Oklahoma City’s holiday calendar is filling up, but some of the best Christmas experiences around town won’t cost you anything.
From more than 600,000 lights illuminating Automobile Alley to free Santa photos in Bricktown, there are plenty of ways to celebrate without buying a ticket. Downtown in December is also celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026, bringing another season of holiday traditions, family activities, and festive attractions to the city.
Here are 10 free holiday events and activities happening around Oklahoma City this November and December, including dates, locations, and a few tips to help plan your visit.
Free Holiday Events in Oklahoma City for 2026
Before making plans, here’s a quick look at some of the free Christmas activities scheduled around Oklahoma City.
| Event | Date & Time | Location | What’s Free |
| OKC Tree Lighting Festival | Nov. 12, 5:30–7:30 PM | Bricktown | Santa photos, performances, crafts |
| Red Earth TreeFest | Nov. 13–Jan. 1, weekdays 10 AM–5 PM | BancFirst Tower | Holiday tree exhibition |
| Santa Paws | Nov. 22, 1–3 PM | Midtown | Pet photos with Santa |
| The National’s Tree Lighting | Nov. 27, 4–6 PM | The National | Carolers, Santa, cocoa and cookies |
| Holiday Pop-Up Shops | Nov. 27–Dec. 20, Fri.–Sun. | Midtown | Admission and browsing |
| Downtown Library Tree Lighting | Nov. 30, 6–8 PM | Downtown Library | Crafts, music and treats |
| Lights On Broadway | Dec. 5 & 12, 4–7 PM | Automobile Alley | Santa photos, entertainment, activities |
| Saints Santa Run Kids’ Dash | Dec. 5, 9:45 AM | Midtown | Kids’ Dash and selected activities |
| Winter Remix | Dec. 12, 1–4 PM | Oklahoma Contemporary | Art activities and family programming |
| Downtown Holiday Lights | Nov.–Jan. | Downtown OKC | Public Christmas light displays |
All events offer free admission or a specific free activity. Some locations also offer optional paid food, shopping, or other experiences.
1. Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
Time: 5:30–7:30 PM
Location: Mickey Mantle Plaza, 2 S. Mickey Mantle Drive
Admission: Free
Oklahoma City is kicking off its holiday celebrations in Bricktown with the 25th annual Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival.
The two-hour celebration brings together live music, holiday dance performances, free Santa photos, face painting, balloon art, and activities for children. Families can stop at the Letters to Santa station, decorate ornaments, and enjoy complimentary samples from participating downtown restaurants.
At 6 PM, Mayor David Holt will lead the countdown to illuminate the Bricktown Christmas tree, which will remain on display through New Year’s Day.
This is one of the better options for families hoping to enjoy several Christmas activities in one place without paying admission.
Visitors can also take advantage of free event parking at the Compress lot, located at 101 SE 2nd Street, or ride the free OKC Streetcar to Bricktown.
Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival details
2. Red Earth TreeFest
Dates: November 13, 2026 – January 1, 2027
Hours: Monday–Friday, 10 AM–5 PM
Location: Red Earth Art Center, BancFirst Tower, 100 N. Broadway Avenue
Admission: Free
Christmas trees can tell stories, and that’s exactly what visitors will discover at Red Earth TreeFest.
Instead of traditional department-store decorations, the exhibition features trees created by Oklahoma Tribal Nations and Native organizations. Handmade ornaments, artwork, and cultural designs reflect the history and traditions of the participating communities.
Visitors can explore the displays at their own pace and read educational information about the communities represented.
The exhibition offers a meaningful way to celebrate the holiday season while learning about Oklahoma’s Native cultures.
It’s also a convenient indoor activity for colder days, particularly for families looking for something educational to do during the holiday season.
TreeFest is scheduled during weekday business hours, so visitors should confirm holiday closures before making plans around Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Day.
Red Earth TreeFest information
3. Santa Paws in Midtown
Date: Sunday, November 22, 2026
Time: 1–3 PM
Location: Midtown Sport Courts area
Admission: Free
Christmas photos aren’t just for people. Oklahoma City dog owners can bring their pets to Santa Paws for their own holiday portraits.
The event offers free professional photos with Santa, along with opportunities for owners to take their own pictures. An attendant will also be available to help capture those holiday moments.
Professional photos will be shared with participating attendees who provide an email address and posted on Facebook following the event.
It’s an especially fun option for anyone hoping to include their dog in this year’s Christmas cards without booking a separate photography session.
Bring a phone or camera for additional pictures, and allow extra time for pets to adjust to the activity around them.
The organizer’s event listings identify different nearby Midtown venues, so confirm the exact photo location on the official event page before visiting.
4. The National’s Great Christmas Tree Lighting
Date: Friday, November 27, 2026
Time: 4–6 PM
Location: The National, 120 N. Robinson Avenue
Admission: Free
A historic downtown landmark will be celebrating Christmas with an indoor tree-lighting ceremony, holiday carolers, and complimentary treats.
The National’s Great Christmas Tree Lighting takes place inside the building’s Great Hall, where visitors can enjoy festive performances, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and write letters to Santa.
