The fifth year for Tulsa's "Arvest Winterfest" is bringing bigger and brighter things to downtown Tulsa.

The festival opened Nov. 23 and will run until Jan. 5, a total of 45 days.

"We extended the days to let more people enjoy this time as a family," said Brian Smith, special events coordinator.

In Winterfest's first year in 2008, the event attracted 35,000 visitors. Last year, more than 130,000 attended.

The crowning sight this year is a 44-foot tree decked out with 35,700 lights, boasting to be Oklahoma's biggest outdoor Christmas tree. Other Winterfest attractions include a 9,000-square-foot outdoor skating rink, carriage rides, visits from Segway Santa and a warming tent set up outside the ice rink.

The outdoor skating rink is the main attraction for Winterfest; cost is $10 with skate rental, $5 if you have your own skates and $5 for children under the age of 3.

A variety of weekly promotions is scheduled during the festival to make the fun a little lighter on your wallet. You can receive half-price admission on certain days of the week by bringing donations for area charities.

nOn Mondays, bring a can of food for each skater to benefit the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.

nOn Tuesdays, bring a new or gently used book to benefit the Volunteers of America-Oklahoma Chapter literacy program.

nWednesdays are "Warmth Wednesdays" with the donation of a new or gently used coat, blanket, scarf or pair of gloves for each skater. Donations benefit the Tulsa Day Center.

Group rates are available though per-purchase only. The prices are $7 each (groups of 10-30), $6 each (groups of 31-50), and $5 each (groups of 51+). Call (918) 894-4268 with your Visa or Mastercard ready. Pre-paid skating vouchers may be used at the ice rink during any hours of operation.

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