School is finally out for winter break, so it’s the perfect time for the whole family to have fun together this weekend! We’ve found the best events and activities in OKC, whether you want your weekend full of cheer or looking to putting the holidays on ice for a bit.
Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit | Dec. 15 – Jan. 15
Have you ever wanted to step into a painting? Now is your chance to become a part of the art at the The Original Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit! Watch Van Gogh’s famous works come to life at this unique experience featuring a 30,000-square-foot exhibit at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. Tickets starting at $40, 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Oklahoma City Convention Center, 100 Mick Cornett Dr., OKC.
Miracle on Fred Jones Ave. | Dec. 15 – Jan. 1
What if you could watch your favorite holiday classics on the side of a downtown building? Now you can at The Jones Assembly’s “Miracle on Fred Jones Ave.” installation by local artist Mat Miller of 1984 Studios. This is largest projection mapping project in OKC, presenting everyone’s favorite holiday movies on the Film Row restaurant’s 115-foot exterior. The installation can be seen every night from dark to close, so come celebrate the season with some movie magic! Free, 901 W. Sheridan Ave., OKC.
Jane Austen’s Christmas Cracker | Dec. 15-23
For its first full-length season since the start of the pandemic, Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park is bringing back its interactive Christmas classic based on revered author Jane Austen and the characters that populate her novels. Sing and dance along with Jane and her friends in the holiday celebration, and enjoy complimentary sweets, ice cream and eggnog. Tickets range from $23-38, 8–10 p.m., 2920 Paseo, OKC.
Lyric’s A Christmas Carol | Dec. 15-23
The Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma’s rendition of the holiday classic is returning for its 12th year. The immersive outdoor show at the Harn Homestead will allow the audience to walk from scene to scene — a great way for everyone to feel like a part of the holiday spirit. $37 for children and $62 for adults, times vary, 1721 N. Lincoln Blvd., OKC.
The Polar Express | Dec. 15-27
All aboard! Ride the Polar Express to the North Pole at the Oklahoma Railway Museum. Passengers will get the movie experience of getting your ticket, drinking hot cocoa and meeting Santa! Sing and dance along the ride just as in the film, and receive Santa’s first gift of Christmas: a silver sleigh bell. Times and prices vary, 3400 NE Grand Blvd., OKC.
Red Earth TreeFest | Dec. 15-30
Oklahoma’s Native Nations are celebrating Christmas together at the Red Earth TreeFest. Each participating tribe has decorated its own tree with handmade ornaments. Come explore the many Native cultures that represent Oklahoma inside the downtown BancFirst Tower. Free, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Red Earth Art Center, 100 N Broadway Ave., OKC.
Caroling Cruises | Dec. 15-23
Looking for a unique holiday experience this year? ArtAfloatOKC is presenting Caroling Cruises, a 45-minute musical excursion featuring local artists’ festive performances. All ages can enjoy a ride on a twinkling boat while singing along to the cheerful tunes. $23; Thursdays and Fridays, 6:30 p.m.; Bricktown Canal, OKC.
Devon Ice Rink | Dec. 15 – Jan. 29
The yearly Devon Ice Rink is ushering in the holiday season. Skate on 5,500 square feet of ice surrounded by the fall trees and city skyline. After you finish circling under the magical lights, warm up with some seasonal food and beverages. $14 (skate rental) or $9 (no skate rental), 3–11 p.m., Myriad Botanical Gardens, OKC.
Union Station and Illumination and Holiday Lights | Dec. 15 – Jan. 1
Right in the heart of Oklahoma City, you can find a festive, elaborate and glowing light show at Scissortail Park. As you stroll through, you’ll find various light displays, including a 40-foot Christmas tree and a giant menorah. Also, this year will feature a special recording of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Mayor David Holt at the musical Union Station lights display. Free, 6–10 p.m., Scissortail Park, OKC.
Oklahoma City Ballet’s The Nutcracker | Dec. 15-18
It’s not truly the holiday season without OKC Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Enjoy the traditional and elegant show that audiences have loved for decades, also with new choreographer from the ballet’s art director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye. The beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy will enchant the stage while the classic Snow King and Queen make their return. Starting at $25, Civic Center Music Hall, OKC.
Oklahoma City Thunder Games | Dec. 16-17
The Oklahoma City Thunder has a busy weekend at home! Come support our city’s team as they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves Dec. 16 and the Memphis Grizzlies Dec. 17. Wear your blue and orange and be a part of the energetic (electric?) atmosphere at the Paycom Center. Ticket prices vary, 7 p.m., Paycom Center, OKC.
