History
Santa Claus Comes To Town
1926
In 1926, Santa and his live reindeer appeared before a crowd of at least 50,000 parade attendees.
Bright Lights
Bright lights decorated the intersection of 5th Street and Main in 1942. (Photo Courtesy of the Tulsa World)
Marching Bands
1949
Marching bands have always been a crowd favorite in past and present parades. Here, the Tulsa University Band leads the Tulsa Christmas Parade. (Photo Courtesy of the Beryl Ford Collection and Rotary Club of Tulsa)
Blast From Tulsa’s Past
1960
Marching bands continue to lead the way. (Photo Courtesy of Scott Hamilton)
Energy Crisis
1973
During the energy crisis of 1973, the city waited until December 1st to put up Christmas lights downtown—a full 15 days later than normal. They were turned off at 10 PM nightly to conserve electricity. However, this change did not affect the parade, as it was held during the daytime.
Nighttime Parade
1986
For a time, the parade was held during the day to help downtown businesses. In 1986, the parade became held at night when Public Service Company of Oklahoma became a sponsor of the Tulsa Christmas Parade of Light. (Photo and Content Courtesy of Steve Crane/Tulsa World File)
A New Tradition
2014
A group of community and business leaders came together to organize the region’s favorite parade. Collectively they decided to ensure that each year a worthwhile charity would benefit from the funds raised for our Tulsa tradition.
An Old-Fashined Family Christmas
2015
For several years, the city had been hosting separate parades during the Christmas season – one in downtown and another at Tulsa Hills shopping center. However, in a remarkable collaborative effort, organizers from both parades have now joined forces, pooling their efforts and resources to reunite and revive a grand unified parade in the heart of downtown Tulsa.
Christmas Cheer Of Yesteryear
2016
Celebrating nine decades in Tulsa, many floats have a decade-inspired motif and organized chronologically by the decades they represent.
Miracle at Boston and 4th Street
2018
The intersection of Boston and 4th is where Tulsa really started over 100 years ago and the theme
Miracle at 4th and Boston pays tribute to that and also to the timeless cinema classic Miracle on 34th Street.
The first ever Tulsa Christmas Parade Block Party held in the Cathedral District of downtown Tulsa right after the parade ends.
Rocking Around Tulsa Town
2019
Nothing brings people together during the Christmas season like the unifying concept of Christmas music of all genres.
A Christmas Joyride
2020
Forced to adapt within the confines of the COVID-19 pandemic, the first ever drive-thru parade described by some as a “reverse parade”.
Making Spirits Bright
2021
Returning to its traditional parade format, the theme is in honor of the perseverance of Tulsans to keep traditions alive.
Art Deco the Halls
2022
A sensational celebration of Tulsa’s rich Art Deco history and culture dating back to the 1920s. Art Deco buildings became a sign of the creativity of our city’s founders, as well as a way of using that prosperity to paint a beautiful landscape in our own downtown. These beautiful buildings are a lasting legacy for us to enjoy today. Nearly 100 years later, we pass by many of the same buildings our parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents, waited in front of with anticipation throughout the years.
Tulsa City Council Proclamation
February of 2024
