Tulsa Holiday Guide: Holiday festivities schedule includes parades, performances, light displays

BY NOUR HABIB & JASON ASHLEY WRIGHT World Scene Writers
Thursday, November 22, 2012
12/06/12 at 11:12 AM

Here's a selection of activities, featuring many that can be enjoyed as late as Jan. 6.

DOWNTOWN

Winterfest outside the BOK Center will feature a 9,000-square-foot skating rink and a 44-foot Christmas tree with more than 35,000 lights. Courtesy

Nov. 23-Jan. 6

Winterfest
Outside BOK Center, Third Street and Denver Avenue
Winterfest, presented by Arvest Bank and the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation, returns for the fifth year. Attractions include a 9,000-square-foot outdoor skating rink, carriage rides, visits from "Segway Santa" and a warming tent set up outside the ice rink. A 44-foot Christmas tree will feature more than 35,000 lights. $5 for children 12 and younger, $8 for adults; free Dec. 9. For hours, tulsaworld.com/winterfest

Nov. 26-Dec. 28

Pop-up Shopping
Boston Avenue, Fifth to Seventh streets 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
The Deco District's Pop-up Shopping event also returns this year. About 12-15 shops will participate in the Thompson, Philcade, Enterprise and Ponca City Savings & Loan buildings along Boston Avenue. Overhead holiday lighting will be set up in the area.

Dec. 6

Trans-Siberian Orchestra
BOK Center, 200 S. Denver
7:30 p.m.
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra will present the live debut of its multi-platinum rock opera "The Lost Christmas Eve," featuring elements of rock, classical, folk, Broadway and R&B music. $32-$72.50 at tulsaworld.com/bok, Arby's Box Office at BOK Center, all Tickets.com outlets, 866-726-5287.

Dec. 8

Tulsa Holiday Parade of Lights
Blue Dome District
6-7:30 p.m.
This free interfaith celebration includes floats, bands, drill teams, dancers and plenty of bright, colorful lights. Crowd favorites are gigantic helium balloons escorted by teams of balloon wranglers. Free. 918-585-1201.

Holiday Market
BOK Center, 200 S. Denver Ave.
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Holiday Market - featuring vendors selling seasonal gift items such as candles, jewelry, gourmet foods, wine, clothing and artwork - will be set up in the Grand Lobby of the BOK Center.

Dec. 13

Brave Combo Christmas Blast
Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, 111 E. First St.
7 p.m.
This holiday show by Grammy-winning polka band Brave Combo includes everything from the band's trademark version of "Must be Santa" to "O, Christmas Tree" as a samba. $10-$20. 918-281-8609

Dec. 13

Ugly Christmas Sweater Concert 2012
Brady Theater, 105 W. Brady St.
7 p.m., doors open 6 p.m.
This all-ages concert will feature Silversun Pickups, Metric, Passion Pit and Shiny Toy Guns. Concert-goers are encouraged to wear an ugly Christmas sweater and participate in the "Ugliest Christmas Sweater" contest before the show. $37.50 at Reasor's, Starship Records. 866-977-6849, tulsaworld.com/protixDec. 14-16 and 21-23

"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"
Tulsa Convention Center, 100 Civic Center
This musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, with lyrics by Tim Rice, tells the Biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. $22-$32 at tulsaworld.com/conventioncenter, Tickets.com outlets or venue box office. 877-885-7222.

Dec. 15 Red Dirt Christmas
Cain's Ballroom, 423 N. Main St.
Doors open 7 p.m.
The 17th annual Red Dirt Christmas features The Red Dirt Rangers, with The Great Divide, The Damn Quails and Bo Phillips Band. $16-$19 at tulsaworld.com/cains. 918-584-2306

Dec. 16

Christmas Dance with The Round Up Boys Cain's Ballroom, 423 N. Main St.
Doors open 6:15 p.m.
Enjoy a holiday dance at Cain's with Tulsa's Western swing group, The Round-Up Boys. $7 at door. tulsaworld.com/cains

PAC SHOWS The Tulsa Ballet performs "The Nutcracker" at the PAC. JAMES GIBBARD/Tulsa World

Tulsa Performing Arts Center, 918-596-7111
110 E. Second St., tulsaworld.com/mytix

"A Christmas Story"
Liddy Doenges Theatre | 7:30 p.m. Nov. 28-30; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1
This production features all the elements of the 1983 comedy movie, based on stories from Jean Shepherd's book, "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash." $11-$16

"Side by Side"
Chapman Music Hall | 2 p.m. Dec. 2
Local high school musicians and singers will perform a concert of choral and instrumental Christmas music, alongside the Tulsa Symphony and Tulsa Oratorio Chorus. $20.

