Tulsa Winterfest Means 45 Days Of Family Fun

More big things are coming to Tulsa's downtown Winterfest. This will be the fifth year for the event in downtown Tulsa outside the BOK Center. 

Not only will the Arvest Winterfest have more activities, it will also run longer than ever before. This year Winterfest offers 45 days of fun.

In only a few short years, the Arvest Winterfest outside the BOK Center in downtown Tulsa has become a tradition for some families.

"Winterfest is a great time for people of all ages," said Jill Duvall, special events manager at the BOK Center.

In its first year in 2008, the event attracted 35,000 visitors. Last year, more than 130,000 attended.

"Some great activities for the whole family to enjoy, and they're affordable," Duvall said.

To mark the fifth anniversary, some new things are planned this year to make the event even bigger and better. Jill Duvall is the special events manager at the BOK Center.

"We also have all of our events going on at the BOK center and Tulsa Convention Center, so if you're coming downtown for the Batman show or the Trans-Siberian orchestra, maybe come a little early and go ice skating," she said.

See the full Winterfest Schedule

First, Winterfest will run longer, from November 23rd through January 6th. There will also be fireworks on Saturday December 8th, right after the Parade of Lights.

On Sunday, December 9th: free skating on the 9,000-square-foot ice rink.

"We have little toddlers that get out and like to go ice skating, and we have grandparents who like to bring their grandkids and go ice skating," said BOK Center Special Events Manager Jill Duvall.

Arvest Winterfest is also partnering with Tulsa's new Downtown Coordinating Council, an advisory group of 19 property owners within the loop around downtown.

"It's our goal to help develop downtown Tulsa as a vibrant center of commerce, arts, entertainment and education," said Tom Wallace, Chairman of the Downtown Coordinating Council.

Guthrie Green will also hold Glow on the Green November 25th. Organizers say the goal is to give back to the community, and get more people to experience the fun of downtown.

"To expand these holiday activities and to promote downtown Tulsa as the place to come during the winter months," Duvall said.

Winterfest also promises Oklahoma's tallest Christmas tree, at 44 feet, with more than 35,000 lights. Trolleys will also take people all through downtown, including here in the Brady District.