Winterfest / Pop Up Shopping

Although you wouldn’t know it by the recent spate of warm weather we’ve had – it’s almost time for Christmas!  Which also just happens to coincide with Winterfest and the Pop Up Shops – how convenient is that??

Just exactly what is Winterfest you might ask?  Well, it’s Tulsa’s take on NYC’s Rockefeller Center and it’s awesome.  This is the 5^th year of Winterfest and for many; it’s become a holiday tradition.  You can skate under the stars and enjoy the scenic Tulsa skyline, all while watching free entertainment – on the outdoor stage, not the people, although I think people watching is all kinds of entertainment.  This year the rink has grown and expanded, taking in most of 3^rd street in front of the BOK Event Center and if you get a little chilly, just pop into the warming tent for a few minutes.

Along with the ice skating, you can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets of downtown, grab some snacks (soup, grilled cheese, s’mores, coffee, hot chocolate, etc) and on Saturday December 8^th, the Holiday Market will take place in the lobby of the BOK Center.  The holiday market will feature hundreds of vendors selling seasonal gift items, so you can surely finish up your Christmas shopping.

Visit http://www.bokcenter.com/events/winterfest-2011 for more information, a detailed listing of live entertainment, and a complete calendar of events.

The other thing I love about Tulsa in the winter is the return of Pop-Up Shopping.  Now in its second year, pop up shopping gives holiday shoppers an alternative to the nightmare that is 71^st & Memorial and provides some really unique gift ideas.  The shops are located inside the lobby of four buildings in the area of 5^th to 7^th and Boston to Main.  Some retailers this year include The Dog Dish, Bison & Bear (great men’s gifts), Candy Castle (where else can you find candy cigarettes?), The Tulsa Zoo and Theraganics, just to name a few.  You will also find some entertainment to go along with your shopping – Steve Liddell is scheduled to perform on December 19^th.  And word on the street is that you will find a certain jolly, fat man every Wednesday as well.

Find out more at www.decodistricttulsa.com