Tulsa, OK transforms into a winter wonderland each holiday season with a plethora of festive events sure to delight both locals and visitors. Experience the magic of Winterfest, where Oklahoma's largest outdoor ice skating rink becomes the heart of downtown festivities. Revel in the shimmering lights and unique holiday displays at the Philbrook Festival, set amidst the lush gardens and historic mansion of the Philbrook Museum. For a dazzling display, don't miss the Rhema Christmas Lights, featuring over two million synchronized lights and captivating holiday tunes.
Tulsa's holiday offerings bring together the best of the city's traditions, creativity, and community spirit, from charming local markets to stunning light shows. Join in the celebrations as Tulsa spreads holiday cheer and creates unforgettable memories for all.
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The Top Christmas Events in Tulsa
- Winterfest
- Philbrook Festival
- Lights On!
- Tulsa Ballet's The Nutcracker
- Tulsa Christmas Parade
- Admiral Twin Drive-In Holiday Movie Nights
- Santa's Wonderland
- Holiday Market
Tulsa Holiday Light Displays
Philbrook Festival
What to Expect:
Art museum grounds transformed into a holiday spectacle
Description:
The Philbrook Museum of Art elevates its already stunning grounds during the Philbrook Festival. Thousands of lights illuminate the historic mansion and its 25 acres of gardens, creating a breathtaking nocturnal landscape. Stroll through the illuminated gardens and discover art installations that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The festival showcases Tulsa's vibrant arts community, featuring local musicians and performers throughout the event. Inside the museum, you can admire special holiday-themed exhibits that highlight the Philbrook's diverse collection. This celebration marries art, nature, and holiday cheer in a uniquely Tulsan experience.
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Lights On!
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations and performances
Description:
Lights On! reimagines holiday lighting as an interactive art form. This innovative event features cutting-edge light installations that respond to movement and sound, inviting visitors to become part of the display. Wander through a forest of light-up sculptures, each telling a story of Tulsa's past and present. Local artists and tech enthusiasts collaborate to create these unique pieces, showcasing the city's growing reputation as a hub for creative technology. You can participate in workshops to create your own light-up accessories to wear during the event. Lights On! celebrates Tulsa's forward-thinking spirit while honoring its rich cultural heritage.
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Tulsa Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Curated selection of locally-made gifts and artisanal holiday items
Description:
The Tulsa Holiday Market showcases the city's thriving maker community, offering a carefully curated selection of locally-crafted gifts and seasonal items. This bustling marketplace brings together artisans, craftspeople, and food producers from across the region. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods and handmade candles. You can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques, from glass blowing to woodworking. The market, held in a repurposed industrial space, reflects Tulsa's commitment to urban renewal and support for small businesses. Each vendor's booth tells a story of Oklahoma's rich cultural heritage and contemporary creativity, offering unique gifts that can't be found in typical stores.
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Tulsa Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Tulsa Ballet's The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Unique Tulsa-themed elements incorporated into the classic ballet
Description:
Tulsa Ballet's rendition of The Nutcracker infuses local flavor into the beloved holiday classic. The production incorporates subtle nods to Tulsa's history and landmarks, creating a unique experience for both locals and visitors. Graceful dancers bring the story to life against backdrops inspired by the city's Art Deco architecture. The ballet company, founded in 1956, has a rich history of blending classical and contemporary styles. During intermission, you can explore an exhibit showcasing the intricate costumes and set designs used in the production. The performance is accompanied by a live orchestra, filling the theater with Tchaikovsky's iconic score.
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Admiral Twin Drive-In Holiday Movie Nights
What to Expect:
Classic holiday films screened at a historic drive-in theater
Description:
Admiral Twin Drive-In Holiday Movie Nights revive the nostalgia of drive-in theaters with a festive twist. This beloved Tulsa landmark, featured in the film "The Outsiders," screens classic holiday movies on its towering dual screens. The drive-in, originally opened in 1951, creates a unique atmosphere where the past meets present. Bundle up in your car and tune your radio to hear the film's audio, just as moviegoers did decades ago. You can order concessions via a mobile app and have them delivered directly to your car. The event often features surprise pre-show entertainment, including local musicians performing holiday favorites.
