Weekly Events Calendar: December 30, 2024-January 5, 2025

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.

By Kiersten Stone
Christmas may be over, but you can still have fun in the winter sun. The Yukon Ice Rink will remain open through January 5. The rink sports 4,100 square feet of real ice for outdoor ice skating. Guests can bring their own skates or rent from the rink, where skates are available in toddler size 7 all the way up to an adult size 13. The hours will be from noon to 10 p.m. daily, so you can get outdoors and get active. It’s the perfect activity if your New Year’s resolution was to do just that. And as the ice rink is located inside Chisholm Trail Park and is a part of the Christmas in the Park festival, you can even wander through the holiday lights before they disappear until next year. For more information, you can visit yukonicerink.com.
Through January 5. Admission, $10-$13. yukonicerink.com

Christmas might be over but the ice rink season is still in swing in Yukon. Photo courtesy Yukon Ice Rink

By Nathan Gunter
Do you eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s? We were never terribly intense about it in my house, but in my husband’s family, it’s a must. My father-in-law reports that every year he’s skipped his New Year’s Day black-eyed peas, something awful has happened: A shop fire, a car accident—something. So because I’ve married into this heritage, now it is my solemn duty to consume black-eyed peas every New Year’s Day, if for no other reason than to keep my father-in-law safe.
So many people are equally serious about this ritual, and yet, I’ve never once been to a New Year’s Eve celebration where black-eyed peas were served. Well thank goodness for the folks in Pawnee, where the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop on the Square is one of the state’s best places to ring in 2025. In addition to the standard luck legumes, they’ll have hot chocolate around the bonfire, live music, fireworks, and yes, a midnight ball drop. Just be sure to pop an Altoid before kissing someone—we usually put a little onion and jalapeño in our black-eyed peas. For more information, call (918) 762-2108.
December 31. Admission, free. pawneechamberofcommerce.org

By Ben Luschen
I love to send the old year off with a jolly bang. The only problem is that usually means I start the new year off with a hangover. Hmm, you know, maybe I should do something about that. But until that day comes, at least I have the Hangover Ball, Tulsa’s consolation prize to the aspirin-popping music lovers of New Year’s Day. The historic Cain’s Ballroom brings in an all-star cast of rock, red dirt, and alt-country talent personally curated by Stillwater legend Cody Canada. Expect to hear music from BJ Barham, Wade Bowen, Evan Felker, John Fullbright, Robert Earl Keen, Mike McClure, Jamie Lin Wilson, and many more. Best part of all—Cain’s sells both earplugs and Pedialyte, and you’ll probably be far from the first person to wear sunglasses indoors here. Hangover or not, isn’t being around friends and great music the best way to kick off any new calendar? Doors open 6:30 p.m. and music starts 7:30 p.m. on January 1. Tickets are $33 and can be ordered by visiting the venue’s website or calling (918) 584-2306.
January 1. Tickets, $33. cainsballroom.com

Cody Canada serves up an all-star lineup for the annual Hangover Ball at Tulsa's Cain's Ballroom. Photo courtesy Cody Canada & The Departed

By Megan Rossman
It’s a new year, and maybe it’s time for a new, more cultured, you. Or maybe you’re already a posh dandy with great taste. Whatever the story is, the First Friday Gallery Walk on January 3 in Oklahoma City’s Paseo Arts District is a good occasion to stay in touch with the local scene. Beginning at 6 p.m., galleries will host works from more than eighty artists, and there will probably even be a few street musicians playing tunes. And, of course, don’t forget to stop by the retail shops or one of the many restaurants or bars in the area for pizza, tacos, burgers, tiki drinks, or vegetarian delights.
January 3. Admission, free. thepaseo.org

By Karlie Ybarra
Are you looking for a peaceful, easy feeling to kick off 2025? Well, January 3rd-5th at Lake Arcadia in Edmond, you’ll find that and—hopefully—get to see some majestic birds at the same time. During the annual event, park staff will help point out the new kids in town—eagles on their southward migration. No, you’re lyin’ eyes will not deceive you, Arcadia’s 26 miles of shoreline is a favorite spot for many birds of prey, including that desperado of the skies the bald eagle. Don’t worry—you don’t have to arrive at tequila sunrise to see these spectacular avians. In fact, the park won’t even be open yet. So take it easy, even if you don’t spot an eagle, a day at Lake Arcadia is never wasted time. It’s only $5 per vehicle, and you can check out any time you like. Call (405) 216-7470 for more info.
January 3-5. Admission, $5. edmondok.gov

This time of year is great for eagle spotting at Lake Arcadia. Join their official eagle watch this weekend. Photo courtesy Rayna Behl/City of Edmond

Written By

Ben Luschen

Luschen joined the *Oklahoma Today*’ staff as Research Editor in 2021 and currently works as the magazine's Web Editor, managing the website and social media fronts. His past *Oklahoma Today* stories have ranged in content from the state's bee and quail industries to its vibrant art and music scenes. Not adverse to a road trip, Luschen is always on the lookout for the next big adventure. He is never out of opinions about the current state of Oklahoma City Thunder basketball.