Family-friendly holiday fun in OKC

There’s nothing quite like living in the Oklahoma City metro during the holiday season. Even though you might not get to experience the winter wonderland that so many people associate with holidays, there’s plenty of other ways to have fun with your family in a socially-distanced setting. Homes by Taber wanted to help you find entertaining activities now so you can make plans for the upcoming winter.  

Enjoy a variety of events at Downtown in December 

Presented by Devon Energy, Downtown in December is in its 19th year of bringing holiday events and attractions to Oklahoma City. With dozens of outdoor and socially-distant indoor activities to choose from, there’s something for every member of your family to enjoy. Skate across 5,500 square feet of real ice at the Devon Ice Rink in the Myriad Botanical Gardens. Head to the Holiday Pop-Up Shops in Midtown to support local businesses and find the perfect gift for friends, family or yourself. Ring in the New Year with Arts Council OKC for their 35th annual Opening Night celebration. As the go-to family event to “open” the new year, activities include local musicians, magicians and kid-friendly interactive art exhibits. 

The popular Bricktown Entertainment District also partakes in this event, decking the canal and surrounding buildings with twinkling lights, holiday window displays and free Christmas-themed canal cruises.  

Get in the holiday spirit with impressive light displays 

Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit quite like a sparkling light display. Whether you opt for a walk-through or drive-through experience, this timeless tradition is entertaining for the whole family—lucky for Oklahomans, there’s no shortage of displays across the state. As for the Oklahoma City area, we’ve rounded up the best options for you to visit. 

Within city limits, historic Automobile Alley is brought into a new light with over 230,000 colorful LED bulbs. Covering the buildings along eight blocks of North Broadway and side streets, these lights make for a magical experience that can easily be walked or driven through. Typically a one-day event, Lights on Broadway has been spread out over four Saturdays this holiday season to make it as safe as possible for families to enjoy. Appreciate window displays in restaurants and retail shops, listen to live music, watch your favorite holiday movies and take a free carriage ride. 

Yukon’s Christmas in the Park has over 100 acres of lights and decorations woven throughout interconnecting parks and features a 50-foot lighted tree, walking and driving trails, a Santa Express Train and over 425 displays. 

As one of the state’s largest drive-through light displays, the Holiday Lights Spectacular in Midwest City takes you on a magical trip through a quiet wooded area with a 118-foot-tall tree and horse-drawn carriage rides. 

If you’re willing to travel further outside the OKC area, another notable display is Chickasha’s Festival of Light, which is consistently ranked as one of the top ten light displays in the nation.   

Visit Christmas’ past in Guthrie 

Another event that’s worth a quick drive outside of the city is Guthrie’s annual Territorial Christmas Celebration. Known throughout the state and even across the country as the home of the largest Historic Preservation District, the town of Guthrie reminisces on holidays past with carolers, candlelit trolley rides and unique Victorian-era living displays in store windows. Find inspiration for decorating your own home!

Support the OKC Ballet at shortened shows 

Every winter, the Oklahoma City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker fills the Civic Center Music Hall with patrons of every age. Even through the COVID-19 pandemic, the show must go on—so this year’s production will be shortened to one act. Although shorter, it will still include all of the favorite characters, dances and music. With the shorter, one-act production, the ballet is encouraging those interested to use it as an opportunity to introduce little ones or any ballet newcomers to a live performance.

Know that pumpkin patch season doesn’t end in the fall 

The Parkhurst Pumpkin Ranch in Arcadia is known as a popular pumpkin patch, but during winter it transforms into a hub of enjoyable, outdoor holiday activities. Instead of pumpkins, you’ll find Christmas trees for purchase, hot cocoa filled with marshmallows to drink, a Christmas-themed hayride and more. Families can also visit the petting zoo to feed various barnyard animals or take a ride on one of their friendly ponies. 

Make sure Santa sees your wish list 

A classic Christmastime event, taking young family members to visit Santa creates a memory they’ll never forget. Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops allows you to enjoy the magic of Christmas in a safe and responsible way, with free advanced reservations, temperature screenings and additional COVID precautions. If the children in your life want to spend a little more time with Santa while participating in other fun activities, Breakfast with Santa in Moore is the perfect event for them. Admission includes a provided breakfast, holiday crafts, Christmas-themed games and of course a visit and storytime with Kris Kringle.  

Enjoy living in OKC year-round 

While the holiday season is obviously a magical time to live in Oklahoma City, we know you’ll love it here any time of year in a Taber home. Whether you’re looking for a quick-move-in option to live in before the holiday season or have time to design your house alongside us, we have the floor plans and sought-after communities you’re looking for. Contact us today to learn more about our process and how we became Oklahoma’s Favorite Builder.