What to do: Oklahoma events celebrating Christmas season, from leg lamps to parades
From a Cowboy Christmas Parade to a winter solstice March of the Trees, intriguing holiday events abound across Oklahoma.
In Enid, a more than 100-foot-tall Christmas tree known as The One will be making the season merry and bright on the prairie, while in Chickasha, a 50-foot-tall Leg Lamp inspired by the classic movie "A Christmas Story" is all lit up for the season.
Although it's impossible to list them all, here is a selection of Sooner State holiday events happening this season:
Cowboy Christmas Parade
When: 10 a.m. Dec. 2.
Where: Stockyards City in Oklahoma City.
Information: https://www.stockyardscity.org/#!event-list.
With the Slash O Ranch Longhorns leading the procession, the parade will include equestrian groups, marching bands, antique cars, community groups, law enforcement officers, pageant royalty and the famous Cowboy Santa. Rep. Frank Lucas will be grand marshal.
Chickasha Leg Lamp
When: Year round.
Where: 100 Chickasha Ave., Chickasha.
Information: https://www.facebook.com/chickashaleglamp.
Inspired by the iconic 1983 film "A Christmas Story," which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the 50-foot-tall Chickasha Leg Lamp debuted last year and is on permanent display. But it's especially worth seeing when it's all lit up for the holiday season.
North Pole Adventure
When: Dec. 2-24.
Where: 2215 W Interstate 240 Service Road, in Walnut Square Center.
Information: https://www.northpoleadventure.org
An interactive yuletide attraction, North Pole Adventure transports families to St. Nick's stomping grounds, where they can check on his sleigh-pulling caribou in the Reindeer Barn, attend Elf University, make toys in Santa's workshop and more.
25th University of Central Oklahoma WinterGlow, Edmond
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Dec.1.
Where: Nigh University Center, 100 N University Drive, Edmond.
Information: https://www.uco.edu/student-life/major-campus-programs/winterglow.
The free, family-friendly festivities will begin with the Broncho Lake Lighting Ceremony, featuring a children’s choir, followed by an indoor winter carnival. Activities will include an inflatable Velcro wall, ornament making and decorating, free food, hot chocolate, candy, train rides and pictures with Santa.
Riversport's Winter Glow
When: Through Dec. 30.
Where: Riversport, 800 Riversport Drive.
Information: https://www.riversportokc.org/events/winter-glow.
Riversport OKC's family-friendly holiday experience includes ski lessons and eSports camps.
Myriad & Bright at the Crystal Bridge Conservatory
When: Extended holiday hours are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 23, with the last ticket sold at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W Reno Ave.
Information: https://myriadgardens.org/december-in-the-gardens.
The Crystal Bridge Conservatory is all decked out for the holidays with hundreds of poinsettias, including the downtown OKC landmark's signature poinsettia tree. With Conservatory Cheer After Hours, visitors can catch live solo instrumental performances from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 1, 8 and 15.
Santa's Ozark Mountain Village, Grove
When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. select dates Dec. 1-23.
Where: Har-Ber Village, 4404 W 20th, Grove.
Information: https://www.facebook.com/HarBerVillageMuseum.
The unique museum will feature holiday vendors, snow every hour, wine tastings, music, 40,000 lights and more.
The One Enid
When: Dec. 3-Jan. 6.
Where: 150 W Park Ave., Enid.
Information: https://www.theoneenid.com.
The centerpiece of Enid's free multi-event holiday experience will be the Christ Tree, a 102-foot artificial tree and a 20-foot bright Bethlehem star. The tree will be decorated with nearly 35,000 lights choreographed to Christmas music.
Edmond Holiday Stroll
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 2.
Where: Edmond Historical Society & Museum, 431 S Boulevard; 1889 Territorial Schoolhouse, 124 E Second; and Rodkey Victorian House, 410 S Littler.
Information: https://www.edmondhistory.org/events.
