Downtown packed with festive events in December

The Christmas lights are bright on Broadway in downtown, but there’s more to see and do in the area to celebrate the holidays.

The Downtown OKC Partnership works with area businesses and district associations to put together many jam-packed festive weeks called Downtown In December. The Devon Ice Rink is the first event, but there’s more to come.

Starting at 5 p.m., join Mayor David Holt and other residents as we light up the city’s Christmas tree, located in the Mickey Mantle Plaza next to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. With live music and food trucks, the event is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. And if it doesn’t, there are several more events to see.

Another holiday event happening Friday is the Holiday Pop-Up Shops open in Midtown. This will be a spot you’ll want to revisit between now and Dec. 22. At the site, there are now five geodesic domes (think snow globes), which will serve as a temporary home to more than 30 shops from around the state. The businesses change every week and some domes will house multiple shops. Katiebug’s Hot Chocolate stand and the Big Friendly Beer Bus are on site as well to provide you with libations while you’re spending those dollars. You can also buy a Christmas tree from the Bishop John Carroll School. The shops open at 10 a.m.   

Also starting Friday, you can take a free ride down the Bricktown Canal and see the lights. The Downtown Business Improvement District sponsors the narrated and holiday-themed rides. Since it’s Bricktown Water Taxi’s offseason, the rides are the only time the boats are running in December, so be sure to hop on board every Thursday to Sunday until Dec. 29. The rides start at 6 p.m.

Oh and if we haven’t convinced you yet that this is the best time of the year, then maybe taking a snow tube down a slope at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark is what you need to realize you’re living your best life in OKC. The Lifeshare Winterfest and Snow Tubing opens Friday, after the tree lighting festival. Snow tubing on opening day is $10 and $14 the rest of the season.  

All of this is happening before December even starts! Visit downtownindecember.com to see all the other events that are planned.