For 30 years, Opening Night has been the center of New Year’s Eve fun in Oklahoma City. Put on by the Arts Council of Oklahoma City, Opening Night offers fun for the entire family with performances throughout downtown OKC featuring acts such as The Wise Guys, Edgar Cruz, OKC Improv and more. Trust us, there is absolutely zero chance of a less than stellar New Year’s Eve. Did we mention there’s fun for the whole family? The youngsters are sure to enjoy face painting, an interactive art project, and lively music performances. And the fireworks finale is a show-stopping spectacle that you won't soon forget.

Wristbands are just $8 in advance and you can pick them up at 7-Eleven Stores of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, MidFirst Bank locations and Plenty Mercantile. You can also get wristbands for $10 at the event.

And don’t worry about grabbing grub before heading downtown – seriously, they’ve thought of everything – the city’s best food trucks will be on-hand to serve up a variety of exciting food. Get your dinner on Finale Alley any time before midnight!

Why not ring in the New Year with Russell Westbrook and 18,000 of your rowdiest friends as the Thunder take on the Dallas Mavericks on New Year’s Eve? Get your tickets here. Be sure to check out the menus at downtown restaurants as many will feature special New Year’s Eve menus.

What are you doing to usher in 2018? Don’t hesitate to hit us up on Facebook or Twitter with questions or ideas. All our posts are also tagged by topic so you can easily find past blogs for information, everything from attractions to downtown and much more.

In our humble opinion, one of the coolest things about the renovation of the historic Tower Theatre is how the building’s history as a film house has been kept front and center. If you didn’t know, the Tower Theatre originally opened in 1937, and served as the premier movie house in Oklahoma City for almost 40 years. While the renovation of the historic theatre has mainly focused on the facility as a live music venue, you can also catch some of your favorite films there as well. “Home Alone”, “This is Spinal Tap”, “Christmas Vacation” and “Shawshank Redemption” are just a handful of the movies playing between now and the end of the year. The Tower even offers a full bar for movie showings. Check out their schedule to see when your favorite movie is playing.

The Tower Theatre is far from the only unique place to see a movie in Oklahoma City. On the third Friday of each month, the 21c Museum Hotel features a movie screening as part of their Filmography series, a partnership with deadCenter Film and OKC Film Society. These screenings are absolutely free.

Finally, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art has been the metro’s art house cinema for years. Their film program mainly focuses on independent cinema but occasionally sprinkles in films such as “Die Hard” for special holiday screenings. They even offer special ticket packages that include dinner at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art Cafe.

As a regular reader of this blog, you’re keeping up-to-date on all the things to do and see in OKC. As you can tell, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. But what about the rest of your day? If you have a hankerin’ for hustle in the form of college credits, you’re in luck – there are more than 140,000 students just like you here, and 18 public and private colleges and universities in Greater Oklahoma City from which you can choose.

Fancy a law degree? You’re covered, counselor. Medical school? The laughter we get from the question is the best medicine. Musical theater? We sing a six-second affirmative (with full orchestral backing and maybe even a twirl and jazz hands). Liberal arts? No fancy analysis necessary. Veterinarian? You vet you can. Want to do research? Get a Ph.D. and be smarter than that can of Dr. Pepper. We’re running out of ridiculous ways to respond to these questions, but rest assured, whatever you want to do in the world of higher education (even if it’s “become a rock star”), you can probably do justice to your diploma dream here in OKC.

To learn more about the opportunities in higher education in Oklahoma City, check out the Universities section of this website and our “OKC At a Glance” publication.

Tuesday, December 26
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
LifeShare Winterfest & Snow Tubing; Noon, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 218-1000; Entry prices vary.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas; 7:30 p.m.; Oklahoma City Civic Center; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.

Wednesday, December 27
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
LifeShare Winterfest & Snow Tubing; Noon, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 218-1000; Entry prices vary.
Shawshank Redemption; 6:30 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Tickets are $10.
Toronto Raptors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder; 7 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.

Thursday, December 28
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
LifeShare Winterfest & Snow Tubing; Noon, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 218-1000; Entry prices vary.

