The most wonderful time of year has arrived!
Downtown in December, presented by Devon Energy, a three-month-long period packed with holiday-themed events is finally here. Head to downtown Oklahoma City this holiday season for outdoor attractions, performing arts, holiday shopping, family activities, toasty treats and refreshments, stunning light displays, and much more!
These holiday-themed events used to be a few dwindling traditions meant to get people of all ages to come downtown during the holidays. However, due to the events and activities growing in demand, in 2002, the Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership took over the holiday events and added them all under one large umbrella, naming it Downtown in December.
Over the years, Downtown in December was extended from November until January to allow for more time to enjoy the holiday festivities. Successfully continuing to give everyone a reason to keep heading downtown during the holiday season. Head downtown to take in all the wonderful winter happenings during Downtown in December this year.
Keep scrolling to see what will be included for the 2023 Downtown in December season!
Downtown in December, presented by Devon, is produced by Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership with generous support from Devon Energy, the Downtown Business Improvement District, and other sponsors and partners.
Downtown in December's Signature Events
Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival, presented by Heartland
The start of the season begins on Thursday, November 16, from 5:30-7:30 PM in Bricktown, OKC, at the Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival, presented by Heartland.
This event will take place outside the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and will feature diverse live holiday performances, free activities like photos with Santa and Letters to Santa, food and drinks, and a traditional countdown to the tree lighting and official start of Downtown in December when Mayor David Holt and Santa will light up the Bricktown Christmas Tree presented by Painted Door Gift Boutique.
Devon Ice Rink, presented by Devon Energy
The Devon Ice Rink returns to the Myriad Botanical Gardens for its 12th season on Friday, November 17! Get ready for another winter of outdoor ice skating at Downtown in December’s premier attraction. Skate across 5,500 square feet of real ice and indulge in seasonal food and beverages. Experience the magical, park-like atmosphere surrounded by the glittering lights of the Devon Ice Rink.
Saint’s Santa Run, presented by SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital
Grab your costumes and running shoes; the Saints Santa Run is coming to Midtown on Saturday, December 2.
Our family-friendly winter run is bringing all ages, and even pets, to downtown Oklahoma City for a festive 5K. It is a great way to stay active and spread cheer during the holiday season. All are invited to enjoy free activities like face painting and balloon art, complimentary snacks and drinks, holiday music, and more at our start/finish line celebration on the SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital campus. The run also includes a free Kids’ Dash for kids 8 and under, a costume contest, and cash prizes!
Lights On Broadway
Cruise down historic Automobile Alley for the district’s holiday open house and experience its stunning light display during the 8th annual Lights on Broadway event!
The fun returns for 3 Saturdays this season: December 2, 9, and 16 from 3-7 PM. Various retail shops and restaurants will remain open late and feature festive window displays. And don’t miss pop-up activities, special promotions, and giveaways. Attendees will also enjoy family-friendly programming along the sidewalks, such as live music, balloon art, performances, photos with Santa Claus, and more.
Additional events and ways to shop during Downtown in December
Downtown Lights Display
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 your family and friends.
Destinations include the Midtown Christmas tree at the Holiday Pop-Up Shops, the light curtain display in Automobile Alley, the Bricktown Canal Lights, the Bricktown Christmas Tree presented by Painted Door Gift Boutique, the Deep Deuce holiday lights, and more. Light displays are available for viewing from dusk to dawn and are free and open to everyone.
Holiday Pop-Ups
Head to Midtown on the corner of NW 10th and Hudson from November 10 to December 17 and support local businesses at the Holiday Pop-Ups. Discover dozens of shops that rotate weekly, giving you plenty of chances to keep coming back and get all your holiday shopping done.
Listen to live music, bump into Santa, and get your presents wrapped from Curbside Chronicle. The holiday pop-ups have everything you need this holiday season.
Merry Midtown
Midtown businesses are coming together to offer festive opportunities to eat, drink, and be merry in their district this season. During November and December, make Midtown your destination for dining, holiday shopping, and general merriment with limited-time promotions and special holiday touches from one of your favorite local neighborhoods.
Merry Midtown’s Santa Paws Photo Op
On November 26 from 1-3 PM, bring your pups to Midtown for free photos of Santa with your furry friends. This event will have a professional photographer, which will be perfect for your holiday cards and greetings.
Free Weekend OKC Streetcar
Enjoy complimentary fares on the OKC Streetcar on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 17-December 31 as you take in all the destinations, events, and attractions that Downtown in December has to offer. Warm up, shop local, and enjoy the loops for free this holiday season!
Additional events by our partners and sponsors
November 15-December 29: Red Earth Treefest
November 24-December 24: Lyric’s A Christmas Carol
November 24-December 23: ArtAfloatOKC Caroling Cruises
November 25-December 31: A Very Vintage Christmas at Katiebug’s
November 25: Small Business Saturday
November 26: OKC Phil’s “Home Alone” in concert
November 25-January 1: Tis the Season at Scissortail Park
December 1-2: OKCPhil’s A Very Merry Pops
December 2: Oklahoma Opry Christmas Show
December 2-3: First Americans Museum Winter Holiday Art Market
December 2-23: Saturdays in December at OKCMOA
December 2-24: The Skirvin Hilton Holiday Events
December 3: American Banjo Museum’s Candy Cane Christmas
December 3: Canterbury Voices Presents Handel’s Messiah
December 6: The Melting Pot’s Ugly Christmas Sweater Ladies Night Out
December 8-10; 15-17: OKC Ballet’s The Nutcracker
December 9: Deck the Hall of Fame
December 10: OKC Community Chanukah Celebration
December 30: OKCMOA’s Noon Years Eve
December 31: The Melting Pot’s New Year’s Celebrations
There’s something to see and experience every day during Downtown in December. Get in the holiday spirit with traditional nostalgic holidays events and getting your shopping done in downtown this year.
