Things to Do in Oklahoma City in December

December Weather in Oklahoma City

50°C (122°F) High Temp

29°C (85°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Prairie Christmas Festival season brings unique holiday markets at Myriad Botanical Gardens with 30% fewer crowds than spring visits
Perfect weather for outdoor activities like Scissortail Park exploration - average highs of 10°C (50°F) with low humidity make walking comfortable for hours
Hotel rates drop 40-50% compared to summer conference season, with downtown properties averaging $89-120 per night
Oklahoma City Thunder basketball season in full swing at Paycom Center - prime December games against major opponents with electric atmosphere

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings from 29°C (85°F) to near freezing within 24 hours due to Great Plains location - requires versatile packing
Some outdoor attractions like Frontier City theme park operate limited winter hours or close entirely in December
Occasional ice storms can shut down the city for 1-2 days, particularly in late December - flights and activities get cancelled with little notice

Best Activities in December

Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum Tours

December's cooler weather makes the outdoor Symbolic Memorial particularly moving for contemplative visits. The museum sees 50% fewer visitors than summer months, allowing for more intimate experiences. Indoor exhibits provide perfect refuge during cold snaps, and the December light creates powerful shadows across the Field of Empty Chairs.

Booking Tip: Book timed entry tickets online 3-5 days ahead to guarantee preferred time slots. Admission typically costs $15-20 for adults. Allow 2-3 hours for full experience. Best visited mid-morning when winter light is optimal for the outdoor memorial.

Bricktown Entertainment District Walking Tours

December transforms Bricktown with holiday lights and decorations along the canal. The cooler weather makes walking the 1.6 km (1 mile) district comfortable compared to sweltering summer heat. Canal boat rides operate with heated covers, offering unique perspective of holiday displays. Evening visits showcase the district's nightlife without summer's oppressive humidity.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking is free, but canal boat tours typically cost $12-16 and run every 30 minutes. Book canal tours same-day at the dock. Evening food tours through the district range $45-65 and should be booked 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators.

Myriad Botanical Gardens Seasonal Experiences

December brings the Crystal Bridge Conservatory's holiday displays and the outdoor gardens' winter beauty. The controlled climate inside the conservatory provides perfect respite from Oklahoma's variable December weather. Prairie Christmas Festival typically runs through December with local artisan markets and holiday programming.

Booking Tip: General garden admission is $12-15 for adults. Special holiday events range $20-35 and sell out quickly - book 10-14 days ahead. The conservatory is ideal for rainy days, which occur about 10 days in December. Free outdoor areas are beautiful year-round.

Stockyards City Western Heritage Tours

December is perfect for exploring this authentic Western district - cooler weather makes walking the historic stockyards comfortable, and you can witness real cattle auctions on Monday and Tuesday mornings. The Western shops and restaurants provide warm indoor experiences between outdoor exploration. Live country music venues offer authentic local entertainment.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on your own. Guided historical tours cost $20-30 and run weekends. Cattle auction viewing is free but arrives by 9 AM on auction days. Western wear shopping here costs 30% less than tourist areas. Allow 3-4 hours for full experience.

Factory Obscura Interactive Art Experiences

This constantly changing immersive art installation is perfect for December's variable weather - completely indoor experience that locals use as entertainment during winter months. Each visit offers different interactive exhibits, making it ideal for repeat visits during longer stays. The climate-controlled environment provides perfect escape from both cold snaps and unseasonably warm days.

Booking Tip: Timed entry tickets cost $25-35 for adults and often sell out weekends. Book 7-10 days ahead through official website. Sessions last 90 minutes. Best experienced in early afternoon when natural light complements installations. Not recommended for claustrophobic visitors.

Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Games

December marks prime basketball season with December games often featuring playoff-contending matchups. Paycom Center creates electric atmosphere, and December's cool weather makes downtown parking and walking to arena comfortable. Post-game Bricktown entertainment is enhanced by holiday decorations and comfortable temperatures for bar hopping.

Booking Tip: Ticket prices range $35-200 depending on opponent and seating. Book through official NBA channels 10-14 days ahead for better selection. Premium games against popular teams cost 40% more. Arrive 30 minutes early for pre-game atmosphere and to avoid security lines.

December Events & Festivals

Early December through New Year

Prairie Christmas at Myriad Botanical Gardens

Month-long celebration featuring local artisan markets, holiday light displays, and special botanical exhibits. The Crystal Bridge Conservatory hosts themed displays, and outdoor areas feature coordinated lighting installations. Local musicians perform throughout the month.

Mid December

Downtown in December Holiday Festival

Annual celebration in the Myriad Gardens area featuring ice skating rink, holiday markets, and family activities. Local food vendors offer seasonal specialties, and the event coincides with extended shopping hours in downtown districts.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system essential - bring light cotton t-shirts and warm fleece jacket for 21°C (70°F) temperature swings within same day

Waterproof jacket with hood - December sees 10 rainy days with sudden downpours lasting 15-45 minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with good traction - downtown sidewalks can become slippery during brief ice events

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even in winter, especially reflective off occasional snow or ice

Warm hat and gloves in carry-on bag - cold fronts can drop temperatures 17°C (30°F) overnight

Umbrella that fits in day bag - afternoon thunderstorms develop quickly on Great Plains

Casual dress clothes for Thunder games or nice dinners - Oklahoma City has surprising upscale dining scene

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries faster, important for navigation and ride-sharing apps

Light scarf or neck warmer - wind chill factor significant in downtown corridors between buildings

Cash in small bills - many local food trucks and market vendors don't accept cards, especially during holiday events

Insider Knowledge

Download the OKC Streetcar app - the free streetcar system connects all major downtown attractions and runs every 10-15 minutes, perfect for avoiding parking fees and December weather

Most locals eat dinner early (5:30-7 PM) to avoid evening traffic and take advantage of happy hour prices - restaurants offer 20-30% discounts during these hours

Skip expensive downtown parking and use the Park & Ride lots on the streetcar line - costs $3 per day vs $15-25 downtown, plus you avoid walking in variable weather

Thunder games create massive downtown traffic - arrive 90 minutes early or take streetcar/rideshare to avoid being stuck in parking structures for an hour after games end

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for average temperatures - Oklahoma weather changes rapidly in December, and tourists get caught in t-shirts during sudden 15°C (25°F) temperature drops

Planning outdoor activities for entire days - December weather requires flexibility, so book indoor backup options like museums or shopping for when weather turns

Underestimating driving distances - Oklahoma City is very spread out, and attractions that look close on maps require 20-30 minute drives with traffic