Friday, December 29
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
LifeShare Winterfest & Snow Tubing; Noon, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 218-1000; Entry prices vary.
No Country for Old Men; 6:30 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Tickets are $10.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder; 7 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.
The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses; 8 p.m.; Oklahoma City Civic Center; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.

Saturday, December 30
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
LifeShare Winterfest & Snow Tubing; Noon, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 218-1000; Entry prices vary.
Deep Deuce Sessions; 7 p.m.; Deep Deuce District; This event is free.

Sunday, December 31
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
LifeShare Winterfest & Snow Tubing; Noon, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 218-1000; Entry prices vary.
2018 Opening Night Finale 5K; Bicentennial Park; 3 p.m.; Registration fees vary.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder; 6 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.
Opening Night; 7 p.m.; Downtown; Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 night of the event.
Uptown Get Down New Year’s Eve Party; 8 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Tickets are $10.
The Drop- NYE at the Jones ft. My So Called Band; 10 p.m.; The Jones Assembly; Ticket prices vary.

Monday, January 1
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
LifeShare Winterfest & Snow Tubing; Noon, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 218-1000; Entry prices vary.

Maybe it is just us but something about driving around in the car on a crisp December night to look at Christmas lights instantly makes us feel like a kid again. If the sight of Christmas lights instantly takes you from Scrooge to Buddy the Elf, then we’ve got some good news for you: Oklahoma City does Christmas lights right.

We compiled a list of some can’t miss stops on your 2017 Christmas light tour.

• Devon Energy Center’s giant-sized ornaments have again taken their places on the lawn and outside the Colcord, as well as in the rotunda. Bonus points if you take a picture in front of them for your Christmas card.
• Bricktown Canal Lights plus free water taxi rides equal the best of ways to make nighttime the brighttime.
• The Bricktown Christmas Tree is up and blazin’ at the 3rd Base Plaza at the ballpark until January 1.
• The Automobile Alley Lights on Broadway are located between 4th and 10th streets. Auto Alley does not mess around with its 180,000 lights along eight blocks.
• Headed east? Then hit up Midwest City’s Holiday Lights Spectacular at Joe B. Barnes Park.
• Headed west? Then hit up Yukon’s Christmas in the Park in what is actually three interconnected parks.

What are your favorite neighborhood displays? Let us know in the comments or via Twitter or Facebook and help us get the word out.

We all know the feeling. Heck, most of us are feeling the same thing this time of year. Christmas is right around the corner and we still haven’t finished up our shopping. If you haven’t wrapped up your shopping yet, there’s no need to fret. Your friends at Better Life Central are here to save the day with last minute Christmas ideas that everyone on your list is sure to love. Give a gift uniquely Oklahoma from The Black Scintilla, Plenty Mercantile or Exhibit C.

Are you looking for a one-stop experience to gather all of today’s trendy must-have gifts? You are sure to find it at one of OKC’s malls including the OKC Outlets, Quail Springs Mall, Penn Square Mall, or perhaps peruse the various rotating offerings at the Holiday Pop-Up Shops in Midtown. And gift certificates to some of OKC’s coolest destinations are sure to make anyone on your list shout with glee. From high-flying fun and whitewater adventures to a day of golf, your gift list will be complete in no time flat.

If you want more great shopping ideas be sure to visit the shopping section of our website.

[Photo provided by Red Earth Museum]

You’ve heard us talk about the history and heritage of OKC. Why not explore some of our rich heritage and maybe start a new tradition with your own family this holiday season? There’s no better place to get in the holiday spirit than in OKC.

Explore Oklahoma’s Native American culture at the Red Earth Treefest. Your family is sure to be amazed at 25 Christmas trees adorned with handmade ornaments from Oklahoma tribes including the Cheyenne and Arapaho, Chickasaw, Citizen Potawatomi, Comanche and Osage nations, each showcasing the distinctive and diverse cultures of the Native nations and tribes that call our great state home. This year’s exhibition will run through Jan. 5 at the Red Earth Museum and Art Center and is completely free. That means you don’t have a single excuse to miss it.

Tuesday, December 19
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
LifeShare Winterfest & Snow Tubing; Noon, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 218-1000; Entry prices vary.
Die Hard 2; 6:30 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Tickets are $10.
Reno Bighorns vs. Oklahoma City Blue; 7 p.m.; Cox Convention Center; 602-8500; Ticket prices vary.
The Nutcracker; 7 p.m.; Oklahoma City Civic Center; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.