Tulsa Festival Ringers
John H. Williams Theatre | 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Dec. 5
Enjoy the handbell choir's performance of holiday music on the snowy set of the upcoming "A Christmas Carol." Free.

"A Christmas Carol"
John H. Williams Theatre | 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6-8, 12-15 and 19-22; 2 p.m. Dec. 9, 16, 23
American Theatre Company's classic musical returns for the 35th year. Watch Scrooge's transformation as he embraces the spirit of Christmas in Robert Odle's and Richard Averill's adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic story. $12-$30.

"A Charlie Brown Christmas"
Liddy Doenges Theatre | 7 p.m. Dec. 7, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 8, and 2 p.m. Dec. 9
All your favorite Charlie Brown characters are back for this holiday performance. $10-$20.

Tulsa Ballet: "The Nutcracker"
Chapman Music Hall | 2 p.m. Dec. 8-9, 15-16 and 22-23; 7 p.m. Dec. 15 and 22
A magical holiday experience set in 1920s Paris, featuring Tchaikovsky's score and new choreography by Tulsa Ballet Artistic Director Marcello Angelini. The Tulsa Symphony performs live at every performance. $20-$78.

"The Eight: Reindeer Monologues"
Liddy Doenges Theatre | 8 p.m. Dec. 13-15 and 20-22; 2 p.m. Dec. 16 and 23
Santa and his elves are seen in a different light in Jeff Goode's dark Christmas comedy, full of accusations of sexual harassment, corruption and perversion. $10-$15.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Chapman Music Hall | 8 p.m. Dec. 29, 2 p.m. Dec. 30
Want Christmas to last a few more days? Attend this live performance by the multi-platinum-selling recording group Mannheim Steamroller, known for its "modern arrangements of traditional holiday music," according to the PAC. Tickets on sale 10 a.m. Dec. 3.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Ongoing

45th annual Lights On at Utica Square
21st Street and Utica Avenue
Free. 918-588-5212

Glow on the Green
Guthrie Green, 111 E. Brady St.
Free. tulsaworld.com/guthriegreen

Through New Year's Day

30th annual Christmas lights at Rhema Bible Church
1025 W. Kenosha, Broken Arrow
5:30-11:30 p.m. nightly
This spectacular display features 2 million lights, plus a 50-figure nativity scene, horse-and-buggy rides, hot cocoa, hot dogs and pictures with Santa. Free, but donations appreciated. 918-258-1588, ext. 2314

Thanksgiving through New Year's Day

Christmas Kingdom at the Castle
Castle of Muskogee, 3400 W. Fern Mountain Road
6-10 p.m.
Billed as having one of the world's largest collections of holiday inflatables, this event features more than 2,000 displays, plus a tractor-drawn hayride, horse-drawn carriage rides, petting zoo, gift shop, even a holiday movie at the castle. Free, but donations appreciated. 918-687-3625

Thanksgiving to New Years Day

Garden of Lights
Honor Heights Park, North 48th Street West and North 40th Street, Muskogee
5:30-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and 5:30-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays
More than 1 million lights shimmer in the park's 120 acres, including rose and azalea bushes illuminated in colors mimicking their natural blooms. You'll also see lit wildlife displays among the trees. Free, but donations appreciated. 918-684-6302, press 0

Through Dec. 30

Fantasy Land of Lights
Johnstone Park, 100 N. Cherokee Ave., Bartlesville
6-10 p.m. nightly
Drive-through light display with millions of glowing bulbs, incorporating holiday favorites and local history. Free, tulsaworld.com/fantasylandoflights

Thanksgiving through Dec. 24

Twin Bridges Park of Lights
14801 S. Oklahoma 137, Fairland
6-9 p.m.
More than 20,000 visitors annually drive through this display, with more than 40 brightly lit holiday features. Free, but donations are appreciated. 918-542-6969

