Christmas Season Activities in Tulsa, Oklahoma

The holiday season is finally here, and with it comes a full schedule of fun-filled family events. For those of you living in or visiting Tulsa, Oklahoma, there is certainly no shortage of holiday events for you to visit with your family. From the time Thanksgiving ends, to the arrival of that Christmas day, the Tulsa area is bursting with holiday events for all to enjoy. Here is a list of several of these events that you will want to enjoy this season.

1. Lights at Utica: Known for its more upscale stores and classy environment, this favorite region for Tulsa shoppers becomes even lovelier this time of the year with the annual "lighting of the square." A full night's event, the lighting of the square (which happens every year on Thanksgiving) involves caroler-type choirs, a performance of the arrival of Santa Claus for the holiday season, and a simultaneous lighting of the Christmas lights throughout the trees of the entire square. The event is free to attend, but there is still a charge for the hot chocolate or other delicious drinks served by the Starbucks at the square. Additionally, while the "lighting" events officially begin at 6:30pm, the actual turning on of the Christmas lights does not occur until around 7-7:10pm; if the weather is especially chilly, you may wish to plan your night out accordingly.

2. Rhema lights: From November 24-January 1, Rhema Bible Church's campus will be lit with a dazzling display of Christmas lights. Admission to this fun event is free, and this year there will be over two million Christmas lights twinkling in the night. However, if you should choose to view the lights on one of the designated "Horse Drawn Carriage" nights and desire to actually use the carriage, there is a fee for the ride. There is also a charge for any refreshments or pictures with Santa purchased. The Rhema lights are available for touring from 5:30-11:30pm each night of the season, so you are sure to have plenty of time to view all of the displays during your visit.

3. Winterfest: Located downtown by the BOK event center, Winterfest 2010 is sure to be just as fun this year as any previous year. While the opening of the ice skating rink has been delayed this year (until November 27) due to abnormally warm weather earlier on in the week, the rest of Winterfest 2010 should proceed just as scheduled. Winterfest this year will include daily events, ranging from carriage rides, to visits with Segway Santa, to Weiner dog races. There is also, of course, the large outdoor Christmas tree, performances by many choirs, and a delicious range of hot concessions. The outdoor ice rink for this year will span 9000 square feet and skaters have the option of bringing their own skates (for a $5 entrance fee) or borrowing a pair (for an $8 entrance fee). The rink will even be open on Christmas day.

4. The Christmas Train: Presented annually by Tulsa's Church on the Move, the fun Christmas Train requires participants to purchase their tickets ahead of time, something which can be done through the church's website. Running mainly on the weekends, this fun family activity includes the train ride through an Old West Christmas setting, a multimedia presentation of the Christmas Story, wagon and carousel rides, a live western music show, and more.