Complimentary cookies and hot cocoa will also be available during the celebration.
The main Christmas tree lighting happens at 4:30 PM, giving visitors an opportunity to participate in the ceremony before exploring other downtown holiday attractions.
No reservations are required, and the celebration is open to the public.
Families interested in attending the actual tree lighting should arrive before 4:30 PM.
Holiday events at The National
5. Holiday Pop-Up Shops in Midtown
Dates: November 27 – December 20, 2026
Hours: Friday–Saturday, 10 AM–8 PM; Sunday, 10 AM–6 PM
Location: 399 NW 10th Street
Admission: Free to enter
Midtown’s Holiday Pop-Up Shops bring a festive outdoor shopping experience to Oklahoma City, even for visitors who simply want to browse.
The seasonal shopping village features a rotating selection of Oklahoma-owned businesses selling gifts, handmade products, and other holiday merchandise.
Each weekend introduces a different group of participating vendors, giving visitors a reason to return throughout December.
Along with browsing the shops, families can enjoy the decorated surroundings, take holiday photos, and visit nearby Midtown attractions.
Purchases are optional, making this an easy stop during a holiday outing downtown.
For anyone planning to drive, the organizers provide free customer parking in the lot directly north of the event during operating hours. The location is also close to the OKC Streetcar’s NW 10th Street and Hudson Avenue stop.
Holiday Pop-Up Shops information
6. Downtown Library Holiday Tree Lighting
Date: Monday, November 30, 2026
Time: 6–8 PM
Location: Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library, 300 Park Avenue
Admission: Free
The Downtown Library is joining Oklahoma City’s holiday celebrations with an evening of music, creativity, and a Christmas tree lighting.
Scheduled activities include holiday crafts, festive music, sweet treats, and a countdown to the tree lighting in the library’s atrium.
The celebration is open to all ages, making it an appealing choice for families with children as well as adults looking for a relaxed holiday event.
Unlike larger outdoor festivals, this indoor celebration offers a chance to participate in seasonal activities while spending time at one of downtown’s public spaces.
It’s also a nice option for families hoping to fit a free Christmas activity into a weekday evening.
Downtown Library event details
7. Lights On Broadway in Automobile Alley
Dates: Saturday, December 5 and Saturday, December 12, 2026
Time: 4–7 PM
Location: Automobile Alley, North Broadway Avenue
Admission: Free
More than 600,000 colorful LED lights will decorate the historic buildings of Automobile Alley this holiday season, creating one of downtown Oklahoma City’s most recognizable Christmas displays.
On December 5 and 12, the district takes the celebration further with Lights On Broadway, featuring free family activities and entertainment along the sidewalks.
Visitors can enjoy face painting, caricatures, balloon art, music, and photos with Santa while exploring the decorated storefronts.
Santa will be available from 4–6 PM at 1001 N. Broadway Avenue, appearing alongside a 1929 Mercedes-Benz as a tribute to Automobile Alley’s automotive history. Visitors should bring their own camera for photos.
The neighborhood is particularly appealing after sunset, when the illuminated buildings create a colorful backdrop for walking and taking pictures.
Even outside the two scheduled event dates, the holiday light displays remain a free attraction throughout the season.
8. Free Kids’ Dash at the Saints Santa Run
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Event hours: 9 AM–12 PM
Kids’ Dash: 9:45 AM
Location: SSM Health St. Anthony, 535 NW 9th Street
Admission: Free Kids’ Dash and selected activities
For families who enjoy getting outside and staying active, the Saints Santa Run brings a different kind of holiday celebration to Midtown.
The event features a festive 5K, a one-mile fun run, and a costume contest, with participants encouraged to dress in Christmas-themed outfits.
While the longer races require paid registration, children ages eight and younger can participate in the free Kids’ Dash at 9:45 AM.
Families can also enjoy free face painting, holiday music, and live chalk art at the finish-line celebration.
There’s plenty to see even for visitors who aren’t participating in the longer races, including creative costumes and runners making their way through the neighborhood.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Families attending for the Kids’ Dash should check the organizer’s participation instructions before arriving.
9. Oklahoma Contemporary’s Winter Remix
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Time: 1–4 PM
Location: Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11th Street
Admission: Free
Looking for something beyond Christmas lights and Santa visits? Oklahoma Contemporary is hosting a free afternoon of winter-inspired creativity.
Second Saturday XL: Winter Remix is part of the arts center’s family-friendly programming, which encourages visitors to explore art through hands-on activities and creative projects.
The expanded Second Saturday events offer multiple art-making experiences throughout the campus, giving children and adults opportunities to participate together.
Winter Remix will feature seasonal activities and artistic experiences designed around the winter season.
For families looking for an indoor activity during December, this offers a change from the usual holiday festivals and shopping events.
There’s also an opportunity to combine two free activities on the same day. Winter Remix ends at 4 PM, just as Lights On Broadway begins in nearby Automobile Alley.
Oklahoma Contemporary Second Saturday events
10. Free Holiday Light Displays Around Downtown OKC
Dates: November 2026 – January 2027
Location: Multiple downtown districts
Admission: Free
Not every Christmas outing needs to revolve around a scheduled event.
