Downtown Okmulgee is about to transform into a winter wonderland like never before. After months of planning, collaboration and hands-on creativity, Okmulgee Main Street and the Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce are rolling out the most ambitious holiday event in the city’s history: Christmas on the Square – the very first full Christmas Village in Okmulgee.
From Wednesday through Sunday, Dec. 3-7,
SEE CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE, PAGE A2 downtown Okmulgee will be filled with Christmas cottages, a holiday market, sparkling Tree Farm, Movies on the Square, igloo rentals, a Kids Zone hosted by the Muscogee Nation, Santa photos, live characters, music, hot cocoa and festive family activities.
Organizers say the goal is simple: to light up Okmulgee with Christmas cheer and create lasting memories for families across the county and beyond.
“We wanted to create something truly special – something immersive, something magical and something Okmulgee has never seen before,” organizers shared. “With the help of our community partners and months of hard work, we’re excited to debut a Christmas Village experience that everyone can enjoy.” — A First-Ever Christmas Village for Okmulgee
This year’s celebration isn’t just an expanded version of the holiday events Okmulgee has enjoyed in years past – it’s a complete reimagining.
Downtown will be lined with Christmas cottages decorated like a classic European market, evergreen displays, glowing lights, themed photo areas and colorful characters.
The goal was to create a holiday destination – one that draws residents, visitors, shoppers and families in for an immersive, multi-day festival.
Between the Chamber, Main Street, the College of the Muscogee Nation, local sponsors and dozens of volunteers, the village has been planned down to the last detail, including:
• Christmas Market booths packed with handmade goods, décor, treats and seasonal gifts
• Tree Farm with sparkling displays and Christmas characters
• Holiday movies projected outdoors at the historic Muscogee Nation Council House
• Igloo Rentals – heated, clear-dome igloos for families and friends
• MN Kids Zone with festive activities for children
• Pictures with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 6
• A Christmas Parade Thursday night, Dec. 4
• Sweet Magnolia Grinch appearances • Extended evening hours for shopping, strolling and snacking Organizers emphasize this is the beginning of a brand-new Okmulgee holiday tradition.
— Schedule of Events
All events held in Downtown Okmulgee, unless otherwise noted. Each night will feature the Christmas Market, Movies on the Square, the Tree Farm, Muscogee Nation Kids Zone and Igloo Rentals.
The full five-day program offers something different each day, with long hours to ensure families and working individuals can attend: Wednesday, Dec. 3 • 5-10 p.m.
This opening night will introduce the community to the Christmas Village with cozy lights, festive scents and the first outdoor movie showing of the week. Downtown businesses are encouraged to stay open late to welcome shoppers.
— Thursday, Dec. 4 • 5-10 p.m.
• Festival of Lights Christmas Parade • Sweet Magnolia Grinch appearance Thursday brings one of Okmulgee’s most beloved holiday traditions: the Okmulgee Christmas Parade. After the parade concludes, families are encouraged to continue the fun inside the Christmas Village with shopping, pictures, warm drinks and activities.
— Friday, Dec. 5 • 5-10 p.m.
Friday night is expected to be one of the most festive evenings of the week, as Christmas on the Square heads into the first full weekend.
— Saturday, Dec. 6 • 12-10 p.m.
• Pictures with Santa (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Saturday is the biggest day of Christmas on the Square. Beginning at 10 a.m., Santa Claus himself will be downtown for Pictures with Santa, hosted by Okmulgee Main Street and the Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce.
Families are encouraged to arrive early for photos, treats and a chance to enjoy the village while it’s buzzing with activity.
— Sunday, Dec. 7 • 12-6 p.m.
Sunday wraps up the festival with a warm, family-friendly afternoon of shopping, movies, and the last chance to experience Okmulgee’s first Christmas Village until next year.
— Movies on the Square
One of the most charming features returning this year is Movies on the Square, taking place on the lawn of the Muscogee Nation Council House.
Sponsored by the College of the Muscogee Nation, the outdoor movie experience invites families to bundle up, bring blankets or lawn chairs, sip cocoa and enjoy Christmas movies under the stars.
The promotional artwork features a cheerful cup of cocoa and a smiling Christmas tree, capturing the warmth and joy of the season. Movies will play each night from Dec. 3-7, coinciding with market hours and family events.
