It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
As a mom of two tiny tots, Christmas fun becomes top of mind for me as soon as the first fall leaf drops! I’m talking Santa Claus, lights, cookies and garland EVERYWHERE! I’m here for it all!
My excitement for the Christmas season is even reflected in my Starbucks orders. I go from a Venti Pumpkin-Pecan chai with oat milk and whipped cream to a crisp Grande peppermint mocha with their latest holiday-inspired Danish. The season is just that serious! When I say I show up for Christmas, I mean that in every possible way – tastebuds included!
Even if Christmas is not your holiday of choice, Hannukah and Kwanza are quite festive as well. I like to believe there’s something enjoyable and exciting for everyone this time of year.
It’s safe to say we all expect a lengthy visit from Jack Frost in December, so having a plan for indoor fun alongside some outdoor activities is the best way to prepare for this month.
Check out these four fun Christmas activities for families in OKC:
Take the family to Tellers for a North Pole-themed lunch or dinner – one that just might come with a Santa sighting! I, not only, took my little family to Tellers for dinner amongst their many Christmas trees and live Christmas music, but we also took pictures with Santa there. They also offer Breakfast with Santa, afternoon tea and several other holiday experiences.The larger-than-life reindeer enamored the kids and nutcrackers placed all around the interior of the restaurant. The decorations create a perfect set for social media pics or memories that are sure to pop up on your phone year after year.If you would rather make this a holiday date night instead, you won’t be disappointed. Dress up in your holiday best and make a night of it!
Fun Christmas activities for families are about more than entertainment; they help create lifelong memories. OKC Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Civic Center Music Hall might seem like it’s not for little ones, but they have changed the game. They have a Sensory Night, designed for young kids and those with disabilities or sensory sensitivities. This year, it’s scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. The show features adjusted lighting and sound, reduction of strobe lighting and no pyrotechnics.I have taken my children twice, and they are welcome to be who they are in the age and stage they are in. They can clap, cheer, talk and get up and walk around. Parents don’t have to think twice of the very normal behaviors an autistic child, a toddler or a baby might display. Instead, the audience is encouraged to enjoy themselves in comfort.The Oklahoma City Ballet puts on an incredible show year after year and I think giving children the gift of ballet or a professional show is a great tradition to add to the holiday season. And Sensory Night is a work of art, in my opinion, and they should be applauded for this version of inclusivity. You never know how a child will be impacted in the best of ways when they are made to feel like they belong and their presence is not only accepted but requested.
I am a huge fan of taking the kids to Mitch Park to experience Luminance, a free holiday lights experience you can walk through.As we plan to do fun things with our kids during the holidays, I think it’s important to remember that kids are the embodiment of energy. That being said, that energy needs to be released! At Luminance, the kids can play and chase each other while being in awe of the spectacular light displays, and it doesn’t end there.After a walk and some horseplay, you can enjoy a treat from a festive food truck on select nights, and if you choose, you can take a few laps around the ice-skating rink!- Finally, I think it’s imperative to explain to children how important it is to give back during the holidays. While very young kids may not yet be able to volunteer, you can foster the spirit of giving at a very young age. I like to round my kids up and pick out toys they no longer play with to pack up and drop off at Goodwill or a shelter. I involve them the entire way. Let them pick out the toys, let them bag them up, and let them hand the bags off to the volunteers.This will hopefully inspire them to get involved in giving as much as receiving. Plus, it will prepare them for family volunteer opportunities in the future. And as the saying or scripture goes, it’s better to give than receive.
Take the family to 
Fun Christmas activities for families are about more than entertainment; they help create lifelong memories. OKC Ballet’s 
I am a huge fan of taking the kids to Mitch Park to experience 
Finally, I think it’s imperative to explain to children how important it is to give back during the holidays. While very young kids may not yet be able to volunteer, you can foster the spirit of giving at a very young age. I like to round my kids up and pick out toys they no longer play with to pack up and drop off at Goodwill or a shelter. I involve them the entire way. Let them pick out the toys, let them bag them up, and let them hand the bags off to the volunteers.This will hopefully inspire them to get involved in giving as much as receiving. Plus, it will prepare them for Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!
For even more fun Christmas activities for families happening in the Oklahoma City metro, check our MetroFamily’s holiday guides filled with more than 100 things to do this holiday season.
Mecca Rayne is an Oklahoma City mom and journalist who enjoys exploring our city with her children.