Wednesday, December 20
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
LifeShare Winterfest & Snow Tubing; Noon, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 218-1000; Entry prices vary.
Mandy Harvey; 7 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Ticket prices vary.
Utah Jazz vs. Oklahoma City Thunder; 7 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.
Lyric’s A Christmas Carol; 7:30 p.m.; Lyric Theatre; 524-9312; Ticket prices vary.

Thursday, December 21
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Holiday Pop-Up Shops at Midtown; All Day; Midtown; Entry is free.
LifeShare Winterfest & Snow Tubing; Noon, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 218-1000; Entry prices vary.
Winter Solstice Night in the Gardens; 6 p.m.; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Lyric’s A Christmas Carol; 7: 30 p.m.; Lyric Theatre; 524-9312; Ticket prices vary.
Steve Earle and the Dukes; 8 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Ticket prices vary.

Friday, December 22
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Holiday Pop-Up Shops at Midtown; All Day; Midtown; Entry is free.
LifeShare Winterfest & Snow Tubing; Noon, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 218-1000; Entry prices vary.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation; 6:30 & 9:30 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Tickets are $10.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder; 7 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.
Casey Donahew; 7 p.m.; Diamond Ballroom; 677-9196; Ticket prices vary.
Lyric’s A Christmas Carol; 8 p.m.; Lyric Theatre; 524-9312; Ticket prices vary.

Saturday, December 23
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Holiday Pop-Up Shops at Midtown; All Day; Midtown; Entry is free.
LifeShare Winterfest & Snow Tubing; Noon, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 218-1000; Entry prices vary.
Lyric’s A Christmas Carol; 2 & 8 p.m.; Lyric Theatre; 524-9312; Ticket prices vary.

Sunday, December 24
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
LifeShare Winterfest & Snow Tubing; Noon, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 218-1000; Entry prices vary.
Lyric’s A Christmas Carol; 2 p.m.; Lyric Theatre; 524-9312; Ticket prices vary.

Monday, December 25
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder; 7 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.

We don’t know about you, but nothing gets us in the holiday spirit quite like the classics (although the BC Clark jingle and lights of Automobile Alley are close). One line from “A Christmas Carol” puts an end to our inner Grinch quicker than you can say Tiny Tim. The great thing about living in Oklahoma City is just about every night in December you can catch one of your favorite holiday classics being performed.

Lyric Theater’s annual performance of “A Christmas Carol” is an Oklahoma City favorite. This is the seventh year of Lyric’s performing the Dickens classic, and you can catch the run through Dec. 24. If you miss this, you might get some unwanted visits from your ghost of Christmas Past.

Running through Dec. 19, you can experience the Oklahoma City Ballet’s rendition of the Nutcracker at the Civic Center Music Hall. In our opinion, the Nutcracker is a great way to introduce people to the ballet.

It is a new month, and that means another great video from our friends at the Convention and Visitors Bureau highlighting all there is to do in the 4-0-5 this month. Check out the link for information on the Nutcracker, NRHA Futurity Show, Red Earth Tree Festival and more. These videos are great to share with out of town family and friends to let them know all the fun they are missing in OKC.

Don’t know your I-40s from your I-35s? What exactly is a Broadway Extension and why is it extended to begin with? Learning to get around your new hometown is one of the most overwhelming aspects of relocating. If you are wondering about anything from bus service to our airport, be sure to visit the transportation page of our website. When you combine Oklahoma City’s efficient traffic grid with the fact it sits at the center of several major interstates, it is easy to see why the metro has one of the shortest commute averages in the U.S.  In Oklahoma City, it is simply easier to get around. Next year it is going to get even easier when the Oklahoma City Streetcar makes its debut.

Some might call the Skirvin’s Artist in Residence a hidden gem in Oklahoma City. As part of the program, the Skirvin offers its one-of-a-kind studio space to world-class artists. The unique program gives visitors a chance to interact with the artist and get a first-hand look at their process.

