30+ Holiday Events and Attractions Await in Downtown Oklahoma City

 

(OKLAHOMA CITY) – Now in its 24th year, Downtown in December presented by Devon brings the holiday spirit to Oklahoma City with more than 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 downtown Oklahoma City into the premier winter destination. Produced by Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership, Downtown in December offers a mix of free and affordable experiences designed to spread holiday cheer and create lasting memories.

 

Launched nearly 25 years ago, Downtown in December began as a way to bring people to an area with few attractions at the time. Today, Oklahoma City’s downtown is a thriving destination with lively districts and year-round activity, reflecting the continued growth and energy of the city. “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.”

Kicking off the holiday season is one of the year’s most anticipated events, the Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival presented by Global Payments. The festival is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 13 at 5:30 p.m. in Bricktown and is free, open to everyone, and includes family-friendly activities like DIY photos with Santa sponsored by Inasmuch Foundation, face painting, Letters to Santa station sponsored by Communication Federal Credit Union. The stage will be full of festive performances representing the various 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 powered by OG&E 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 all ages and pets to downtown Oklahoma City for a festive 5K. The Santa Run returns for the fifth year to its location at SSM Health St. Anthony (1000 N. Lee Ave.) in Midtown on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 9 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 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. 29, Dec. 6, and Dec. 13, 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 amshot will occur every Saturday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for attendees to take a DIY photo with Santa. Guests will find additional programming throughout the district, including a Magic Elf, carolers, live performances, car meet, 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. 11. Visit DowntowninDecember.com for more information including event map and programming list.

 

Merry Midtown, running through Christmas Eve, brings special dining and shopping experiences to Midtown OKC. On Nov. 23, from 1 p.m. 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 14th 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 and private parties all winter. Admission is $15 per person with skate rental and $10 per person with personal skates. The Devon Ice Rink opens on Nov. 14 and will run through Feb. 1. For more information, including hours and details about private events, visit DowntowninDecember.com.

 

Experience the magic of Oklahoma City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” from Dec. 12 to Dec. 23 at the Civic Center Music Hall. Following its acclaimed 2024 debut, the new production returns for 14 performances under the direction of Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye, blending beloved holiday traditions with captivating new elements. Tickets and more information are available at OKCBallet.com.

 

Returning to Midtown for its 14th year, the Holiday Pop-Up Shops continue to showcase Oklahoma City’s local spirit with a variety of local vendors, the Bishop John Carroll tree lot, and the iconic Midtown Christmas Tree. The shops will be open on weekends from Nov. 28 to Dec. 21 Find details and participating shops at OKCPopUps.com.

 

The Oklahoma City Streetcar offers free rides each weekend from Nov. 14 through Jan. 4. 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. 29, 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.

 

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.

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, Global Payments, SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital, Visit OKC, Toucan Productions, Bricktown, Johnson & Associates, OG&E, Renewal by Andersen, EMBARK, Hall Capital, Midtown OKC, Quik Print of Oklahoma City, Robinson Park, amshot, and American Fidelity Assurance Company and INSURICA.