Area Christmas events offer up holiday treats

Nov. 27—For those who wish to attend Christmas events outside of Cherokee County, several favorite productions and light shows are planned in the region.

"The Nutcracker" will be performed by the Tulsa Ballet Dec. 9-23, with performance times of 2 and 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and one Thursday performance.

Val Caniparoli's and Ma Cong's production of the holiday classic is touted to "delight Tulsa audiences of all ages." The story is of a young girl's magical journey on Christmas Eve, set in 19th century Germany.

"From the epic battle between the Nutcracker Prince's army of toy soldiers and the Mouse King's rodent minions, to the enchanting land of the Snow Queen and the Sugar Plum Fairy's Kingdom of Sweets, a cast of over 100 local children joins the dancers of Tulsa Ballet to create a lifetime of memories," states the Tulsa Ballet website.

A Nutcracker Tea is offered one hour before the matinee performances. The cost is $50 and is not included in the ticket price of the performance. Sandwiches, goodies and tea will be served and possibly photo opportunities will be available.

For questions about purchasing Nutcracker performance tickets, call 918-749-6006.

For children who can't wait until Christmas Eve for Santa, he will be at Utica Square in Tulsa beginning Nov. 29, seven days a week, including Christmas Eve. The schedule is available at uticasquare.com/events/santas-house.

In Bartlesville, the annual lighting of the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve happens every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, through Dec. 17, from 5-9 p.m. There are over 750,000 lights and the historic ranch transforms itself into a magical winter wonderland. All grounds and facilities are open, including the museum, animal barn, welcome center and cafe, and historic lodge. Cookies and hot cocoa are available for purchase. Wagon rides will be available for those who want to do a tour around the ranch. Woolaroc is located 12 miles southwest of Bartlesville on State Highway 123 and 45 miles northwest of Tulsa. More information is available at www.woolaroc.org/woolaroc-wonderland-of-lights-event-details_195.

For those willing to drive a bit further, the Oklahoma City Zoo is putting on it's annual "Safari Lights," featuring "a larger-than-life light display showcasing large wildlife-themed light sculptures viewable on a driving tour through the zoo," states the zoo's website. Attendees can do a separate walking experience by purchasing "Walk-Thru Admission."

"In a brand-new pathway starting in the Zoo's entry plaza, winding through the Children's Zoo and outside of the Jungle Gym Playground, the walk-thru course features a musical light show produced by the Miranda Family of Edmond, interactive light exhibits, s'mores stations, photo ops and more," states the zoo's website on the event.

More information is available at visitokc.com/events/annual-events/oklahoma-city-zoo-safari-lights.

Those who love Christmas carols, combined with a river cruise, will want to check out Bricktown Water Taxi in Oklahoma City, which is offering 45-minute musical excursions featuring local musicians. Concerts are every Friday and Saturday through Dec. 23, with showtimes at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. More information can be found at www.visitokc.com/event/artafloatokcs-caroling-cruises/24048.

On Dec. 2, folks who love to dress up their pups in holiday costumes, have an opportunity to join a parade at the Myriad Botanical Gardens and Crystal Bridge Conservatory in Oklahoma City. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumed pooches. For information on how to register and the cost, see www.visitokc.com/event/merry-pooch-parade/24622.

In Muskogee, the annual light show at Honors Heights Park is free on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday — Sunday the price is $10 per car. Hayrides are offered and the schedule is at www.muskogeeparks.org/parks___trails/parks/honor_heights_park/garden_of_lights.php.

Many people travel to Branson, Missouri, to visit Silver Dollar City during the holidays. Recognized as "America's Christmas Tree City," patrons are encouraged to come see the thousands of decorated trees in the theme park. The Polar Express, a gingerbread village, drive-through light tour and Christmas shows are offered for holiday lovers. Go to www.explorebranson.com for more information.

Claremore has much to offer for those seeking Christmas delights. Throughout the month of December, the Claremore Lake Lights are visible from dusk until 10 p.m.

Shepherd's Cross Christmas at the Farm in Claremore, is Dec. 7-9 and Dec 14-16. The event is in an authentic Amish-built barn and presents a depiction of the original Christmas night of the birth of Christ in a manger. For more information see www.shepherdscross.com/christmas-at-the-farm.html.

"Pancakes in your Pajamas" is hosted by AnnLee's Violet Light Project in Claremore, on Dec. 9. Go to violetlightproject.net for tickets to the pancake and cocoa breakfast.

The Claremore Christmas Parade is Dec. 9, beginning at the Expo Center and ending at the First Baptist Church. The parade begins at 6 p.m. and the theme is "All Aboard the Claremore Express."