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.
2007: 2007's Downtown in December will last just over a month, from November 23rd to January 1st, and will feature such exciting festivities as outdoor ice skating, water taxi's along the Bricktown Canal, the Botanical Gardens, 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. OG&E is providing free Sunday night admission to Crystal Bridge while Devon is hosting free evening canal cruises Thursdays through Sundays. Other sponsors include Cox, Braum's, AT&T, Chesapeake Energy Corp., Sonic, Oklahoma Publishing Company, Bob Howard Auto Group and many, many more.
Events and Festivities:
Braum's Outdoor Ice Rink - Beginning November 23rd, visitors can ice skate outside from noon to 10pm. The cost is $8 for 2 hours on the 62 by 150 foot rink. It's only $5 if you supply your own skates. Friday nights are Disco Night, and there's a cafe with hot chocolate, coffee, hot dogs and more.
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 from noon to 10pm through December 16th and daily from December 21 through January 1st. Admission is $10 for an hour and a half session.
Braum's Outdoor Ice Rink - Beginning November 23rd, visitors can ice skate outside from noon to 10pm. The cost is $8 for 2 hours on the 62 by 150 foot rink. It's only $5 if you supply your own skates. Friday nights are Disco Night, and there's a cafe with hot chocolate, coffee, hot dogs and more.
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 from noon to 10pm through December 16th and daily from December 21 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 6-9:30pm Thursdays through Sundays thanks to Devon Energy.
Holiday Light Displays - From the lights around the ice skating rink to the Myriad Botanical Garden and Crystal Bridge lights, there may not be a bigger collection of holiday lighting in the state. In addition, Dodge and The Oklahoman have contributed to lighting up much of Bricktown.
Holiday Light Displays - From the lights around the ice skating rink to the Myriad Botanical Garden and Crystal Bridge lights, there may not be a bigger collection of holiday lighting in the state. In addition, Dodge and The Oklahoman have contributed to lighting up much of Bricktown.
SandRidge Santa Run - Oon Saturday, December 1st, take the opportunity to run or walk in in a 5k race, a one mile fun run or a children's "Dash for Tots." All races begin and end at 211 N. Robinson, with the 5k starting at 9am and the others at 10. The children's run will be free, and registration for the 5k run costs $20 prior to November 29th. Proceeds from the run benefit the Oklahoma City Police Athletic Leagues.
Get the registration form online or by calling (405) 235-3500.
Get the registration form online or by calling (405) 235-3500.
Christmas Tree and Lighting Ceremony - The highlight of the event may be the 30 foot tall Christmas tree resting right in Bricktown. A ceremony will be held on November 23 at 6pm to light the tree with thousands of multi-colored lights. Admission is free, and there will be live entertainment, choral singing and more.
Plus, each Saturday in December, Santa Claus will be at the tree with plenty of entertainment and activities. He'll collect letters from children at the end of the the night.
Plus, each Saturday in December, Santa Claus will be at the tree with plenty of entertainment and activities. He'll collect letters from children at the end of the the night.
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
Check Rates
- Courtyard by Marriott
2 West Reno Ave.
Less than 1 mile from the Bricktown
Check Rates
- The Skirvin Hilton
1 Park Ave.
Less than 1 mile from the Bricktown
Check Rates
- Quality Inn Trade Winds
1800 E Reno Ave.
Approximately 2 miles from the Bricktown
Check Rates