Nov. 23 through Dec. 23

Woolaroc Wonderland of Lights
1925 Woolaroc Ranch Road, Bartlesville
5-9 p.m. Fridays-Sundays
More than 600,000 lights illuminate this annual event, with visitors invited to ride a wagon or stroll through the grounds. You can snack on holiday refreshments and visit Santa in the museum. $4 adults, $1 children (11-younger). 918-336-0307

Nov. 23 through Christmas Day

Holiday Lights on the Hill
Chandler Park, 6500 W. 21st St.
Nights
The public is invited to drive through three miles of bright lights and whimsical displays. Also, horse-drawn carriage rides are planned. Free, but donations appreciated. 918-591-6053

Dec. 1

River Lights
41st Street Plaza, 41st Street and Riverside Drive
3:30-5:30 p.m.
Celebrate on the banks of the Arkansas River, with performers from the Spotlight Children's Theater Group and Team Galaxy. Enjoy free refreshments before the grand finale: River Parks switching on this year's lights display. Free. 918-596-2001

FESTIVALS, EVENTS The Philbrook Museum's annual Festival of Trees, which features decorated trees and gingerbread villages made by regional artists and Tulsa children, will run through Dec. 9. STEPHEN PINGRY/Tulsa World

Through Dec. 9

Festival of Trees
Philbrook Museum, 2727 S. Rockford Road
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays
Festival of Trees, which serves as a fundraiser for the museum, features decorated trees and gingerbread villages made by regional artists and Tulsa children. The trees and gingerbread structures will be available for purchase, along with holiday pins and ornaments at the museum shop. $11.

Thanksgiving through New Year's Day

Snowflake Winter Festival
Tahlequah, downtown
This year's skating rink is nearly twice the size of last year's inaugural event. Other highlights include festive holiday decorations, vendors offering various treats and horse-drawn carriage rides. $10 for two hours of skating. For times, see tulsaworld.com/snowflakesched 918-456-3742

Dec. 9

Tuba Christmas
Frank Phillips Home, 1107 S. Cherokee Ave.
Bartlesville
3:30 p.m.
Outdoor concert of holiday classics performed by tuba and euphonium players. Free. 918-336-2491, ext. 103

Dec. 9

Santa Walk
Frank Phillips Home, 1107 S. Cherokee Ave., Bartlesville
2-4 p.m.
Santa re-enactors will portray Old Saint Nick in his many forms from the 16th century through 1907 at stations located throughout the historic mansion. $5 adults, $2 children for Santa Walk; free outside Santa Cottage visits. 918-336-2491, ext. 103

Dec. 21-22

Kiddie Park's A Christmas to Remember
100 N. Cherokee, inside Johnstone Park, Bartlesville, 7 to 9 p.m.
Highlights include Santa's Boogie Woogie Choo Choo train, rides on the Christmas carousel, cartoon characters and clowns, and visits with Santa. Carousel and train rides, $1 each (for scholarships). Guests may also bring canned food items for Salvation Army. tulsaworld.com/kiddiepark

PARADES
The second annual Tulsa Christmas parade at Tulsa Hills will be held on Dec. 8, with 20,000 expected to attend. CHRISTOPHER SMITH/Tulsa World file

Festival of Lights Christmas Parade
Sand Springs, downtown
7 p.m. Nov. 30
Among this event's 100-plus themed entries are lighted displays, decorated floats, marching bands and Santa himself. Free. 918-245-3221

BA Civitan Christmas Parade
Broken Arrow, downtown
10 a.m. Dec. 1
Marching bands, floats and walking groups will be part of this parade. The theme of this year's parade is "A Star Spangled Christmas." Free.

