Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to enjoy family time and show gratitude by giving back. Events throughout Oklahoma City are helping families do all that and more. Below, find a list of Thanksgiving-related events and activities. Also, be sure to check out these Oklahoma City charities seeking volunteers and Oklahoma City craft shows for local holiday shopping.

Our friends with Oklahoma City Public Schools Native American Student Services have compiled and provided resources so that both Native and non-Native families can learn more about historical events from a Native perspective heritage including the Thanksgiving Story.

This guide is generously sponsored by Oklahoma City Parks & Recreation department. OKC Parks provides families opportunities for year-round fun including school break camps such as their upcoming Thanksgiving Break Day Camps. Kids can meet new friends and engage in fun activities in a safe space. Find more details below or at okc.gov/parksignup. 

OKC Parks is also putting on a show! Debuting the week before Thanksgiving, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee shares a glimpse into the contestants’ lives as they participate in the spelling championship of a lifetime.  

(The following lists were last updated on Sept. 23, 2022)

Thanksgiving Break Camps & Activities

Nov. 5-Jan. 15

Edmond Ice Rink at Mitch Park (1501 W Covell Rd, Edmond) features ice skating, holiday music and food concessions. $14 with skate rental, $10 without; kids (under 5), $10. See website for hours of operation and special events.

Nov. 11-Jan. 8

Crest on Ice in Norman (2550 Mt Williams Dr, Norman) features outdoor ice skating on 4,100 square feet of real ice. $13; $10 without skate rental & for kids 5 & under. Monday-Thursday, 3-9 p.m.; Friday, 3-10 p.m.; Saturday, noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, noon-9 p.m.

Nov. 16-Jan. 29

Devon Ice Rink at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features 5,500 square feet of real ice, plus seasonal food and beverage offerings.. $14 with skate rental, $9 without. See website for hours of operation and special events.

Nov. 17-20

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Taylor Performing Arts Center (1115 SW 70th St) features a production centered around six mid-pubescent children who compete for the spelling championship of a lifetime. As each speller takes the mic, they give glimpses into their lives at home. Best suited for ages 13 & up. $15. Thursday-Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 2:30 & 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 18-20

Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory Grand Re-Opening at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features a ribbon cutting ceremony, live performances and special activities. Prices vary. Friday & Saturday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Nov. 19-Jan. 2

Yukon Ice Rink at Chisholm Trail Park (500 W Vandament, Yukon) features outdoor ice skating on 4,100 square feet of real ice. $13; $10 without skate rental & for kids 5 & under. Monday-Thursday, 3-9 p.m.; Friday, 3-10 p.m.; Saturday, noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, noon-9 p.m.

Nov. 21-23

OKC Parks Day Camp – Thanksgiving 2022 at Foster Recreation Center (614 NE 4th St) features fun and exciting games that allow campers to make new friends, swimming, crafts and field trips around OKC. For ages 6-12. $75. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. okc.gov/parksignup

Thanksgiving Break Volleyball Camp at The Station Recreation Center (700 S Broadway Ave, Moore) teaches basic techniques to help young athletes improve their volleyball skills. For ages 6-12. Preregister. $55. 9 a.m.-noon. cityofmoore.com

Thanksgiving Break Basketball Camp at The Station Recreation Center (700 S Broadway Ave, Moore) teaches basic techniques to help young athletes improve their basketball skills. For ages 6-12. Preregister. $55. 9 a.m.-noon. cityofmoore.com

Thanksgiving Break Art Camp at The Station Recreation Center (700 S Broadway Ave, Moore). Create colorful paintings, sculptures, jewelry and more. For ages 6-9. Preregister. $60. 9 a.m. – noon. cityofmoore.com

Thanksgiving Break Camps at SoccerCity (4520 Old Farm Rd) features a fun, age-divided, skill-building camp. Beginners and recreational players welcome. For ages 4-15. $30-$150. Morning session: 9 a.m.-noon; afternoon session, 1-4 p.m. All-day and half-day options available. 405-748-3888, hayden@soccercityokcity.com

Kidz Rock Rec: Thanksgiving Break at Macklanburg Recreation Center (2234 NW 117th St) features a safe space for kids to engage in arts and crafts and other activities during the school break. For ages 6-12. $10 per day. Family discount available. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. okc.gov/parksignup

Thanksgiving Break Magic Camp at The Station Recreation Center (700 S Broadway Ave, Moore) teaches magic tricks that kids can perform at home. For ages 6-12. Preregister. $110. 1-4 p.m. cityofmoore.com

Nov. 26

Blue’s Clues & You! Live On Stage at Hudiburg Chevrolet Center (6000 S Prosper Blvd, Midwest City) features a new Broadway-style adventure with singing, dancing and Blue and her friends. $43 & up. 2 p.m.