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Admiral Twin Drive-In Holiday Movie Nights
Tulsa Other Holiday Activities
Winterfest
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating rink in the heart of downtown Tulsa
Description:
Tulsa Winterfest transforms downtown into a winter playground, centered around Oklahoma's largest outdoor ice skating rink. Glide across the ice under twinkling lights as the city skyline provides a stunning backdrop. This annual tradition began in 2008, quickly becoming a cherished part of Tulsa's holiday season. Beyond skating, you can warm up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate while exploring the festival's array of local food vendors and artisan crafts. The event pays homage to Tulsa's rich oil history with its towering Christmas tree adorned with oil derrick ornaments.
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Tulsa Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Combines traditional parade elements with Tulsa's diverse cultural heritage
Description:
The Tulsa Christmas Parade weaves together holiday traditions with the city's rich cultural tapestry. Floats adorned with twinkling lights roll down the streets, showcasing designs inspired by Tulsa's Native American heritage, oil boom era, and modern arts scene. The parade, which dates back to the 1920s, has evolved to reflect the city's changing demographics. Marching bands fill the air with a mix of classic carols and contemporary tunes. You can join in the fun by participating in the parade's annual ugly sweater contest. The event culminates with a grand finale featuring a special appearance by a local celebrity.
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Santa's Wonderland
What to Expect:
Immersive North Pole experience with interactive elements
Description:
Santa's Wonderland recreates the North Pole in the heart of Tulsa, offering an immersive holiday experience. This elaborate setup features animatronic elves busily working in Santa's workshop, a simulated snow-making machine, and a replica of Santa's living room. The attraction pays homage to Tulsa's entrepreneurial spirit, showcasing how local businesses contribute to the holiday season. Visitors can write letters to Santa using special "magic" paper that disappears when placed in the North Pole mailbox. The event also features a mini-museum displaying vintage Christmas toys and decorations from Tulsa's past, connecting current celebrations with the city's holiday history.
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Nearby Events
Rhema Christmas Lights (Broken Arrow)
What to Expect:
Over 2 million lights synchronized to music
Description:
Rhema Christmas Lights dazzles visitors with its sheer scale and technological prowess. Over two million lights blanket the Rhema Bible Church campus, synchronized to a curated selection of holiday tunes. This spectacular display began in 1982 with a modest 60,000 lights and has grown into one of the largest coordinated light shows in the region. As you wander through the illuminated wonderland, the gentle tinkling of wind chimes adds a serene soundtrack to the visual feast. The event also features a towering Christmas tree composed entirely of green lights, standing as a beacon visible for miles around.
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Castle Christmas (Muskogee)
What to Expect:
Medieval-themed Christmas celebration in a replica castle
Description:
Castle Christmas transports visitors to a holiday celebration fit for royalty. The Castle of Muskogee, a full-scale replica of a 1400s-era castle, serves as the backdrop for this unique event. Wander through the castle's halls, adorned with period-appropriate decorations and illuminated by thousands of candles. Costumed performers bring medieval Christmas traditions to life, demonstrating historical crafts and games. You can try your hand at archery or participate in a mock jousting tournament. The castle, built in 1995, showcases the region's fascination with European history and architecture. The event culminates each night with a spectacular fireworks display over the castle's turrets.
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Christmas Train (Bristow)
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed train ride through the Oklahoma countryside
Description:
The Christmas Train whisks passengers away on a festive journey through the scenic Oklahoma landscape. This restored vintage train, decked out in holiday finery, departs from Tulsa for a round-trip excursion filled with seasonal cheer. As the train chugs along, the countryside unfolds in a panorama of winter beauty. Carolers move through the cars, filling the air with classic holiday tunes. You can sip on hot cocoa while listening to storytellers share tales of Christmases past in the region. The train ride, which began operating in 2003, has quickly become a cherished holiday tradition for many Tulsa families.
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Sapulpa Christmas Chute (Sapulpa)
What to Expect:
Walk-through tunnel of lights in historic downtown Sapulpa
Description:
The Sapulpa Christmas Chute transforms the town's historic downtown into a mesmerizing tunnel of lights. This immersive experience invites visitors to stroll through a 700-foot-long canopy of twinkling lights and festive decorations. The chute winds past Sapulpa's well-preserved early 20th-century architecture, offering a unique blend of holiday spectacle and historical charm. Local businesses along the route offer special holiday treats and activities, creating a community-wide celebration. You can participate in a scavenger hunt, searching for hidden holiday symbols throughout the chute. This innovative display, launched in recent years, has quickly become a regional attraction, drawing visitors from across Oklahoma.