Weekly Events Calendar December 2-8

Each week, Oklahoma Today staffers comb through their calendars to find a handful of great events happening across the state. Get out! See Oklahoma! And be sure to let us know what you find, either here or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @oklahomatoday.

Get into the holiday spirit at the West Bend Winterland Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Bright Lights On Ice

The Claremore Expo Center invites you to lace up your skates and look at the lights—but try to keep your eyes on the ice at least part of the time. The West Bend Winterland Tree Lighting Ceremony will ensure that the merriest atmosphere is achieved to compliment the wintry pastime of the Peanuts gang. Once the colossal trees are all aglow, a free skate will fill the remainder of the evening. Skate the night away and remember to stay hydrated with copious amounts of hot cocoa. December 2. Admission, Free. facebook.com/WestBendWinterland

Sing, Shake, and Sip

There are few duos more well matched than alcohol and karaoke. When the International Cocktail Karaoke Showcase comes to Ponyboy, attendees should warm up their pipes and prep their palates for a night of crooning and craft cocktails. Bartenders will compete to see who shines brightest as they perform a song and shake up a signature cocktail onstage. Team members who don’t pull their weight musically will be expected to put the magic in the mixology. Judges will score according to the team’s artistic merit, performance style, teamwork, cocktail balance, and the cocktail’s compliment to the song choice. Must be at least 21 to attend. December 3. RSVP at getoffsite.com/karaoke.

‘Twas the Fight Before Christmas

Leave the kids at home and head to Miami’s Buffalo Run Casino & Resort for XFN 364 (Xtreme Fight Night). This year, XFN 364 will feature special guest and former two-time UFC heavyweight champ Frank Mir. Though it’s not the typical show one might see during the holiday season, the event will be underscored by the spirit of giving and receiving (punches, that is). Because maybe what you need to get through the holidays is to see muscular humans fighting with each other. December 6. Tickets, $30-$45. buffalorun.com

The choir at The Artesian Hotel, Casino, and Spa brings music to the annual Classic Christmas celebration.

Sulphur Bells

The Artesian Hotel, Casino, and Spa will transform Sulphur into a winter wonderland with its annual Classic Christmas celebration. The Chickasaw National Recreation Area’s Candlelight Tour invites guests to witness over 1,000 candlelit luminaries on a historic walk through Flower Park. Hop on a horse-drawn carriage ride back to the Artesian lobby, where carolers will serenade visitors throughout the night. Milk and cookies from Santa will be offered for several hours in the evening, but complimentary hot cocoa and apple cider will be flowing all weekend long. December 6-7. Admission, Free. (855) 455-5255 or artesianhotel.com/classic-christmas

A few of the RACE Dance Collective's "Hip Hop Nutcracker" cast prepare for their next rehearsal.

Ain’t No Thing But a Mouse King

The yuletide season just got a lot cooler. Experience an artistic overhaul of the Nutcracker audiences have come to expect with RACE Dance Collective’s Hip Hop Nutcracker. Jazz, tap, contemporary dance, and hip hop will fuse together as the classic Christmas tale is reimagined to remixes of Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. The production will feature fifty dancers from five different Oklahoma City Public Schools in addition to the RACE Company cast. Grab tickets now or risk missing these sick sugarplum beats. December 6-7. Tickets, $20-$25. (405) 410-4978 or racedance.com/performances

Fire Up the Griddle

Alva’s fire department and local police force have some serious connections. Rise early and come hungry for Breakfast with Santa at the Alva Fire Department. Starting at 8 a.m., families can enjoy a pancake and sausage breakfast as they rub elbows with the big man in red. The pancake-loving kids in attendance are encouraged to take photos with Santa Clause and write letters to the North Pole. There will also be a police and fire department blood drive for those who would like to donate a uniquely important gift this year. December 7. Admission, Free. facebook.com

It's elf-ephants a-plenty at the Endangered Ark Foundation in Hugo.

Ele-bration

If you’ve been wanting a hippopotamus for Christmas, now’s your chance to think even bigger. The whole family is invited to visit Hugo’s Endangered Ark Foundation for Holiday Elephant Tours with Santa and Mrs. Clause. Meet with Santa and his ele-elfs as you get your picture taken with the Ark’s merriest pachyderms. Guests can even ride the Holly Trolly into the woods to meet the whole elephant family. Mrs. Clause will be serving hot cocoa and cookies, just don’t forget to share some Christmas cakes with the hungry elephant crew. December 7. Tickets, $50. (580) 317-8470 or endangeredarkfoundation.org