The 'Christmas Capital Of Oklahoma' Is An Underrated Small Town With Cozy Victorian Vibes

Nestled just north of Oklahoma City along I-35 lies the underrated small town of Guthrie, Oklahoma's first territorial and state capital — a town whose very streets whisper tales of pioneering ambition, civic identity, and architectural elegance. Established during the dramatic land rush of 1889, Guthrie became a symbol of frontier democracy and rapid growth; the steps of the Oklahoma Historical Society's Territorial Museum attest to those early days when settlers poured in to claim their stake. Over time, Guthrie evolved rather than vanished, preserving one of the largest contiguous historic districts in America. It boasts a designation as a National Historic Landmark district, and the downtown Capitol Townsite Historic District alone covers some 1,400 acres.

The town's architecture is part time machine, part living community. Victorian brick streets, richly ornamented facades, and warm lamplight evoke an era when Guthrie was flush with optimism and resourceful energy. Today, as you stroll past the turn-of-the-century opera house or grand Masonic temple complex, you'll sense the layered past; from livestock brokers to oil-boom magnates and movie set scouts.

Getting there is straightforward: Guthrie lies about 35 miles from downtown Oklahoma City, and is accessed conveniently from I-35. For drivers, the highway offers a smooth transition from urban sprawl to quiet historic charm. Whether arriving for a day-trip or extended stay, Guthrie allows you to slow down and wander its lanes, listen to its stories, and savor a place whose past remains vividly present.

Begin your exploration downtown, where antiques and curios await. A stroll through the historic district reveals boutiques, vintage furniture dealers, and galleries waiting to be discovered. For history-minded travelers, the Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library is a gem. Housed in a 1902 Carnegie library building, it chronicles the turbulent era of the Land Run, territorial government, and the early years of statehood. Nearby, the Oklahoma Frontier Drugstore Museum delights with artifacts of frontier medicine and an apothecary garden where visitors can wander among plants once used by settlers. Meanwhile, those interested in architecture can take in the grand Guthrie Scottish Rite Temple, a massive Masonic complex built in 1923 that stands as one of the largest such temples in the world. When the moon rises, the town's ghost-walks and themed tours create another layer of intrigue.

Dining in Guthrie leans into comfort, authenticity, and local flavor. At its heart is Stables Cafe: a local institution offering hearty fare, classic American favorites, and a warm, historic setting. And then you can sample award-winning bourbon at Wander Folk Spirits, one of the country's best distilleries. For a more intimate stay, the Stone Lion Inn, set in a restored historic building, offers rooms steeped in period details, perfect for a quiet evening after a day of wandering.

If you time your visit right, you might encounter the lively block parties, live music jams, and bluegrass festivals that give Guthrie a vibrant social pulse. It's a town that honors its heritage by letting it evolve, and you'll feel that in every meal, shop, and room you choose.

When winter arrives, Guthrie transforms into something magical. The town proudly carries the title "Christmas Capital of Oklahoma," a phrase that doesn't feel like hyperbole when you witness the annual transformation. From the end of November through December, historic streets glow with lights, Victorian costumes appear on pedestrians, parades wind through downtown, and families gather for home tours and holiday markets.

The centerpiece is the Territorial Christmas Celebration, held in downtown Guthrie for over 30 years. Visitors arrive in period dress or simply embrace the spirit of the season as the streets become a living holiday card. The event incorporates historic homes decked out for the holidays, horse-drawn carriage rides, Victorian walks, and festive vendor markets. The nearby Cottonwood Flats drive-through light experience adds another layer: seven blocks of twinkling displays, wrapped trees, and fireworks that delight children and adults alike.

What makes Guthrie's holiday appeal especially enduring is how it merges authenticity and celebration. You're not just watching lights, you're walking through a town whose architecture, streets, and ambiance owe their charm to the 19th and early-20th centuries. Decking those historic buildings with wreaths and lamplight feels organic rather than forced. For a traveler, this means that a December visit to Guthrie offers not just seasonal spectacle, but an immersive experience: strolling down brick lanes, ducking into antique shops, sampling seasonal treats, and knowing that each storefront could have been there a century ago. If you're planning a holiday escape that mixes small town warmth, historic texture, and festive enchantment, Guthrie stands out. Whether you stay for a weekend or several nights, let yourself be absorbed by the lights, the stories, and very tangible sense of tradition. And for more holiday fun, check out a little Indiana town called Santa Claus.