Things to Do in Oklahoma City in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Oklahoma City
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Mild winter temperatures averaging 7-13°C (45-55°F) make outdoor exploration comfortable without the brutal summer heat - perfect for walking the Bricktown Canal or exploring the Myriad Botanical Gardens without breaking a sweat
- December is decisively low season for tourism, meaning shorter lines at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, easier restaurant reservations, and hotel rates that drop 30-40% compared to spring or fall conference season
- Holiday events transform the city into something genuinely festive - the Devon Ice Rink opens in Myriad Gardens, the Oklahoma City Zoo lights up with a million bulbs for their Holiday Lights Spectacular, and Prairie Surf Studios hosts seasonal performances that locals actually attend
- Clear winter skies and low humidity create excellent visibility for the city's surprisingly good urban stargazing spots and make photography conditions ideal - that crisp light you get in December here is something special
Considerations
- Oklahoma weather in December is genuinely unpredictable - you might get a sunny 18°C (65°F) day followed by a cold front dropping temperatures to -5°C (23°F) with ice storms, sometimes within 48 hours, which makes packing a nightmare and can disrupt outdoor plans
- Daylight is limited to roughly 9.5 hours (sunset around 5:30pm), which cuts into your sightseeing time and means outdoor attractions like Lake Hefner or the Oklahoma River trails are essentially done by early evening
- While the city does festive well, it's still a relatively quiet month culturally - many locals travel for the holidays, some smaller restaurants and shops close for extended periods around Christmas week, and the energy level is noticeably lower than peak seasons
Best Activities in December
Bricktown Entertainment District Walking Tours
December weather is actually ideal for exploring Bricktown on foot - cool enough that the 1.6 km (1 mile) canal walk is comfortable, but rarely cold enough to be miserable. The district lights up for the holidays, and the outdoor seating at restaurants is finally usable without air conditioning. The canal water taxis still run when temperatures stay above 4°C (40°F), giving you a different perspective on the district. Worth noting that weekend evenings get busy with locals, but weekday afternoons are nearly empty.
National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Visits
This is genuinely one of the best museums in the region, and December is when you can actually enjoy it without tour bus crowds. The indoor setting means weather is irrelevant, and the museum's Western Christmas celebration adds seasonal exhibits that locals come back for annually. Plan for 3-4 hours minimum - the collection is massive and worth your time. The Prosperity Junction replica Western town inside is particularly good for families.
Oklahoma City Zoo Holiday Lights Spectacular
Running throughout December, this is when the zoo transforms into a walkable light display with over a million bulbs. It's one of those things that sounds touristy but locals genuinely attend - I've seen the parking lot full on random Tuesday nights. The cool December evenings make the 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 mile) walking route comfortable, and most animal exhibits stay open. The light tunnel near the elephant habitat is admittedly impressive.
Myriad Botanical Gardens and Devon Ice Rink
The gardens are worth visiting year-round, but December adds the seasonal ice rink that operates through early January. The Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory provides a warm escape when the outdoor weather turns, and the contrast between the 24°C (75°F) humid conservatory and the crisp outdoor gardens is actually refreshing. The holiday light displays throughout the gardens are tastefully done without being overwhelming.
Paseo Arts District Gallery Walks
The Paseo is Oklahoma City's compact arts neighborhood, and December brings the annual holiday gallery walk with local artists, live music, and food trucks. Even outside the special event, the district's galleries and studios are open most days and provide a good indoor option when weather turns. The neighborhood is walkable in about 45 minutes, and the Spanish Revival architecture photographs beautifully in December's clear light.
Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum
This is a powerful, sobering experience that deserves 2-3 hours of your time. December's smaller crowds mean you can move through the museum at your own pace without feeling rushed. The outdoor memorial with the field of empty chairs is actually more impactful in the quiet of winter. The museum does an exceptional job of documenting the 1995 bombing and its aftermath without sensationalizing.
December Events & Festivals
Downtown in December
This is the city's main holiday festival, typically running the first weekend of December. It includes the official lighting of the Christmas tree at the Myriad Gardens, holiday market vendors, live entertainment, and various activities spread across downtown. It's genuinely well-attended by locals and marks the unofficial start of the holiday season in OKC. The event is free and family-friendly.
Oklahoma City Philharmonic Holiday Concerts
The Phil typically schedules multiple holiday-themed performances throughout December at the Civic Center Music Hall. These range from traditional classical Christmas programs to pops concerts with seasonal favorites. The orchestra is legitimately good, and the historic venue adds to the experience. Locals tend to make these concerts an annual tradition.