21 Best Things to do in Oklahoma During Christmas

Oklahoma is a beautiful state to visit during Christmas, with its vibrant holiday spirit, rich traditions, and picturesque landscapes. From dazzling light displays to festive events, Oklahoma’s no shortage of things to do during the Christmas season. Whether you’re a local or planning a holiday getaway, I can assure you that Oklahoma will offer you unforgettable experiences that are perfect for the entire family.

21 Best Things to Do in Oklahoma During Christmas

1. Experience the Winter Wonderland at Oklahoma City’s Downtown in December

Oklahoma City turns into a magical winter wonderland every December. The downtown area is transformed into a dazzling display of Christmas lights, and the streets are lined with festive decorations that truly get you into the holiday spirit. The Devon Ice Rink is a must-visit spot where you can glide across the ice surrounded by twinkling lights and music.

• Ice skating at Devon Ice Rink
• Holiday shopping in Bricktown
• Enjoy live performances at the Civic Center

This vibrant atmosphere is a fantastic way to celebrate the season, and I highly recommend taking the whole family for a festive experience.

2. Take a Christmas Train Ride on the Polar Express

There’s something special about train rides during Christmas, and Oklahoma’s Polar Express Train Ride brings the magic of the holiday season to life. The train departs from the Oklahoma Railway Museum. It transports you on a scenic ride that includes reading the famous Polar Express story, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa himself.

• Hot chocolate is served onboard.
• Santa Claus visit
• Live storytelling of The Polar Express

This experience is perfect for families with kids and anyone wanting to rekindle holiday nostalgia.

3. Stroll Through the Oklahoma Botanical Garden’s Christmas Lights

Oklahoma Botanical Garden in Tulsa is another stunning destination for Christmas lights. This outdoor garden transforms into a holiday spectacle featuring over a million lights. As you stroll through the garden, you’ll experience different light-themed exhibits and displays that make you feel like you’ve entered a holiday fairy tale.

• Hundreds of thousands of lights
• Holiday-themed exhibits
• Nature-inspired Christmas displays

This place is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places to visit during Christmas.

4. Explore the Chickasha Festival of Lights

One of Oklahoma’s largest Christmas light displays, the Chickasha Festival of Lights, features millions of lights that create magical scenes. Located in Shannon Springs Park, this drive-through display is perfect for those who want to enjoy the holiday lights from the comfort of their car.

• Millions of lights
• Drive-through and walk-through experiences
• Festive light shows

It’s a beautiful way to get into the Christmas spirit without leaving the warmth of your car!

5. Visit the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s Christmas Celebration

For a unique Christmas experience, visit the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. They host a series of holiday events, including Christmas-themed exhibitions, storytelling, and crafts that reflect the Western culture of the region. This is an excellent option for those who want to experience something distinctly Oklahoma during the holiday season.

• Western-themed holiday exhibitions
• Live performances of traditional Christmas carols
• Festive craft-making events

This museum is a perfect place to celebrate Christmas in a distinctly Oklahoma style.

6. Go Christmas Shopping at the Oklahoma City Farmers Market

The Oklahoma City Farmers Market has you covered if you’re looking for unique holiday gifts. They host an annual Christmas market where you can shop for handcrafted gifts, local produce, and seasonal treats. It’s a great place to support local vendors and find something special for everyone on your gift list.

• Handmade gifts
• Locally sourced produce and treats
• Christmas-themed food stalls

I love supporting local businesses, and this market offers a chance to do just that!

7. Visit the Oklahoma City Zoo for a Wild Holiday Lights Display

The Oklahoma City Zoo enters the holiday spirit with its annual “ZooLights” event. It’s one of the largest holiday light displays in the state, featuring over 170 acres of beautiful lights, holiday-themed animal exhibits, and festive entertainment.

• Over 170 acres of lights
• Christmas animal exhibits
• Holiday-themed train rides

I recommend bringing your family here for a festive, wild experience!