Festival of Lights Parade
Okmulgee, downtown
7 p.m. Dec. 1
One of the state's oldest nighttime parades, this one features more than 1 million lights, numerous floats, local dignitaries and Santa. Free. 918-758-1015

Route 66 Christmas Parade
Miami, downtown | 6 p.m. Dec. 1
Hundreds of visitors will gather to watch more than 100 entries in this annual event, complete with floats and live bands. Free. 918-542-4546

Christmas Parade of Lights
Pawhuska, downtown
5-9 p.m. Dec. 1
This annual offers beautiful light displays, horse-drawn carriage rides and pictures with Old Saint Nick. Food and drink vendors will be available, too. Free. 918-287-1208

Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
Checotah, downtown
4-7 p.m. Dec. 1
In addition to Santa, this parade in country star Carrie Underwood's hometown features floats, marching bands, clowns, horses, fire trucks, antique cars and tractors. Plus, the city will light its Christmas tree in Pocket Park, and you can enjoy music and free refreshments, too. Free. 918-473-2070

Christmas Parade
Nowata, downtown
2 p.m. Dec. 1
A highlight of this annual event is a Christmas-themed float contest with 50-plus entries, as well as marching bands, classic cars, horses and Santa. Free. 918-273-2301

Christmas Parade of Lights
Tahlequah, downtown
6 p.m. Dec. 1
Said to be one of Oklahoma's largest, this holiday parade features elaborate lighted floats, marching bands, elves, horses, classic cars, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Free. 918-456-3742

Christmas Boat Parade
Keystone State Park, 1926 Oklahoma 151
Dusk Dec. 1
Watch boats of all sizes decorated with Christmas lights make their ways across the lake. Free. 918-865-4991

Christmas Parade of Lights
Pryor, downtown
7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 6
See more than 100 entries with 2,000 participants, including floats, marching bands, antique cars, horses and Santa. Free. 918-825-0157

Christmas Parade
Vinita, downtown | 7 p.m. Dec. 6
This holiday event features themed floats, light displays and a visit from Santa Claus. Free. 918-256-7133

Christmas Parade
Pryor, downtown | 7 p.m. Dec. 6
918-825-0157

Tulsa Holiday Parade of Lights
Blue Dome District
6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 8
This free interfaith celebration includes floats, bands, drill teams, dancers and plenty of bright, colorful lights. Crowd favorites are gigantic helium balloons escorted by teams of balloon wranglers. Free. 918-585-1201.

Tulsa Christmas Parade
Tulsa Hills, 7200 S. Olympia Ave.
6 p.m. Dec. 8
About 20,000 are anticipated to attend this year's second annual alternative to downtown Tulsa's rolling holiday show. Free. 918-583-2345

Lighted Christmas Parade
Grove, downtown | 6 p.m. Dec. 8
One of the largest Christmas parades in the area, this annual event has almost 100 lighted floats, plus bands and other local organizations decked out for the holidays. Free. 918-786-9079

Santa Claus is Coming to Town Lighted Christmas Parade
Shidler, downtown | 6 p.m. Dec. 8
Highlights include a lighted float competition, children's seasonal fancy dress competition, decorated bicycles, sweet treats and caroling. Free. 918-793-4171, 918-793-4011

Christmas Parade
Claremore, downtown
6-8 p.m. Dec. 8
More than 200 entries are expected in this parade of lighted floats. It also affords visitors the chance to see downtown light displays. Free. 918-341-2818

Christmas in Cleveland
Cleveland, downtown
6-8 p.m. Dec. 8
This town's holiday kicks off with a parade of lights and decorated floats - and, of course, the Clauses. Free. 918-358-2131

Christmas Parade
Grove, downtown
6 p.m. Dec. 8
Info: 918-786-9079

Christmas Parade
Miami, downtown
6 p.m. Dec. 8
Info: 918-542-4546

Christmas Parade
Owasso, downtown
9:30 a.m. Dec. 8
Info: 918-272-1208

Christmas Parade
Shidler, downtown
6 p.m. Dec. 8
Info: 918-793-4147

FROM “NUTRACKER” TO NATIVITY
The 20th anniversary of the Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker" will be presented Dec. 4 at the Mabee Center. Courtesy

Bethlehem Walk
Christview Christian Church, 2525 S. Garnett Road
6:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 29-30, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 1-2
More than 150 costumed cast members and live animals are part of this 45-minute guided nativity scene outdoor walk. A musical pre-show and free refreshments are also part of the event. Free; reservations required. 918-232-3587 or tulsaworld.com/bethlehemwalk

The Night in Bethlehem
New Beginnings Church, 4104 E. 151st St. South, Bixby
6 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14-16
A walk-through event re-enacting the day Jesus was born. Free.

