(OKLAHOMA CITY) – Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, Downtown in December presented by Devon is back to help families celebrate the holiday season. This collection of more than 30 events and attractions offers a festive line up of activities, many of which are free or low cost. Residents and visitors to downtown Oklahoma City can enjoy this series thanks to Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership, Devon Energy Corporation and generous support from local businesses, organizations, and partners.

Kicking off the holiday season is one of the year’s most anticipated events, the Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival. The festival is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 18 at 5 p.m. in Bricktown and is free, open to everyone, and will include family-friendly activities such as photos with Santa Claus, caricatures, a letters to Santa station, and more. The stage will be full of festive performances representing the many cultures and traditions of the Oklahoma City community. Join Mayor David Holt and Santa Claus for the countdown to the lighting of the Bricktown Christmas Tree at 6 p.m. This year, the Virtual Holiday Special is back by popular demand and will air on Nov. 26 at 5 p.m. on KOCB CW 34 and online. Catch encore presentations on KOKH FOX 25 on Nov. 26 at 9:30 p.m. and on Christmas Day at noon. The Bricktown Christmas Tree sponsored by SONIC Foundation will be on the display on Bricktown at the canal overlook (111 S. Mickey Mantle Dr.) throughout the holiday season. Visit DowntowninDecember.com for more information.

Cruise down historic Automobile Alley for the district’s holiday open house and the first day of this year’s stunning light display at the Lights On Broadway Annual Event on Saturday, Nov. 20. Retail shops and restaurants on Broadway Avenue and side streets will feature holiday window displays, activities for all ages, special promotions, and giveaways. The fun returns for four Saturdays this season: Nov. 20, Nov. 27, Dec. 4, and Dec. 11 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Snow Globe Santa will be on-site all four Saturdays thanks to support from Mason Realty Investors. There will be complimentary carriage rides that must be booked in advance, a Magic Elf, free caricatures, Katiebug’s Winter Wonderland, 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 holiday destination Nov. 20 through Jan. 9.

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 went virtual in 2020 but will be in-person this year with a new route and new start/finish located at SSM Health – St. Anthony (1000 N. Lee Ave.) in Midtown. The event includes a 5K run/walk, 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 holiday costume for a chance to win cash prizes. For details and to register, visit DowntowninDecember.com.

Bring the pups out and enjoy the pet-friendly holiday party, A Dog Day in December, on Thursday, Dec. 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Midtown Mutts Dog Park (407 W. Park Place). There will be photos with Santa printed on site for $10 each, complimentary “puppuccinos”, and a festive atmosphere filled with furry friends. Skip the line for dog photos with Santa and purchase an “early bird” ticket for $20. Early bird tickets are on sale now and includes early entrance to the event at 5 p.m. This event is produced and sponsored by Midtown OKC and is free and open to the public. For more information, visit DowntowninDecember.com.

The Myriad Botanical Gardens will once again transform its seasonal plaza into the Devon Ice Rink. This signature attraction is planning to return for its 10th season this winter and is 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. 19 and will run through Jan. 30. For more information, including hours, and details about private events, visit DowntowninDecember.com.

One of Oklahoma’s favorite holiday traditions, Lyric Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” presented by Devon Energy will return for its 11th year this season with its all-outdoor immersive production, taking the audience to a holiday village nestled in the heart of Oklahoma City. The historic Harn Homestead (1721 N. Lincoln Blvd.) has once again been transformed into a Victorian Era setting for Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, magical spirits, and a host of unforgettable characters. Patrons will follow Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of transformation and redemption, as they are guided from scene to scene at the homestead. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit LyricTheatreOKC.com.

Oklahoma City Ballet’s The Nutcracker presented by Devon Energy returns to the Civic Center Music Hall Dec. 11 through Dec. 19 for its 50th in 2021. Tchaikovsky’s familiar score and Artistic Director Robert Mills’ delightful staging come together as Clara and the Nutcracker Prince journey to adventurous places beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. For more information, including performance schedules, visit OKCBallet.com.

