Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival
Visitors can experience a showcase of holiday performances leading up to the official tree lighting ceremony. Activities include photos with Santa Claus, face painting, and a station where children can write letters to the North Pole or decorate holiday postcards. Attendees can also sample complimentary food bites from local favorites and purchase warm drinks.
What to Expect
Annual celebration featuring the lighting of the Bricktown Christmas Tree.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Bricktown
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership
Food & Drink
Enjoy free samples and bites from downtown favorites, and buy Junction Coffee hot chocolate.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and communal
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free festival admission; Junction Coffee hot chocolate is available for purchase.
- Hours: 5:30–7:30pm; tree lighting at 6:00pm.
- Parking: Parking is available throughout the district, including metered street parking (free after 6pm), paid lots in Bricktown, and free parking at the Compress lot. Attendees are encouraged to park and ride the streetcar; a parking receipt covers two people riding free for 24 hours from the time of parking.
Tips & Advice
- For free parking, use the Compress lot at 101 SE 2nd St, next to U-Haul, instead of paying for one of the Bricktown lots.
- Keep your parking receipt, because it lets two people ride the streetcar free for 24 hours. Get off at the Mickey Mantle or Ballpark stops.
- Have the kids think about their Christmas wishes ahead of time so they can write to Santa and drop their letters in the North Pole mailbox.
- Bring a way to pay if you want Junction Coffee hot chocolate, since it's sold separately while the bites from downtown favorites are free samples.
- If you miss the lighting, you can come back later in the season, because the Bricktown Christmas Tree stays on display through New Year's Day.
Special Events & Promotions
- The 25th annual Tree Lighting Festival.
- Your parking receipt doubles as a free 24-hour streetcar pass for two people.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for kids to do?
Kids can have photos with Santa Claus, get their faces painted and watch live entertainment. At the Letters to Santa station, they can write letters to Santa, mail them in the North Pole mailbox and decorate downtown-themed holiday postcards to take home or mail.
Is there food and drink?
Yes, downtown favorites hand out free samples and bites, and Junction Coffee sells hot chocolate.
Who lights the tree?
Mayor David Holt lights the tree after a countdown. A showcase of holiday performances runs before and after the lighting.
Where can I park?
You can use metered street parking, which becomes free in the evening, or the paid lots around Bricktown. There's also free parking in the Compress lot at 101 SE 2nd St, next to U-Haul.
Can I take the streetcar?
Yes, you can park and ride the streetcar to Bricktown and get off at the Mickey Mantle or Ballpark stops. Each parking receipt lets two people ride free for 24 hours from the time they parked.
More Christmas Events Near Oklahoma City
More Christmas Events near Oklahoma City
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.