There are those who say it’s way too early to begin planning for the holidays. We beg to differ: for those people planning a December vacation in the Broken Bow area, it is imperative to plan! And knowing the area’s activities will help them get the most out of their Sooner-State visit! It’s a season of parades 
and a season of shopping, so take a moment to consider these area activities that will put you in the holiday spirit during your Oklahoma cabin getaway.
Monday, November 28, 2016: Broken Bow Festival of Lights Parade
The town kicks off the season with the first bit of “flash” when floats, vehicles, bands and organizations light up the streets. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. at 10th and D Streets on the north side of town.
Friday, December 2, 2016: Idabel’s City of Lights Parade
Come “Believe… in the Season” at the 24th Annual “City of Lights” Christmas Parade in nearby Idabel! Marching begins at 7:00 p.m. when this year’s theme inspires music, floats and walking/performing groups! Catch the start of the parade at the Choctaw Village Shopping Center on SE Washington Street, or line the streets along the parade route into town.
Saturday, December 3, 2016: Hometown Christmas
Broken Bow merchants and craftsmen welcome you to the downtown area for sidewalk sales, vendor booths and demonstrations. The Junior Chamber will also be on hand for their Soup and Chili Fundraiser, so come hungry! Hometown Christmas festivities are from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 3, 2016: Downtown Dazzles
Join us at the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce (444
South 8th Avenue) as we set the town’s official Christmas tree aglow after the Hometown Christmas festivities! Enjoy 
caroling and watch the kids compete at the games on the grounds. And of course Santa has come from Idabel to join our festivities!
Monday, December 5, 2016: McCurtain County Christmas Parade
If you have decided to enjoy an extended stay in southeast Oklahoma, why not join us to further “Believe in the Season” at the Christmas Parade in Broken Bow? The procession steps off at 6:00 p.m. from the Broken Bow High School (1001 S. Park Drive) and proceeds through town. We’ll have bands, floats… and Santa caps off the parade.
As an added incentive to explore area stores for your holiday giving needs, the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a “Caught Shopping” event in Broken Bow, Hochatown and Idabel. Shoppers in these towns have a chance to win up to $100 between December 1 and December 19 if a representative member of the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce “catches” you shopping locally! So why not explore the area’s merchants and find that perfect gift… or that perfect something for yourself?