Throughout the holiday season, several downtown Oklahoma City neighborhoods will feature public light displays that visitors can enjoy on their own schedule.
Some of the most popular areas include:
- Automobile Alley: More than 600,000 LED lights decorate historic buildings along Broadway Avenue. The display is visible from a vehicle, although walking provides a closer view.
- Bricktown: Christmas lights illuminate the Bricktown Canal, and the holiday tree near the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark provides another place to stop for photos.
- City Center: Downtown’s business district features seasonal decorations and lighting around its streets and public spaces.
- Deep Deuce: Colorful lights brighten areas along NE 2nd Street and Oklahoma Avenue.
- Midtown: Holiday decorations and the Christmas tree near the Pop-Up Shops add to the neighborhood’s seasonal atmosphere.
These displays are among the easiest free holiday activities to enjoy because visitors can choose their own route and spend as much or as little time exploring as they like.
For families interested in Christmas photos, Automobile Alley and Bricktown are especially good starting points.
Explore downtown holiday light displays
Which Free Oklahoma City Holiday Events Are Worth Visiting?
With so many activities scheduled throughout November and December, choosing where to go may depend on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
For families with young children: The Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival offers several free activities in one location, including Santa photos, performances, crafts, and the Christmas tree lighting.
For Christmas photos: Lights On Broadway provides illuminated buildings, colorful street decorations, and an opportunity to take free pictures with Santa.
For an indoor activity: Red Earth TreeFest offers a chance to enjoy holiday decorations while learning about Oklahoma’s Native cultures.
For something creative: Winter Remix at Oklahoma Contemporary gives families an opportunity to participate in free art activities.
For an easy evening outing: The public holiday lights in Bricktown and Automobile Alley are convenient choices when you prefer exploring without a fixed event schedule.
How to Enjoy Oklahoma City’s Holiday Events Without Spending Much
Free admission is a great starting point, but parking, transportation, and food expenses can still add up. A little planning can help keep an outing affordable.
Take Advantage of the Free OKC Streetcar
The OKC Streetcar became free to ride year-round in August 2026, making it easier to explore downtown without paying a transit fare.
The streetcar operates seven days a week along two loops with 22 stops, connecting areas such as Bricktown, Midtown, Automobile Alley, and City Center.
Visitors can park in one location and use the streetcar to travel between nearby attractions instead of moving their vehicle throughout the evening.
Current routes and schedules are available through EMBARK’s OKC Streetcar website.
Check Parking Before Leaving Home
Free events can attract large crowds, especially during tree-lighting ceremonies and weekend celebrations.
Some event organizers provide designated free parking. The Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival lists the Compress lot at 101 SE 2nd Street, while the Holiday Pop-Up Shops offer free customer parking directly north of the event during shopping hours.
Other downtown locations have street parking, garages, and paid lots.
Checking parking information ahead of time can make arriving easier, particularly when traveling with children.
Plan Two Free Activities on the Same Day
One of the advantages of downtown Oklahoma City’s holiday celebrations is that several attractions are located near one another.
On November 12, visitors can attend the Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival and enjoy the decorated Bricktown Canal afterward.
December 12 offers another opportunity to enjoy multiple activities. Families can visit Oklahoma Contemporary’s Winter Remix from 1–4 PM before heading to Automobile Alley for Lights On Broadway from 4–7 PM.
Another simple outing is browsing the Midtown Holiday Pop-Up Shops and walking through the nearby Christmas decorations.
Combining nearby activities can help families enjoy more of the season without making multiple trips across the city.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Christmas Activities in OKC
Where can you see Christmas lights for free in Oklahoma City?
Automobile Alley, Bricktown, City Center, Deep Deuce, and Midtown offer free public holiday light displays during the 2026 season. Automobile Alley is especially popular for the colorful lights decorating buildings along Broadway Avenue, while Bricktown features illuminated displays around the canal.
Where can kids take free pictures with Santa in OKC?
Free Santa photo opportunities are scheduled during the Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival on November 12 and Lights On Broadway on December 5 and 12. Santa Paws on November 22 also offers free holiday photos for dogs and their owners.
Are there free indoor Christmas activities in Oklahoma City?
Yes. Red Earth TreeFest, the Downtown Library Holiday Tree Lighting, The National’s Great Christmas Tree Lighting, and Oklahoma Contemporary’s Winter Remix all offer free indoor holiday experiences.
What are some free Christmas activities for families in OKC?
Families can enjoy the Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival, holiday lights in Automobile Alley, free activities at the Saints Santa Run, and hands-on art projects at Winter Remix. Several downtown attractions also offer free admission throughout the holiday season.
Enjoy the Holiday Season in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City has plenty happening this holiday season, and enjoying the festivities doesn’t have to mean spending money.
With free Christmas lights, Santa visits, cultural exhibitions, and family activities scheduled throughout November and December, there’s something to enjoy almost every weekend.
Pick a few events, check the schedules, and make the most of Christmas in OKC this year.
Event dates, hours, activities, and availability may change. Check each organizer’s official website for the latest information before visiting.