(OKLAHOMA CITY) – Downtown in December presented by Devon is back to help everyone celebrate the holiday season in downtown OKC. This collection of more than 30 events and attractions offers a festive lineup 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, and generous support from local businesses, organizations, and community 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. 16 at 5:30 p.m. in Bricktown and is free, open to everyone, and includes family-friendly activities such as photos with Santa Claus, face painting, and a Letters to Santa station sponsored by OG&E. 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 7 p.m. The Bricktown Christmas Tree presented 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 third year to its location at SSM Health St. Anthony (1000 N. Lee Ave.) in Midtown on Saturday, Dec 2. 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 holiday 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, Dec. 2, Dec. 9, and Dec. 16, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Retail shops and restaurants on Broadway Avenue and side streets will feature holiday window displays, activities for all ages, special promotions, and giveaways. Santa will be available all three Saturdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. for attendees to take a photo with Santa with their camera. Guests will find additional programming throughout the district, including a Magic Elf, carolers, A Very Vintage 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 holiday destination through Jan. 7.

Midtown merchants have once again come together to offer opportunities to eat, drink, and be merry in Midtown this holiday season. Merry Midtown begins Nov. 24, making Midtown a destination for dining, holiday shopping, and general merriment with limited-time promotions and special holiday touches. Returning for its second year, Merry Midtown’s Santa Paw’s Photo Op is happening on Sunday, Nov. 26, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 1100 N. Walker Ave. 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 12th 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. 17 and will run through Feb. 4. For more information, including hours, and details about private events, visit DowntowninDecember.com.

Lyric Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” presented by Devon Energy, a beloved holiday tradition, will make its triumphant return to The Plaza Theatre in 2023 for its first indoor production in four years, featuring all-new sets, costumes, lights, sounds, and staging! Join Ebenezer Scrooge, a host of ghosts and Charles Dickens’ characters as they spring to life in Lyric’s spectacular, new production. Guests are invited to go on a magical journey with Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Tickets start at $25, and the show takes place at Lyric's Plaza Theatre located at 1725 N.W. 16th St. This year’s show opens on Nov. 24, and the final performance will be a matinee on Christmas Eve. 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. 8 through Dec. 17 and will feature all-new choreography by Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye. Tchaikovsky’s spirited and familiar score evokes warm, childlike memories in the most glorious way as this colorful and extravagant ballet takes the stage once again this holiday season. For more information, including performance schedules, visit OKCBallet.com.

The Holiday Pop-Up Shops are returning to the Midtown district in downtown Oklahoma City for their 12th year, making Midtown a holiday shopping destination. 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, from Nov. 24 through Dec. 17. For details, including hours and a list of shops, visit OKCPopUps.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. 17 and continuing through Dec. 31. 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. 25 and throughout the holiday season. 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 Conservatory where guests can see the new $11-million renovation and see the poinsettias on display. 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,” “All-Natural Holiday Potpourri Workshop,” “Wild Bird Holiday Decorations,” and many 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 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 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 to 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. For more information, visit DowntowninDecember.com.

Downtown in December is presented by Devon Energy with support from Downtown OKC Business Improvement District, Heartland, SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital, amshot, Painted Door Gift Boutique, Continental Resources, Canoo, BancFirst, Fordson Hotel, OKC Thunder, RCB Bank, Robinson Park, Visit OKC, Tinker Federal Credit Union, Johnson & Associates, American Fidelity Assurance Company & INSURICA, Midfirst Bank, Midtown Renaissance, One Set Media, Wiggin Properties, Flight, and Quik Print.