8. Attend the Guthrie Christmas Parade

Guthrie is known for its charming, old-fashioned Christmas parade, a decades-old tradition. The parade features decorated floats, marching bands, and a visit from Santa Claus. It’s a great way to celebrate Christmas in a small-town atmosphere.

• Marching bands and floats
• Santa Claus appearance
• Traditional holiday festivities

I love the hometown feel of this event. It captures the true essence of Christmas.

9. Ice Skate at the Broken Arrow Ice Rink

If you’re in Broken Arrow, the Broken Arrow Ice Rink is a fun and affordable way to get into the Christmas spirit. The rink offers ice skating lessons, open skate times, and a festive holiday music playlist to set the mood.

• Skate rentals available
• Open skate and lessons
• Holiday music and atmosphere

Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just starting, this rink is perfect for everyone.

10. Explore the Oklahoma History Center’s Christmas Festivities

The Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City offers a festive take on Oklahoma’s past during the holiday season. Visitors can enjoy exhibits that showcase how Christmas has been celebrated throughout the state’s history, along with hands-on activities for kids, such as ornament-making and storytelling.

• Holiday-themed historical exhibits
• Ornament-making for kids
• Family-friendly activities

I love how this museum connects Oklahoma’s rich history to the holiday season. It’s educational and festive!

11. Watch a Christmas Play at the  Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma

Lyric Theatre in Oklahoma City has excellent holiday performances, including classic plays like A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker. The theatre provides a festive atmosphere for families and theatre lovers alike.

• Classic Christmas performances
• Family-friendly shows
• Professional live productions

For theatre enthusiasts, this is one of the best ways to celebrate the season.

12. Take a Christmas Lights Tour in Tulsa

Tulsa is known for its spectacular Christmas light displays, and one of the best ways to see them is by taking a Christmas lights tour. You can take a guided tour or hop in your car and drive through areas like the Philbrook Museum and Tulsa Garden Center, where the lights make you feel like you’ve stepped into a holiday movie.

• Guided or self-guided tours
• Festive neighbourhoods and public areas
• Philbrook Museum’s light displays

If you love Christmas lights, you won’t want to miss Tulsa’s beautiful displays.

13. Visit the Myriad Botanical Gardens

The Myriad Botanical Gardens is another great spot to experience Christmas lights and holiday cheer in Oklahoma City. The gardens feature holiday displays, a Winter Garden with ice skating, and festive light shows perfect for families or a romantic evening out.

• Ice skating in the Winter Garden
• Holiday lights displays
• Family-friendly activities

I think it’s one of the most beautiful spots to enjoy Christmas in Oklahoma.

14. Celebrate Christmas at the Oklahoma State Capitol

The Oklahoma State Capitol is transformed into a festive holiday destination during the Christmas season, complete with a Christmas tree, wreaths, and lights. Visitors can enjoy holiday displays and take part in seasonal events.

• Holiday decorations at the Capitol
• Christmas tree lighting ceremony
• Seasonal public events

A visit here brings an elegant touch to your holiday celebrations.

15. Visit the Festival of the Child in Norman

The Festival of the Child is a Christmas tradition in Norman. It offers a range of activities specifically designed for children, including arts and crafts, storytimes, and even a chance to meet Santa Claus. Thus, it is the perfect way for families with young children to enjoy the season.

• Crafting and art activities
• Storytelling and Santa visits
• Holiday performances

I love the magical experience it offers to kids during the holidays.

16. Enjoy a Holiday Breakfast with Santa at the Oklahoma Aquarium

The Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks offers a magical holiday breakfast with Santa. It’s an excellent way for families to enjoy a delicious meal while enjoying the holiday spirit. You can also visit the aquarium’s exhibits and see the festive decorations.

• Breakfast with Santa
• Holiday-themed aquarium exhibits
• Family-friendly atmosphere

This event is a fantastic opportunity to make special holiday memories with your family.