Midtown merchants have once again come together to offer festive opportunities to eat, drink and be merry in Midtown this holiday season. Merry Midtown begins Nov. 26, making Midtown a destination for dining, holiday shopping, and general merriment with limited-time promotions and special holiday touches. For more information, visit MidtownOKC.com.

The Holiday Pop-Up Shops are returning to the Midtown district in downtown Oklahoma City for their 10th year bringing back the iconic geodesic domes along with the market tents introduced last season. Discover dozens of local shops each weekend, enjoy Katiebug’s Sips & Sweets and the Big Friendly Brewery, visit the Bishop John Carroll tree lot, and take a photo in front of the Midtown Christmas tree. The holiday shopping village is open to the public every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, beginning Nov. 26 through Dec. 19. For details, including hours and list of shops, visit OKCPopUps.com.

The LifeShare WinterFest and Snow Tubing opens at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on Friday, Nov. 26 and the gigantic snow tubing slopes are a perfect attraction for friends and family. LifeShare WinterFest and Snow Tubing will be available for private sessions every day with public sessions available weekends only through Dec. 12 before operating daily Dec. 18 through Jan. 2, (Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.) All single-session tickets are $16. Groups of 10 or more can purchase $14 tickets by calling (405) 218-2115. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit OKCDodgers.com.

EMBARK is once again making it even easier to get around downtown as they celebrate the Oklahoma City Streetcar's third year of service with free rides on the Oklahoma City Streetcars each weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) beginning Nov. 19 and continuing through Jan. 2. In addition, ride the streetcar for free anytime when parking in one of EMBARK’s five 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.

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. Skip the shipping charges and shop local merchants. Many of them offer free holiday gift wrapping, too! Support local businesses by pledging to shop and dine in downtown on Nov. 27 and throughout the holiday season. For more information, visit DowntowninDecember.com.

Have Yourself a Myriad Little Christmas and enjoy all the holidays have to offer from Nov. 26 through Jan. 2. The grounds of the Myriad Botanical Gardens will be full of lights and holiday décor that are free and open to the public. 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,” “Gingerbread House Workshop,” “Santa at the Gardens,” and many more. The Children’s Garden Winter Wonderland Lighting will feature special lanterns, twinkle lights, Santa’s Workshop and more. Visit MyriadGardens.org for more information.

Downtown OKC is full of beautiful light displays to enjoy throughout the holiday season. Explore each district and experience the different light installations and decorations with family and friends. The Downtown Light Displays brighten the holiday experience Nov. 20 through Jan. 9. Light displays are available for viewing dawn to dusk, and free and open to everyone. Learn more at DowntowninDecember.com. Santa will be at many downtown events and attractions this year to help celebrate the season. His first appearance will be at the OKC Tree Lighting Festival where attendees are invited to sit with Santa for free photos printed on-site to commemorate the holidays.  View a countdown to when Santa will be arriving to OKC and all the places you can Find Santa 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, and organizers are continuing to keep the community’s health a priority with additional safety precautions. For more information visit, DowntowninDecember.com.

Downtown in December is presented by Devon Energy with support from American Fidelity, Arvest Bank, Automobile Alley Association, BancFirst, Bank of Oklahoma, Block by Block, Bricktown Association, Delaware Nation Industries | Delaware Nation Investments, Downtown Business Improvement District, First National Center, FOX 25, Hall Capital, Heartland, HoganTaylor LLP, JE Dunn, Mason Realty Investors, Midtown OKC, Midtown Renaissance, OG&E, OKC Dodgers, Painted Door Gift Boutique, Quik Print, RCB Bank, Robinson Park, SONIC Foundation, Spark Creative, SSM Health - St. Anthony Hospital, Tinker Federal Credit Union, and Wiggin Properties.

ABOUT DOWNTOWN OKLAHOMA CITY PARTNERSHIP

Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership (DOKC) is the 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization whose mission is to create and champion a vibrant and diverse downtown through placemaking, advocacy, and promotion. DOKC also manages and maintains the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) and fosters an environment of creativity and culture through public art and activation via Downtown Oklahoma City Initiatives. The BID delivers street-level amenities such as street cleaning, landscaping and trash pickup, produces events, and provides additional services such as marketing, branding and programming. For more information, visit DowntownOKC.com.