Tulsa Ballet Winter Celebration
Tulsa Ballet Studio K, 1212 E. 45th Place South
6 p.m. Nov. 29
Support the Tulsa Ballet while watching a series of short pieces during this winter celebration. A reception will precede the show. $75-$250 at tulsaworld.com/winterballet, 918-392-5903.

"A Children's Nutcracker"
Tulsa Community College, VanTrease PACE, 10300 E. 81st St.
2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 1, 2 p.m. Dec. 2
Watch this classic as performed by the South Tulsa Children's Ballet. $15-$25, available at tulsaworld.com/mytix, 918-595-7777.

"12 Gifts of Christmas"
Mabee Center, 7777 S. Lewis Ave.
6:30 p.m. Dec. 2
This three-hour family arena event focused on the meaning and the music of Christmas is hosted by Lisa Whelchel of CBS's "Survivor: Philippines" and "The Facts of Life." Grammy award-winning artists Steven Curtis Chapman and Laura Story; storytellers Patsy Clairmont, Luci Swindoll, Marilyn Meberg and Mary Beth Chapman; comedienne Anita Renfroe; and illusionist Harris III will all be part of the event. $25-$135 at tulsaworld.com/mabee, 918-495-6000.

Shepherd's Cross Living Nativity
Shepherd's Cross, 16792 E. 450 Road, Claremore
10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Dec. 13-15 and 20-22
A walk-through event reminiscent of the first Holy Christmas, featuring animals and live character portrayals that include Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men and angels. Spinning, weaving and wool-working demonstrations; craft activities; and complimentary apple cider and cookies are also part of the event. Free, with suggested donation of $3.

Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker"
Mabee Center, 7777 S. Lewis Ave.
7:30 p.m. Dec. 4
Falling snow, a seven-story tall Christmas tree, silk puppets and hundreds of new costumes - all set to Pytor Tchaikovsky's complete "Nutcracker Suite" score - are all a part of the 20th anniversary production of the "Great Russian Nutcracker." $33.50-$76 at tulsaworld.com/mabee, 918-495-6000.

"Christmas at the Movies" with the Signature Symphony
2:30 p.m. Dec. 16, Broken Arrow PAC, 701 S. Main St.
8 p.m. Dec. 14-15, Tulsa Community College VanTrease PACE, 10300 E. 81st St.
Enjoy the music of classic Christmas movies like "Babes in Toyland," "Holiday Inn," "It's a Wonderful Life," "Miracle on 34th Street," "A Charlie Brown Christmas," "Home Alone" and "The Polar Express." Mark and Kim Frie are the featured vocalists. $15-$30 for BA PAC, $27.50-$49 for VanTrease PACE at tulsaworld.com/mytix, 918-259-5778, 918-595-7777.

CASINOS The Brian Setzer Orchestra brings its Christmas Extravaganza tour to Tulsa on Dec. 13. Courtesy

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
777 W. Cherokee St., Catoosa
918-384-7800, tulsaworld.com/hardrockcasino

8 p.m. Nov. 23, Kenny Rogers. "The Gambler" will return for a third time to The Joint, performing holiday tunes and some of his beloved hits. $45-$65
8 p.m. Nov. 29, The Irish Tenors. Finbar Wright, Anthony Kearns and Ronan Tynan will return to Tulsa to celebrate Christmas and share other traditional selections. $45-$60
8 p.m. Dec. 13, Brian Setzer Orchestra. The Grammy-winning Setzer will bring his Christmas Extravaganza tour to the 918. $45-$65 Center

River Spirit Event
8330 Riverside Parkway
918-299-8518, tulsaworld.com/riverspirit

7 p.m. Dec. 14, Michael Bolton. Fans will be treated to a variety of holiday classics, as well as his popular hits, which include "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You." $50-$70

Osage Event Center
951 W. 36 St. North
918-699-7777, tulsaworld.com/osagecasino

7 p.m. Dec. 3. Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers will warm fans with their Christmas show. $25
6:30 p.m. Dec. 15, Osage Christmas Celebration benefiting the Osage Nation Foundation will feature silent auction, 7 p.m. buffet dinner and 8:30 p.m. performance by Crystal Shawanda performance. $25