Tulsa doesn’t always top the list of classic Christmas getaways, but maybe it should. This charming Oklahoma city quietly pulls together everything you want for the holidays: twinkling lights, peaceful reflection, and just the right amount of family fun.
We spent a couple of Decembers here visiting family, and between the hush of Christmas Mass and the sparkle of a million Christmas bulbs, we found ourselves in that rare travel sweet spot, joyful, cozy, and just a little bit enchanted.
Christmas Mass at Holy Family Cathedral
On Christmas Day, we found ourselves walking in the early morning sunrise in downtown Tulsa, headed toward Holy Family Cathedral. The cathedral is stunning any time of year, but at Christmastime it feels especially magical. Gothic spires stretch into the winter sky, and the stained glass windows glimmer from the warmth inside.
Inside, the space is peaceful and reverent, dressed in garlands and candlelight. The Christmas Mass is deeply moving, full of music, tradition, and that quiet sense of awe that reminds you why we gather during the holidays in the first place.
Whether you’re Catholic or just looking for a beautiful Christmas service, it’s an experience that lingers.
Rhema Christmas Lights: Over-the-Top in the Best Way
From sacred to spectacular: just a short drive over to Broken Arrow, the Rhema Christmas Lights are something else entirely.
Every year, Rhema Bible Church transforms its campus into a massive light display, with over two million lights synchronized to music, dancing across trees, bridges, and buildings. It's joyful, it’s whimsical, and it absolutely delights both kids and grown-ups.
We strolled through the lighted pathways with hot cocoa in hand, stopping for photo ops under glowing tunnels and oversized ornaments. You can walk or dive through various parts of the campus to enjoy a litany of light displays. It's all free, although donations are welcomed, and trust us, it’s worth every twinkle.
The Oklahoma Aquarium: Indoors, Warm, and Wonder-Filled
The Oklahoma Aquarium in nearby Jenks is no small-town aquarium, it’s home to the largest bull shark exhibit in the Western Hemisphere, viewed through a walk-through tunnel that makes you feel like you’re scuba diving without ever getting wet.
From glowing jellyfish to touch tanks with stingrays, the exhibits are hands-on and kid-friendly, but with plenty to impress adults too. We loved watching sea turtles cruise through the water and listening to families squeal at the electric eels and octopus tank.
Tulsa Zoo: A Chill Winter Stroll
The Tulsa Zoo is open year-round, and while summer might be peak zoo season, we found that a chilly December day made for a relaxed and uncrowded visit. Tulsa’s winters are pretty mild from the perspective of us Northeasterners so we did take advantage of any outdoor activities when it may have felt a bit too chilly for the locals. The animals seem to be more active in the cool air, and the zoo has winter-themed displays and activities sprinkled throughout.
We wandered through the many indoor and outdoor exhibits like the Lost Kingdom and African Plains, sipping coffee and stopping to watch penguins waddle and snow leopards prowl. Plus, the train still runs, even in winter, adding a bit of extra charm for little ones.
A Christmas Getaway with Heart
Tulsa might not have the snowfall of Vermont or the big-city buzz of New York, but it has its own kind of Christmas magic. It’s a city where you can worship in a century-old cathedral, marvel at millions of lights, meet a bull shark, and walk with tigers, all in the same weekend.
And at the heart of it all? A community that knows how to celebrate with warmth, light, and a whole lot of heart.
If You Go:
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Holy Family Cathedral: Check their website for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Mass schedules.
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Rhema Lights: Open from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. Best viewed after sunset, weekdays are less crowded!
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Oklahoma Aquarium: Open daily; indoors and great for rainy or cold days.
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Tulsa Zoo: Bundle up! Some animal buildings are heated, and you’ll still get great views of active winter critters.