Tulsa Christkindlmarkt (OK) 2024 Guide ft. Dates, Tips, Etc.

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Each December, the German American Society of Tulsa hosts its annual Christkindlmarkt, a highlight of the Tulsa festive calendar.

With local Oklahoma artists displaying traditional Yuletide Nutcrackers and Smoker-mannle and the aromas of delicious treats like mulled wine, Kartoffelpuffer, and hot apple cider filling the air, this event is a must for anyone looking to get in the holiday spirit.

In this Tulsa, OK Christkindlmarkt Guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about experiencing the wonder of Tulsa’s traditional Christmas Market for yourself.

 When is the Tulsa Christkindlmarkt?

2024 Dates: TBA (Previous year’s event: December 1 – 3)

Note: Visit this official page

Read our full list of Christmas market opening dates in the USA for more.

Where to Stay for Tulsa Christkindlmarkt

If you have never been to Tulsa Christkindlmarkt, plan for at least a full day or two of shopping. It can also be combined with a bit of downtown sightseeing for a true Tulsa experience.

And, if one day in Tulsa isn’t enough, here are some accommodation options:

Budget Hotel – The Avid is an IHG hotel. It is clean and comfortable, and has everything you need for a short trip.

Mid Range Hotel – The Mayo, is the perfect hotel to blend a little bit of business with your shopping. It is trendy and tech savvy, with a great location in the heart of downtown Tulsa.

Luxury Hotel – The Ambassador is a truly elegant hotel. We enjoyed drinks at the bar here before dinner, and the rooms are spectacular.

Where to Find Tulsa Christkindlmarkt

Since 1998, Tulsa’s Christkindlmarkt has been held at the German-American Society of Tulsa (GAST) Event Center on East 15th Street.

Located one block west of the intersection of E 15th Street and South Lewis Avenue, this former church, complete with pointed brick-red roofs and vaulted entrances, is fondly reminiscent of classic Bavarian towns.

Admission and Parking to the event are free.

What to Eat at Tulsa Christkindlmarkt

Christmas is a time to celebrate with family and good food. As you enter the Tulsa Christkindlmarkt, the aroma of fresh roasting nuts welcomes you to this completely indoor experience.

As for what to eat at Tulsa Christkindlmarkt, the options are endless.

You can fill your plate with an order of Kartoffelpuffer – potato pancakes with applesauce. Or, you can peruse the Kaffeestube or German-style bistro that sets up on-site, serving Bratwurst and sauerkraut, schnitzel sandwiches, or gulasch for some heartier options.

And of course, what is Christmas or shopping without a glass of Glühwein – a German mulled wine.

Don’t forget to indulge your sweet tooth with a piece of cheesecake, apfelstrudel, or my favorite, Stollen.

Of course, after a long day of celebrating and shopping, a simple dinner at the local favorite, BurnCo Barbeque, or a pint at Kilkenny’s Irish Pub nearby, is always an option.

What to Buy at Tulsa Christkindlmarkt

Everyone knows Germany’s famous Christmas markets for their shopping. Tulsa’s Christkindlmarkt is no different! The GAST brings a true old-world Bavarian holiday shopping experience to the Sooner state.

Also, look for wooden toys straight from Seiffen –the Christmas toy and craft capital of Germany.

While vendors vary, you’ll have no trouble finding handmade items, beautiful traditional ornaments, and other unique gifts or inexpensive stocking-stuffers.

On our last visit, we picked up a handcrafted German music box as a gift for my mother and several tree ornaments as small stocking gifts. 

Other Things to Do at the Tulsa Christkindlmarkt

Besides shopping and eating, there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy at the Tulsa Christkindlmarkt.

There’s the Kinderstube, or storytelling, which teaches younger children about German Christmas customs.

You can also browse the traditionally decorated Christmas Trees, while waiting for the daily traditional German puppet shows (think Sound of Music) to start.

We personally loved the detail of the figurines used in the Holy Nativity scene. But, the best part of any day is the arrival of St. Nikolas!

Extra Tips for Visiting Tulsa Christkindlmarkt

Incidentally, if you’re planning to visit Tulsa, OK at Christmas time, here are some additional tips to make your trip to the Sooner state more enjoyable.

Always bring cash

Most vendors welcome credit cards, but not all, so be sure to bring some cash to the Tulsa Christkindlmarkt to ensure you’re covered!

Wear comfortable shoes

While the Tulsa Christkindlmarkt is indoors, you’ll still be doing plenty of walking and perusing during the day, so make sure your shoes are comfy.

Bring warm clothes and a coat

It snows in Oklahoma, so bundling up is a must!

Plan your trip around Tulsa’s other Christmas events

Lastly, make sure your itinerary includes Tulsa’s many other festive events.

While admittedly, Oklahoma was the last state in the USA to make Christmas an official holiday, each year the Sooners show their true Christmas Spirit.

Besides the German American Society of Tulsa Christkindlmarkt, visitors and residents can choose from numerous other festive events throughout the city including…

Where to Find More Info on Tulsa Christkindlmarkt

GAST donates proceeds from Christkindlmarkt to support German education and youth-based special projects. For more information, visit the German American Society-Tulsa Christkindlmarkt website.

Looking for more US travel inspiration?

Check out these guides on the best places to visit in…

Help us improve this Tulsa Christmas Market Guide!

Do you have a pro tip about Tulsa Christkindlmarkt? A particular souvenir you loved, or a delicious treat you tried? Please let us know in the comments any insider tips for Tulsa’s Christmas Fair, to improve this guide for all future visitors.

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