
Description:
Arvest Winterfest in Downtown Tulsa offers a joyful holiday experience with ice skating, live music, and holiday lights. Enjoy free entertainment on Fridays, the Winterfest Express Train on Saturdays, and Sundays with Santa.
Where: Tulsa | More Info: Tulsa Winterfest
Breakfast with Santa
What to Expect:
Meet Santa Claus while enjoying a delicious breakfast.
Description:
Join Breakfast with Santa at the Henry and Anna Overholser Mansion for a delightful holiday event where families can enjoy a delicious breakfast and meet Santa Claus. The event features a craft course and is open to all ages.
Where: Oklahoma City | More Info: Breakfast with Santa
Deck the Hall of Fame
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with educational content.
Description:
Deck the Hall of Fame offers free family fun with winter-themed crafts, hands-on activities, and opportunities to take pictures with Santa and make reindeer food with Mrs. Claus. Families can also spend quality time learning about extraordinary Oklahomans.
Where: Oklahoma City | More Info: Deck the Hall of Fame
Winterfest
What to Expect:
Special fireworks show.
Description:
Winterfest is a community celebration in Legacy Park featuring family-friendly activities, live music, and a special fireworks show.