30+ Holiday Events and Attractions Await in Downtown Oklahoma City

 

(OKLAHOMA CITY) – Now in its 23rd season, Downtown in December presented by Devon brings the holiday spirit to Oklahoma City with over 30 events and attractions for all ages. From the lighting of the Bricktown Christmas Tree to ice skating, seasonal shopping, and family-friendly activities, the series transforms OKC’s downtown districts into the premier winter destination. Downtown in December produced by Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership provides a variety of free and affordable experiences for everyone to enjoy cheerful moments and create unforgettable memories.

“Devon Energy is proud to sponsor Downtown in December, a series of events that bring the heart of Oklahoma City to life with festive activities and celebrations,” said Marla Freeman, Devon’s Community Relations Manager. “Supporting downtown OKC during this special time of year reflects our commitment to fostering a vibrant and thriving community for residents and visitors alike. We look forward to being a part of the long-lasting memories created during this wonderful season.”

Kicking off the holiday season is one of the year’s most anticipated events, the Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival presented by Heartland. The festival is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 5:30 p.m. in Bricktown and is free, open to everyone, and includes family-friendly activities such as photos with Santa Claus sponsored by Inasmuch Foundation, face painting, and Letters to Santa station sponsored by Communication Federal Credit Union. The stage will be full of festive performances representing the many cultures and traditions of the Oklahoma City community. Join Mayor David Holt for the countdown to the lighting of the Bricktown Christmas Tree at 6 p.m. The Bricktown Christmas Tree made possible by Painted Door Gift Boutique will be on display in Bricktown at the Canal overlook (111 S. Mickey Mantle Dr.) throughout the holiday season. Visit DowntowninDecember.com for more information.

The annual Saints Santa Run is a family-friendly holiday run that brings young and old, and even pets, to downtown Oklahoma City for a festive 5K. The Santa Run returns for the fourth year to its location at SSM Health St. Anthony (1000 N. Lee Ave.) in Midtown on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 8:45 a.m. The event includes a 5K run/walk, a 1-mile fun run, and a free 50-yard kids’ dash, and is a great way to stay active and spread holiday cheer this season. Participants in the 5K run/walk or 1-mile fun run will receive a commemorative Saints Santa Run t-shirt and finisher medal. Runners are encouraged to dress up like Santa or in a festive costume for a chance to win cash prizes. For details and to register, visit DowntowninDecember.com.

Cruise down historic Automobile Alley for the district’s holiday open house and enjoy the dazzling light displays at the Lights On Broadway Annual Event on three Saturdays this season, Nov. 30, Dec. 7, and Dec. 14, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Retail shops and restaurants on Broadway Avenue and side streets will feature merry window displays, activities for all ages, special promotions, and giveaways. Photos with Santa sponsored by OG&E will occur every Saturday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for attendees to take a photo with Santa next to vintage vehicles. Guests will find additional programming throughout the district, including a Magic Elf, carolers, Christmas at Katiebug’s Sips & Sweets, and more. More than 600,000 colorful LED lights will curtain the buildings along ten blocks of North Broadway and side streets, making for a magical destination through Jan. 3.

Merry Midtown, running through Christmas Eve, brings special dining and shopping experiences to Midtown OKC. On Dec. 1, from 1 to 3 p.m., Midtown will host Midtown’s Santa Paws at the Midtown Mutts Dog Park located at 301 NW 10th St. Santa will be available for guests to take DIY photos, and there will also be a professional photographer on-site. This event is produced and sponsored by Midtown OKC and is free and open to the public. For more information, visit MidtownOKC.com.

The Myriad Botanical Gardens will once again transform its seasonal plaza into Downtown in December’s premier attraction, Devon Ice Rink. It is returning for its 13th season this winter and will be open seven days a week at the corner of Robinson Avenue and Sheridan Avenue. The Devon Ice Rink will host daily public skating, private parties, and special events all winter. Admission is $14 per person with skate rental and $9 per person with personal skates. The Devon Ice Rink opens on Nov. 15 and will run through Feb. 2. For more information, including hours, and details about private events, visit DowntowninDecember.com.


Catch the Oklahoma City Ballet’s "The Nutcracker" from Dec. 14 to Dec. 23 at the Civic Center Music Hall. Featuring all-new choreography, sets, and costumes under Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye, this holiday classic blends cherished traditions with fresh elements. Tickets and more information are available at OKCBallet.com.

 

Returning to Midtown for its 13th year, the Holiday Pop-Up Shops will feature local vendors, Bishop John Carroll tree lot, and the Midtown Christmas Tree every weekend from Nov. 29 through Dec. 22. Visit OKCPopUps.com for hours and a list of participating shops.

The Oklahoma City Streetcar is offering free rides each weekend from Nov. 15 through Jan. 5. In addition, visitors can ride the streetcar for free anytime when parking in one of EMBARK’s public parking garages. Each parking receipt is valid for two people to ride free for 24 hours. For more information, including a ride guide, visit OKCStreetcar.com.

Support local merchants on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30, and throughout the season. Many retailers will offer seasonal gift wrapping and promotions. Small Business Saturday celebrates the Shop Small movement to drive shoppers to local merchants, as many small retailers rely heavily on the revenue from holiday sales each year. For more information, visit DowntowninDecember.com.

Myriad & Bright at the Myriad Botanical Gardens will be filled with holiday activities and events for all to enjoy this season. Visitors can stroll through beautiful light displays and decorations throughout the grounds as well as visit the Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge which will stay open extended hours until 8 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, November 29 through December 29, for guests to enjoy a special light and music show. In addition to many ongoing free activities at the park, the Gardens will host several workshops and classes for a fee, including “Evergreen Wreath Workshops,” “Needle Felted Ornaments,” “Wild Bird Holiday Wreaths,” and many more. Visit MyriadGardens.org for more information.

Enjoy seasonal light displays in each district, adding magic to every corner of downtown Oklahoma City. The Downtown Light Displays brighten the holiday experience into the new year. Light displays are available for viewing from dawn to dusk, and free and open to everyone. Learn more at DowntowninDecember.com.

Santa will appear at several downtown events this year, beginning with the OKC Tree Lighting Festival. Find his full schedule on the Santa Tracker presented by Aurora Pediatric Dentistry at DowntowninDecember.com/find-santa.

Additional Downtown in December events include:

 

Downtown in December presented by Devon provides a central location for the numerous holiday events and attractions taking place in and around downtown. Many of the events are free and open to everyone. For more information, visit DowntowninDecember.com.

Downtown in December is presented by Devon Energy with support from the Downtown OKC Business Improvement District, Heartland, SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital, BancFirst, EMBARK, Automobile Alley Association, Bricktown Association, Midtown OKC, OG&E, Quik Print, RCB Bank, Robinson Park, Visit OKC, Johnson & Associates, One Set Studios and Hall Capital.