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.

Santa Claus Comes To Town

Flying High

1927

A year later—in 1927—Santa flew in on a special plane made just for him.

Flying High

Wonders From Around The World

1933

By 1933, the parade had become a well-established event and a big draw for downtown stores, which stayed open later than their normal hours to take advantage of the huge crowd of shoppers. Santa rode in a sleigh made from rubber tires and the theme was Wonders from Around the World.

Wonders From Around The World

A Break

1942

The parade would see a several year hiatus because of World War II.

A Break

Bright Lights

Bright lights decorated the intersection of 5th Street and Main in 1942. (Photo Courtesy of the Tulsa World)

Bright Lights

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)

Marching Bands

Yuletide Parade

1950

By the 1950s, the parade became known as the Yuletide Parade and boasted at least a dozen floats.

Yuletide Parade

Blast From Tulsa’s Past

1960

Marching bands continue to lead the way. (Photo Courtesy of Scott Hamilton)

Blast From Tulsa’s Past

Parade Postponed

1963

The parade was postponed a week due to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Parade Postponed

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.

Energy Crisis

Iran Hostage Crisis

1980

The start of the 1980 parade featured flags topped with yellow ribbons, reminding parade attendees of the 52 American hostages held in Iran.

Iran Hostage Crisis

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)

Nighttime Parade

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.

A New 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.
An Old-Fashined Family Christmas

Christmas Cheer Of Yesteryear

2016

2016

Celebrating nine decades in Tulsa, many floats have a decade-inspired motif and organized chronologically by the decades they represent.
Christmas Cheer Of Yesteryear

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.
Miracle at Boston and 4th Street

Rocking Around Tulsa Town

2019

Nothing brings people together during the Christmas season like the unifying concept of Christmas music of all genres.
Rocking Around Tulsa Town

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”.
A Christmas Joyride

Making Spirits Bright

2021

Returning to its traditional parade format, the theme is in honor of the perseverance of Tulsans to keep traditions alive.
Making Spirits Bright

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.
Art Deco the Halls

Stay Gold, Merry & Bright: An Outsiders House Museum Christmas

2024

The Outsiders House Museum offers fans an immersive look into the beloved story with rare memorabilia, behind-the-scenes trivia, and iconic settings like Ponyboy and Darry’s living room. After nearly facing demolition, Hip Hop artist Danny Boy O’Connor purchased and restored the house in 2016, transforming it into a museum dedicated to preserving the film’s legacy. We proudly support the museum’s preservation and educational efforts, ensuring this cultural gem remains a cherished part of Tulsa’s history.

Stay Gold, Merry & Bright: An Outsiders House Museum Christmas
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