Seasonal Events Leading Up to Thanksgiving Day

Nov. 5-Dec. 24

FREE Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s (200 Bass Pro Dr & 1200 W Memorial Rd) features giveaways and the chance to meet Santa. Advanced reservations are required. See website for a complete schedule of events.

Nov. 17

FREE OKC Tree Lighting Festival at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (2 Mickey Mantle Dr) features a showcase of talented and diverse performances celebrating the season, free family-friendly activities, the chance for kids to meet Santa Claus and the traditional countdown to the lighting of the Christmas tree with Mayor David Holt. 5-7 p.m.

Nov. 18

FREE Luminance Grand Opening at Mitch Park (1501 W Covell Rd, Edmond) features live music, a singing choir, ice skating, the Merry Marketplace and the chance to meet Santa and his friends. 5-10 p.m.

FREE Tree Lighting Ceremony at Stockyards City (1217 S Agnew) features a special holiday ceremony with live entertainment, hot chocolate and Santa. 6 p.m.

Nob. 18-Jan. 1

FREE Weekends on the OKC Streetcars in Downtown OKC (various locations) features complimentary fares on the OKC Streetcars on the weekends.

Nov. 19

Chill Your Cheeks 5K Run at Chisholm Trail Park (500 W Vandament, Yukon) features a 5K run that winds through the street of Yukon and ends amid 4 million twinkling Christmas lights. Activities also include train rides, live Christmas music and more. $20 & up. 4:30-6 p.m.

Nov. 20

FREE Santa Paws Photo Op in Midtown Bocce Court (NW 9th St & Hudson Ave) features free photos of Santa with your furry friends. Santa will be available for DIY photo. An attendant will be on-site to help take photos. 1-4 p.m.

Nov. 20-Dec. 29

FREE Red Earth Treefest at the Red Earth Art Center (100 N Broadway Ave) features Christmas trees adorned with handmade ornaments created to showcase the diverse Native cultures that make Oklahoma unique. Weekdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Nov. 21

Merry Marketplace at Mitch Park (1501 W Covell Rd, Edmond) features a holiday pop-up shop experience with a variety of local vendors. Free to attend. 4-8 p.m.

Nov. 22

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) features the annual holiday tour celebrating over 35 years of holiday music. $30 & up. 7 p.m.

Nov. 24

Edmond Turkey Trot at the Downtown Edmond Community Center (28 East Main St) features a 5K run and 1-mile Family Wobble. Strollers and friendly dogs on a leash are welcome and the best Turkey Trot costume will win a prize. Preregister. Proceeds benefit Turning Point Ministries. $10 – $26; 1-mile wobble, free (no shirt). 8:30-10 a.m.

OKC Turkey Tracks 5K  in Downtown OKC (305 NW 5th St) features a 5K, 1-mile fun run and a post-race, pre-feast party. Benefits Toys for Tots. $25 & up. 8:30 a.m.

Turkey Day 5K  at Norman High School (911 W Main St, Norman) features a 5K or 1-mile fun run of your choice on Thanksgiving Day. Benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma – Norman. Prices vary. 8:30 a.m.

Holiday Activities and Events Happening Thanksgiving Weekend in OKC

Nov. 12-Dec. 27

The Polar Express Train Ride at the Oklahoma Railway Museum (3400 NE Grand Blvd) features an immersive onboard experience including a reading of the book, cookies delivered by dancing chefs and the chance to meet Santa. Adults, $49-$75; kids (2-11), $42-$70. See website for a schedule of departure times.

Nov. 16-Dec. 23

Lyric’s A Christmas Carol at Harn Homestead (1721 N Lincoln Blvd) features an all-new outdoor production. The Harn Homestead will be reimagined as the Victorian Era setting for Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley and a host of unforgettable characters. Patrons will follow Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of transformation and redemption as they are guided from scene to scene. Tickets will be limited for each performance to ensure proper social distancing. Adults, $61 & up; kids, $35 & up. See website for showtimes.

Nov. 17

FREE OKC Tree Lighting Festival at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (2 Mickey Mantle Dr) features a showcase of talented and diverse performances celebrating the season, free family-friendly activities, the chance for kids to meet Santa Claus and the traditional countdown to the lighting of the Christmas tree with Mayor David Holt. 5-7 p.m.

