Festive holiday activities for families

It’s time to gear up for all those fun ideal family activities that have become holiday traditions, maybe even add a few new ones to the mix. Here’s just a sampling of events happening near your Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods community, and around our great state to get you started, courtesy of Travel Oklahoma.

Safari Lights • Through January 9

Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden, Oklahoma City

There is a larger-than-life drive-through light display featuring more than 59 wildlife-themed light sculptures. Holiday cheer abounds with animated light displays, festive treats, kids activities, and weekend visits with Santa. Safari Lights also includes a separate walking experience with interactive light exhibits, musical light performances, and plenty of winter magic as guests journey through the zoo’s entry plaza, Children’s Zoo, and Dino Safari. Attendees can also pre-order hot chocolate and kettle corn to make the ride extra cozy. Online reservations required; see pricing online.

The Polar Express • Through December 31

Oklahoma Railway Museum, Oklahoma City

All aboard The Polar Express! You and the family can make holiday memories that last a lifetime. Listen to an exciting reading of Christmas stories while settling into your railway seat sipping hot chocolate. Your holiday train ride also features Christmas carols, cookies, a visit with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, and goodie bags for the kids. Each ticket includes fantastic entertainment, delicious hot chocolate, a scrumptious cookie, and a keepsake sleigh bell to take home. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride. See pricing online.

Lyric Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol” • Through December 23

Harn Homestead, Oklahoma City

Lyric Theatre celebrates the 11th anniversary of their outdoor production of “A Christmas Carol,” whisking audiences away to a magical holiday village nestled in the heart of Oklahoma City. Follow Charles Dickens’ classic tale of transformation and redemption as guides escort you from scene to scene at the Homestead. Tickets are limited to 150 patrons per performance, and all performances will be held outdoors. The venue does not have seating and requires patrons to walk from scene to scene during the 75-minute production. See pricing online.

Crest on Ice • Through January 3

Crest Foods, 2550 Mt. Williams Dr., Norman

It’s a holiday ice skating adventure in Norman, during Crest on Ice, located in the Crest Foods parking lot. This seasonal rink features 4,100 square feet of real ice. Bring your own skates or rent a pair at the rink. Perfect for all ages! Hours and pricing online.

Winterfest • Through January 3

Downtown Tulsa

Bring friends and family to enjoy this annual holiday tradition and share the joyful spirit of the season. You'll find outdoor ice skating, Oklahoma’s tallest outdoor Christmas tree, horse-drawn carriages rides, live entertainment, and beautiful holiday light displays. Plus, don't forget favorite concessions and a holiday market with unique made-in-Oklahoma gifts. Check online for more information.

Devon Ice Rink • Through January 30

113 S. Robinson Ave., Oklahoma City

Get ready for another great winter of outdoor ice skating. Skate across 5,500 square feet of real ice and enjoy seasonal food and beverage offerings. Lose yourself in a magical, park-like atmosphere surrounded by the glittering lights of the Devon Ice Rink. See hours and pricing online.

Yukon Ice Rink • Through January 2

500 W. Vandament Ave., Yukon

Head to Chisholm Trail Park, in Yukon, where skaters of all ages can enjoy a great winter of outdoor ice skating on 4,100 square feet of real ice. You can bring your own skates or rent them at the park. And be sure to stroll through the park to enjoy the festive light displays. See hours and pricing online.

Edmond Electric’s Luminance – An Enchanted Stroll • Through January 2

Mitch Park, Edmond

You can take an exciting walk-through holiday light display in Edmond’s Mitch Park. On this delightful stroll, you can enjoy the glittering lights with the whole family. These 3D lighted displays and picture-worthy sets will brighten your winter months! See hours online.

Chickasha Festival of Light • Through December 31

Shannon Springs Park, Chickasha

One of the top holiday light shows in the country is the Chickasha Festival of Light. This location features more than 3.5 million twinkling lights in Shannon Springs Park. Drive through the displays and enjoy dazzling light scenes, animated displays, and a computer-animated light show synchronized to favorite holiday tunes. You can also get out of the car and experience a magical ride through the park in a horse-drawn carriage. Plus, you'll find delicious treats at the food truck park, Santa Claus, pop-up shops, and a few amusement park-style rides for the kids. See hours online.

Christmas in the Park • Through December 31

Yukon City Park, Freedom Trail Park, and Chisholm Trail Park in Yukon

Christmas in the Park is a beautiful lighted drive through three interconnecting parks. This park has more than 100 acres of Christmas cheer that includes more than 500 displays and five million lights. The highlights include a 50-foot lighted Christmas tree, the Santa Express train ride, and an ice skating rink. You can also get up-close and personal to the lights with a walking tour. This is one of the oldest and most popular traditions in Yukon. Admission to Christmas in the Park is free, but donations are merrily accepted. There is a small fee for the train ride. See hours online.

Holiday in the Park • Through January 2

Frontier City Theme Park, Oklahoma City

You can see the magic of a million lights sparkling throughout Frontier City at this annual holiday event. Experience the fast-paced thrills of roller coasters while enjoying enchanting holiday-themed shows and classic Christmas films. Santa Claus will be available for pictures at the tree lighting.  You can also sip flavored hot chocolate, snack on bonfire s’mores, or a mint chocolate funnel cake. See pricing and hours online.

Downtown in December • Through January 30

Downtown Oklahoma City

Spend your holidays experiencing fun activities as downtown Oklahoma City is turned into a winter wonderland. Outdoor ice skating at Devon Ice Rink, snow tubing at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, beautifully lit areas, and plenty of holiday cheer for the entire family. Join holiday carolers aboard one of the water taxis while enjoying a ride down the Bricktown Canal. And holiday pop-up shops will be back for a unique shopping experience in Midtown. Check out the website for more information and activities.

Limo Holiday Lights Tours • Through December 30

Citywide, Oklahoma City

Schedule a two-hour tour of the city’s most spectacular holiday lights via VIP Limos and enjoy a smooth ride past vibrant light displays. You can book a seasonal tour, sit back, and relax while taking in the brilliant views. For reservations and pricing,  or call 405.752.5466.

Pollard Theatre presents “It’s a Wonderful Life” •  Through December 23

Pollard Theatre, Guthrie

Get in the Christmas spirit with an enchanting performance of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” at the Pollard Theatre in Guthrie. A beloved holiday classic that tells the story of George Bailey as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve but learns through his guardian angel that he has indeed helped people throughout his life. Ticket information and performance times are available online.

There are many more exciting holiday events coming up. Or if you’re a cowboy at heart, check out the Reining Horse Association’s Futurity Championship at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, or the calf roping finals at Lazy E Arena in Guthrie. There’s also plenty of holiday shopping at pop-up shops around the state. Check out travelok.com for all the holiday-related events and concerts coming your way this season and enjoy your ideal Christmas!

More Events:

• FAM Winter Holiday Arts Market
• Downtown in December Lights on Broadway
• Blanchard's Christmas on Main
• Enid's The One