Many families build their holiday and Christmas traditions around trips to see holiday lighting displays. Beautiful and elaborate, many of the events around the Oklahoma City metro area will fill you with the spirit of the season and probably force out a few "Oh's" and "Ah's." These are a few of the top destinations within the Oklahoma City area to see such illumination masterpieces.
1. Bricktown Lights from Dodge and The Oklahoman
Since Bricktown has become the heart of Oklahoma City, the Downtown in December festival is quickly becoming the holiday destination. And what better way to see the magical holiday lights than aboard a water taxi on the Bricktown canal? Bring a coat and stare in awe as the lights twinkle off the water.
Information: Ride free from 6-9:30pm, Thursdays through Sundays until Dec. 30 thanks to Devon Energy.
Information: Ride free from 6-9:30pm, Thursdays through Sundays until Dec. 30 thanks to Devon Energy.
2. OG&E Garden Lights at Myriad Botanical Gardens and Crystal Bridge
Number 2 is also part of the Downtown in December celebration. OG&E's Garden Lights has an astounding number of lights all around the 17 acre Myriad Botanical Gardens. Take a walking tour through the grounds or escape to the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory.Information: Special free viewings available from 6-9pm on Sunday throughout December. Normal admission is $6 for adults, $3 for kids and $5 for students and seniors.
3. Yukon's Christmas in the Park
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Since 1995, Yukon's Christmas in the Park has only continued to get better and better. Drive through 100 acres along Jim Watson Drive and see more than 100 incredible light displays from your car. Here is a big image gallery from Yukon's event, so you can get just a taste of what's there.
Information: Admission is free, but donations are accepted at the end of the drive-through. Event runs through Dec. 31 in Yukon City Park from 6-11pm.
Information: Admission is free, but donations are accepted at the end of the drive-through. Event runs through Dec. 31 in Yukon City Park from 6-11pm.
4. Midwest City's Holiday Lights Spectacular
It's more than just lights at Midwest City's Holiday Lights Spectacular. The Joe B. Barnes Regional Park becomes an extravaganza with a 118 foot Christmas tree, a tunnel of lights, 80 lighting displays, waterfall and animated displays.Information: Horse-drawn carriages available for the mile drive-through. Event open through Dec. 30, Monday through Thursday from 6-10pm and Friday/Saturday from 6-11pm.
5. Chickasha's Festival of Lights
Alright, I'm cheating a bit on this one. But if you want a fantastic lighting display for the holidays, take the 45 minute or so drive south to Shannon Springs Park in Chickasha. It will be well worth it. Now in its 15th year, the Chickasha Festival of Lights attracts visitors from all over the nation and will include a new animated, musically-choreographed show in 2007. Be ready for some long lines, though, because this is one of the best around.Information: This free event runs to Dec. 31st. Bus tours, carriage rides and photos with Santa available for a charge.
