More than 3.5 million twinkling lights blanket 43 acres of Shannon Springs Park each winter, transforming this quiet Oklahoma city into one of the region’s most spectacular holiday destinations. Now in its 33rd year, the Chickasha Festival of Lights 2025 draws over 250,000 visitors annually—and admission is completely free.
Plan Your Visit
Dates: November 22, 2025 – December 30, 2025
Hours: Nightly, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (extended hours on weekends)
Location: Shannon Springs Park, 1800 W. Grand Ave, Chickasha, OK
Admission: Free (donations encouraged)
Info: (405) 222-6075 | www.chickashafestivaloflights.com
The Main Attraction: A Drive-Through Wonderland
The festival’s crown jewel is its 172-foot Christmas tree—one of the tallest holiday trees in the Southwest—wrapped in thousands of LED lights that pulse to synchronized music. You can tune your car radio to hear the soundtrack as you wind through the two-mile route featuring dozens of animated displays, from leaping reindeer to a glowing nativity scene.
Prefer to walk? Park near the entrance and explore the lighted pathways on foot. You’ll catch details that drivers miss, including handcrafted wooden cutouts created by local artists and hidden photo spots tucked among the towering light displays.
Beyond the Lights: Family Activities
Ice Skating Under the Stars
Oklahoma’s largest outdoor ice rink operates nightly throughout the festival. Skate rentals are included with $8 admission. Bring your own skates to save $2.
Classic Carnival Rides
The vintage Ferris wheel offers panoramic views of the entire park from 50 feet up. The restored 1920s carousel features hand-painted horses and plays nostalgic holiday music—tickets: $3 per ride or $15 for an all-night wristband.
Santa’s Workshop
Meet Santa Claus Wednesday through Sunday, 6:30–9:00 PM. Professional photographers are available, or bring your own camera. No appointment needed, but expect 20-30 minute waits on weekends.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Clip-clop through the illuminated park in a festive carriage (Wednesday–Sunday only). $20 per carriage, fits up to 4 adults. These book up fast—arrive early or reserve ahead by calling the festival office.
Food, Drinks & Shopping
Local food trucks rotate nightly, serving everything from barbecue to tacos. Festival favorites include:
- Fresh funnel cakes dusted with powdered sugar
- Gourmet hot chocolate bar (try the peppermint bark flavor)
- Roasted pecans and cashews from Oklahoma vendors
- S’mores kits you can roast at fire pits near the carousel
A pop-up holiday market features handmade ornaments, local honey, and Chickasha-themed gifts—perfect for last-minute shopping.
Live Entertainment
Local talent takes the main stage on weekends:
- High school choirs and jazz bands (Fridays)
- Church groups and community chorales (Saturdays)
- Children’s performances (Sunday afternoons at 7:00 PM)
Check the festival’s Facebook page for the current week’s schedule.
A Free Festival Powered by Community
Unlike many holiday light displays that charge $20-30 per car, Chickasha keeps admission free thanks to 400+ volunteers and community sponsors. Donation boxes are stationed throughout the park—most visitors contribute $5-10 to help cover electricity costs (roughly $50,000 for the season) and maintain the displays for future years.
Insider Tips for the Best Experience
Beat the Crowds: Weeknights (Monday–Thursday) offer the shortest wait times. Weekend lines can stretch to 45 minutes during the first two weeks of December.
Dress for the Cold: December temperatures in Chickasha average 35-45°F, but can drop into the 20s after sunset. Layers, gloves, and insulated boots are essential if you’re walking.
Photography Pointers: The lights photograph best between 6:30 and 7:30 PM, before the park gets too crowded. Use night mode on your phone or a camera with manual settings. The tree and carousel make stunning backdrops.
Bring Your Dog: Leashed pets are welcome on the walking paths (not on rides). Many visitors bring their dogs for holiday photos in front of the lit displays.
Parking is Easy: Free parking is available in the lots surrounding Shannon Springs Park. Overflow parking with shuttle service is available at Chickasha High School on busy nights.
Make It a Weekend in Chickasha
Extend your visit and explore downtown Chickasha, just 10 minutes from the park:
- Shopping: Browse antique stores, boutiques, and the Chickasha Antique Mall
- Dining: Try The Cafe on The Boulevard for comfort food or Taqueria Los Comales for authentic Mexican
- Stay Local: Book a room at charming bed-and-breakfasts or nearby hotels (reserve early—they fill up December weekends)
Downtown storefronts deck themselves in lights and decorations, making the entire city feel like an extension of the festival.
Why Chickasha’s Festival Stands Out
What started in 1992 with a handful of volunteers and 50,000 lights has grown into one of Oklahoma’s signature holiday events. The festival has been featured in Southern Living and regularly ranks among the top Christmas light displays in the Southwest. But it’s remained true to its roots—a free, family-friendly celebration that brings communities together.
Don’t Wait—The Season is Short
The Chickasha Festival of Lights runs for just five weeks each year. Whether you’re creating new family traditions or reliving cherished memories, this is the season to experience the magic.
Festival runs November 22–December 30, 2025
Arrive before 7:00 PM on weekends to avoid peak traffic
Follow @ChickashaFestivalOfLight for daily updates
Pack the car, grab your hot chocolate, and discover why thousands of families return to Chickasha year after year.
