To-Do in December: 2022 December Calendar
By: Liam Ford
As we get into the colder seasons, people have a tendency to huddle indoors for warmth. This makes it easy to neglect our social lives during the winter. This year, I’ve compiled a list of places, restaurants, and events for friends, families, and date nights to help balance staying warm and our social lives this December.
Fun with Family and Friends
The Winterfest ice rink at night, Downtown Tulsa. (Photo credit: tulsakids.com)
For the last 15 years, Arvest Bank has hosted the Winterfest event in Downtown Tulsa from November 19th until January 8th. For 45 days, you can attend Winterfest all day starting at 5 pm on weekdays and 12pm on weekends. Ranked as the top holiday destination in Oklahoma by People Magazine, Winterfest offers a variety of festive activities.
The festival is entirely free to attend and wander about, with the entire street lit and a behemoth Christmas tree in the center of the block. For a $12 general admission fee, anyone can rent a pair of skates and skate on their 9,000 square feet of maintained ice. Discounts are offered for large groups, ex-military members, Arvest Bank members, and those who bring their own skates. Additionally, with reservations, there are carriage rides at Winterfest for variable costs run by AVA K’s carriage services. Is it located at 398-360 W 3rd St, Tulsa, OK 74103.
Philbrook Garden during the holiday season festival night. (Photo credit: philbrook.org)
Philbrook Christmas Decorations and Storytime in the Garden with Tulsa Zoo
The Philbrook is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful houses in Oklahoma, converted into a museum in the 1900s, it boasts a large open foyer that leads to an elegant patio overlooking an expansive, well-maintained garden. During the Christmas season, Philbrook puts up lights and other Christmas decorations to embrace the holiday spirit, hosting multiple festival celebrations throughout the month of December. The best part about the art museum is that general admission is entirely free for students.
This December 8th from 10 am to 10:30 am, as well as some other dates throughout the month, the Tulsa Zoo will be hosting an open storytime in the Philbrook Garden. This makes the museum great for parents, friends, and young kids. Storytime is free with general admission. Located at 2727 S Rockford Rd, Tulsa, OK 74114, The Philbrook can’t be missed.
Best Date Nights
Jingle on the Hill at Chandler Park
Chandler Park is hosting their annual Jingle on the Hill event this December 3rd all day. The park is decorated to embrace the season and with activities for all ages. The event is ideal for a date night, where you and your significant other can create ornaments, decorate stockings, have a snowball fight (with fake snowballs), participate in a homemade ugly sweater contest, trim Christmas trees, and shop their Christmas market for last-minute gifts.
Chandler Park also has food trucks and live music to eat and relax in between activities. Jingle on the Hill can be great for couples with young kids since they also host a storytime with elves and a meeting with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. At a price of $1 per person cash or card, you can’t beat this much fun for such a low cost. Find the event at 1 W 3rd St #100, Tulsa, OK 74103.
Gypsy coffee is a coffee shop that strives to welcome all people from all walks of life. Every Tuesday from 3 pm-10 pm this December, Gypsy coffee will be hosting a unique open mic night, where only originals can be performed. Relax with a hot chocolate, coffee, tea, or baked treat and watch people showcase their skills at open mic night, or showcase your own! Gypsy is complete with seasonal decorations and festivities with a friendly environment. Find Gypsy at 303 M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Tulsa, OK 74103.
December Dining
Elote combines classic Mexican with locally sourced ingredients to bring you fresh food from across borders. Elote is known for its environmentally friendly practices and for hosting Lucha Libre fighting arts. On December 10th from 11 am-2 pm, Elote will be hosting a drag brunch, complete with activities like singing and lip-syncing, dancing, and comedy skits where they interact with the audience. Elote is located at 514 S Boston Ave, Tulsa, OK 74103.
Roosevelt's is the perfect place for those looking for one of two things, or both! Gastropubs offer high-quality pub foods in a traditional pub environment. Roosevelt’s is known for their yearly festivities and elaborate decorations, spanning the month of December that turns its restaurant into a winter wonderland. Find the restaurant at 1551 E 15th St, Tulsa, OK 74120.
Sights to see this Winter
Central Rhema Park during the annual lighting. (Photo credit: rhemalights.org)
As of Thanksgiving Eve, Rhema Bible Church has activated its annual lights at Rhema Park. The park has over a million individual lights supported entirely by donations made to resemble Christmas characters, nativity scenes, and neatly decorated trees complete with a music-synced light show on a bridge, which you are free to cross. The lights are on from 5:30-11:30 PM every day and a stroll through the park is entirely free. There are lots of backdrops formed by Christmas lights for photo opportunities throughout the park, and a central pond with ducks you can totally feed. Rhema also hosts concessions, selling hot drinks and winter treats that are perfect for any occasion. Find Rhema at 1025 W Kenosha St, Broken Arrow, OK 74012.
Oklahoma City Tree, Bricktown OK on the night of the festival. (Photo credit: onlyinyourstate.com)
If you’re the friend who gets excited for a good road trip, this one might be for you! Every year in Oklahoma City on the Mickey Mantle Plaza of the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, there is a festival hosted in mid-November where they light and present a huge Christmas tree that remains for the rest of the holiday season. Here, you can get away from home, shop on the Bricktown strips, and see the biggest tree of your life all at once. Find the tree at 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.
Performing Arts
This December 2nd at 7:30 pm in the Tulsa PAC, guests can watch (or rewatch) the Christmas classic “Elf” movie with a twist: all music from the movie will be performed live on stage alongside the film by the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. Ticket prices range from $20-$64.50 per person, making it an affordable and immersive way to begin the holiday season. The PAC is located at 110 E 2nd St, Tulsa, OK 74103
The Nutcracker ballet and Music
Also at the Tulsa PAC during the listen dates and times will be the Tulsa Ballet performing the Nutcracker Play and Music. From elegant choreography to fantastic costumes and beautiful sets, this is a must-attend for anyone interested in the fine arts this winter.
Showings for The Nutcracker Play and Music:
Friday, December 10 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 11 2:00 PM
Saturday, December 11 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 12 2:00 PM
Friday, December 17 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 18 2:00 PM
Saturday, December 18 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 19 2:00 PM
110 E 2nd St, Tulsa, OK 74103
For more activities in December, you can check the Google Events and Google Calendar!