It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Decorating the Christmas tree, drinking hot cocoa and enjoying sparkling light displays are all fun family traditions. This year has an added layer of safety precautions and social distancing, but you can still create Christmas memories and celebrate the holiday season with these festive events.
Arvest Winterfest
- When: Nov. 21 through Jan. 3
- Where: BOK Center, 200 S. Denver, Tulsa
- Info: TulsaWinterfest.com
Celebrating its 13th year, the ice-skating rink will now be INSIDE the BOK Center. Come skate like the professionals on its 17,000 square foot hockey rink! There will still be plenty of holiday magic inside and outside the BOK Center with holiday décor and lights, the iconic 45-foot tall Winterfest Tree on 3rd Street, Carriage rides are available every Friday and Saturday, Winterfest Express Train and live performances occur each Saturday, and everyone’s favorite, Sundays with Santa from 2-4 p.m. inside the BOK Center.
Safety procedures: The venue is taking every precaution to ensure guests are safe and having fun during Winterfest. Tickets are required and may be purchased in advance at TulsaWinterfest.com. No tickets will be sold at the door. Skating reservations are every 30 minutes with 75 minutes of skate time at the start of your reservation. Winterfest is now cashless. Everyone ages 10 and up will be required to wear a mask when not eating and drinking inside the building, even while skating. Social distancing placards are in place throughout the facility with hand sanitizing stations every 10 feet.
Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve
- When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5-9 p.m., Nov. 27 through Dec. 20
- Where: 1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd., Bartlesville
- Info: Woolaroc.org
Head north to Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve to see more than 750,000 magical lights covering the main grounds. To ensure proper safety recommendations, the Wonderland of Lights is a drive-through only event this year. But, because of the reduced activities, organizers have greatly reduced the admission cost to $2 per person (children two and under are free) at the gate, no advanced tickets needed. Museum members are free. And don’t worry, the Holiday Horseman will still be roaming the grounds, so keep a close eye out for him!
Rhema Lights
- When: Nov. 25 through Jan. 1, 5:30-11:30 p.m.
- Where: Rhema Bible Church, 1025 W. Kenosha, Broken Arrow
- Info: RhemaLights.org
Since 1982, Rhema Church Christmas light display has been delighting families with its brilliant display of twinkling lights that began with a mere 60,000 lights in 1982. Today more than two million lights attract more than 200,000 visitors annually. The Christmas Tree Forest is back with a 22-foot tree with a five foot star surrounded by smaller, beautifully lit metal trees. Admission is free.
Safety procedures: A drive-through concession stand will be available as well as hand sanitizer at each of the concession stands located throughout the park. Because Rhema Lights is an outdoor event and located in Broken Arrow (which does not have a mask ordinance), masks will be not required but are highly recommended to guests. Organizers have widened the walking path area so there will be more room to social distance while enjoying the lights.
Botanic Garden
- When: Kick-off Nov. 27; then each Thursday through Sunday through Jan. 3. Special days include Dec. 21-23 (closed Dec. 24 & 25), from 5-9 p.m. each night
- Where: Tulsa Botanic Garden, 3900 Tulsa Botanic Dr., Tulsa
- Info: TulsaBotanic.org
Enjoy thousands of lights at the Tulsa Botanic Garden. Make delicious s’mores in the fire pits (s’mores kits are available for sale), get your picture taken at the outdoor photo booths, ride the train (except Sundays), and check out the Holiday Model Railroad exhibit inside the Mabee Grange Building from Dec. 17-27. Cost for non-members is $15 for ages 13 and up, $5 for ages three through 12. Children two and under are free but must have a ticket. Garden members are $10 for ages 13 and up; $5 for ages three through 12.
Safety procedures: No tickets will be sold at the door. Timed entry tickets are required and may be purchased in advance at TulsaBotanic.org. Capacity is limited each night, so purchase your tickets early to get the day and entry time you wish. Masks are required for ages five and up when not eating or drinking. Hand sanitizing stations will be available in various locations outside.