Planning to spend Christmastime in Oklahoma City? OKC at Christmas is a special place to be, from Christmas light displays to holiday parties and special performances. Here are my favorite things to do in Oklahoma City at Christmas in 2020.
For safety, I’ve included links to each activity (where possible) so you can check the safety measures in place and accommodations made for this crazy year.
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The Best Things to Do in Oklahoma City at Christmas
In no particular order…
Enjoy a Performance of The Nutcracker
Growing up, our family has always tried to go and see Tchaikovsky’s Christmas ballet The Nutcracker, and when we are all together at Christmas we still do!
While there will be theatrical performances this year between December 12 and the 20th (you can buy tickets here), you can also stream a performance at home so that you can enjoy this special Oklahoma City Christmas tradition from the comfort of your own home! You can stream it here from December 15-December 31, 2020.
Enjoy Ice-Skating Outdoors at the Devon Ice Rink
If you’re looking for festive activities that are outdoors, look no further than the Devon Ice Rink! Lace up your (rented) ice skates and enjoy this fabulous winter tradition which is entering its tenth season.
You can check opening hours and details for 2020 precautions here.
Open the Season with the Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival
While this year the Oklahoma CityTree Lighting Ceremony won’t be a big party, you can still enjoy this beautiful holiday tradition from home! The ceremony, which takes place on November 27 at 7pm, will be streamed live for all to enjoy.
The link for the ceremony will be posted here.
Enjoy the Lights on Broadway at Automobile Alley
While many of the great light displays on this list are places you drive through, Automobile Alley is a great place to go if you want to walk or stay in the car.
For an extra bit of cheer, visit during the Lights on Broadway events held on Saturdays from November 21 through December 12. From 4 pm-8 pm on these days, there will be special activities, promotions, giveaways, and even carriage rides! Rides need to be booked in advance. Details for booking available here.
Stroll through the Bricktown Canal Lights
Another great spot to enjoy Christmas Lights outside on a walk, the Bricktown Canal Lights are on from November 8 through January 10th and are free to enjoy.
Run (Virtually) with the Saints Santa Run
This annual holiday 5k has gone virtual this year! You can run in your neighborhood, your treadmill, or through one of the more festively decorated parts of the city. The run has even created this free Spotify playlist for you to enjoy during your race:
If, like me, you prefer to do races for the swag (oh that sweet, sweet finisher’s medal), don’t worry! This race will mail you what you need, including a t-shirt and medal.
You can register here.
Downs Family Christmas Light Display
This musical light display includes almost twenty miles of light strands! Even better, the entire experience is musical, and entry is a canned good donation.
Full 2020 details are still being released, but the display is opening on November 26th at 6 pm. Check the official website for full details.
Take a Trip to Fantasyland at the North Pole Adventure
If you want your kids to experience the magic of a winter wonderland filled with Christmas Joy. Reserve a space at North Pole Adventure. Including Santa’s Post Office, Grinch Snowball Fights, and even an indoor Christmas Light Trail, there is so much to do here.
Check the website for getting a reservation and details on the current safety protocols.
Shop at the Holiday Pop-Ups Outdoor Market in Midtown
This lovely holiday market features a little over a dozen shops in an outdoor setting, perfect for getting your holiday shopping done this year. Open on weekends from November 28 through December 20, there’s also a bonus option to shop online!
Check here for hours, shops, and online shopping details.
Enjoy a Frontier Christmas at Holiday in the Park
Open weekends from November 21 through January 3rd, this special event includes holiday food, a light display on Main Street, and a Christmas Maze alongside the normal roller coaster goodness.
You can find details on their website here.
Spice Up Your Christmas with a Holiday Date Night at Scissortail Park
Between all the stress of this year and the fact that so many of the most romantic places in the city are’t open this year, Scissortail Park is the perfect place to surprise your partner with a night of romance.
According to the park:
Stroll through the Park to enjoy holiday lights, roast s’mores, and relax on a Scissortail picnic blanket while listening to acoustic music. Holiday Date packages include a Scissortail Park blanket, two s’mores kits, and two hot chocolates for $20 members/$25 non-members. Packages can be purchased at the Picnic Pavilion.
Happening on Tuesdays from December 1st through the 22nd.
Watch a Classic Christmas Film with the Family
Even though we don’t make it out to the movie theater as much as we used to, our family still loves going to the movies at the holidays. Whether we’re enjoying a holiday blockbuster or a classic, there’s something lovely about being at the movies together.
There are two options for special holiday movie-going experiences in Oklahoma City this year. For an in-theater experience, head to Harkins Theater. The 2020 Holiday Schedule is:
- Dec. 1: Polar Express
- Dec. 8: Elf
- Dec. 15: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- Dec. 22: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
If you’re looking for something with more social distance built in, you can enjoy an evening at the Winchester Drive-In theater. Movies aren’t announced in advance, but you can find out their upcoming schedule on their website as the movies are announced.
Drive Through a Living Nativity at the Boys Ranch Town Drive-Thru Christmas Pageant
While technically in Edmond, I just had to include this as my family grew up going every year. Running from December 4th through 6th, this drive-thru Christmas pageant is perfect for enjoying an evening out in 2020!
You can even download the soundtrack ahead of time so you don’t need to borrow an audio device. Check the website here for details and to download the soundtrack.
The Czech Christmas Market
As someone who has experienced multiple Christmases in Oklahoma City and Europe, I love that there’s a European-style Christmas market right outside of Oklahoma City in Yukon!
Though it’s only held on December 5th, this beautiful market includes European Christmas traditions and delicious Czech food. Find more details here.
Go on a Winter Drive at Lake Hefner
The drive around Lake Hefner is one of the best scenic drives in Oklahoma, and it’s extra beautiful in winter (especially if there’s a bit of frost or snow). It’s also a great place to come out for a winter or Christmas themed Instagram session.
Take a Free Holiday Street Car Ride
From November 20th through January 3rd, weekend rides on the Oklahoma City Street Car are free so you can enjoy seeing the city in style. Visit their website for more.
Go on a Christmas Lights Drive
Of course, going on a Christmas lights drive is fun every year, but this year it’s a perfect way to enjoy a Christmas activity that’s the same as year’s past. There are neighborhoods all over that are great to visit, but here are some standouts if you’re looking for new ideas:
- Nichol’s Hills
- Crown Heights
- Quail Creek
- Edgemere
- Mesta Park
- Bluestem
- Ski Island
- Thornbook Village
- Crown Heights
- Linwood Place
- Edgemere
Know any other great Oklahoma City Christmas activities happening this year? Leave it in the comments!
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Stephanie Craig is a born-and-bred Oklahoma mom and travel expert who has been to over fifty countries. After traveling all over the world, Stephanie moved back to Oklahoma to explore more of her own backyard. Her favorite things to do in Oklahoma include visiting the Blue Whale of Catoosa, the Arcadia Round Barn, and the Talimena Scenic Byway.