The holidays are here, and with them come endless opportunities to create memories and cherished family traditions. However, for many parents, this magical season can also bring stress from stretching the family budget. Between gift lists, parties and holiday meals, it’s easy to feel like festive fun comes with a hefty price tag.
The good news? In Oklahoma City, celebrating doesn’t have to cost a fortune. From free community events to low-cost holiday experiences, there are plenty of ways to soak in the season’s joy without breaking the bank. These festive happenings prove that the best holiday memories aren’t measured in dollars spent, but in the joy, wonder and laughter shared with the people you love most.
Free & frugal holiday events happening in OKC this holiday season:
Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival
Nov. 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Mickey Mantle Plaza of the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 Mickey Mantle Dr
The Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival, presented by Global Payments, kicks off the holiday season with a huge party! All set around the lighting of the Bricktown Christmas tree, families are invited to watch live entertainment, pose for pictures with Santa and sample tasty treats from Bricktown and downtown restaurants.
With activities for kids, including a Letters-to-Santa station, and plenty of holiday cheer, the FREE community celebration has become a beloved tradition that brings people together to welcome the magic of the season.
Why we love it: The festival celebrates more than just the holiday season; it’s a showcase of the vibrant community that makes OKC so unique. Plus, there’s a 100% chance of SNOW!
Lights on Broadway
Nov. 29, Dec. 6 & 13; 4-7 p.m.
Automobile Alley, N Broadway Ave between 4th & 13th Streets
Lights on Broadway is a free, multi-week event featuring buzz-worthy window displays, pop-up activities and giveaways. Stroll along Broadway and inside the district’s shops and businesses, where you’ll find fun, festive activities and an abundance of holiday cheer.
Under the glow of more than 600,000 colorful LED lights, shoppers are treated to live music, themed performances, photos with Santa Claus and more. On Nov. 29 & Dec. 13, Factory Obscura hosts their annual Holiday Artist Market, offering even more ways to find the perfect gift.
Why we love it: We can’t think of a more festive way to check off that shopping list, while making sweet memories.
Christmas Village at Chisholm Creek
Dec. 6. 5-8 p.m.
Chisholm Creek, 13230 Pawnee Dr
Step into the magic of the season at this FREE community celebration filled with holiday cheer and memory-making moments. Kids can snap a free keepsake photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, meet some of Santa’s friends (including a reindeer!) and even pen their holiday wishes in a letter and send it straight to the North Pole!
The festivities don’t stop there: enjoy live music and special performances, plus stroll through a twinkling Christmas Market brimming with local seasonal finds.
Why we love it: Most activities are free, making it the perfect way to soak up the wonder of the holidays.
Saturdays in December at OKCMOA
Dec. 6-27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Dr
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art rolls out the red carpet for families visiting in December. If the impressive art on display wasn’t enough, families can drop in to make cozy creations, sip on complimentary hot chocolate and watch festive films.
Each week features a different art-making activity, ranging from card making and gift tags to shrinky-dink ornaments and Styrofoam snowflake prints. Santa will be at the museum on Dec. 13, posing for photos, and families can craft holiday-inspired frames to hold the special memories made.
Why we love it: The fun art-making activities serve double duty — a festive way to spend time together while crafting special gifts for friends or family. Plus, kids 17 and under always get in free to OKCMOA!
OKC Community Chanukah Festival
Dec. 14, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St
The Chabad Community Center for Jewish Life and Learning is bringing back the FREE OKC Community Chanukah Festival for its 12th year on Dec. 14 at Scissortail Park. Kicking off at 4:30 p.m., the free, family friendly event is packed with festive fun, including carnival rides, magicians, circus acts, delicious Jewish food, live traditional Chanukah music by Kyle Dillingham and Horseshoe Road and a chocolate parachute drop by the Oklahoma City Fire Department. Kids (& kids at heart) can meet the always-popular Dreidel Man.
As the sun sets, a giant menorah will be lit, filling the park with a glow of celebration. The festival is all about community, tradition and spreading light — a reminder that joy and kindness shine brightest when shared.
Why we love it: Families from all backgrounds are invited to enjoy this one-of-a-kind holiday tradition.
Splurge-worthy
Safari Lights at the OKC Zoo
Oklahoma City Zoo. 2000 Remington Pl
If a splurge fits into your budget, Safari Lights is a sure-fire hit! With over 50 dazzling light displays featuring giant glowing animals, twinkling animated scenes and exciting interactive fun, the zoo transforms each holiday season into a magical winter wonderland where holiday cheer meets the wild side of nature!
Drive through the zoo filled with breathtaking, lighted lanterns that take shape as elaborate, glowing sculptures. Then, head inside the zoo to enjoy a synchronized light show, even more light displays and festive sweet treats. Santa will be at the zoo on select days in both November and December.
Admission to the drive-through lights starts at $60 per vehicle and includes four tickets to the walk-through lights. Additional tickets to the walk-through portion start at $14 per person. Learn more at okczoo.org/safarilights
This article is generously sponsored by Visit Oklahoma City. Find all the season’s best family fun happening in OKC at visitokc.com/events/christmas-
