Oklahoma City's Downtown in December Holiday Event

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.

See some holiday pictures from the Bricktown Canal during Downtown in December.

2009's Downtown in December will last just over a month, from November 27th to January 3rd, and will feature such exciting festivities as outdoor ice skating, water taxis along the Bricktown Canal, the Botanical Gardens, snow tubing rides, plenty of great shopping and food as well as beautiful lighting and decorative displays.

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 the Oklahoman is hosting free evening canal cruises Thursdays through Sundays. Other sponsors include Cox, AT&T, Chesapeake Energy Corp., Sonic, Devon, Bob Howard Auto Group and many, many more.

Devon Outdoor Ice Rink - Beginning November 27th, visitors can ice skate outside from noon to 10 p.m. The cost is $8 for 2 hours on the 62 by 150 foot rink. It's only $5 if you supply your own skates. There's a cafe with hot chocolate, coffee, hot dogs and more, 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 20th and daily from December 21st through January 3rd. 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 thanks to the Oklahoman.

Holiday Light Displays - From the lights around the skating rink to the Myriad Botanical Garden and lights along the canal, there may not be a better collection of holiday lighting in the state.

Free Museum Sunday - Thanks to the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, visit the National Memorial & Museum free on November 29th from 1 - 6 p.m. On December 27th, admission to 4 museums will be free.

SandRidge Santa Run - On Saturday, December 5th, 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 9 a.m. and the others at 10. The children's run will be free, and registration for the 5k run costs $25 prior to November 28th. Proceeds from the run benefit the Oklahoma City Police Athletic Leagues.

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 27th at 5:30 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.

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