This activity has quickly become a crowd favorite – especially for families looking for an affordable, memory- making night out. — Christmas Market – A Village of Holiday Shopping
The Christmas Market – modeled after the classic European markets is one of the centerpieces of the new Christmas Village.
Shoppers will find:
• Handmade Gifts
• Baked Goods
• Local Arts & Crafts
• Candles, Ornaments, Wreaths & Soaps
• Seasonal Décor
• Small Retail Pop-Ups
• Local Creators & Artisans Vendors will be set inside the small Christmas cottages that give the event its village charm, complete with twinkling lights and cheerful displays.
The Christmas Market will be open Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 3-5, from 5-10 p.m., Saturday from 12-10 p.m. and Sunday from 12-6 p.m.
These extended evening hours will allow shoppers to browse after work or enjoy a night on the town with family and friends.
— Tree Farm – A Sparkling Forest of Holiday Fun
The 2025 Tree Farm is another debut attraction, filled with glowing tree displays, music, dancing tree characters and colorful decorations.
The Tree Farm will be open throughout the event, providing fun photo opportunities for families – particularly with the animated trees portrayed in this year’s graphics.
— Pictures with Santa
No Christmas village would be complete without a visit from Santa Claus.
On Saturday, Dec. 6, Santa will be set up for Pictures with Santa from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families can take professional photos, capture sweet memories and let children share their Christmas wishes.
This event is hosted jointly by Okmulgee Main Street and the Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce. For information, families may call 918-756-6172.
— Igloo Rentals – A Magical Addition
One of the most talked-about features this year is the addition of igloo rentals. These clear, heated dome shelters provide a cozy “private lounge” feel in the heart of the Christmas Village.
Families can reserve igloos to enjoy cocoa or coffee, watch Movies on the Square, play games, take photos, celebrate holiday birthdays or gatherings and relax between activities.
Organizers say they expect the igloos to book quickly.
— MN Kids Zone – Fun for Children All Week
Another highlight for families is the Muscogee Nation Kids Zone, open every day of the festival. Children can enjoy activities such as crafts, character appearances, games, learning experiences and holiday-themed amusements.
This collaborative effort with the Muscogee Nation provides a safe, fun and educational environment for Okmulgee’s youngest residents.
— A Downtown Transformed – Lights, Music & Holiday Cheer
Visitors can expect downtown Okmulgee to glow each night with festive lighting, seasonal music, decorated storefronts and the Christmas Village built right in the heart of the square.
Restaurants, shops and downtown businesses are encouraged to stay open late, offering everything from warm beverages and treats to special shopping deals.
The hope, organizers say, is to continue the momentum of Okmulgee’s downtown revitalization – especially during the holiday season.
— Community Partners & Sponsors
Christmas on the Square is made possible with generous support from:
• Work Ready Oklahoma
• Tate & Lyle
• The Sam Viersen Family Foundation • College of the Muscogee Nation
• Muscogee Nation
• City of Okmulgee
• Dozens of volunteers, local businesses and organizations The Chamber and Main Street emphasize that community support has been overwhelming – and crucial to bringing such a large-scale festival to life.
— A New Christmas Tradition: Organizers Share the Vision
Christmas on the Square represents more than decorations and activities – it’s part of a broader vision for community connection and holiday tradition in Okmulgee.
“We want people to feel the magic of Christmas the moment they step onto the Square,” event organizers stated. “We hope this becomes something families return to year after year – a tradition kids remember when they’re grown.”
The introduction of the Christmas Village is expected to boost downtown traffic, support local businesses and provide a seasonal attraction unique to Okmulgee and surrounding counties.
“We’re proud of the teamwork that made this possible. This is truly for our community. We want people smiling, laughing, shopping, taking pictures, making memories. That’s what the holidays are about.”
— A Holiday Experience You Won’t Want to Miss
From the first twinkling lights on Wednesday, Dec. 3, to the final movie showing on Sunday, Dec. 7, Christmas on the Square promises a festive, joyful and unforgettable week for Okmulgee and surrounding communities.
Visitors can shop for gifts, sip hot cocoa, enjoy movies, take photos with Santa, stroll the Tree Farm, explore the Christmas Market cottages and experience the warmth of a community coming together to celebrate the season.
With the debut of Okmulgee’s first Christmas Village, a new tradition is being planted – one that organizers hope will flourish for years to come.
So bundle up, bring your family, invite your neighbors and come join the magic.
This December, Downtown Okmulgee becomes the heart of Christmas.
