If you’re looking for an easy holiday road trip from Dallas that feels festive, Oklahoma City and Tulsa might surprise you! We spent Thanksgiving week exploring both cities, intentionally chasing holiday lights, decorated restaurants, winter walks, and cozy hotel stays. What we found was a relaxed, genuinely cheerful holiday atmosphere that felt easy to enjoy. We recapped our “Very Merry Thanksgiving” road trip itinerary here, in case you want to follow along.
Here are the most festive things to do in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, all based on our real experience.
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1. Stay at The National Hotel in Oklahoma City
If you want your trip to feel special from the moment you walk in, stay at The National.
The building used to be a grand bank, and during the holidays, the soaring lobby glows with garlands, warm lighting, and a massive Christmas tree. It’s incredible!
We wrote more about this stay on our sister-site, Dreamy Travelogues, but short version: I would go back every year to experience The National at Christmastime. It’s that special.
2. Dinner at Teller’s
If you’re spending Christmas season in Oklahoma City, plan at least one dinner at Teller’s inside The National.
The setting alone is worth it. The restaurant sits inside the former bank lobby, with massive ceilings, historic architecture, and dramatic details that already feel impressive year-round. But during the holidays, the décor takes it to another level.
The menu leans Italian, and during Thanksgiving and the holiday season, they also offer special menus that include classic favorites. It’s a great option if you want a dinner that feels elevated but still comfortable.
If you’re staying at The National, it’s especially convenient. If you’re not, it’s still worth parking and walking in.
3. Walk the Bricktown Canal at Night
Bricktown is one of the most charming areas of Oklahoma City during the holidays.
The canal lights reflect on the water, patios stay lively, and everything feels compact and walkable. You can wander without a strict plan and still have a good time.
Along the canal, you’ll pass:
Pet-friendly patios
Mini golf
A movie theater
Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark
Shops and restaurants
It’s a simple evening activity, but during the holidays, it feels extra special.
4. Holiday Hideaway at Chicken N Pickle
If you’re looking for a festive dinner that’s fun rather than fancy, the Holiday Hideaway experience at Chicken N Pickle is a great option.
Chicken N Pickle is a lively social spot with games, big indoor/outdoor space, food, and drinks, and during the holidays, they transform part of the venue into a cozy, decorated holiday hideaway.
We booked a Holiday Hideaway table for our first night in OKC and loved the seasonal drinks and build-your-own cocoa bar. If you’re planning your trip around holiday things to do in Oklahoma City, this makes a fun first-night stop before bigger light displays and park walks.
5. Experience the Scissortail Park Sparkle Walk
If you’re visiting in November or December, Sparkle Walk is one of the best Christmas light displays in Oklahoma City. There are immersive light tunnels, glowing installations, and plenty of photo spots. Plus, it’s an easy walk from downtown hotels.
6. Visit Myriad Botanical Gardens & Devon Ice Rink
During the day, the gardens are peaceful and beautifully decorated. In the evening, the Devon Ice Rink adds that classic winter energy, even if Oklahoma isn’t exactly snowy when you’re visiting.
7. Go All-In at Roosevelt’s Tulsa
Do not skip this!!
Roosevelt’s goes completely over the top for Christmas!
Ceiling installations, ornaments everywhere, a music-timed light show. It’s festive in a way that feels joyful, not cheesy. We changed our plans just to make sure we didn’t miss it.
8. Walk the Gathering Place in Winter
The Gathering Place is one of the best urban parks in the country, and it’s beautiful in winter.
You’ll find:
Lakes and bridges
Scenic walking paths
Art installations
A massive adventure playground
It works for couples, families, or anyone who just wants a winter stroll.
9. Route 66 Between OKC and Tulsa
Instead of taking the interstate, follow Route 66 between the cities.
You’ll pass small towns decorated for Christmas, classic diners like the 1939 Rock Café in Stroud (which inspired Cars), and pull over for photos at vintage gas stations and neon Route 66 signs along the way.
We wrote a full breakdown of our favorite Route 66 stops between Oklahoma City and Tulsa if you want to layer that into your holiday trip.
More on Road Trip Locals
🌎 Curious where we’ve been around the U.S. and Canada? Browse our Travel Seasons for real-life itineraries and practical tips from months spent living and working on the road.
🧳 Want to know exactly what we pack on the road? Check out our complete Road Trip Packing List for the exact things we use and love on every trip!
📚 Ready to plan your next adventure? Explore our Free Resource Library for road trip itineraries, planning guides, and stories from the road.
🐻 In the mood for adventure? Read Alaska Diaries, a seven-part travelogue from the time we roadtripped Alaska to explore eight national parks in 21 days.
🏡 Wondering what it’s like to buy a fixer-upper near Yellowstone National Park? Follow our renovation rollercoaster in The Cabin Chronicles.
🦬 And if Yellowstone’s on your list, don’t miss our Yellowstone Travel Guide: your step-by-step companion to planning an unforgettable trip to Yellowstone National Park!