Stroll to three historic places and take part in Santa photos, vintage games and crafts, cocoa and the opportunity to see a model train Christmas display by the Sooner Division of the Toy Train Operating Society.
Saints Santa Run
When: 8 a.m. Dec. 2.
Where: SSM Health St. Anthony, 1000 N Lee Ave. in Midtown.
Information: https://downtownindecember.com.
Folks who prefer to run like Rudolph through the holidays should check out the merriment of this 5K race, one-mile Fun Run and free Kids' Dash where festive garb is highly encouraged.
American Banjo Museum's Candy Cane Christmas
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 3.
Where: American Banjo Museum, 9 E Sheridan.
Information: https://www.facebook.com/American.Banjo.Museum.
The building that houses the museum was once a candy factory that made candy canes during the holiday season, so its yuletide event features live music, photos with Santa and Christmas treats. Admission is $8 for adults and free for children younger than 15, but adults can attend for free with the donation of a new unwrapped toy for the Red Andrews Dinner.
Automobile Alley’s Lights on Broadway
When: 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 2, 9 and 16.
Where: Broadway Avenue between NW 4 and 10.
Information: https://www.automobilealley.org.
The historic downtown OKC district dazzles this time of year, with more than 600,000 kaleidoscopic LED lights curtaining the buildings along N Broadway and its side streets. Various shops and restaurants will feature buzz-worthy window displays, pop-up activities, special promotions and giveaways, live music, balloon art, performances, photos with Santa Claus and more.
Shepherd's Cross' Christmas at the Farm, Claremore
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 7-9 and 14-16.
Where: Shepherd's Cross, 16792 E 450 Road, Claremore.
Information: https://shepherdscross.com.
Along with the walk-through living interactive nativity, the event will feature spinning and weaving demonstrations, fresh cracked and candied nuts and calm outdoor Christmas lights.
Fort Reno's Firing of the Christmas Guns, El Reno
When: 3 p.m. Dec. 16.
Where: Historic Fort Reno, 7107 W Cheyenne St., El Reno.
Information: http://www.fortreno.org/christmas-guns.
A literal a blast from the past brought to Oklahoma by German immigrants, the traditional discharging of firearms such as cannons and guns was believed to dispel evil spirits in preparation for the upcoming holiday. Along with the guns, the free festivities will include storytelling, food and a visit from Santa.
Holiday Stuffed Animal Sleepover, Edmond
When: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1.
Where: Edmond Historical Society & Museum.
Information: https://www.edmondhistory.org.
Participants can take part in a craft and story time, snack on milk and cookies and then leave their stuffed animals to explore the museum with the Elf on the Shelf. Staff will compile pictures of their explorations into a digital photo album. The cost is $5 per stuffed animal.
Factory Obscura's March of the Trees
When: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 21.
Where: Factory Obscura, 25 NW 9.
Information: https://www.factoryobscura.com/events/2022/march-of-the-trees.
On the longest night of the year, illuminate the darkness with lights and costumes. Participants are invited to dress as trees — holiday trees, butterfly trees, forest trees or trees of life — and celebrate the winter solstice.
Depot Nights & Christmas Lights, Ardmore
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7, 14 and 21.
Where: Santa Fe Depot, 251 E Main, Ardmore.
Information: https://chickasawcountry.com/events.
Ardmore Main Street will have horse-drawn carriages roaming the streets of the Depot District offering free carriage rides to the public with a "hop-on, hop-off" route so people can travel in holiday style to their favorite stores and restaurants.
Chabad Community Center’s Chanukah Festival
When: 4:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 10.
Where: Scissortail Park's Love's Travel Stops Stage & Great Lawn, 300 SW 7.
Information: https://scissortailpark.org/events/
Celebrate the Jewish festival of lights with the Chabad Community Center.
OKC Streetcar Free Weekend Rides
When: Weekends through Dec. 31.
Where: Downtown OKC.
Information: https://downtownindecember.com/streetcar.
