Philbrook Museum Of Art Decks The Halls For Holiday Festival

There is no place like a historic home for the holidays and that is exactly what the Philbrook Museum of Art has to offer.

For 17 nights this holiday season, the museum is having its Philbrook Festival.

Cristen Burdell said part of the fun is decorating the historic villa that was once the home of an Oklahoma oil pioneer. "Waite and Genevieve Phillips built this in the 1920s, so this home is over 100 years old, and we really leaned into, especially in our decor in the great hall this year, what it may have felt like during that time," she said.

From the grand staircase draped in garland to the hand-painted ceilings, the museum itself is a work of art and it really shines during Philbrook Festival.

Burdell said, "We really just try to make this a fun experience for everyone to come out with their families, bring a date, bring your kiddos, and just really enjoy the evening here at Philbrook."

The 25-acre Philbrook Gardens are decorated with tens of thousands of holiday lights. Once guests stroll the lights, they can make their way inside to warm up with hot cocoa by the fire and make a holiday greeting card to take home. Burdell said there are four designs to choose from, each created by local artists.

Each night of the festival Santa also makes an appearance. "We do have Santa here each night from 6 to 8:30 p.m., so if you have little ones and you want to come grab your picture with Santa this is a perfect opportunity to do so," said Burdell.

Before leaving, guests are encouraged to visit the gift shop where there are ornaments for purchase that resemble four iconic spaces at the Philbrook. "We have our Tempietto ornament here, our Philbrook villa, and our cabin," Burdell said.

Tickets are $22 for adults and $8 for those ages 17 and under. Philbrook members get in for just $10 for adults and children are free. The Make & Take holiday greeting card activity costs an additional $5.

Online ticket purchases are encouraged. You can get those at Philbrook.org

For those who get their tickets in advance with the purchase of four greeting cards, they will get the fifth one for free. Philbrook Festival runs every Friday and Saturday until Dec. 30th and on select Wednesdays and Thursdays.