The lights are glowing, and the trees are sparkling, so you know the coziest season of the year has arrived at WinStar World Casino and Resort. Grab your favorite people and come see how Thackerville, Oklahoma, does winter.
The fun starts with holiday décor in November and rolls into a December full of shows. New Year’s Eve brings a countdown worth being there for, and the Lunar New Year keeps the party going into late January or February. Here’s a look at the winter events at WinStar you can plan around every year, plus where to find the current season’s lineup.
Christmas at WinStar Casino
Drive up, and you’ll know exactly which season it is. The iconic WinStar Globe glows red and green, and the festive feeling follows you right through the doors. Every year the property gets a full holiday makeover, so it’s worth wandering around just to take it all in. Decorations go up in November and stay through the New Year.
Twinkling Trees and Photo Spots
Inside, decorated trees stand across the casino floor, and each one has its own theme. Garlands and wreaths also dress up the hotel and the convention center. Bring your phone, because every tree makes a great backdrop, and we love seeing which ones become your favorites.
The WinStar Christmas Buffet
Would you rather skip cooking a big holiday meal? Let someone else handle the dishes. The WinStar Christmas menu at the Gran Via Buffet puts a table full of festive favorites in front of you, and you can linger over dessert with your people while the casino sparkles nearby. Menus and serving times change each year, so confirm the details before you plan your day.
Gift Shopping Without the Traffic
Save yourself a few laps around town. Several gift shops sit inside the casino, and each has its own style, so you can find something for almost everyone on your list. A spa visit or a day at the WinStar Golf Academy makes a memorable present too, and gift cards work well when you can’t decide. For more ways to spend the season here, see our guide to the holidays at WinStar.
December Shows and Weekend Getaways
December weekends at WinStar buzz with energy. Headline concerts light up the stage at Lucas Oil Live, a 6,500-seat venue with an exclusive club seating level and a private lounge. Popular shows tend to sell out, so grab your tickets the moment they go on sale. Shows land on weekends throughout the month, so check the events calendar to see who is playing while you’re in town.
A Winter Weekend, Start to Finish
Picture this: you catch a concert on Friday night while the crowd sings along to every chorus. Afterward, you head up to your hotel suite and sleep in on Saturday. Spend the afternoon at the spa, then head back out for a second show that evening. Now that’s how you spend a December weekend.
WinStar New Year’s Eve Celebrations to Kick Off Your Fresh Start
Every December, you start dreaming about the year ahead. Maybe this is the year you finally book that getaway. Maybe you want to say yes to more nights out with friends. Either way, it all starts with one big night.
New Year’s Eve at WinStar Casino in Oklahoma mixes entertainment with party options, so you can build the evening around whichever version of midnight sounds best to you.
The Headliner Night
A big-name concert at Lucas Oil Live is a classic way to greet the new year, and the energy in the room is hard to beat. Door times are listed on each show page, so you can plan when to arrive and still have room to settle in with a drink before the lights go down.
With our entertainment packages, you’ll get concert tickets plus a one-night hotel stay at a single promotional price. One booking covers your whole night.
The Dance Party
Want to be on your feet all night? Look for a themed party at the WinStar Convention Center, a 65,000-square-foot space built for big events. Expect a packed dance floor and confetti raining down at midnight. The theme changes each year, and the energy stays high until the last song.
The Luxury Reset
Would you rather start the year feeling pampered? Book a hotel stay for the 31st and reserve a table at Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse. Then sink into a spa visit on New Year’s Day. It’s a relaxing way to begin January, and you can plan it yourself any year.
After Midnight
When the confetti settles, the fun keeps rolling. The gaming floor has more than 10,000 electronic games and all the classic casino favorites. Start the year chasing a winning streak.
Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year Celebrations at WinStar
Winter saves one more big party for last. Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, arrives in late January or February depending on the lunar calendar. The property fills with color, music and dancers, capping off the season with one more celebration worth driving in for.
The zodiac animal changes every year and is said to shape the year’s luck, so the theme is different each time around. Red and gold decorations go up across the property, since both colors stand for prosperity and good fortune. The events calendar lists the current year’s zodiac theme, performance times and any related promotions.
Dancers and Live Performances
Dancers in vibrant traditional costumes perform through the Rome Gaming Plaza, with show times posted ahead of the celebration. Between the costumes, the music and the red and gold throughout the property, it’s a colorful reason to make the drive.
Club Passport and Special Menus
Look for a limited-edition Lunar New Year Club Passport card at the Players Club desk. Use it every time you play during the celebration for a little extra luck. Not a member yet? Sign up while you’re there. Past celebrations have brought Asian-inspired dishes to the buffet, with Asian Night concerts on the entertainment calendar as well.
Build Your Own Winter Getaway
You don’t need a set package to make winter at WinStar feel special. Mix and match a few favorites for a trip that feels custom-made:
- Stay overnight at the WinStar World Casino Hotel and catch a headline show at Lucas Oil Live.
- Add dinner at one of our on-site restaurants.
- Book an afternoon at WinStar Spa.
- Browse the gift shops for something special before you leave.
Winter weekends move quickly, so book your room early for the best choice. If you’re making a full trip of it, there’s plenty more nearby in our guide to things to do in Thackerville.
Everything You Need to Plan Winter Events at WinStar
WinStar World Casino and Resort sits at 777 Casino Ave., Thackerville, Oklahoma 73459, right off I-35 at the Oklahoma state line. That puts it within an easy drive of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, which is why so many winter weekends here start with a short trip north. If you’re coming from that direction, our guide to finding a casino near Dallas covers the route and what to expect when you arrive.
Show lineups, ticket links and performance times are posted on the events calendar, and that page fills in as each season takes shape. Dates, menus and promotions change every year, so check there to confirm the details before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WinStar open on Christmas?
Yes. The casino floor is open around the clock, so Christmas Day is fair game for holiday luck. Restaurant and spa hours can shift for the holiday, so check the WinStar website before you head out.
Is WinStar open on New Year’s?
Yes. The casino floor runs around the clock on January 1 just like any other day, and the celebration can carry right past midnight. Restaurant and spa hours can vary on the holiday, so check winstar.com first.
When do the holiday decorations go up?
Holiday décor goes up in November and stays through the New Year. The WinStar Globe switches to red and green and themed trees appear across the casino floor, the hotel and the convention center.
Does the Lunar New Year date change each year?
Yes. It follows the lunar calendar, so it usually lands in late January or February. Check the events calendar for current dates and performance times.
Can I book a hotel room with a show ticket?
Often you can. WinStar sells entertainment packages for select shows that pair tickets with a hotel room and bonus play. Check the show page for package details.
Come Celebrate the Winter Holidays With Us!
Come for Christmas at WinStar Casino or save your visit for the Lunar New Year. Either way, a season of good times is waiting for you. Snap a pic of your favorite winter moment at the casino and share it on Instagram or Facebook, using #winstarworldcasino when you post. Tag @WinStar_World so the whole community can cheer along.