17. Attend the Lights on the Lake at Lake Hefner

Lake Hefner, located in Oklahoma City, has become a picturesque holiday destination with its annual Lights on the Lake event. You can enjoy a boat ride along the lake and view the beautiful holiday light displays from the water.

• Boat rides on the lake.
• Holiday light displays
• Festive atmosphere

This unique event combines the beauty of Oklahoma’s natural scenery with stunning Christmas lights.

18. Visit the Christmas Train in Ardmore

Another festive train experience in Oklahoma is the Christmas Train in Ardmore. Families can hop aboard ana ride through a Christmas-themewonderlandne with lights, music, and Santa Claus.

• The train ride through a Christmas wonderland.
• Hot chocolate and cookies
• Santa Claus visit

It’s a fantastic experience for families looking to create holiday memories.

19. Take a Winter Hike at Beavers Bend State Park

For those who prefer a more outdoorsy Christmas, Beavers Bend State Park offers scenic winter hikes through the woods. The park features beautiful, snowy landscapes and peaceful trails, perfect for a quiet Christmas experience in nature.

• Scenic winter hikes
• Snow-covered landscapes
• Holiday solitude in nature

If you enjoy nature, this is an ideal way to enjoy Christmas in a serene environment.

20. Visit the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds for a Holiday Market

The Oklahoma State Fairgrounds hosts an annual Christmas market with over 150 vendors selling holiday crafts, gifts, and food. This is a great place to shop for unique, locally made Christmas gifts.

• Locally made gifts
• Handcrafted holiday items
• Christmas-themed food

It’s the perfect spot for picking up last-minute gifts or unique items for your holiday celebrations.

21. Celebrate Christmas at the Oklahoma City National Memorial

The Oklahoma City National Memorial holds a special holiday event during which visitors can reflect on the season of giving. The Memorial is beautifully lit during this time, creating a peaceful, reflective atmosphere perfect for appreciating the true meaning of Christmas.

• Holiday memorial lights
• Christmas reflections and moments of silence
• Seasonal events for giving and remembrance

Visiting the Memorial during Christmas offers a heartfelt and meaningful experience that captures the season’s spirit.

 

What are the best Christmas light displays in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma is known for its spectacular Christmas light displays, including the Lights On Broadway in Oklahoma City and the Chesapeake Energy Arena’s Winterfest. The Garden of Lights at the Tulsa Botanic Garden and the Festival of Lights in Chickasha also stand out for their stunning visual appeal. These displays are perfect for those who want to get into the holiday spirit while enjoying a dazzling experience.

What holiday events are kid-friendly in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma has plenty of family-friendly events during Christmas, such as the Polar Express Train Ride in Ardmore and the Christmas at the Castle of Muskogee. Kids can enjoy visiting Santa, holiday storytimes, and interactive exhibits. Additionally, many towns host Christmas parades with marching bands and festive floats that will entertain the little ones.

Where can I experience traditional Christmas events in Oklahoma?

For a more traditional holiday experience, visit Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City, where you can enjoy the Christmas in the Park event. Other conventional events include Dickens on the Boulevard in Tulsa, which features Victorian-era-themed festivities, and the Holiday Lantern Tours at Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, which offers a historical perspective of the season.

Are there any unique Christmas markets in Oklahoma?

Yes, Oma boasts fantastic Christmas markets perfect for holiday shopping and e-vibes. The Oklahoma City Christmas Market offers unique handmade gifts and decorations, while the Tulsa Christmas Market provides a variety of local artisans and food vendors. These markets are perfect for finding one-of-a-kind gifts while enjoying the holiday ambience.

What outdoor activities can I enjoy in Oklahoma during Christmas?

Oklahoma offers a variety of outdoor activities during Christmas, such as ice skating at the Oklahoma City Ice Rink, sledging at local parks, or exploring the winter trails at Oxley Nature Center. You can also take a scenic drive to experience the state’s beautiful winter landscapes, including the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, where the season’s peaceful charm is in full swing.