30+ events and attractions bring festive experiences to downtown from November through January

(OKLAHOMA CITY) – Downtown in December presented by Devon will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026, bringing more than 30 holiday events and attractions to downtown Oklahoma City. Produced by Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership, the seasonal series includes family activities, performances, holiday shopping, outdoor ice skating and festive light displays. Many events are free or affordable and open to all.

Downtown in December began in 2002 with a handful of events and has grown alongside downtown into a citywide holiday tradition. This year’s season will feature returning favorites across downtown’s districts, with activities and attractions from November through January. “Devon is proud of our long-standing partnership with Downtown in December,” said Marla Freeman, Devon’s community relations manager. “These events bring our community together and reflect our shared commitment to a vibrant, connected Oklahoma City.”

The holiday season will kick off with the 25th annual Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival, presented by Global Payments, on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Mickey Mantle Plaza outside Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S. Mickey Mantle Drive. The free festival will include live holiday music and dance performances, photos with Santa sponsored by Inasmuch Foundation, a Letters to Santa station sponsored by Communication Federal Credit Union, face painting, balloon art and other family activities. The festival will again feature free tastings from downtown restaurants, now gathered under Restaurant Row presented by Robinson Park. Mayor David Holt will lead the countdown to the lighting of the Bricktown Christmas Tree, powered by OG&E, at 6 p.m. The tree will be on display at the canal overlook across from the ballpark through New Year’s Day. For details, visit DowntowninDecember.com.

The Saints Santa Run, presented by SSM Health St. Anthony, returns to Midtown on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to noon. The family-friendly event will include a 5K run/walk, a 1-mile fun run, a costume contest and a free Kids’ Dash for children ages 8 and younger. The run will begin at SSM Health St. Anthony, 535 NW 9th St. Participants in the 5K and 1-mile events will receive a commemorative shirt and finisher medal. For details and registration, visit DowntowninDecember.com.

In Automobile Alley, Lights On Broadway will take place Saturday, Dec. 5, and Saturday, Dec. 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. Visitors can explore seasonal displays, shop and dine throughout the district, and enjoy free activities, live music, performances, special promotions and free visits with Santa. Santa will be available for photos from 4 to 6 p.m. More than 900,000 colorful LED lights will illuminate buildings along North Broadway and side streets throughout the holiday season. For event details, visit DowntowninDecember.com.

Merry Midtown’s Santa Paws will return Sunday, Nov. 22, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Midtown Sports Courts just north of the Midtown Mutts Dog Park. Guests can bring their dogs for free holiday photos with Santa, with both a professional photographer and DIY photo opportunities available. For details, visit DowntowninDecember.com.

The Devon Ice Rink at Myriad Botanical Gardens will open for its 15th season on Friday, Nov. 13, and remain open through Jan. 31, 2027. Located at the corner of Robinson Avenue and Sheridan Avenue, the outdoor rink will offer public skating seven days a week. Admission is $16 per person with skate rental or $11 with personal skates. For hours, group rates and party information, visit DowntowninDecember.com.

Oklahoma City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” presented by Devon Energy and the Chickasaw Nation, will return to Civic Center Music Hall Dec. 11-21. The production, choreographed by Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye, will have 12 performances, including a sensory-friendly performance on Dec. 21. Tickets and details are available at OKCBallet.com.

The Holiday Pop-Up Shops will return to Midtown on weekends from Nov. 27 through Dec. 20 at 399 NW 10th St. Dozens of local shops will rotate through the four-weekend market, offering shoppers a changing selection of gifts. The event will also feature live music, seasonal treats, visits from Santa, Curbside Chronicle wrapping paper and the Bishop John Carroll tree lot. Admission is free. Find details at OKCPopUps.com.

The OKC Streetcar offers free rides every day, making it easy for residents and visitors to travel between downtown districts, holiday events, shops and attractions. View routes and service hours at OKCStreetcar.com.

Visitors can also shop local on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28, and throughout the season. Downtown businesses will offer gifts, dining and seasonal experiences. Learn more at DowntowninDecember.com.

Holiday light displays will brighten districts across downtown, including Automobile Alley, Bricktown, City Center, Deep Deuce and Midtown. The displays are free to enjoy. Find locations and details at DowntowninDecember.com.
 

Additional Downtown in December events include:

Additional holiday events, attractions and seasonal updates are available at DowntowninDecember.com.

Downtown in December is presented by Devon Energy with support from the Downtown OKC Business Improvement District, Global Payments, SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital, Visit OKC, Toucan Productions, Bricktown, Johnson & Associates, OG&E, Midtown OKC, MidFirst Bank, EMBARK, Quik Print of Oklahoma City, Block by Block, Oklahoma City Metropolitan Association of REALTORS, Jones Strategies, American Fidelity Assurance Company and INSURICA, and One Set Studio.