The current artist-in-residence will be Marissa Raglin. Raglin is a local visual artist who works in collage and resin. As the 2017-18 Skirvin Hilton Artist in Residence, Raglin will create a new body of collage work. Raglin will also help guests make their own postcards using vintage pictures. 

The opening reception happens tonight from 5 to 7 p.m. and will include free drinks and snacks. The opening reception will also coincide with the lighting of the Skirvin’s holiday tree. Don’t worry if you can’t make tonight’s reception because Raglin will be exhibiting at the Skirvin until next September.

Tuesday, December 12
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Pan’s Labyrinth; 6:30 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Tickets are $10.
Robert Earl Keen’s Fam-O-Lee Back to Country Jamboree; 9 p.m.; The Jones Assembly; Tickets are $35.

Wednesday, December 13
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Batman Returns; 6:30 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Tickets are $10.
Lyric’s A Christmas Carol; 7: 30 p.m.; Lyric Theatre; 524-9312; Ticket prices vary.

Thursday, December 14
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Holiday Pop-Up Shops at Midtown; All Day; Midtown; Entry is free.
Marvel Universe Live! Age of Heroes; 7 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.
Sioux Falls Skyforce vs. Oklahoma City Blue; 7 p.m.; Cox Convention Center; 602-8500; Ticket prices vary.
Lyric’s A Christmas Carol; 7: 30 p.m.; Lyric Theatre; 524-9312; Ticket prices vary.

Friday, December 15
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Holiday Pop-Up Shops at Midtown; All Day; Midtown; Entry is free.
Marvel Universe Live! Age of Heroes; 7 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.
The Nutcracker; 7 p.m.; Oklahoma City Civic Center; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.
Lyric’s A Christmas Carol; 8 p.m.; Lyric Theatre; 524-9312; Ticket prices vary.

Saturday, December 16
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Devon Saturdays with Santa; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; This event is free.
Holiday Pop-Up Shops at Midtown; All Day; Midtown; Entry is free.
Shops at Myriad Gardens; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; This event is free.
Marvel Universe Live! Age of Heroes; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.
LifeShare Winterfest & Snow Tubing; Noon, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 218-1000; Entry prices vary.
The Nutcracker; 2 & 7 p.m.; Oklahoma City Civic Center; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.
Lyric’s A Christmas Carol; 2 & 8 p.m.; Lyric Theatre; 524-9312; Ticket prices vary.
Agua Caliente Clippers vs. Oklahoma City Blue; 7 p.m.; Cox Convention Center; 602-8500; Ticket prices vary.

Sunday, December 17
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Holiday Pop-Up Shops at Midtown; All Day; Midtown; Entry is free.
Shops at Myriad Gardens; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; This event is free.
Home Alone; 10:30 a.m.; Tower Theatre; Tickets are $10.
LifeShare Winterfest & Snow Tubing; Noon, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 218-1000; Entry prices vary.
Home Alone 2; 1:30 p.m..; Tower Theatre; Tickets are $10.
Marvel Universe Live! Age of Heroes; 2 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.
The Nutcracker; 2 p.m.; Oklahoma City Civic Center; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.
Lyric’s A Christmas Carol; 2 & 7 p.m.; Lyric Theatre; 524-9312; Ticket prices vary.
Oklahoma City Holiday River Parade; 6 p.m.; Boathouse District; This event is free.

Monday, December 18
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
LifeShare Winterfest & Snow Tubing; Noon, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 218-1000; Entry prices vary.
This is Spinal Tap; 6:30 p.m..; Tower Theatre; Tickets are $10.
Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder; 7 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.
The Nutcracker; 7 p.m.; Oklahoma City Civic Center; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.

We like to brag about the weather in Oklahoma City. Most days are sunny and clear, and we get to enjoy all four seasons. That being said, once in a blue moon, we will get hit with a winter storm.

While it is nice if you get a day to break out your snow tube, sometimes you do have to get around. The good news is the City of Oklahoma City does an excellent job of maintaining snow routes if we get snow. The routes allow you to access all parts of Oklahoma City and you can find them here.

