Lake Lights & Main Street Delights

A mile and a half of twinkling lakeside magic, plus a Victorian street festival

This holiday season, trade the hustle and bustle for the serene simplicity of a close-to-home escape. Bundle up the family, cue up the carols and follow the glow to Claremore Lake, where a shimmering Trail of Lights turns a quiet country park into a winter wonderland. It’s warm, inviting and filled with the kind of traditions that make Christmas feel the way you remember it.

“There is always something special happening in Claremore,” says Maggie DeBoer, who co-manages Visit Claremore with Wendy Woody. “We are always creating great ways for our community to come together.”

Trail of Lights at Claremore Lake

In 2021, Mary Taber with the City of Claremore had an idea to give the community its own Christmas light tour. What began as a small idea has grown into roughly 1½ miles of brilliant displays winding along the Claremore Lake trail system, and each year the scenes grow larger and brighter.

“The Trail of Lights has grown through the years with larger and more brilliant displays. Year over year, GRDA has been a generous sponsor of this FREE event. They have made it possible for us to add more displays each year,” explains Mary.

For 2026, the lights switch on Wednesday, November 25, and shine nightly from dusk until 10 p.m. through January 6, 2027. Enter at Blue Starr Road and take it slow from the comfort of your warm car, or park and stroll the trail on foot. Along the way, look for scenes that celebrate life at the lake, from Santa casting a fishing line to a couple canoeing across the water, plus plenty of photo spots to capture this year’s Christmas card.

The lake is a year-round draw, too. “Claremore always attracts many visitors who enjoy our nature, bike trails, lake kayaking, and entertainment,” says Wendy. Make the lights a tradition: come early, return over the holidays, and bring visiting family before they go dark on January 6.

Make a Night of It in Downtown Claremore

Before or after your drive, head to downtown Claremore’s Lilac District, lined with boutiques, antique shops and specialty stores perfect for one-of-a-kind gifts. “We have a rich heritage,” Maggie adds. “Claremore is home to Will Rogers and his wonderful museum and landmark, Native American history, several museums, and so many great shops, stores, and restaurants.” Settle in for a hometown supper, then finish the evening under the lake lights. Holiday Markets fill the Rogers County Courthouse lawn on select Saturdays, and the JingleBell Market comes to the Claremore Conference Center on December 5.

Dickens on the Boulevard

Kick off the season just before the lights come on. On November 20–21, from 6 to 9 p.m., historic downtown transforms into a Victorian Christmas village for Claremore Main Street’s free Dickens on the Boulevard, with carriage rides, costumed characters, a street dance, hot cocoa and visits with Santa.

Santa Cash

Shopping local pays off! The Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce’s Santa Cash promotion kicked off November 1. Earn tickets at participating businesses for a chance at big prizes in the December drawing at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs. “Remember to shop local to get that Santa Cash tickets for a chance to win some money,” reminds Maggie. Details at claremore.org.

It’s the kind of visit people remember. “We love when we hear newcomers say they love the slower pace and talk about all they did during their visit to Claremore,” Wendy says. “We love the opportunity to highlight all that Claremore has to offer...we have such a nice lifestyle here.”

Plan your trip by scanning our QR code or visiting VisitClaremore.com for more holiday events and information. Event details are subject to change; please confirm before you go.

Claremore November Dates to Remember

Claremore Lake Lights - November 25 – January 6, 2027

November 1, 2026: Santa Cash begins! – Shop local

November 2, 2026: Senior Bingo, 8:30AM – Chick-fil-A

November 3, 2026: Shepherd’s Cross Pumpkin Festival, 10AM – Shepherd’s Cross

November 4, 2026: Shepherd’s Cross Pumpkin Festival, 10AM – Shepherd’s Cross

November 5, 2026: Gentleman’s Cigar & Whiskey Evening, 6PM – Will Rogers Stampede Rodeo Pavilion

November 5, 2026: Shepherd’s Cross Pumpkin Festival, 10AM – Shepherd’s Cross

November 6, 2026: Shepherd’s Cross Pumpkin Festival, 10AM – Shepherd’s Cross

November 6, 2026: Arena Motocross Nationals, 7PM - Claremore Expo Center

November 7, 2026: Arena Motocross Nationals, 6PM – Claremore Expo Center

November 7, 2026: Shepherd’s Cross Pumpkin Festival, 10AM – Shepherd’s Cross

November 11, 2026: Veteran’s Day Parade, 11:11am

November 15, 2026: Contingency Fall Racing Days, 12PM – Will Rogers Downs

November 20, 2026: Dickens on the Boulevard, 6PM – Downtown Claremore

November 20, 2026: Movie Night at the Museum “Charlotte’s Web”, 7PM – Will Rogers Memorial Museum

November 21, 2026: Dickens on the Boulevard, 6PM – Downtown Claremore

November 21, 2026: Holiday Markets, 10AM – Rogers County Courthouse Parking Lot

November 26, 2026: Thanksgiving – City Offices Closed November 27, 2026: Black Friday – City Offices Closed