It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and Oklahoma City is brimming with festive holiday fun for the whole family! Many of these events are part of a local favorite: Downtown in December. The OKC metro does not disappoint with plenty to do for holiday fun. We’ve got your guide to holiday family events to kickstart the season!
OKC Holiday Favorites
Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival
November 13
One of the season’s most anticipated events in Bricktown! The Tree Lighting Festival is free and will include family-friendly activities such as photos with Santa Claus sponsored by Inasmuch Foundation, face painting, OKC Thunder entertainers, a life-size holiday snow globe from Bublee Pop, and more.
Red Earth Tree Fest
November 13 – December 31
Featuring fully decorated trees representing Tribal Nations from across Oklahoma. Participating tribes each decorate a tree with handcrafted ornaments and art objects that represent their distinctive and diverse cultures. Other hand-crafted ornaments and artisan gifts will be available for holiday shopping during open hours Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Polar Express
November 14 – December 28
Just like the movie (minus Tom Hanks), you can ride the Polar Express in OKC! Departing from the Oklahoma Railway Museum, passengers are served hot chocolate and hear the story of the Polar Express. Santa even makes an appearance!
Devon Ice Rink
November 14 – February 1
Whether it’s your first time on skates or your hundredth, the Devon Ice Rink is ready for you! Skate rentals are available, as well as seasonal food and beverage offerings in the urban paradise that is downtown OKC.
RIVERSPORT Holiday River Parade
November 15
View the spectacular Holiday River Parade in OKC’s Boathouse District! The parade will feature waterskiing elves, holiday-themed boats, fireworks, and more.
OKC Zoo Safari Lights
November 15 – January 4
The OKC Zoo hosts a drive-through Safari Lights display full of wildlife-themed interactive light sculptures! There is also an option to walk through the exhibit. Santa will be making special visits to the OKC Zoo as well.
ELF The Musical
November 18-23
Elf The Musical, inspired by the hit film, is the hilarious and heartwarming tale of Buddy. This modern-day holiday classic, says The Daily Beast, “is a gift for kids and adults, and a very ‘Sparklejollytwinklejingley’ night out!”
Miracle at Social Capital
November 18 – December 31
Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting. With kitschy holiday décor, professionally developed cocktails, and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to, Miracle will surely get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit. They are kid-friendly!
Chickasha Festival of Light
November 20 – December 31
This does require a bit of a time commitment, as it’s in Chickasha, but it’s worth it for the mind-blowing number of lights. It’s completely free to drive or walk through, but there are paid activities that you can partake in, too! Activities have varied yearly, but there are typically things like carriage rides, food trucks, ice skating, photos with Santa, and a petting zoo.
Stockyard City Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 21
Head to Historic Stockyards City on Friday, November 21st, at 6:00 pm for the Stockyards City Tree Lighting Ceremony! The event will take place at the corner of Agnew and Exchange next to the Headin’ to Market statue. Cowboy Santa will be there for pictures, live entertainment, and there will be free hot chocolate for all.
Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll
November 21 – January 1
Experience Luminance, Edmond’s free premier holiday walk-through display. And don’t miss Merry Marketplace at Luminance on Nov. 21st and Dec. 13th!
Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas at Remington Park
November 21 – December 28
This season, holiday traditions come to life amid a spectacle of dazzling lights at Classic Christmas Remington Park. Wander through the lights, glide along the ice, speed down the snow hill, savor seasonal food and drink, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more!
SPARKLE at Scissortail Park
November 21 – January 4
Celebrate the season at Scissortail Park with holiday festivities including the SPARKLE Holiday Walk, holiday markets, Santa visits, holiday lights, the Menorah Lighting, and more. Everyone is invited to bundle up, stroll the grounds, enjoy the lights, and soak in the holiday spirit at Scissortail Park!
Yukon’s Christmas in the Park
November 22 – December 31
Drive through Yukon’s Christmas in the Park with nearly three miles of displays, containing over 5 million lights! Guests may also enjoy walking through the lights, ice skating or, for a small fee, riding the Santa Express Train.
Lyric Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol
November 28 – December 28
Go on a magical journey with Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future! Lyric’s spectacular holiday tradition returns with the 2024 edition of Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol. Featuring stunning sets, sparkling costumes and a cast of beloved characters that will get your entire family in the holiday spirit!
Caroling Cruises with Art Afloat OKC
November 28 – December 19
Cozy up on this 45-minute musical excursion featuring an array of special themed performances by talented local artists booked by the Oklahoma Opry! People of all ages will create lasting memories on the Bricktown Canal with friends and loved ones aboard a twinkling boat paired with magical entertainment. Tours take place Thursday and Friday evenings between November 28 and December 19.
***Holidays at the Skirvin
November 28, December 10, 14, & 24
The Skirvin Hilton has a whole calendar full of holiday events! Join for Thanksgiving Brunch, the Annual Tree Lighting, Breakfast with Santa, and Christmas Eve Dinner.
