The Fort Gibson Historic Site will once again host its annual candlelight tour on Saturday, December 12.

This educational fundraiser supports the site’s living history programming. The event offers visitors an opportunity to experience the site illuminated by moonlight and lanterns, replicating its 19th-century appearance. During the tours, guests are guided through scenes depicting 19th-century life within the palisade and surrounding grounds, using lantern light to navigate.

Each tour lasts approximately one hour and begins in the palisade orientation room with a brief historical overview. Tour guides then lead groups through a series of skits in the palisade, mess hall, and dog trot. The evening concludes with refreshments, including cookies and hot cider, in the sutler store. Santa Claus will be available in the sutler’s living quarters for guests wishing to share holiday wishes. The tour concludes with a hayride returning participants to the parking area.

Ticket sales begin on October 27. Additional purchasing information and event details are provided below.

Tours are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., with the final tour departing at 8 p.m. Each group is limited to 10 participants. The event is conducted by candlelight and available moonlight, resulting in low-light conditions. Participants should be prepared to walk over uneven ground, and seating is limited. Attendance is not recommended for infants. Parents are responsible for ensuring their children observe appropriate tour etiquette. Guests are asked to avoid using flash photography to protect the night vision of guides and volunteers and to ensure group safety.

Advance ticket purchase is required for this event. Tickets must be presented at the registration tent as proof of purchase. While tickets are non-refundable, they may be transferred to another individual for the same date and time; the original purchaser must provide the transferee with a copy of the receipt.

Ticket sales begin on October 27. Tickets may be purchased during regular business hours by phone at 918-478-4088 or in person at the 1870s Hospital Visitor Center, 803 N Garrison Ave, Fort Gibson, OK. For phone purchases, a phone number or email address is required so staff can send a copy of the ticket, which must be shown at registration. Ticket sales end at 4:30 p.m. on December 11, after which individuals on the waiting list will be contacted.

Event parking is available in the Palisade lot at the corner of Ash and Lee Street, located between the railroad tracks and the Palisade entrance. Lanterns will illuminate the entrance. Guests are advised to arrive 5 to 10 minutes before their scheduled tour, as tours depart promptly. Site staff cannot guarantee space in subsequent tours for late arrivals.