Tis’ the season! Here are 10 arts and cultural happenings to get your entire family in the holiday spirit this December. For more arts and cultural events, check out our inclusive online calendar at artaroundokc.com
1. The Christmas Show
The Christmas Show, presented by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, is the perfect start to your holiday season. This family-friendly holiday tradition includes the OKCPHIL, Santa, the POPS Chorale and the Mistletoes as well as Santa’s jolly helpers and Broadway star, Max Von Essen. Tickets are available now athttps://www.artaroundokc.com/event/the-christmas-show/.
2. ELF the Musical
Enjoy the beloved holiday film brought to the stage by the Sooner Theatre in Norman, two weekends of December. Follow Buddy the Elf on his quest to find his true identity, win over his family and help New York City discover the true meaning of Christmas. Embrace your inner elf! The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear! Tickets are on sale now at https://www.artaroundokc.com/event/elf-the-musical/.
3. Handel’s Messiah!
Don’t miss Canterbury Voices’ encore performance of Eugene Goossens’ arrangement of Handel’s Messiah! Featuring a full orchestra, two harps, four horns, and a full wind section from the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, in addition to the Canterbury choir of over 160 voices, this concert will be truly inspiring! Canterbury will host its annual Holiday Reception after the concert in the Civic Center lobby. The reception includes home-baked holiday cookies from our adult chorus and punch. Purchase tickets at https://www.artaroundokc.com/event/handels-messiah/.
4. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra
The multi-platinum, critically- acclaimed, progressive rock group the Trans-Siberbian Orchestra, returns to Oklahoma City on Sunday, December 8. You won’t want to miss their unforgettable show, Christmas Eve and Other Stories, based on the triple-platinum Paul O’neill album. The TSO is back with all new staging and the classic hits we know and love. Get your tickets today. https://www.artaroundokc.com/event/trans-siberian-orchestra-christmas-eve-other-stories/.
5. Devon Energy’s The Nutcracker
Your favorite holiday production, The Nutcracker, returns to Oklahoma City this December. Watch Tchaikovsky’s familiar score and Artistic Director Robert Mills’ delightful staging light up the Civic Center as Clara and the Nutcracker Prince return to the delight of the young and the young at heart. This family-friendly experience is one you do not want to miss out on. Get tickets while they last! https://www.artaroundokc.com/event/devon-energys-the-nutcracker/
6. A Fabulous Christmas
This holiday season, don’t miss an awe-inspiring Christmas performance by Aspiring Attitudes. Guests who purchase VIP tickets will secure a unique experience including reserved seating for the show, light refreshments, and the opportunity to mingle with Santa and Friends. Tickets for the VIP option are $20 per person and are available at the door or online at https://www.artaroundokc.com/event/aspiring-attitudes-fabulous-christmas-show/.
7. Frozen Jr.
For two days only, join Elsa, Anna and Olaf in KidsAlive’s production of Frozen Jr. The mission of KidsAlive! Is to provide a youth theatre experience for children of all abilities designed to foster excellence in leadership, teamwork, and the ability to inspire other youth through the power of musical theatre. Purchase your tickets today- the cold never bothered you, anyways! https://www.artaroundokc.com/event/frozen-jr/
8. Verbode Urban Core Artists- Exhibit 4
Give back to your community this holiday season! Verbode Urban Core Artists is an artist-run curatorial and event collaborative founded in 2016 by Verbode real estate owner, Sarah Bytiqi and local artist, Christie Owen. Proceeds from their new art show, Verbode Urban Core Artists, will benefit The Homeless Alliance. Located in the TAP Architecture Building in downtown Oklahoma City, visitors can view the exhibit Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm between November 21 and December 20. This exhibit is free and open to the public.
9. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Catch up with the Griswold family at one of Tower Theatre’s showings of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Admission is free for Projector Club Members and day passes are $5 at the door. Watch as the Griswold family’s plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster. This movie is rated PG-13.
10. Opening Night
Don’t break tradition! Ring in New Year’s the way Oklahoma has known best since 1987 at the Opening Night celebration. Held in Downtown Oklahoma City, Opening Night includes a variety of bands and entertainment, local food trucks, family activities and more. Guests 21+ are invited to the New Year’s Cheers tent facing the Finale Stage. Tickets are $8 when purchased in advance, $10 the day of the event and free for children under 5 years old. Purchase yours today: https://www.artaroundokc.com/event/opening-night-2020/.