Family Fun in Tulsa
Green country is full of fun, family-friendly activities and events. Here are a few you won’t want to miss this month!
Tulsa Botanic Garden’s Garden of Lights
DECEMBER
1. Garden of Lights: Thursdays through Sundays, 5-10 p.m. through January 5 at Tulsa Botanic Garden
Reconnect with family and friends in the garden illuminated with colorful lights. Make s’mores over fire pits, enjoy holiday music and take in the spirit of the season in our magical garden escape! Add your wish to The Wishing Tree and take selfies at the photo booth and holiday tree inside the Mabee Grange. Warm drinks and cash bar and s’more kits are available every night for purchase. A food truck will also be on site each night through Dec. from 6-9 p.m. Learn more here.
2. “The Nutcracker” by Tulsa Ballet: Multiple Showtimes (see schedule here) at the Tulsa PAC
Celebrating 50 years of Tulsa Ballet bringing you this magical holiday experience, bring your family and friends to see Oklahoma’s premiere holiday show featuring world-class dancing, spectacular sets and costumes, plus a thrilling on-stage snow fall!
Set in 1920’s Paris, the birthplace of classical ballet, Marcello Angelini’s vision of The Nutcracker has been a Tulsa favorite since 2003. Whether you’ve seen it once or one hundred times, this spectacular production is guaranteed to capture your imagination and your heart.
3. Philbrook Festival: Fridays and Saturdays, 6-9 p.m. through December 31 at Philbrook Museum
Philbrook Festival is a local holiday favorite! Get your photos taken with Santa in Santa’s Cabin, enjoy a LEGO village, light shows, hot cocoa bar and more!
4. Arvest Winterfest: Daily through January 5 at the BOK Center
An ice skating rink, giant Christmas tree, holiday train, visits with Santa and more! Click here for the schedule of events.
5. Tulsa Christmas Parade: Saturday, December 14, 1 p.m. in Downtown Tulsa
Don’t miss Tulsa’s annual Christmas Parade! This year’s theme is Rockin’ Around Tulsa Town, and the parade route has been expanded to make room for more spectators! Afterwards, enjoy a family friendly Block Party at Chapman Green Park.
6. ZZZs in the Seas Holiday Sleepover: Friday, December 20, 7 p.m. through Saturday, December 21 at 8 a.m. at Oklahoma Aquarium
Celebrate the holiday season with a one-of-a-kind sleepover at the Oklahoma Aquarium! Guests can drink from a hot cocoa station, take pictures with Santa, make holiday ornaments at a decoration station, eat cookies and candy canes, and go on a flashlight tour of the aquarium decorated in thousands of glittering holiday lights. Plus, spend the night with a sea turtle, sharks, and thousands of other fish “while visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads”! All guests will receive a special holiday gift from our fish friends to take home after a light continental breakfast. Book your reservation today!
7. Winter Wonderland: December 18-January 1 at Gathering Place
Gathering Place is transforming into a Winter Wonderland this season! Winter Wonderland presented by American Airlines is spreading holiday cheer with special performances and strolling carolers, festive food, holiday drinks, nightly entertainment, a holiday train and thousands of twinkling lights shining throughout Chapman Adventure Playground! Don’t forget to capture a family photo with Santa Claus by the fireplace available every night through December 24! Create holiday traditions and memories for the whole family at Winter Wonderland presented by American Airlines at Gathering Place. All activities are free and open to the public.
Look out for special appearances by Gathering Place Characters, Coca-Cola Bears, Snow King and Queen, and featured entertainment at Gather Round Stage.
8. Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration: Tuesday, 5:30-8 p.m. at Oxley Nature Center
Take an evening hike to welcome in the coming of a New Year! Follow this by warming up in front of a bonfire or fireplace to share stores. Hot chocolate, apple cider and fixings for s’mores will be available. Come celebrate with Oxley Nature Center! Registration is required 48 hours in advance. Space is limited.
