Celebrate Native American culture this holiday season

(OKLAHOMA) As Oklahoma fall winds into winter, opportunities abound to incorporate celebrating Native American culture into your holiday festivities. Home to 39 Native American tribes, some long before statehood, the Spirit of Indian country is all around us, if only you know where to look! 

In Oklahoma City, the Red Earth Tree Fest will be on display at the Red Earth Art Center until December 30. The trees represent the different tribes and Native Nations that call Oklahoma home, featuring handmade ornaments and other objects.

For history buffs, the Cherokee National History Museum is offering the exhibit “The First Cherokee Christmas”. The exhibit focuses on how Christmas was first celebrated by the Cherokee people. It is on display through December 30.

Choctaw Nation has a festive celebration of lights with Christmas in the Park through December 31. Visitors may drive through the lit Tuskahoma Capitol Grounds from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. 

For people looking to get some holiday shopping done, Native Christmas markets are always a sure fire hit. 

The annual Native American Christmas Market will place at the Glenpool Conference Center in Glenpool Oklahoma on December 2 and 3. 

Dozens of Native American artists and craftsmen will have everything from Seminole patchwork skirts to handmade leather goods. 

The Osage Nation will also be holding a Holiday Market on Saturday December 2 from 9 am to 3 pm. It will take place at the Osage County Fairgrounds Ag Building in Pawhuska.  

Tribes are offering family fun events this holiday season. In Okmulgee, the Muscogee Nation Christmas Carnival will be held Friday December 8 from 3 pm to 9 pm. The event will include games, arts and crafts, pictures with Santa, a cookie contest, and a raffle. 

On December 15, the Chickasaw Nation will host a Christmas Party for Elders from 10 am to 2 pm at the Pontotoc County Agri-Plex. 

Have an event you think should be added to this list? Let us know in the comments below!