It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the OKC Metro is full of festive, holiday fun for the whole family! And so many of these events are part of a local favorite: Downtown in December.
Oklahoma City does not disappoint with plenty to do in for holiday fun. Be sure to use this Holiday Event Guide to kickstart your holiday cheer and let us know in the comments if there are any we should add.
Holiday River Parade at Riversport
November 11
From 6-8pm pm, view the Holiday River Parade in OKC’s Boathouse District! The parade will feature waterskiing elves, holiday-themed boats, fireworks, and more!
The Polar Express
November 11-December 27
Just like the movie (minus Tom Hanks), you can ride the Polar Express in OKC! There are currently tickets available for purchase for dates through December 27 here. Departing from the Oklahoma Railway Museum, passengers are served hot chocolate and hear the story of the Polar Express. Santa even makes an appearance!
OKC Zoo Safari Lights
November 11-January 1
From 5:30-11:00 pm each night, the OKC Zoo is hosting drive-through Safari Lights full of wildlife-themed interactive light sculptures! There is also the option to walk through. Santa will be making special visits to the OKC Zoo!
Lyric Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol
November 24-December 24
Tickets are available for showtimes November 24-December 24! Featuring a stunning new set, sparkling new costumes and a cast of beloved characters that will get your entire family in the holiday spirit! Each performance of this year’s A Christmas Carol will be held outdoors at the Harn Homestead. Visitors walk from scene to scene in this unique holiday favorite.
North Pole Adventure
December 2-December 24
See Santa’s Post Office and Reindeer barn, “Grinch-land”, Elf University, and more in this magical Winter Wonderland!
Devon Ice Rink
November 17-February 4
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.
Chickasha Festival of Lights
November 18 – 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 from year to year, but there are typically things like: carriage rides, food trucks, ice skating, photos with Santa, and a petting zoo.
Winter Glow at Riversport
November 24-December 30
Join Riversport for a Nordic experience that includes indoor ice skating, Olympic curling, alpine climbing, skiing and snowboarding, plus hot chocolate, holiday sweets and firepits – all wrapped up with glittering lights and Santa on Saturdays! Winter Glow is included in Riversport memberships, and day passes are available for non-members.
Holiday Pop-Up Shops
November 24-December 17
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 both igloo-like domes and tents from various retailers around the metro. Grab a cup of hot chocolate at Katiebug’s or pick out a Christmas tree from Bishop John Carroll’s tree lot while you’re there!
Holiday Lights Spectacular
December 1-25
Head to Joe B. Barnes Regional Park in Midwest City in December to view over 100 animated light displays. The event also boasts a 118-foot Christmas tree to wow your little ones!
‘Tis the Season Holiday Market & Concert
December 2
You can’t go wrong with Scissortail Park.Keep this calendar handy for a full season events at Scissortail, including appearances by Santa and more of your child’s favorite characters!
Boys Ranch Town Christmas Pageant
December 1-3
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 they do accept donations for Boys Ranch Town.
Lights on Broadway
December 2, 9, and 16
Each Saturday from 3-7pm, various retail shops and restaurants 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.
Kids Take Over the Cowboy
December 2
From 10 am-2 pm, celebrate the holiday season at the Cowboy Museum with Santa and Mrs. Claus in Prosperity Junction! Holiday-themed crafts and activities will also be available.
Holidays at the Skirvin
December 3, 10, 17
The Skirvin Hilton has a whole calendar full of holiday events! Join them for Breakfast with Santa, or for Holiday High Tea!
Victorian Walk Nights
December 2 & 9
From 5-9 pm, you can dress up (or not!) and 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!
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!
OKC Ballet’s The Nutcracker
December 8-17
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.
Did we miss your family’s favorite event? Tell us in the comments! What are YOU looking forward to this holiday season?
