The 23rd annual Territorial Christmas Celebrations in historic Guthrie. Visiting Guthrie, the largest contiguous federal historic district in America, is the most extraordinary way to enjoy the Christmas season. The Territorial Christmas Celebrations are at the heart of Oklahoma’s traditional expression of the holidays, with all the flavor of the Territorial period—and all the excitement of the Twenty-First Century.
Opening Night is set for November 24 starting at 6 p.m. and will be led by Santa Claus and the Territorial Governor Candidates.
The Lighted Christmas Parade kicks off at the Scottish Rite Temple, and from there the glittering promenade of illuminated cars, trucks, dune buggies, and even be-lighted people head west along Oklahoma Avenue to end at the Post Office. Returning participants in the parade try to one-up each other every year, encouraging a thrilling and sometimes astonishing display of creativity.
Immediately following the parade, take a look back in time to a Victorian-themed treat: The Inauguration of Territorial Governors. The 2018-2019 Territorial Governor nominees will take the steps, and collectively we will learn which junior and adult wins this year’s race. They will be presented with keys to the city, and then they will light the tree.
Stick around after the tree lighting to take photos with the Governors, enjoy a horse-drawn-carriage ride, catch the outdoor Christmas movie, mosey amongst dazzling décor at the Christmas Tree Walk at The Guthrie Depot, and enjoy the food trucks down on Oklahoma Ave.
HISTORIC HOMES TOUR
On December 8, from 10 – 5 p.m., some of Guthrie’s finest homes, churches, and buildings will be dressed for Christmas and open for visitors during the 2018 Historic Homes Tour.
Each location has a unique history, architecture, décor and treats for you to enjoy. This year, for the first time in many years, The State Capital Publishing Museum lobby will be open to ticket-holders, along with the newly restored Guthrie Depot.
The sights, sounds and the unmistakable fragrances of Christmas await you and your loved ones. Tickets are $15 each, and the self-guided tour is open on Saturday, December 8 from 10 – 5 p.m.
You can purchase tickets in person starting at 9 a.m. at the Frontier Drugstore Museum located at 214 W. Oklahoma.
You can also purchase tickets online at www.GuthriesTerritorialChristmas.com. Bring a copy of your confirmation email (even your smart phone will work) to the Frontier Drugstore Museum to receive your printed information booklet.
VICTORIAN WALKS
On December 8 and 15 from 5 – 9 p.m. listen to the sweet sounds of carolers dressed in period clothing. Sip wassail or hot chocolate while strolling among the historic red brick streets and buildings. Browse downtown shop windows filled with live visions of everyday Victorian life. Discover the perfect gifts for your loved ones. Catch a performance of It’s A Wonderful Life: A Radio Play at the historic Pollard Theatre, after enjoying a delicious meal in one of Guthrie’s fine restaurants. You may even stumble across a few Territorial Governors, past and present, willing to pose for a photo.
Guthrie’s Victorian Christmas walks embody all the best parts of America’s largest historic district. Come see for yourself why those young and old flock from all over the world to experience these special holiday events in Oklahoma’s First Capital City.
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