We recommend you go ahead and bookmark that page because in addition to snow routes, you can find winter driving tips, regional snow routes, definitions for winter weather advisories and so much more. In our experience, you probably won’t need any of it, but as the old saying goes “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

As we talked about a while back, the opening of several new music venues in Oklahoma City has led to a surge in live music in OKC. No matter what kind of music you like, there has never been a better time to be a music fan living in the 4-0-5. If you haven’t checked out any live music lately, what are you waiting for? December is a great month to get started. Lady Gaga and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra are making stops at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. John Moreland and Steve Earle hit the Tower Theatre. If you like your rock a little harder check out some of the acts coming to the Diamond Ballroom this month. We’ve been noticing tickets at a lot of venues seem to be going pretty quickly. If you are poking around looking for a show in December, you might as well look ahead to 2018 while you are at it. You wouldn’t want to miss out on your favorite artist coming through.  

P.S.- Be sure to check out our weekly Things to Do and See post because we always try and highlight great live music in OKC.

In celebration of the 110th anniversary of Oklahoma statehood, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art recently debuted their Art of Oklahoma exhibit. Open through August of 2018, the exhibit honors art either created by Oklahomans or the cities and landscapes they call home. The exhibit features art from John Steuart Curry, Oscar Brousse Jacobson and more.

Tuesday, December 5
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
The Outsiders; 6:30 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Ticket prices vary.
Utah Jazz vs. Oklahoma City Thunder; 7 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.

Wednesday, December 6
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Lyric’s A Christmas Carol; 7: 30 p.m.; Lyric Theatre; 524-9312; Ticket prices vary.

Thursday, December 7
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Holiday Pop-Up Shops at Midtown; All Day; Midtown; Entry is free.
Lyric’s A Christmas Carol; 7: 30 p.m.; Lyric Theatre; 524-9312; Ticket prices vary.

Friday, December 8
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Holiday Pop-Up Shops at Midtown; All Day; Midtown; Entry is free.
Festive Fridays: Santa Paws; 6:30 p.m.; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Animaniacs; 7 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Ticket prices vary.
Lyric’s A Christmas Carol; 8 p.m.; Lyric Theatre; 524-9312; Ticket prices vary.

Saturday, December 9
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Holiday Pop-Up Shops at Midtown; All Day; Midtown; Entry is free.
Shops at Myriad Gardens; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; This event is free.
LifeShare Winterfest & Snow Tubing; Noon, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 218-1000; Entry prices vary.
The Nutcracker; 2 p.m.; Oklahoma City Civic Center; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.
Lyric’s A Christmas Carol; 2 & 8 p.m.; Lyric Theatre; 524-9312; Ticket prices vary.
Lady Gaga; 7:30 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.

Sunday, December 10
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Holiday Pop-Up Shops at Midtown; All Day; Midtown; Entry is free.
Shops at Myriad Gardens; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; This event is free.
LifeShare Winterfest & Snow Tubing; Noon, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 218-1000; Entry prices vary.
The Nutcracker; 2 p.m.; Oklahoma City Civic Center; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.
Lyric’s A Christmas Carol; 2 & 7 p.m.; Lyric Theatre; 524-9312; Ticket prices vary.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra; 3 & 7 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.

Monday, December 11
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Holiday Pop-Up Shops at Midtown; All Day; Midtown; Entry is free.
The Blues Brothers; 6:30 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Ticket prices vary.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder; 7 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.

The calendar is about to change from November to December which means one thing…. Downtown in December! If you are new to our fair city, you might be wondering what exactly is Downtown in December. Basically, downtown Oklahoma City turns into a winter wonderland of holiday cheer.

The very best thing about Downtown in December is most of the activities and events are free. Here are some of our favorite events, but be sure to check out their website for more.

• Devon Ice Rink
  The ice rink is open at Myriad Botanical Gardens and is ready for you and your friends, family and/or honey lambs to make some memories whilst making lazy circles in the ice and doing your best to stay level and off your backside. Click here for schedule and prices.
• SandRidge Santa Run
  Run a 5K with various Santas, elves, reindeer and other assorted Christmasy characters as you work off some of that cranberry sauce and sweet potato casserole (either in or out of a costume). It’s an all-ages event, with a Kid’s Dash and 1-mile Fun Run part of the festivities as well. Saturday, Dec. 9 is the day and activities begin at 8:45 a.m. at SandRidge Energy, 123 Robert S. Kerr. Get more info here.
• Devon’s Saturdays with Santa
  Each Saturday in December the world famous Santa Claus will be at the Devon Energy Center to hear want toys your kids want under the tree. Learn more here.

