Getting that annual photo with Santa is a holiday tradition for many households, including my own once upon a time. I look back fondly on the times when my husband and I would dress our tiny tots in holiday sweaters or Christmas jammies as they wiggled with excitement and discussed the ever-important question – what am I going to ask Santa for?
But perhaps, my favorite Santa memory was an expected surprise. My youngest and I were running typical errands before dropping him off at preschool. While standing in the return line at Target, I felt a tug on my shirt followed by whispers of momma. As I looked down, my son had eyes as big as saucers, pointing to the Starbucks line where an older bearded gentleman dressed in an impressive red suit stood waiting for his order.
“Santa!” he gasped. The kind man graciously greeted us and posed for a quick photo, all of which only took less than a few minutes of his time. But Cade talked about that chance encounter for many months.
Santa is once again making his rounds visiting several events and venues in Oklahoma City this holiday season! Here are four unexpected places where your family can find Santa hanging out this December.
Dec. 7
A Very Merry Pops at Civic Center Music Hall
Each December, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic invites families to enjoy a special holly jolly performance filled with special guests and holiday favorites. One of this year’s special guests is Santa! He will make an appearance on stage tap dancing and, before the matinee performance, he will be hanging out in the lobby enjoying some cookies.
Kids can also enjoy festive activities and an instrument playground.
Tickets start at $24.
Dec. 7 & 8
Santa’s Workshop at FAM’s Winter Holiday Art Market
Indigenous Santa is stopping by First Americans Museum this Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. Families can pose for photos and enjoy other festive activities such as designing holiday cards with tribal greetings and making corn husk dolls.
The market features an array of items crafted by a curated selection of over 40 Indigenous artists. Shop apparel, fine art, jewelry, pottery, textiles, home decor, books, comics and a FAM-exclusive ‘Medicine Road’ ornament. Then, head over to Thirty Nine Café to try some Indigenous inspired food and beverages available for purchase.
The market and Santa’s workshop are both free to attend.
Dec. 14
Edmond Police Station
Stop into the Edmond Police Station to see Santa on Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids can pose for photos with Santa and Edmond police officers.
Dec. 21
Oklahoma City Museum of Art
Every Saturday in December, OKCMOA is hosting drop-in art activities for families. Kids can create holiday cards, shrinky dinky ornaments and more!
Each week will feature a different activity and on Dec. 21 Santa will join the festivities to help fill the holiday frames created. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., stop in to take a photo with Santa and then create a handmade holiday frame to hold the fun new memory.
All activities are free with admission and are come-and-go; no registration is needed. Bonus – Kids 17 and under always get in free to the museum.
For even more places to get your photo with Santa, check out our guide to find Santa around the metro!
