The winter days may be shorter, but our calendars are full! We’ve gathered all the best holiday events and winter activities Tulsa has to offer this season. Will you stay inside with one of these cozy pastimes or brave the cold for some unforgettable memories?
Holiday Cheer
1. Philbrook Festival Nights
Holiday family fun is happening at Philbrook with the return of Festival Nights, weekends at 5:30pm, November 28–January 3. This ticketed event is an indoor and outdoor experience with all the ingredients of a festive holiday, including Santa, lights and music in the gardens, a take-and-make kids’ art activity, s’mores and cocoa, Lego Villa and more. New this year, you can snag tickets to a special 3:30pm showing of a holiday movie before exploring the rest of the festival:
December 7 – Elf
December 13 – Frozen Sing-Along
December 14 – Frozen Sing-Along
December 20 – Home Alone
December 21 – Home Alone
The galleries will be open during the events as well as the Philbrook gift shop – a hidden gem for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.
2. The Nutcracker at the Tulsa PAC
Experience Tchaikovsky’s magical holiday tale performed by the Tulsa Ballet with live accompaniment by the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. Get your tickets for one of the matinée or evening performances happening weekends, December 7–December 21.
For its 99th year, the Tulsa Christmas Parade will wow the historic streets of downtown Tulsa with festive floats, marching bands, drill teams, dancers and more. This free event happening Saturday, December 13, at 11am, is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with the community.
4. Winterlight Chanukah Festival with B’nai Emunah
Join the congregation of B’nai Emunah located near Cherry Street for their Winterlight Chanukah Festival on Sunday, December 14 at 5pm. Festivities take place ahead of the first night of Chanukah candle lighting at 5:39pm.
5. Kwanzaa Celebration Dinner at Tulsa City-County Library
Celebrate the first day of Kwanzaa—Umoja (Unity)—with the African American Resource Center’s community dinner at the Rudisill Regional Library. Register here for the event on Friday, December 26, 6:30–8:30pm, to enjoy delicious food, conversation and fellowship.
Light Watch
6. Lights On at Utica Square
The perfect finale for your Thanksgiving celebrations, Lights On at Utica Square is a Tulsa Holiday Tradition. Watch as 700,000 lights bring the charming shopping center to life, and enjoy free musical performances from local artists. And, don’t miss Santa’s grand arrival, marking the season opening of Santa’s House where visits and photos last through Christmas Eve. All the fun starts at 6:30pm, on Thanksgiving Day, November 27. Miss Thanksgiving Day? Don't worry - you can catch the lights every evening through Christmastime!
On Friday, December 5, at 6pm, thousands of holiday lights will illuminate an evening of fun and community at Guthrie Green. This event is free to attend for all ages and will feature a holiday art market, live entertainment, photos with Santa, food trucks, and more family fun.
8. Botanic Garden of Lights
Head to the Tulsa Botanic Gardens on select nights, November 28–December 28, 5–9pm, for a picturesque stroll or s’mores by the fire under the glow of holiday lights. Santa will be at the gardens for visits and photos every night of the season. On Sunday Jazz Nights, warm up with live music performances inside the Mabee Grange, 6–8pm. Plus, enjoy special performances and visits from holiday characters in the gardens.
Season Schedule: November 28–30, December 3–7, December 10–14, December 17–23, December 26–28
Special Appearances
Cloggers – Thursday, December 4, 6–6:45pm
Carolers – Thursday, December 11, 6–8pm.
Elsa and Anna – December 18
Snow Globe Ballerina – December 26
Cindy Lou Who and the Grinch – December 27
Buzz Lightyear and Woody – December 28
Advance tickets are highly recommended as dates and timeslots do sell out. Get yours here. Discounted tickets are available for Oklahoma Foster Families and families receiving SNAP/WIC. Wear something warm as the walking trails are outdoors!
9. Jolly Lane Lights at Admiral Twin
Enjoy the magic of holiday lights from the warmth of your car at Admiral Twin Drive In's Drive Through Christmas Lights Show. Enjoy over a mile of colorful and song-synchronized lights as you drive along the historic property. Tickets are available for purchase per vehicle for evenings after 5:30pm, November 21–January 1 (closed Christmas Day.)
10. Rhema Lights
Opening November 26 at 6pm, Rhema Bible College will continue the tradition of lighting up their park and campus with millions of lights. The Broken Arrow attraction is free to the community and runs November 27–January 1, 5:30–11:30pm. Welcoming over half a million annual visitors, this event is a dazzling display, complete with holiday scenes, nativities, and a new Rhema Express Train (free for children 3 and under, $5 for children 4 and up, and $10 for adults.) Wear something warm as the walking trails are outdoors!
Seasonal Flavors
11. Iglootown at Welltown Brewing
Who said patio season is over? Add some magic to your next brewery visit with Welltown’s Iglootown. Enjoy rooftop views of Tulsa from the warmth of an igloo, snowglobe or cabin. Available by reservation November 1–March 1, these pods are decked out with heaters, blankets, private speakers, and seating for up to 16 people. Book your 2-hour time slot starting at $65 here.