Get ready to snow tube your colorful woolen socks off starting at the LifeShare Winterfest. One of our favorite holiday traditions is cruising down one of the country’s largest manmade snow-tubbing slides at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark each year. Check hours and prices here.

With another Black Friday in the books, that means it is officially shopping season. If parking lot fighting is not your thing, or if you are looking for a gift on the unique side, why not do some pop-up shopping?

The Holiday Pop-Up Shops are back in Midtown, featuring a weekly rotating schedule of local vendors. The pop-ups are open now and will run through December 13.

We’ve told you about some of our favorite Downtown in December activities already, but we would be remiss if we neglected to remind you to take advantage of the free water taxi rides offered Thursday – Sunday from 6-9 p.m. until December 31 (excepting Christmas Day, of course)! The narrated 20-30-minute rides allow you to check out the holiday décor as well as learn some cool facts about Oklahoma and OKC in a festive, fun-filled, family friendly atmosphere of fantasticness. If you’ve got an aversion to water, or just want to hear those sleigh bells ring-a-ling jing-jing-jingaling too, don’t fret – perhaps it’s a great time to try out a ride in a horse-drawn carriage from one of the many such vendors around downtown.

Tuesday, November 28
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Ray Harryhausen – Mythical Menagerie; Regular Museum Hours; Science Museum Oklahoma.

Wednesday, November 29
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Ray Harryhausen – Mythical Menagerie; Regular Museum Hours; Science Museum Oklahoma.
Santa Cruz Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Blue; 7 p.m.; Cox Convention Center; 602-8500; Ticket prices vary.
Lyric’s A Christmas Carol; 7: 30 p.m.; Lyric Theatre; 524-9312; Ticket prices vary.

Thursday, November 30
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Ray Harryhausen – Mythical Menagerie; Regular Museum Hours; Science Museum Oklahoma.
Holiday Pop-Up Shops at Midtown; All Day; Midtown; Entry is free.
The Christmas Show; 7:30 p.m.; Oklahoma City Civic Center; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.
Lyric’s A Christmas Carol; 7: 30 p.m.; Lyric Theatre; 524-9312; Ticket prices vary.

Friday, December 1
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Ray Harryhausen – Mythical Menagerie; Regular Museum Hours; Science Museum Oklahoma.
Holiday Pop-Up Shops at Midtown; All Day; Midtown; Entry is free.
First Fridays on the Paseo; 6 p.m.; Paseo Arts District; 525-2688; This event is free.
Salt Lake City Stars vs. Oklahoma City Blue; 7 p.m.; Cox Convention Center; 602-8500; Ticket prices vary.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder; 7 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.
Rock N’ Skate Night at the Devon Ice Rink; 7 p.m.; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
The Christmas Show; 8 p.m.; Oklahoma City Civic Center; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.
Lyric’s A Christmas Carol; 8 p.m.; Lyric Theatre; 524-9312; Ticket prices vary.

Saturday, December 2
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Ray Harryhausen – Mythical Menagerie; Regular Museum Hours; Science Museum Oklahoma.
Shops at Myriad Gardens; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; This event is free.
Holiday Pop-Up Shops at Midtown; All Day; Midtown; Entry is free.
Devon Saturdays with Santa; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; This event is free.
LifeShare Winterfest & Snow Tubing; Noon, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 218-1000; Entry prices vary.
The Christmas Show; 2 p.m.; Oklahoma City Civic Center; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.
Lyric’s A Christmas Carol; 2 & 8 p.m.; Lyric Theatre; 524-9312; Ticket prices vary.
Papa Roach; 7 p.m.; Diamond Ballroom; 800-514-3849; Ticket prices vary.
Greensboro Swarm vs. Oklahoma City Blue; 7 p.m.; Cox Convention Center; 602-8500; Ticket prices vary.
John Moreland; 8 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Ticket prices vary.

