It’s safe to say that 2020 has certainly been a year full of the unexpected. Many of us are approaching the holiday season unsure of what is in store! While our traditions this year may look a bit different, there are still plenty of opportunities for holiday cheer available in and around Tulsa. Whether you are a Tulsa local, just visiting family, or looking for a great date night with your sweetie, here are 8 places to take in the beauty of Christmas lights this holiday season.
Best 2020 Christmas Light Displays in Tulsa
At the time of this article, these events are scheduled for 2020! Be sure to check each website for the latest information regarding updated schedules and guidelines.
1. Rhema Lights
Since 1982, Rhema Bible Church has been hosting the Rhema Christmas Lights Extravaganza. 2020 is no exception! This stunning display attracts over 200,000 visitors from Oklahoma and surrounding states. With over two million lights, a 22-foot tall Christmas tree, carriage rides, and more, your entire family is sure to enjoy an evening of festivities.
There are several ways to enjoy the light display at Rhema this year. Visitors can walk around the campus, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, or safely view the lights while driving their own vehicle through the campus.
The Rhema Christmas Lights Extravaganza begins November 25th at 6pm and will remain open through January 1, 2021 from 5:30pm to 11:30pm. Rhema is located at 1025 W Kenosha St, Broken Arrow, OK 74012. Admission to this event is free for the whole family!
2. Garden of Lights at Tulsa Botanic Garden
The Tulsa Botanic Garden is once again hosting its annual Garden of Lights. Described by many as a “magical garden escape”, this event is one you won’t want to miss. The garden boasts thousands of colorful lights as visitors enjoy s’mores over a fire, live holiday music, photo booths, train rides, a hay maze, and much more.
Make a night of your visit to the gardens by enjoying a warm cup of cocoa, spiced cider, or alcoholic beverage. Additionally, a food truck will be on the premises from 5:30-8:30pm each night serving delicious snacks.
The Tulsa Botanic Garden has carefully planned this event so that everyone is available to enjoy their favorite tradition safely. Tickets are required for this event and are not available at the door as capacity is limited each night. Additionally, masks will be required for visitors ages 5 and older unless you are eating or drinking.
The Garden of Lights will be open Thursday – Sunday from November 27, 2020 to January 3, 2021 from 5-9pm. The Tulsa Botanic Garden is located at 3900 Tulsa Botanic Dr., Tulsa, OK 74127.
3. Winter Wonderland at Gathering Place
Pack up your family and head to Gathering Place to enjoy Winter Wonderland! Thousands of twinkling lights will decorate the Chapman Adventure Playground. Visitors are invited to enjoy the park, carolers, live music, tasty drinks, train rides, and more!
Unlike many other holiday events this year, Santa Claus will be available for family photos by the fireplace every evening of this fun event. This year’s Winter Wonderland presented by American Airlines will feature socially distanced zones, allowing every family to participate safely and comfortably.
Winter Wonderland at Gathering Place kicks off December 18th at 5pm! The event will continue each evening through January 3, 20201 with activities from 5-8pm. In addition to the daily festivities, there will be special appearances by several Gathering Place Characters, Coca-Cola Bears, the Snow King and Queen, as well as plenty of entertainment at the Gather Round Stage. This is an evening of festive fun that you won’t want to miss!
4. Castle Christmas
Located just outside of Tulsa, the Castle of Muskogee is hosting its annual Castle Christmas! Drive through the village in the comfort of your own vehicle and enjoy thousands of festive lights, over 2,000 holiday displays and so much more.
Castle Christmas provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. A few of the activities include train rides, Christmas pony rides, holiday hayrides, camel rides, holiday shopping, and visits with Saint Nicholas. A variety of tasty treats and warm beverages are also available in Rudolph’s Cafe.
The drive-through light display is free and open to the public, although donations are welcome. Additional events such as hayrides, train rides, and others are available for a small fee to offset the cost of this fun holiday event.
Castle Christmas kicks off Thanksgiving day and runs through New Year’s Eve from 5:30-10pm each evening. The Castle of Muskogee is located at 3400 West Fern Mountain Road, Muskogee, OK 74401.
5. Garden of Lights at Honor Heights Park
Another great holiday event held in the city of Muskogee is the annual Garden of Lights at Honor Heights Park. Over one million lights cover 130 acres of scenery dressed for the holiday season. This event is a drive-through display, perfect for this chilly winter evening or families who prefer to enjoy the festivities at a distance.
Looking for a unique experience for your family and friends? Take in the beauty of Honor Heights Park in a private hayride with space for up to 30 of your favorite people. It is important to note that hayrides must be scheduled in advance.
In addition to the beautiful lights display, Honor Heights Park hosts several other holiday events. The events this year include the Garden of Lights 5k and Fun Run on December 8th, Santa’s Reindeer Visit at the Papilion on December 16th, and Hot Air Balloon Glow and Tethered Rides on December 22nd.
Garden of Lights at Honor Heights Park runs nightly from Thanksgiving Day to New Years Day from 5:30-10pm Sunday-Thursday and 5:30-11pm Friday-Saturday. Admission is $5 per car with free admission for all on Monday nights! Honor Heights Park is located at 1400 Honor Heights Dr, Muskogee, OK 74401.
6. Lights On at Utica Square
For the past 53 years, Utica Square has been known for its annual Lights On event marking the start of the holiday season. While it may look a bit different this year, they have decided to keep the tradition alive!
Lights On at Utica Square will be held virtually this year. The event kicks off on Thanksgiving evening at 6:30pm and can be viewed on Utica Square’s various social media channels. Similar to previous years, families will be able to sing along as the Grady Nichols Band performs Christmas carols. Also included in this virtual celebration will be a countdown to the official lighting ceremony and even a visit from Santa Claus himself.
We encourage you to participate in this virtual event as we seek to spread holiday cheer far and wide across Tulsa and beyond!
7. Dickens on the Boulevard
Located in the historic downtown area of Claremore, Dickens on the Boulevard offers a unique, Victorian-themed holiday celebration. Take a step back in time to enjoy live music, tasty treats, a living nativity, Victorian street dance, historic reenactments, and more!
Dickens on the Boulevard takes place November 20-21 beginning at 6pm both evenings. The festivities are free although horse-drawn carriage rides will be available for a small fee! Take a step back in time and kick off the holiday season in style in downtown Claremore.
8. Woolaroc Wonderland of Lights
Another classic holiday tradition for many Tulsans is a trip to the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve for their annual Wonderland of Lights. Enjoy an evening in a winter wonderland as the buildings and grounds of Woolaroc are decked out with over 750,000 colorful lights!
In addition to the festive lights, nightly entertainment will take place at the Heritage Theater. A schedule of performances will be provided upon arrival. Wonderland of Lights begins Friday, November 29th, and continues every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings from 5-9pm through December 22nd.
Admission is $6 for adults and $1 for children 11 years and younger. Woolaroc is located at 1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd., Bartlesville, OK 74003.
However you decide to celebrate, we hope that this holiday season brings much joy for you and your family. Be sure to check out these other upcoming Tulsa events for a holiday season filled with cheer!
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