Cookies and Cocoa with Santa at the First National Center | Dec. 16 & 18
We all know Santa’s favorite snack — cookies! Delight with him in the holiday treat along with hot chocolate in The Great Hall at the First National Center. This is your chance to take your annual picture with Santa in the gorgeous renovated OKC icon and hear carolers echo in the hall. $25 per photo session, 4-6 p.m., 120 N. Robinson Ave., OKC
Cowboy Christmas Ball | Dec. 16
Are you wearing a cowboy or Santa hat to the Cowboy Christmas Ball? Whichever you choose, you’ll have country-styled fun with the family at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, featuring cowboy singer Michael Martin Murphy. Guests of all ages are welcome to enjoy the home-style dinner, traditional Western songs and dances and a visit from Santa. $70 for members, $85 for nonmembers, and $25 for kids, 5–9 p.m., National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., OKC.
Holiday Pop-Up Shops | Dec. 16-18
The local Holiday Pop-Up Shops are back for another year in downtown OKC. The vendors are small Oklahoma businesses, allowing shoppers to find unique gifts for friends and family while supporting the community. Free; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Downtown OKC.
Winter Glow at Riversport | Dec. 16-30
Want to hit the slopes without having to take the road trip? Take a quick trip to Riversport for skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, curling and climbing. The new synthetic ice rink and curling court make for winter fun without the natural ice. After the fun activities, sit at the firepit with some hot chocolate and enjoy the holiday lights. $19.99 day pass, $14.99 youth; Times vary; 800 Riversport Dr., OKC.
Breakfast with Santa at the First National Center | Dec. 17-18
Wake up and spend the morning with Santa Claus at the First National Center. As you eat Santa-shaped pancakes and holiday dishes, sing along with the carolers and take a picture on Santa’s lap. $35 for children and $55 for adults, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 120 N. Robinson Ave., OKC.
Make Ready Market | Dec. 17
Don’t miss out on the last Make Ready Market of the year! Moved ahead of its usual fourth-Saturday-of-the-month spot due to the holidays, this Midtown outdoor shopping experience has locally made clothes, art, jewelry and pottery from small, local businesses. To make the shopping event even better, there will be live music and food trucks. Free, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., 220 NW 13th St., OKC.
Insider: A Tribute to Tom Petty | Dec. 17
You’ll be “Free Fallin’” once again at the Diamond Ballroom’s Insider: A Tribute to Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. Bring some of the good times back to life as you sing along to all of your favorite Tom Petty tunes. Tickets starting at $10, 8 p.m., 21 or older, Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S. Eastern Ave., OKC.
Oklahoma Opry Christmas Show | Dec. 17
Enjoy a night full of festive musical performances at the Oklahoma Opry Christmas Show. Family-friendly music from artists such as Sophia Massad, Mallory Eagle, Maddox Ross and more will comprise this annual country classic. $25, 3:30 and 7 p.m., Stockyards Central, 2312 Exchange Ave., OKC.
March of the Trees | Dec. 17
As the Winter Solstice draws near and the nights become longer, come celebrate with Oklahoma Contemporary and Factory Obscura to “let go of the past and set intentions for the future.” Participants are invited to dress up as trees (yes, trees!) to light up the night and march through Automobile Alley. There will be activities and performances for everyone to enjoy. Free, 5:30 p.m., Oklahoma Contemporary Art Center, OKC.
Scissortail Chanukah Festival | Dec. 18
Begin the eight days of Chanukah at a beautiful giant menorah lighting with the Chabad Community Center! The festival will have carnival rides, live music, a petting zoo and more. It’s a memorable way to start off this special time of year alongside your family and friends. Free, 4:30 p.m., Scissortail Park, OKC.
The Sugar Plum Fairy | Dec. 17-18
The Oklahoma’s Children Theatre is presenting The Sugar Plum Fairy, a sweet show with a special message about giving everyone a chance to shine. All ages will enjoy this unique holiday performance. $9 for children and $11 for adults, Oklahoma Children’s Theatre, 3000 General Pershing Blvd., OKC.
WinterFest at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark | Dec. 17 – Jan. 1
You don’t have to wait for it to snow to go sledding — ride down the giant snow tubing slope at WinterFest at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark! Create special memories with your family by watching a holiday movie while you sled, get some hot cocoa and snacks, and take in all the festive lights and decor. $18 per rider, Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, OKC.
