Background:
Oklahoma City's Downtown in December began in 2002 as Bricktown and the rest of the downtown area blossomed. Under the operation of Downtown Oklahoma City Inc., funded by the business improvement group of downtown businesses, Downtown in December has grown exponentially as well. The early years had modest budgets, and 2005 saw one of over $1 million. The event has only continued to grow in popularity and scope.
See some holiday pictures from the Bricktown Canal during Downtown in December.
See some holiday pictures from the Bricktown Canal during Downtown in December.
2011:
2011's Downtown in December will last just over a month, from November 25th to January 1, 2011. The event will feature such exciting festivities as outdoor ice skating, water taxis along the Bricktown Canal, snow tubing rides, plenty of great shopping and food as well as beautiful lighting and decorative displays.
Corporate Sponsors:
Downtown in December has been sponsored by a number of Oklahoma corporations, making much of the festivities free at certain times for visitors. The Oklahoma City Community Foundation is providing Free Museum Sundays while the Oklahoman is hosting free evening canal cruises (see below for details). Other sponsors include SandRidge, Chesapeake Energy Corp., Sonic, Devon, OG&E and many more.
Events and Festivities:
Devon Outdoor Ice Rink - Beginning November 25th at the Myriad Gardens, visitors can ice skate outside from noon to 10 p.m. The cost is $10 for 2 hours on the 62 by 150 foot rink. It's only $7 if you supply your own skates, and the rink is also available for private parties.
Chesapeake Snow Tubing at the Brick - Fresh snow blows down two slides, a large one and a children's slide, and visitors cruise down on inflatable tubes. Open Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays through December 4th and daily from December 9th through January 1st. Admission is $10 for an hour and a half session.
Chesapeake Snow Tubing at the Brick - Fresh snow blows down two slides, a large one and a children's slide, and visitors cruise down on inflatable tubes. Open Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays through December 4th and daily from December 9th through January 1st. Admission is $10 for an hour and a half session.
Water Taxi Rides - Take an evening ride along the Bricktown Canal surrounded by the lights of the holidays. Do so for free from 6-9:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays until December 25th, thanks to the Oklahoman.
Holiday Light Displays - From the lights around the skating rink to the lights along the canal and in Automobile Alley, there may not be a better collection of holiday lighting in the state.
Holiday Light Displays - From the lights around the skating rink to the lights along the canal and in Automobile Alley, there may not be a better collection of holiday lighting in the state.
Free Museum Sundays - Thanks to the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, visit the OKC Museum of Art and the American Banjo Museum free on November 27th. On December 4th, it's the Banjo Museum and the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum that are free. The Memorial Museum is again free on the 11th, along with the Museum of Art, and then admission is free at the Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum on the 18th.
SandRidge Santa Run - On Saturday, December 10th, take the opportunity to run or walk in a 5k race, a one mile fun run or a children's dash. The 5k starts at 9 a.m., the fun run at 9:30 a.m. and the kid's race at 10. The children's run is free, and advanced registration for the fun run is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. Advanced registration for the 5k run is $25.
Get the registration form online or by calling (405) 235-3500.
Get the registration form online or by calling (405) 235-3500.
Devon's Saturdays with Santa - From noon to 3 p.m. on Saturdays (11/26, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17), Devon Energy has invited Santa to bring his sleigh to the Myriad Gardens Pavilion. Kids can sit on Santa's lap, write letters to him, take pictures in the sleigh, visit an arts and crafts table and play in the Myriad Gardens children's park.
Christmas Tree and Lighting Ceremony - The highlight of the event may be the 32 foot tall Christmas tree resting right in Bricktown. A ceremony will be held on November 25th at 5:15 p.m. to light the tree with thousands of multi-colored lights. Admission is free, and there will be live entertainment, choral singing and more.
Christmas Tree and Lighting Ceremony - The highlight of the event may be the 32 foot tall Christmas tree resting right in Bricktown. A ceremony will be held on November 25th at 5:15 p.m. to light the tree with thousands of multi-colored lights. Admission is free, and there will be live entertainment, choral singing and more.
Nearby Hotels and Lodging:
Coming from out of town for the tree lighting ceremony or other Downtown in December events? Here are some convenient hotels:
- Sheraton Oklahoma City Hotel
One N Broadway Ave.
Less than 1 mile from the Bricktown
Check Rates
- Renaissance Oklahoma City Hotel
10 N Broadway Ave.
Less than 1 mile from the Bricktown
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- Courtyard by Marriott
2 West Reno Ave.
Less than 1 mile from the Bricktown
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- The Skirvin Hilton
1 Park Ave.
Less than 1 mile from the Bricktown
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- Quality Inn Trade Winds
1800 E Reno Ave.
Approximately 2 miles from the Bricktown
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