Sunday, December 3
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Ray Harryhausen – Mythical Menagerie; Regular Museum Hours; Science Museum Oklahoma.
Holiday Pop-Up Shops at Midtown; All Day; Midtown; Entry is free.
LifeShare Winterfest & Snow Tubing; Noon, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 218-1000; Entry prices vary.
Lyric’s A Christmas Carol; 2 & 7 p.m.; Lyric Theatre; 524-9312; Ticket prices vary.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder; 6 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.
Messiah; 7 p.m.; Oklahoma City Civic Center; 297-2264; Ticket prices vary.
Maria Bamford; 7:30 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Ticket prices vary.

Monday, December 4
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.

Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday at Better Life HQ. We are suckers for piles of turkey, stuffing and weird desserts your aunt makes involving Jell-O (at least we think it is Jell-O). But the most important thing about Thanksgiving is the thanks part. We feel like there is no better way to give thanks than by giving a helping hand to those who could use one. Check out one of these great local nonprofits to get involved. Just an FYI, this is far from an exhaustive list of those doing great work in our community. You can find a more complete list here.

• United Way: United Way of Central Oklahoma is committed to improving the health, safety, education and economic well-being of individual families in need in central Oklahoma.
• Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity helps build and restore homes in Central Oklahoma.
• City Care: Found in 1996, City Care helps provide food and shelter for the homeless.
• Feed the Children: Feed the Children exists to end childhood hunger. It’s the cause the organization (what organization?) has championed for more than 35 years from the world headquarters located right here in OKC.
• Positive Tomorrows: For more than 25 years, Positive Tomorrows has helped educate our metro’s homeless children.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma: BBBS helps pair kids with mentors who can provide a positive influence in their lives. 
• Calm Waters: Provides counseling and support to children and their families who experience grief caused by death, divorce or other loss. The organization directly serves approximately 2,500 children, youth and adults in Central Oklahoma annually.
• Central Oklahoma Humane Society: The Central Oklahoma Human Society is the largest animal-related charity in Oklahoma.
• Infant Crisis Center: Provides essential supplies to vulnerable babies and toddlers.
• Rebuilding Together OKC: Since 1992, Rebuilding Together OKC has repaired more than 3,000 homes, 30 non-profit facilities, and eight public school buildings with the help of 70,000 volunteers. These repairs represent a value to the community of more than $20 million.
• Whiz Kids: The mission of City Care's Whiz Kids is to improve the well-being of inner city youth through academic tutoring and positive mentoring relationships as well as communicating spiritual and moral value.

Since 2017 was such a big year for our community, and this is the week of giving thanks, we thought we would share some of the things we are thankful for.

• A River’s Rise: The Oklahoma River continues to be an unexpected gem in the heart of downtown.
• MAPS 3: The landmark initiative continues to make huge strides as we see more and more projects take shape.
• The citizens: This year the citizens of OKC approved a $1.2 billion infrastructure investment to improve their community.
• The Thunder: This year marks a decade of Thundering Up in OKC.
• Innovation: Oklahoma City took the first steps in creating an innovation district based on the results of a Brookings/Project for Public Spaces study on OKC.
• Beer: Recent changes in state law have resulted in an explosion of craft breweries in the metro.
• Live music: The opening of several new venues have brought the live music scene in Oklahoma City to another level.
• Tinker: This year marked the 75th anniversary of Tinker Air Force Base.

One of the best things about Thanksgiving is family. Sure the turkey, football and parades are nice but there is nothing like seeing your long-lost relatives, especially those who aren’t from around these parts. Assuming you like your family, wouldn’t it be great if they lived a little closer? We think Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to introduce them to the sides of OKC they might not know. In fact, why not sign them up for our blog while they are in town? Simply go to www.abetterlifeokc.com/blog and on the left side of the page you will see a simple signup form. Signing up couldn’t be easier and we promise no spam. Once a week we will deliver the goods straight to your inbox on why OKC is the perfect place to live, work and play.

In Greater Oklahoma City, options are the name of the game when it comes to education. The metro has a great array of public, private and charter schools that provide flexibility in finding the right fit for your kids. In the past we’ve highlighted both the public and private schools in our area. Today we are going to shed a little light on OKC’s growing charter school options.

Charter schools are public schools established by contract with sponsors and often promote a specific curriculum and learning style. Several Greater Oklahoma City school districts are authorized by state law to have charter schools -- Choctaw-Nicoma Park, Edmond, Mid-Del, Moore, Mustang, Oklahoma City and Putnam City.

