Ever since I was a child, the warm glow of twinkling incandescent lights always had a way of sustaining me through the dreary short days of December. Like a theatrical production with strong technical elements, a good holiday lights display has a way of momentarily transporting you to a new world where life’s tragic realities take a back seat. There are actually quite a few similarities between the two, and since I write a lot about theatre, I thought it would be fun to take a small pivot and get a much-needed serotonin boost by ranking the theatrical elements of the Tulsa area’s holiday lights displays.
A few things to establish before I begin. All of these locations are currently open. Apart from Kringle's Christmas Land, all sell concessions on site; you can find your hot chocolate, apple cider, and various snacks throughout the walk-through locations and at the entrance of the drive-through locations. There are additional events and programming taking place at most of these locations throughout the holidays, so be sure to check online for those details. If December is just too packed already, you can still catch most of these displays during the first few days of the New Year.
Whether you gravitate toward a classic Christmas aesthetic or watched the Minecraft movie one too many times, there’s something for you on this list! And if you’re curious about which holiday lights displays are taking a year off (and the reasons why), read until the end. Also, before you fill your phone storage with photos of lights, just know that I (or my friend when I was driving) took every photo that you’ll see in this article and they by no means truly capture the spectacle and whimsy I experienced. Just like with theatre, you’ve got to be there.
The Attractions
Maximalist Christmas: Rhema Lights
1025 W. Kenosha St., Broken Arrow, OK 74012
Cost: Free
Time Spent: 48 minutes
Great for: No/low cost date nights. The person who likes to experiment with color in their wardrobe. Families trying to entertain kids that are vastly different ages. Teen hangs. Train enthusiasts.
Score: 5/5
The Rhema Christmas Lights have been dazzling residents of Broken Arrow and surrounding areas since 1982. This is the big Broadway extravaganza of Christmas light shows. Because the display is free, it has a reputation of crowding quickly with large families and groups of rowdy teens. This year, I strategically went on a Tuesday early in December so I could fully take in the spectacle with as little distraction as possible.