Editor's Picks: Best Free Holiday Fun - MetroFamily Magazine
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Editor’s Picks: Best Free Holiday Fun

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With all the expenses that come with Christmas, you don’t need to spend even more to keep the kids entertained. Here are our top picks for free Christmas fun happening all month long. So hold onto that cash and head out to celebrate all Oklahoma City has to offer this month!

Red Earth Treefest

Red Earth Art Center at 6 Santa Fe Plaza

Why We Love It: All month long, the Red Earth Art Center is putting Native American heritage on display in the most festive way. The Treefest exhibit features seven Christmas trees adorned with handmade ornaments that reveal the diverse Native cultures in the Oklahoma City area. Whether your kids come from Native backgrounds or not, they’ll love this unique combination of culture, Christmas and craftiness. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday all month.

Christmas Traditions Oklahoma City Handbell Ensemble Concert Series

Dec. 4 at OKC Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 123, 1624 S. Agnew Ave.

Dec. 11 at Church of the Resurrection, 13112 N. Rockwell Ave. 

Why We Love It: Although your kids have probably encountered lots of live music before, there’s nothing quite like a handbell ensemble. The group of 19 musicians swing and ring an impressive 525 pounds of bronze and aluminum to create exciting holiday tunes. The highly-recognizable songs are presented in a free concert that’s become a Christmas tradition in Oklahoma City. The concerts start at 7 p.m. and are free but donations are accepted.

Merry & Bright: Free Sunday Evenings in the Crystal Bridge

Myriad Botanical Gardens at 301 W. Reno

Why We Love It: The Crystal Bridge is a popular Oklahoma City destination for its unique collection of plant life from around the world. Every Sunday night in December, enjoy free admission to Myriad’s Crystal Bridge. Step inside the balmy botanical garden to get out of the cold and catch stunning views of Myriad Gardens lit up for Christmas. Be sure to pose in front of the impressive poinsettia Christmas tree for a family photo. Free admission is granted to families from 6 to 9 p.m. every Sunday in December.

Storyland Christmas

Charles J. Johnson Central Park at 29th St. in Midwest City

Why We Love It: Midwest City is delivering an entire month of holiday fun anchored by a breathtaking 30-foot Christmas tree glowing with snowflakes, ornaments and 6,000 brilliant lights. Visit Storyland Christmas with the whole family to listen to holiday stories that accompany special Christmas murals. The event also includes photo opportunities with Santa and classic Christmas movies. Storyland Christmas opens at 6 p.m. Dec. 3 and stays open through Dec. 20.

Breakfast with Santa

Whole Foods at 6001 N. Western Ave.

Why We Love It: There are plenty of opportunities to see Santa this month in Oklahoma City but few are as much fun as the Breakfast with Santa at Whole Foods. The grocery store offers free pancakes to all the guests who come to see Old Saint Nick, so be sure to bring your appetite in addition to your camera to snap a photo with the big guy. The event will be hosted from 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 5.

Holiday River Parade on the Oklahoma River

Boathouse District at 725 S. Lincoln Blvd.

Why We Love It: Of course climbing up onto Santa’s lap is exciting but what could be more thrilling than seeing Santa float by you on a special river parade float? This annual river parade offers ideal entertainment in the center of Oklahoma City with a holiday ski show, festive floats decorated elaborately for the season and a fireworks show over the water to top it all off. The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. Dec. 20.

For even more ideas for free family fun, check out our round-up of the best free events, ideas for a no-spend weekend and more! 

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