If you’ve ever wanted to see Chickasha at its most magical, the 2025 Chickasha Festival of Light is it. For a few bright weeks each winter, Shannon Springs Park turns into a glowing holiday wonderland—perfect for a cozy date night, family tradition, out-of-town visitors, or a “let’s grab hot chocolate and walk the lights” kind of evening.
Below is a local, easy-to-plan guide to the 2025 season—plus a calendar-style roundup with days and times for specific events so you can plan your visit around the things you don’t want to miss.
What is the Chickasha Festival of Light?
The Chickasha Festival of Light (often casually called the “Festival of Lights”) is a beloved holiday tradition that transforms Shannon Springs Park into a massive light display experience—free to drive through or walk through, with optional ticketed activities like the ice rink and rides.
It’s volunteer-run, family-friendly, and one of those events that reminds you why Chickasha proudly leans into being a Christmas destination.
2025 Festival Dates, Location, and Nightly Hours
Festival dates (2025)
- Thursday, November 20 – Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Where it happens
- Shannon Springs Park (Festival of Light location listing: 2400 S 9th St., Chickasha, OK 73018)
Nightly light display hours
These are the standard “lights-on” hours for walking or driving through the park:
- Sunday–Thursday: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday–Saturday: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Holiday note (yes, you can make it a tradition)
The Festival of Light is open nightly and is typically open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve unless they announce otherwise.
The 2025 Event Schedule You’ll Want on Your Calendar
Here are the standout “plan-around-it” events and extended-hour activities with specific dates and times.
December at the Depot: Santa Shuttle + Red Ryder Exhibit
Want to avoid the busiest parking and make your night feel like a full Chickasha holiday outing? In 2025, the Festival experience expands downtown with December at the Depot, including the Santa Shuttle.
- Santa Shuttle operating dates: Dec 5–6, Dec 12–13, Dec 19–20, 2025
- Santa Shuttle hours: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
- Where to catch it: 100 W Chickasha Ave., Chickasha
- Bonus feel-good detail: proceeds benefit Chickasha Public Schools
Same dates & hours:
- Red Ryder BB Gun Exhibit: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM (runs the same nights as the Santa Shuttle)
Local tip: This is a great option if you want your night to start downtown—grab dinner, swing by the depot, ride the shuttle, and finish at the park lights.
Festival of Light Bike Ride
If you love seeing the lights but want a different vibe than driving or walking, this special event is made for you:
- Festival of Light Bike Ride: Friday, December 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM
- The park will be closed to drive-through traffic for the ride.
- Guided ride meet-up: the field on 12th and Montana (if you want the guided option)
Chickasha Christmas Parade (Downtown)
Pairing the downtown parade with a Festival night is one of the most “Chickasha in December” things you can do.
- Chickasha Christmas Parade: Saturday, December 6, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: along Chickasha Ave. / Main Street area (Downtown)
- 2025 theme: “Christmas Songs!”
Ice Skating Rink Hours in 2025
The Festival’s real ice skating rink has its own opening times (and it opens earlier than the light display on weekends).
Regular ice rink start times
- Monday–Friday: opens at 6:00 PM
- Saturday–Sunday: opens at 3:00 PM
Extended holiday stretch
- Thursday, Dec 18 – Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025: rink also opens at 3:00 PM daily
Weather can affect rink operations, so it’s smart to check for day-of updates before you head out.
Other Festival Activities (Dates You’ll Want to Know)
Not everything has a published “start time,” but these are still helpful for planning:
- Santa Photos: Friday–Sunday, Dec 5–21 (2025)
- Carriage rides: Wednesday–Sunday
- Ferris wheel & carousel: Open daily
- Food truck park: Open daily (weather dependent)
Because these can shift with weather and staffing, treat them as “available on these days” rather than locked-in minute-by-minute schedules.
What You’ll See: The Classic “Chickasha Christmas” Moments
Even if you’ve been before, the Festival always has those signature sights that make you slow down and take it in:
- The iconic tall Christmas tree centerpiece (often noted at 172 feet)
- Lighted walkways and bridges (the kind of spots where everyone ends up taking a photo—even if they swear they won’t)
- Big-scale displays spread across the park that feel totally different whether you’re walking or driving through
And the best part: you can make it your own tradition—quick drive-through on a weeknight, or a full evening with skating + lights + downtown.
Smart Planning Tips (Especially for Busy Nights)
A few things locals tend to learn fast:
Go earlier on weekends
On Fridays and Saturdays, arriving right around opening (near 6 PM) usually feels smoother than showing up later—especially if you’re trying to stack activities (skating + lights + rides).
Use the Santa Shuttle on peak nights
If you’re aiming for a Saturday in December, the Santa Shuttle (5:30–10:30 PM) can be a stress-saver and makes it easy to turn your visit into a downtown + park combo night.
Dress for “standing still”
Even if you’re not walking a ton, the moments that get chilly are the ones when you’re:
- waiting for a carriage ride,
- watching kids skate,
- standing around for photos.
Keep weather flexibility in mind
The Festival works hard to keep the lights on nightly, but weather can affect individual activities.
Good-to-Know Policies (So You Don’t Get Surprised)
Admission
- The Festival of Light is free to drive or walk through (donations encouraged).
Pets
- Leashed, well-behaved dogs are allowed.
Accessibility note
- The Santa Shuttle is not currently handicap accessible, according to the Festival FAQ.
Wrap-Up: Make 2025 the Year You Do the Full Experience
Whether you’re a first-timer or someone who’s been coming for years, the 2025 Chickasha Festival of Light is built for traditions—especially with the added downtown energy of December at the Depot and those special event nights like the Bike Ride and Christmas Parade.
If you’re planning your visit around specific dates, here are the big ones to remember:
- Festival runs: Nov 20 – Dec 31, 2025
- Santa Shuttle + Red Ryder Exhibit: Dec 5–6, 12–13, 19–20 (5:30–10:30 PM)
- Bike Ride: Dec 12 at 6:00 PM
- Chickasha Christmas Parade: Dec 6 (6–8 PM)
- Ice rink opens: 6 PM weekdays / 3 PM weekends (+ 3 PM daily Dec 18–31)
