Christmas in Oklahoma City: Best Things to do for Families
Experience based gifts are on of our families favorite things to give. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to work with Oklahoma City tourism to create a family friendly itinerary for Christmas things to do in Oklahoma City, showcasing family friendly adventures. I’m thrilled to put all of that together now in one place. We explored all over the city and enjoyed so many delightful Christmas experiences. Keep reading for how to plan your own holiday getaway to Oklahoma City!
Table of contents
Ski OKC.
I bet you didn’t know that you can ski and skate in Oklahoma! This ski experience is one of the most fun Christmas things to do in Oklahoma City. Riversport OKC is home to Ski OKC. This experience brings an alpine ski feel with it’s unique “ski treadmill” design. You can rent skis and try it by the hour, and get lessons as well. Advanced skiers can reserve time for harder challenges as well. Be sure to fill out the waiver ahead of time on line (available on their website).
Ice Skating at Myriad Gardens.
You also go skating in Oklahoma City! There is a pop up ice rink near Myriad Gardens, the Devon Ice Rink and it is a must do for a holiday getaway in Oklahoma City. It is $15 per person and that includes skate rental, $10 for military members. They also have a penguin skate assist you can rent for $10 per hour. Bonus – there is a very nice wall and railing you can cling to if you fear for your life, as I did. But, it was 100% worth doing and I’m so glad we did it!
OKC Zoo Lights.
Oklahoma City Zoo Safari Lights is not only one of the best Christmas things to do in Oklahoma City, it’s one of the coolest Christmas light experiences we’ve ever been to! It starts with a nearly one mile long drive through the zoo where you pass through (and under) some incredible lanterns! After the drive, you can park and walk into the main entrance to continue your tour. There are so many stunning photo ops, hands on areas, and more! My kids completely loved the light up swings and the fog filled bubbles in one area. A tip: be sure to turn your flash on your phone or camera off, and do a longer exposure to capture some great photos! Also, be sure to buy tickets ahead of time on line!
Holiday Shows to See.
I have a theatre kiddo in my family (my daughter) so we decided to include some shows in our itinerary for Christmas things to do in Oklahoma City for families. We had the privilege of attending three shows while we were there! Each of these is so special in it’s own way, and all three are worth seeing.
Jane Austen’s Christmas Cracker (Oklahoma Shakespeare Theatre).
This show is absolutely the most charming thing I’ve ever seen. You can interact with the actors before the show, while enjoying pre-show snacks. During the show, the characters will also interact with you. The show centers around Jane Austen and her cast of characters. At one point, the actors were inviting audience members to the stage to dance and Mr. Darcy himself asked my daughter! She refused, but had an enthusiastic yes for Ms. Austen when she asked. It was precious and I highly recommend this show. It is performed by the Oklahoma City Shakespeare organization.
A Christmas Carol at Lyric Theatre.
The Lyric Theatre in the Plaza District has a long standing tradition of performing A Christmas Carol each December. It is a fantastic theatre production and one of the most entertaining shows we’ve ever seen! There are incredible set designs, beautiful costumes, and extremely talented actors. At the time when we saw it, we had the great pleasure of seeing my media contact with OKC Tourism perform in the show! It was a dream for my daughter and I don’t think she will ever forget the special backstage tour we were treated to. A note – there are a few “jump scare” moments but for the most part I would say this show is family friendly.
Oklahoma City Ballet – The Nutcracker.
This is a classic that runs every year and one of the best Christmas things to do in Oklahoma City. Each December, the Oklahoma City Ballet puts on a performance of The Nutcracker and it is spectacular. The show takes place at the stunning Civic Center theatre. Be sure to reserve tickets ahead of time and leave time to browse the boutique and enjoy a themed drink or snack.
Christmas Shopping.
- OKC Pop Ups – these shops are charming! It feels like a Christmas village experience and it’s a must see thing. It’s a great place to explore and shop local businesses.
- DNA Galleries – We LOVE this shop! It’s a collection of artists and makers and it’s so much fun to browse. Be sure to add it to your list for Christmas things to do in Oklahoma City!
Dining (with an allergy friendly focus).
One of my favorite things about Oklahoma City is how great the food scene is. As someone with Celiac Disease and a whole cornucopia of food allergies, I can’t always find good places for me to eat at. However, I can eat at so many delicious spots in Oklahoma City! Here are just a few of my favorites:
- The Press OKC – Located in the Plaza District, it’s a great spot to eat before seeing a show at the Lyric Theatre. They have the most amazing cashew queso and can accommodate for gluten free and vegan needs.
- Plant – Everything is plant based, gluten free and peanut free. It’s my favorite spot for breakfast or lunch.
- Hall’s Pizza Company – A great spot for families, delicious food, and some of the best gluten free pizza I’ve ever had. They have a fantastic roof top deck section as well.
- Pool Bar/ Bodega at Fordson Hotel – If you’re staying at the Fordson, this is a great spot to grab breakfast before exploring. They have gluten free options and can substitute vegan options for eggs.
- Hefner Grill – This spot is fantastic for an upscale dinner. My best tip: make a reservation so you can enjoy sunset over the lake, from the booths by the windows.
Stay: Fordson Hotel.
There are a few places to stay in Oklahoma City that are great spots for a holiday getaway. The Fordson will always be one of our favorites. It’s a former 21C Museum Hotel, that is in a renovated factory and it has such cool architecture. You’ll find beautiful Christmas decorations throughout, plus plenty of great amenities. Book your stay here.
For more places to stay in Oklahoma City, check out this interactive map. I have some of the highlights of this post marked as well, so you can plan to stay near your favorite attraction.
More Christmas things to do in Oklahoma City.
- Automobile Alley – a district in Oklahoma City with lights, shopping, dining, and more. It’s a fun area to walk around.
- Bricktown – This part of OKC is centered around the manmade canals with water taxi’s. It’s an entertainment district with restaurants, arcade, the baseball stadium, bars and more.
- Factory Obscura – An immersive, art experience that is fun for all ages.
- Sparkle at Scissortail Park – a holiday walk open during the holiday season on Thursdays to Sundays. Enjoy a festive holiday market, Christmas lights, and more. Tickets are $9 online and $10 at the gate.
Even more Oklahoma City.
Christmas in Oklahoma City is a magical experience. It’s actually a wonderful destination all year round! Here are a few more posts about Oklahoma City for families:
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Want another Christmas destination? How about Christmas in NYC with kids?
About the author.
Nichole is a writer, content creator, and influencer residing in southwest Arkansas. She focuses on homeschooling, family travel, and outdoor adventure through her social media channels. Though her and her husband (Ryan) are originally from the midwest, they’ve lived in Texarkana, Arkansas for eleven years and are thrilled to call it home. They have homeschooled their children from the beginning of their educational journey. They have a now 14 year old son and 11 year old daughter, along with a two year Direwolf Dog named Levi. Nichole is an avid outdoor adventurer and road tripper and has been taking her kids on adventures by herself since they were infants, it’s all part of what she calls being responsibly brave. She is also on the Executive Team for Run Wild My Child and has contributed to Wild and Free. Be sure to follow her on Instagram to keep up with her shenanigans.
