Walking in a downtown wonderland

The holiday season is upon us and all across the OKC metro special events, activities and displays are gearing up to delight families. If you want to celebrate in the heart of Oklahoma City, Downtown in December presented by Devon is a magical collection of holiday events and attractions taking place throughout the season. From districts decked with lights and décor to an ice-skating rink in one of the city’s most prominent parks, all the events and activities are family friendly.

Events and attractions range from free and open to the public to ticketed with limited capacity. Put these 5 festive happenings on your family’s holiday bucket list:

1. Holiday Lights. Downtown is home to several beautiful displays of holiday lights and decorations.
   Lights On Broadway Cruise down historic Automobile Alley for the district’s holiday open house and experience the stunning light display during the 2022 Lights On Broadway event! The fun returns on Saturdays, Dec. 3 and 10. Attendees can enjoy local shopping, seasonal activities and decor, special promotions, sidewalk entertainment and much more. Plus, stop by to get your photo with the iconic Santa in a Snow Globe.
2. Local Shopping. Make holiday shopping fun while browsing selections at these specially curated locations.
   Holiday Pop-Up Shops This year’s event will bring back the iconic geodesic domes along with the market tents. With shops rotating weekly, families are sure to find a gift for everyone on your list. Discover and support dozens of local shops this holiday season all in one convenient location. Don’t miss Curbside Chronicle’s annual wrapping paper sale at the Pop-Up Shops, as well as festive wreaths for sale at Curbside Flowers, both of which employ individuals transitioning out of homelessness. 
   Merry Midtown Midtown merchants will be coming together to offer festive opportunities to eat, drink and be merry in Midtown this season. Beginning Nov. 25, stop by Midtown for dining, holiday shopping and general merry-making with limited-time promotions and special holiday touches from this popular local neighborhood.
3. Festive Performances. Nothing gets us in the holiday spirit quite like an entertaining experience of art-inspired performances.
   Lyric’s A Christmas Carol Go from humbug to happy in one magical night under the stars with this immersive outdoor production at Harn Homestead. The performance is sure to spark the holiday spirit in audiences of all ages.
   OKC Ballet’s The Nutcracker All will be merry and bright as The Nutcracker fills the Civic Center in a warm glow this December. As the holiday classic enters its 50th year, this joyous production awaits you and yours this holiday season.
4. Events to spark holiday spirit. These are perfect festive happenings for the whole family.
   Saints Santa Run Keep your family active by participating in this year’s festive 5k in Midtown on Saturday, Dec. 3, plus enjoy family-friendly activities, complimentary snacks and drinks and holiday music . Don’t forget to wear your best holiday costume — you could go home with cash prizes if you enter the costume contest!
   Katiebug’s Winterwonderland You’ll feel like you stepped into a Hallmark movie at Katiebug’s Winter Wonderland! Sip on their famous hot chocolate and homemade marshmallows. Grab a cookie decorating kit to take home, plus gifts for loved ones. The walk-up window, drive through and outdoor Winter Wonderland are open from 12 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays this season. Katiebug’s hot chocolate trailer is also set up at the Holiday Pop-Up Shops in Midtown.
5. Must-See Attractions. Don’t let the season pass without exploring these iconic downtown staples.
   Devon Ice Rink Skate across 5,500 square feet of real ice and indulge in seasonal food and beverages while experiencing the magical atmosphere and glittering lights of the Devon Ice Rink at the Myriad Botanical Gardens.
   LifeShare Winterfest & Snow Tubing Riding down the gigantic snow tubing slope is a thrill you won’t want to miss. At the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, find everything from snow tubing to holiday movies on the video board, plus sparkling holiday lighting and décor. This will be a holiday highlight that your family will remember for years to come!
   Riversport Winter Glow This indoor Nordic experience includes activities such as ice skating, Olympic curling, alpine climbing, skiing and snowboarding. After you’re done adventuring, you’ll want to warm up with some hot chocolate and s’mores by the festive firepits.
   ’Tis the Season at Scissortail Park Celebrate the season at Scissortail Park beginning Nov. 25 with holiday festivities including the Union Station Illumination, ‘Tis the Season Market, Cocoa Cottage, holiday lights and tours, the Menorah Lighting, visits with Santa and more.

Downtown in December presented by Devon is produced in part by Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership with generous support from Devon Energy, the Downtown Business Improvement District and other sponsors and partners. To view an entire list of holiday happenings, visit DowntowninDecember.com.