12. Roosevelt’s
Each year, Roosevelt’s turns its restaurant into a winter wonderland with holiday decor galore and seasonal food and drinks. If you time it right, you can even experience a synchronised light show during your meal. Due to the high demand, this time of year is reservation free. Arrive early to get on the list and explore Cherry Street while you wait.
Warm up from the inside out with delicious pho, dumplings and more from Kai Vietnamese Cuisine. Located in downtown Tulsa, this locally-owned shop serves up Vietnamese comfort food staples in a friendly atmosphere.
Nothing brightens short winter days like sweet treats! Grab a pastry at this James Beard nominated and New York Times featured bakery near downtown. They’re open select Thursdays and every Saturday, 9am–1pm, but arrive early as they often sell out. If you want to avoid the lines, you can pre-order menu staples via their website or look out for opportunities to order ahead take-and-bake items via Instagram.
15. Natsukashii
This modern homestyle Japanese restaurant from the creators of James Beard nominated Et Al is set to open its doors this Winter season - keep up with their Instagram for up to date details and grand opening announcements. While you await the grand opening, look out for food and drink pop-ups. Bonus points for Gradient and TR members – the location will be next door neighbor of none other than… Tulsa’s favorite coworking space!
16. Ava June
Be sure to try this new addition to Cherry Street. (The Today Show has!) This upscale bistro delivers the airy and delicate charm of a countryside chateau alongside rich and hearty French classics. Join them for your next brunch, lunch, or dinner for delicious plates and drink pairings.
Outdoor Events Worth Bundling Up
Compete in a race or support from the sidelines for an iconic run down the Mother Road, November 22–23. The event is a weekend-long party in the city featuring a 5K, mascot dash and fun run on Saturday and the marathon, the half and the relay on Sunday. Starting Downtown, marathon runners make their way through Tulsa neighborhoods (full of block parties!) and across The University of Tulsa campus. The event is a Boston Marathon qualifier, so expect to see some impressive performances. Register and find route maps here.
18. Arvest Winterfest at BOK
20. Birding with Tulsa Audubon Society
Let the hunt for Oklahoma bird varieties distract you from the cold on a birding adventure with Tulsa Audubon Society. This group is open to all skill levels and meets 8am–12pm, the second Saturday of every month, with knowledgeable leader, Terry Mitchell. Outings start at the Lake Yahola Monument in Mohawk Park at 3730 Mohawk Blvd.
Cozy Indoor Activities
21. Warm Up at LowDown
Catch a special holiday-themed performance like “Have Yourself a Jazzy Christmas” with Tom Braxton & Michael Fields Jr., on December 5, at 6pm or 9pm. Or, just take a break from the cold with an upcoming show at this underground bar and live music club.
22. Join The Mahjong Social Club
This inclusive mahjong community is open to the “mahj-curious” and seasoned players alike. Find tickets to events and classes for any level on their website. Their upcoming Mahjong Supper Club will feature 4 courses of small plates and wine pairings while you play, hosted by America Solera on Sunday, November 23, 4–6pm.
23. Craft Night at Circle Cinema
Community Craft and Circle Cinema are continuing their craft-friendly film series, “Reel Crafts.” Catch Moonstruck (1987) on November 12 and Little Women (1994) on December 10. The films start at 7pm, but lights remain half-raised so you can keep on crafting. Can’t make the movie? Check out Community Craft’s classes and private lessons, located just around the corner from the theater in Kendall-Whittier.
24. Shake Up Your Usual at The Vault
Seasonal cocktail classes at The Vault are always a hit. Sample new cocktails, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and learn how to make a mean drink at this restaurant located in a restored mid-century modern bank. The events begin at 6:30pm and last a couple of hours. Get tickets for these upcoming classes:
Friday, November 28: Holiday Cocktails
Thursday, January 15: Dolly Parton
Thursday, January 22: Prohibition
Thursday, February 12: Galentines
Winter Work Locations
Make the most of your daylight hours with a remote work day in Kendall Whittier. The wealth of natural light, lush plants, and chill DJ sets are just what you need to keep your energy and focus while you work. Of course, their single origin coffee and world-class matcha can help with that, too.
26. Summer Moon on Cherry Street
Don’t let the name fool you, Summer Moon has all the cozy vibes for a perfect winter remote work spot. With a moody interior color palette, wood accents, and even a mantle, you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a warm living room. Visit the Cherry Street location to experience their oak-roasted coffee and “Moon Milk,” their signature sweet cream.
27. Nordaggio's
This South Tulsa spot is perfect for coffee enthusiasts looking for a change of scenery in their remote work routine. They are currently serving up a long sought after Wush Wush varietal, Kodawari Volume II, from a competition-level producer in Columbia. Check out this specialty coffee while it lasts and stay tuned for new flavors on Nordaggios’ Instagram.
There is fun, flavor, and community everywhere you look in Tulsa this winter. Reject the urge to hibernate. Grab your friends and family and use this Winter Bucket List to make some warm memories that will last far longer than the bitter cold.