Philbrook's Festival of Trees runs through Dec. 11.
Get a head start on the holiday. Rhema's Christmas light display begins Wednesday.
Winterfest, outside the BOK Center, begins Friday.
There's really only one event related to Thanksgiving. It's the relay and marathon of potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, turkey, cranberry sauce and pecan pie.
It's a singular event, with Christmas preceding and following it in big ways. We're already in the Christmas season, like it or not, when it comes to happenings and events in Tulsa. Here's a taste of what's going on this week.
Monday: French storytimeMost parents of small children know when and where to go for the best story hours. There's no shortage, as the Tulsa libraries have great children's programs. But here's one that was new to me. On the third Monday of each month, it's L'heure du conte, or French storytime, at the Brookside Library.
Stories are read in French, and children from toddlers up to age 5 are invited. Alliance Francaise prefers an RSVP, so if you're interested, email
rsvp@aftulsa.org.
When: 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.
Where: Brookside Library, 1207 E. 45th Place
Cost: Free
Tuesday: Festival of TreesPhilbrook's Festival of Trees kicked off Saturday. If you missed opening weekend, you still have time to go, as the exhibit runs during regular museum hours through Dec. 11. Check out the trees, designed and decorated by school groups and local artists. It's an appropriate outing for adults or kids.
When: Philbrook's hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, except for Thursday when it's open until 8 p.m. Closed Mondays and on Thanksgiving.
Where: Philbrook Museum, 2727 S. Rockford Road
Cost: $11. Free to museum members and those 18 and younger
Wednesday: Rhema Lights OnThis is the big one. In the Tulsa area, Rhema is considered the light of all lights when it comes to Christmas. Rhema's display is big enough that you can park your car and walk around, seeing it all up close. But it's also fun to watch from your car window.
When: Begins 5:30 p.m. Wednesday and runs through January 1. Lights are on until 11:30 p.m. each night.
Where: Rhema Bible Church, 1025 W. Kenosha St. in Broken Arrow
Cost: Free
Thursday: Lights On at Utica SquareIt's a Tulsa tradition: Eat turkey and pumpkin pie until you're stuffed, and then head to Utica Square to ring in the start of the Christmas season. The lights flip on at 6:30 p.m., and the event includes live music, hot chocolate and cider and Santa.
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Utica Square, 21st Street and Utica Avenue
Cost: Free
Note: Come early for a decent parking space. Or, plan on parking outside of the square and walking.
Friday: WinterfestIt's the opening day for Winterfest, where part of downtown is taken over by a giant Christmas tree and skating rink. It all begins Friday with live entertainment, concessions, hose-drawn carriage rides and weenie dog races.
When: Begins 9 a.m. Friday. Runs daily through Jan. 2. Go to
tulsaworld.com/bok for a compete schedule
Where: BOK Center, 200 N. Denver Ave.
Cost: Free
Saturday: Frank Phillips Christmas home tourHere's a pretty way to start the season. Tour the Frank Phillips home in Bartlesville, where each room is decorated with trees, fresh flowers and traditional pieces used by the Phillips family themselves.
When: Tours at 10 and 11 a.m. and 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Saturday. The house will be open and decorated for Christmas until Dec. 24 when it closes for the holiday.
Where: 1107 S. Cherokee Ave. in Bartlesville
Cost: $5
For more: Call 918-366-2491, ext. 103