Holiday Pop-Up Shops
November 28 – December 21
On the corner of NW 10th and Hudson, you will find THE most festive holiday shopping area in town. With different vendors every week, you will find a gift for everyone on your list. Both kid-friendly and dog-friendly, the Holiday Pop-Up Shops feature igloo-like domes and tents from various retailers around the metro. While you’re there, grab a cup of hot chocolate at Katiebug’s or pick out a Christmas tree from Bishop John Carroll’s tree lot!
Oklahoma Opry’s Classic Christmas Show
November 29 & December 6
The Oklahoma Opry’s Country Christmas Show features an incredible lineup of Oklahoma Artists bringing in the holiday spirit with some good ole fashioned country Christmas songs. The Oklahoma Opry is Oklahoma’s Official Country Music Show, providing the best in family-friendly entertainment to Oklahoma City since 1977.
Lights on Broadway in Automobile Alley
November 29, December 6 & 13
Various retail shops and restaurants in Automobile Alley will feature buzz-worthy window displays in addition to pop-up activities, special promotions, and giveaways. Attendees can also enjoy family-friendly programming along the sidewalks, such as live music, balloon art, performances, photos with Santa Claus, and more.
Midwest City Holiday Lights Spectacular
December 2
The annual celebration to Walk the Lights and open Holiday Lights Spectacular is tentatively set for Tuesday, December 2. Watch for updates on HLS 2025!
***North Pole Adventure
December 2 – December 24
Kids and parents alike will experience what it’s like at the North Pole! See firsthand what it takes for Santa and his elves to get ready for Christmas each year, and experience it live and in person, hands-on, like never before, at North Pole Adventure.
Boys Ranch Town Christmas Pageant
December 5 – December 7
If you celebrate Christmas, Boys Ranch Town puts on a beautiful drive-through live nativity performance in Edmond each year. It’s free to drive through, though donations for Boys Ranch Town are appreciated.
Cowboy Christmas Parade
December 6
The festivities kick off at 10:00 a.m. with the Slash O Ranch Longhorns leading the parade. Also included in the parade are equestrian groups, marching bands, antique cars, community groups, law enforcement, pageant royalty, the famous Cowboy Santa, and much more! Following the parade, you can get your picture with Cowboy Santa, shop local stores, and grab a bite to eat!
Saints Santa Run
December 6
Grab your costumes and running shoes, the Saints Santa Run is coming to Midtown on Saturday, December 6th, 2025! This family-friendly winter run is bringing all ages and pets to downtown Oklahoma City for a festive 5K and costume contest. It is a great way to stay active and spread cheer during the holiday season.
Winter Holiday Art Market at First Americans Museum
December 6 & 7
Winter Holiday Art Market is an art market that celebrates Indigenous artists and their many talents. You’ll find beautiful and unique gifts from over 40 artists, so make sure to bring your shopping list.
Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Holidays at the Museum
December 6
Saddle up your reindeer, hitch your sleigh, and head on down to celebrate the season with Santa at The Cowboy. They have a corral full of festive fun waiting for you with crafts ranging from Western-inspired ornaments, pinecone birdfeeders, Christmas tree decorations, and a scavenger hunt through the galleries.
Chisholm Creek Christmas Village
December 6
The Christmas Village at Chisholm Creek is a celebration of community, family, and Christmas lights. Live band, Thunder Girls and drummers, market, giveaway, and write a letter to Santa! Free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Guthrie Victorian Walk Nights
December 6 & 13
Guthrie’s Victorian Christmas Walks embody all of the best parts of the season in the heart of America’s largest historic district. Stroll through downtown Guthrie to see Victorian-costumed people from all over the state! There is typically street entertainment, photos with Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more.
Deck the Hall
December 7
Saddle up and join us for an evening brimming with joyful Western melodies. As the winter chill sweeps across the plains, they are heatin’ things up with Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys. Grab your hat, polish those boots, and get ready for a night of festive holiday tunes. They promise an evening of great food, family fun, and Christmas cheer, cowboy style.
OKC Ballet’s The Nutcracker
December 12 – December 23
Whether your favorite is Clara or the Sugar Plum Fairy (who can decide?), don’t miss this year’s performances! At the Civic Center, there’s really not a bad seat in the house to enjoy the magic of The Nutcracker.
Winter Wonderlab at Science Museum Oklahoma
December 20 – December 23
‘Tis the season for science! Join Science Museum Oklahoma for a lab-solutely spectacular holiday celebration. At Winter WonderLab, guests can participate in holiday experiments and festive activities — from concocting seasonal treats to crafting gifts that are sure to be unforgettable. Get tickets today!
Harkins Holiday Classics
Tuesdays in December
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Harkins Theatre’s $5 Tuesday Night Classics turns into $5 Holiday Classics!
