An ever-growing Oklahoma City tradition, Downtown in December gives families the chance to experience the best that Oklahoma City has to offer—all jazzed up for the holidays. Whether enjoying outdoor ice skating, holiday shopping or visiting with Santa, families can create life-long memories at these unforgettable holiday events.
(Editor’s Note: This list was last updated on Oct. 23, 2024.)
Get in the holiday spirit in the heart of Oklahoma City with a plethora of festive events and activities. Create your own family itinerary with these ideas and find even more seasonal fun at metrofamilymagazine.com/winter-fun-guides.
Light Up the Night
Tuesday, Nov. 12
Kick off the holiday season with Downtown in December’s annual OKC Tree Lighting Festival presented by Heartland, held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. outside the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. OKC’s Mayor David Holt and Santa will light the tree, followed by holiday performances and plenty of FREE fun for the whole family.
Skate into the Season
Friday, Nov. 15
Take a spin around the Devon Ice Rink at Myriad Gardens during opening weekend. Opt for an evening skate to also enjoy the glittering lights, and then take a stroll throughout the grounds to see illuminated trees, pathways and lanterns. The Devon Ice Rink is open through Feb. 2, 2025. The newly renovated Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory will be open late Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 29 through Dec. 29.
Honor Christmas in your heart
Friday, Nov. 23
Lyric Theatre’s beloved A Christmas Carol returns to the Plaza Theatre for the first time in four years with all-new sets, costumes, lights, sounds and staging. Catch the opening night show, which runs through Dec. 24.
Shop Small Business Saturday
Saturday, Nov. 30
Celebrate Small Business Saturday at Midtown’s Holiday Pop-Up Shops, where you can find unique gifts for everyone on your list. Or simply enjoy the free festivities, like live music and visits from Santa. The Holiday Pop-Ups are located at the corner of NW 10th and Hudson and are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 19 through Dec. 22.
Hang out with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 7
Kids ages 8 and under can race in the FREE Kids’ Dash as part of the Saints Santa Run. Events begin at 8 a.m. and include a 1-mile fun run, 5k, costume contest and FREE face painting, balloon art, snacks and more.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Head to Myriad Gardens to hang out with Santa from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.! Mrs. Claus will be there too for story time and crafts.
Get Glowing
Saturday, Dec. 14
Enjoy Oklahoma Contemporary’s FREE Second Saturday XL: Snow Glow, complete with winter weather-themed crafts and live performers. Create shrinking plastic ornaments, dance to festive tunes, and explore the galleries. Activities will be held from 1 to 5 p.m.
Stroll Lights On Broadway
Saturday, Dec. 14
Cruise historic Automobile Alley for the district’s annual Lights On Broadway event. From 4 to 7 p.m., enjoy local shopping, giveaways and sidewalk entertainment, plus plenty of FREE family fun, including photos with Santa, all with the backdrop of the district’s stunning light displays. Lights on Broadway will be held Nov. 30 and Dec. 7 & 14; and Automobile Alley lights will shine from dawn till dusk, Nov. 12 through Jan. 5.
See the Lights from the Streetcar
Saturday, Dec. 21
Ride the OKC Streetcar for FREE on weekends to enjoy all the holiday lights downtown. Enjoy complimentary fares on the OKC Streetcar on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 15 through Jan. 5.
Celebrate Chanukah
Sunday, Dec. 29
Welcome Chanukah at the FREE annual festival in Scissortail Park. Beginning at 4:30 p.m., enjoy live music and dancing, carnival rides, treats from Dreidel Man and hot kosher foods and drinks. The highlight of the evening is the lighting of a giant menorah by the Chabad Community Center.
More Downtown in December events:
Nov. 2-Dec. 24
FREE Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s
200 Bass Pro Dr & 1200 W Memorial Rd, OKC
Features free experience with free family holiday activities and the chance to meet Santa. See website for hours.
Nov. 25
A Magical Cirque Christmas at Civic Center Music Hall
201 N Walker Ave, OKC
Enjoy a holiday performance with cirque artists and popular holiday music. $26 & up. 7 p.m.
Nov. 25-Jan. 1
FREE Holiday Lights at Scissortail Park
300 SW 7th St, OKC
Features a holiday lights display with luminaries, a 40′ Christmas tree, a giant menorah and other holiday decor throughout the park. 6-11 p.m.
Nov. 29-Dec. 24
Merry Midtown
Various locations in Midtown
Features festive opportunities, limited-time promotions and more. Free to attend. See website for schedule.
Dec. 3-Jan. 1
Holiday Classic Movies at Harkins Cinemas
150 E. Reno Ave, OKC
Relive your favorite holiday films on the big screen including Elf & National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. $5. Tuesdays, 7 p.m.; Wednesdays, 1 p.m.
Dec. 6-7
OKCPHIL’s A Very Merry Pops at Civic Center Music Hall
201 N Walker, OKC
Features an all-new, holly jolly holiday performance with Ashley Brown and Tony DeSare. Tap Dancing Santa will also make an appearance. During the matinee performance, attendees can enjoy cookies with Santa, an instrument playground and other activities for kids. $24 & up. Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2 & 8 p.m.
Dec. 7
A Country Christmas! ‘Tis the Season Holiday Market at Scissortail Park
415 S Robinson Ave, OKC
Features shopping, plus live music and entertainment. 2-7 p.m.
Dec. 14
Gingerbread Gardens at Myriad Gardens
301 W Reno Ave, OKC
Through a hands-on activity, explore the plants used in making candy and chocolate. Structure, frosting and candies for decorating all provided. Preregister. Best suited for ages 5-12. Members, $13; nonmembers, $15. 11 a.m. – noon
FREE Deck the Hall of Fame at Oklahoma Hall of Fame
1400 Classen Dr, OKC
Features crafts, activities for the whole family and the chance to meet Santa. This is a come-and-go event. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Dec. 14-23
OKC Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Civic Center Music Hall
201 N Walker Ave, OKC
Features a holiday performance of the story of Clara, her Nutcracker Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy performed by the Oklahoma City Ballet. $30 & up. See website for schedule.
Dec. 17-18
Winter Drop-ins at Myriad Gardens
301 W Reno Ave, OKC
Make a natural ornament, learn about winter plants and animals, make a craft and enjoy a holiday treat. $2 suggested donation. 10 a.m. – noon.
Dec. 21
FREE Winter Solstice Observance at the First Americans Museum
659 First Americans Blvd, OKC
Take part in a reflective experience with interpretive walks up the FAM Mound, prayer and a round dance. Then, observe the setting of the solstice sun through the Mound tunnel. 3-6 p.m.
Dec. 30
Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Paycom Center
100 W Reno Ave, OKC
Features their 2024 winter tour. $49.99 & up. 3 & 7:30 p.m.
This article about Downtown in December events was updated by Lindsay Cuomo, MetroFamily’s digital editor, to include event details for activities happening in 2024. Lindsay has been with MetroFamily since 2014 covering family-focused local happenings and news. Find even more things to do this winter including holiday events on our Winter Fun Guides.
- Hunt for the perfect family tree at one of these Christmas tree farms.
- See our massive holiday guide of local events for things to do all holiday season.
- Visit a FREE holiday event. Here are a few of our favorites.
- Explore one of these top five free holiday light displays.