Nov. 25 – Dec. 18

FREE Pop-Up Shops in Midtown (10th & Hudson) features local shops set up with holiday goods and gifts. Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Nov. 25-Dec. 23

A Territorial Christmas Carol at Pollard Theatre (120 W Harrison Ave, Guthrie) features a re-imagining of Dickens’ classic tale. Best suited for ages 7 & up. $25-$35. See website for show times.

Nov. 25-Dec. 31

Winter Wonderland at Katiebug’s Sips & Sweets (7 NW 9th St) features beautiful holiday backdrops, sweet treats, cookie decorating kits and more. Prices vary. Noon-6 p.m.

Nov. 26

Make Ready Market in Midtown (220 NW 13th St) features an outdoor market with an assortment of locally made goods including clothing, flowers, skin care products, vintage, jewelry, art, pottery and food. Free to attend. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

FREE Family Art Kits and Family Tours at Oklahoma Contemporary (11 NW 11th St) features free, interactive guided family tours of the exhibition La casa que nos inventamos: Contemporary Art From Guadalajara. Tours will be available at 12:30, 2 and 3:30 p.m. Then, pick up an exhibition-inspired free family art kit from the front desk to take home and continue the fun. Noon-5 p.m.

FREE Lights in Legion Park Kickoff at Legion Park (Ash St, El Reno) features holiday lights, plus, on select nights, train rides, a petting zoo, the chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and more. 4-6 p.m.

OKCPHIL presents Home Alone at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) features the 1990 Christmas comedy film as the Philharmonic performs the soundtrack live. $27 & up. 8 p.m.

Nov. 26-Dec. 10

A Territorial Christmas Celebration in Downtown Guthrie (112 E Oklahoma, Guthrie) features a lighted Christmas parade, home tours and Victorian Walk nights. 5-9 p.m.

Holiday Light Display Openings around the OKC metro and beyond

Opening Nov. 12

Safari Lights at the OKC Zoo (2000 Remington Pl) features larger-than-life light displays and over 50 themed light sculptures highlighting wildlife, aquatic animals, prehistoric creatures and more. Drive-thru: $65 (per vehicle). Walk-thru: $15. 5:30-11 p.m.

Opening Nov. 21

FREE Luminance at Mitch Park (1501 W Covell Rd, Edmond) features a walk-thru display with over 50,000 LED lights, a 25-foot tunnel and 20 interactive, 3D light displays. Grand opening, 4 p.m.; open nightly thereafter, 5 – 10 p.m.

Nov. 19

FREE Automobile Alley Lights on Broadway Ave (NW 4th to 10th St. on Broadway Ave.) features more than 180,000 colorful LED lights draping the buildings along eight city blocks in the historic district. Open dusk to dawn.

FREE Bricktown Canal Lights Display lines the canal with twinkling lights. Enjoy FREE water taxi rides on certain nights of the week. Open at dusk.

FREE Christmas in the Park at Chisholm Trail Park (500 W Vandament, Yukon) features drive-thru and walk-thru light displays with over 100 acres of twinkling lights. Open seven days a week from 6 – 10 p.m. through Dec 31.

FREE Festival of Light at Shannon Springs Park (2400 S 9th St, Chickasha) features a drive-thru and walk-thru light displays, carriage rides and on select nights a live nativity, camel rides, photos with Santa, a gift shop and concessions. Sunday-Thursday, 6 – 10 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 6 – 11 p.m. through Dec. 31.

Opening Nov. 23

FREE Lights from the Heart at Purcell Lake (1400 Chandler Rd, Purcell) features a wonderland of Christmas holiday light displays. The 2-mile, drive-thru light display runs along the lakeshore. 5:30-10 p.m.

Opening Nov. 24

FREE Downs Family Christmas Lights(2900 72nd Ave SE, Norman) is a light display set to music that features more than 18 miles of light strands. Bring a canned good or monetary donation to benefit the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. Open through Jan. 2.

Opening Nov. 25

FREE Union Station Illumination at Scissortail Park (300 SW 7th St) features a light show with an eclectic mix of music synchronized with the lights. 6-11 p.m.

Opening Nov. 26

FREE Lights in Legion Park at Legion Park (Ash St, El Reno) features holiday lights and, on select nights, train rides, a petting zoo, the chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and more. 5-9 p.m.

Looking for even more fun check out our list of family-friendly winter festivals or more events in our winter guides. See an event missing from our list? Email us at tips@metrofamilymagazine.com!