Complimentary fares on the OKC Streetcar are offered on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the holiday season.
Science Museum Oklahoma's Pullman Parlor Car Tours
When: Through Jan. 6.
Where: Science Museum Oklahoma, 2020 Remington Place.
Information: https://www.facebook.com/ScienceMuseumOk.
The museum continues its tradition of opening up its 1929 Pullman parlor car on the first floor for holiday tours, which are free with paid museum admission. The parlor car is only visible from the outside most of the year to preserve its historic interior.
Guthrie Territorial Christmas Celebrations
When: Dec. 2 and 9.
Where: Downtown Guthrie.
Information: www.GuthriesTerritorialChristmas.com.
The historic Logan County seat''s holiday festivities include the Distinctive Homes Tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 2 and the Victorian Walk Nights from 3 to 9 p.m. Dec. 2 and 9.
Moore's Christmas Spectacular
When: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1.
Where: Moore Central Park Amphitheater, 700 S Broadway Ave., Moore.
Information: https://www.cityofmoore.com/upcoming-events/christmas-spectacular-1.
The free event will include a special appearance by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, Christmas carolers, tree lighting, shopping at the Mini Merry Market and holiday fireworks.
'The Polar Express Train Ride'
When: Through Dec. 27.
Where: Oklahoma Railway Museum, 3400 NE Grand Blvd.
Information: https://okcthepolarexpressride.com.
A full theatrical show with a train car for a stage, the immersive ride faithfully follows Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved 1985 children's book and Robert Zemeckis' enduring 2004 computer-animated film starring Tom Hanks.
Tulsa Christmas Parade
When: 11 a.m. Dec. 9.
Where: Downtown Tulsa.
Information: https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasParadeofTulsa.
A yuletide tradition since 1926, the parade will feature floats, balloons, bands and Santa himself.
Red Earth TreeFest
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 29.
Where: Red Earth Art Center, BancFirst Tower lobby, 100 N Broadway Ave.
Information: https://redearth.org/pages/treefest.
The venerable Red Earth Inc. nonprofit arts organization annually invites Oklahoma-based Native American nations to decorate Christmas trees with handmade ornaments and art objects to showcase the distinctive cultures of each tribe. The display is free to see and will include this year about a dozen decked-out evergreens.
Norman's Crest on Ice
When: Through Jan. 7.
Where: Crest Foods, 2550 Mt. Williams Drive, Norman.
Information: https://www.crestonice.com.
For the third year, the grocery store is inviting skaters to the 4,200-square-foot rink in its parking lot.
Devon Ice Rink
When: Through Feb. 4.
Where: Myriad Botanical Gardens, 125 Ron Norick Blvd., between Reno and Sheridan.
Information: https://www.facebook.com/devonicerink.
The rink returns for its 12th season in the Myriad Gardens, offering 5,000 square feet of real ice, glittering lights and seasonal food and beverage offerings in the heart of downtown.
Arvest Winterfest, Tulsa
When: Through Jan. 2.
Where: Outside BOK Center, 200 S Denver in Tulsa.
Information: www.tulsawinterfest.com.
The 16th annual downtown Tulsa holiday festival includes a skating rink, huge holiday tree and weekend festivities, including free live entertainment to the Winterfest Express Train and Sundays with Santa.
Edmond Ice Rink
When: Through Jan. 15.
Where: Mitch Park, 1501 W Covell Road, Edmond.
Information: https://www.edmondicerink.com.
Zip across the real ice at the rink next to the silo in Mitch Park. The rink also is adjacent to Edmond Electric's annual Luminance holiday lights display, making the season bright through Jan. 1.
Yukon Ice Rink
When: Through Jan. 1.
Where: Chisholm Trail Park, 500 W Vandament Ave., Yukon.
Information: https://www.yukonicerink.com.
The rink returns for its fourth season as part of Yukon's Christmas in the Park, billed as the state's largest drive-thru light display.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Things to do in Oklahoma to celebrate Christmas 2023