In the Oklahoma City district alone there are 18 charter schools providing education for students between kindergarten and 12th grade. More than 850 students are enrolled in charter schools in the district.

If you want more information on charter schools be sure to visit our website. There you will find a comprehensive list of schools and frequently asked questions about charter schools in OKC.  

Tuesday, November 21
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Ray Harryhausen – Mythical Menagerie; Regular Museum Hours; Science Museum Oklahoma.
Yo Gotti; 8 p.m.; The Criterion; Ticket prices vary.
Planes, Trains & Automobiles; 6 & 9 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Ticket prices vary.

Wednesday, November 22
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Ray Harryhausen – Mythical Menagerie; Regular Museum Hours; Science Museum Oklahoma.
Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder; 7 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.
Willie Nelson; 8 p.m.; The Jones Assembly; Ticket prices vary.

Thursday, November 23
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Ray Harryhausen – Mythical Menagerie; Regular Museum Hours; Science Museum Oklahoma.

Friday, November 24
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Ray Harryhausen – Mythical Menagerie; Regular Museum Hours; Science Museum Oklahoma.
Holiday Pop-Up Shops at Midtown; All Day; Midtown; Entry is free.
LifeShare Winterfest & Snow Tubing; Noon, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 218-1000; Entry prices vary.
Erie Bayhawks vs. Oklahoma City Blue; 2 p.m.; Cox Convention Center; 602-8500; Ticket prices vary.
Bricktown Tree Lighting; 5 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 218-1000; This event is free.
Detroit Pistons vs. Oklahoma City Thunder; 7 p.m.; Chesapeake Energy Arena; 602-8700; Ticket prices vary.
Tank & Leela James; 8 p.m.; The Criterion; Ticket prices vary.
The Crystal Method; 8 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Ticket prices vary.

Saturday, November 25
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Ray Harryhausen – Mythical Menagerie; Regular Museum Hours; Science Museum Oklahoma.
Holiday Pop-Up Shops at Midtown; All Day; Midtown; Entry is free.
LifeShare Winterfest & Snow Tubing; Noon, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 218-1000; Entry prices vary.
Agua Caliente Clippers vs. Oklahoma City Blue; 2 p.m.; Cox Convention Center; 602-8500; Ticket prices vary.
My So Called Band; 8 p.m.; Tower Theatre; Ticket prices vary.

Sunday, November 26
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Ray Harryhausen – Mythical Menagerie; Regular Museum Hours; Science Museum Oklahoma.
Holiday Pop-Up Shops at Midtown; All Day; Midtown; Entry is free.
LifeShare Winterfest & Snow Tubing; Noon, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 218-1000; Entry prices vary.

Monday, November 27
Devon Ice Rink; All Day; Myriad Botanical Gardens, 445-7080; Admission prices vary.
Ray Harryhausen – Mythical Menagerie; Regular Museum Hours; Science Museum Oklahoma.

If you are someone who enjoys four seasons, Oklahoma City is the place for you. The Summers are sunny, falls are crisp, winters give you plenty of excuses for hot chocolate and the springs bring plenty of rain. Weather in Oklahoma changes with the seasons, providing a climate that has a little something in store for everyone.

Oklahoma City experiences each of the four seasons distinctly, while enjoying clear skies (65 percent of the time), clean air and an average annual temperature of 60 degrees. Whether you are a resident or visitor, time spent in Oklahoma City will leave you with a favorite season.

To learn more about what to expect out of weather in Oklahoma and how to prepare, head over to the Climate section of www.abetterlifeokc.com.

When it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, Oklahoma City is putting its money where its mouth is by investing in world-class health amenities. Recent investments in trails, bike lanes and the Oklahoma River have made OKC an outdoor lover’s dream. Oklahoma City is home to a wide variety of active living experiences, ranging from 140 miles of walking, running, bicycling, and skating trails to 26,000 square feet of terrain for skateboarding, in-line skating and BMX freestyle biking and even whitewater rafting and kayaking.

To learn more about active living opportunities and health care options in Oklahoma City, check out the Health section of www.abetterlifeokc.com.