As the temperatures plummet and snow softly floats to the ground, Oklahoma City comes alive with ways to enjoy the magic of the season. From stunning Christmas lights to wild rides down a snow-covered course, Oklahoma City has a lot of things to do that include traditional favorites, heart-pounding recreation and modern twists on nostalgia.
Here are nine ways to enjoy the winter in Oklahoma City.
1. Strap on the Skates at Devon's Ice Rink
The Devon Ice Rink returns for its ninth season in the Myriad Botanical Gardens in 2019. Join us for another great winter of outdoor ice skating at Downtown in December’s premier attraction. Open seven days a week beginning Nov. 8, the Devon Ice Rink hosts daily public skating, private parties and special events all winter long. The ice rink will be open through Feb. 2. For just $13 per person for all ages (includes skates) or $8 for guests who bring their own skates, a chilly and active day of fun is guaranteed. Private parties are available.
2. Enjoy a Holiday Tradition with The Nutcracker
The beloved holiday ballet comes alive at The Oklahoma City Civic Center as the Oklahoma City Ballet and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic present this Christmas classic. This revamped ballet from 2014 presents new costumes by Susanne Hubbs and sets by Emmy Award-winning designer Gregory Crane for an up-to-date refresh, with a move back to Tchaikovsky's original 1892 St. Petersburg libretto to provide audiences with a brand-new way to experience this holiday favorite.
3. Snowtubing Excitement
The 2019 LifeShare WinterFest, featuring snowtubing, opened Friday, Nov. 29, at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Ride down the gigantic snow tube slope for a thrill and follow up the fun with a visit to Santa's Workshop. You'll also love the holiday decor for this family-friendly event.
4. Take in the Lights on Broadway
Cruise down historic Automobile Alley for the district’s holiday lights display on Broadway Avenue between NW Fourth and 10th streets.
Retail shops and restaurants set up festive holiday window displays in addition to the millions of sparkling Christmas lights. Special promotions and giveaways accompany various special events at the Alley Lights on Broadway. More than 180,000 colorful LED lights will cover the buildings along eight blocks of North Broadway and district side streets, making for a magical holiday wonderland.
5. Pop into the Pop-Up Shops
The Holiday Pop-Up Shops are open in Midtown for Downtown Oklahoma City and are open weekly through Dec. 22. Browse the 45 Oklahoma-owned shops and an urban Christmas tree lot this holiday season that rotate weekly through a set of geodesic domes at NW 10th and Hudson, next to Bleu Garten (399 NW 10th St.). Entry is free, and shopping is encouraged.
6. Take a Walk with Scrooge!
Lyric Theatre's classic Christmas musical A Christmas Carol, sponsored by Devon Energy, will take you a magical journey with Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Featuring stunning sets, sparkling costumes and a cast of beloved characters, Lyric’s A Christmas Carol will get your entire family in the holiday spirit!
7. A Cowboy Christmas
Step back to the days of the Old West on Dec. 7 at the Historic Stockyards City Cowboy Christmas Parade. Held in Stockyards City, 1307 S. Agnew Ave., the family can see horses, longhorns, riding clubs, clowns, wagons and the grand finale of Cowboy Santa Claus starting at 10 a.m.
8. Get Starstruck at The Crystal Bridge
An immersive light installation celebrating the holidays returns to the Crystal Bridge Conservatory and inspiration for this year’s show is the swirling blue and gold images of the painting "The Starry Night" by Vincent Van Gogh. Features this year include a lighted tunnel along the upper walkway and a planetarium among rare and beautiful plants inside the Conservatory.
9. Welcome the New Year with Opening Night
Opening Night has been a tradition in Oklahoma City since 1987. Families and revelers attend The Oklahoma City Arts Council's Opening Night in downtown Oklahoma City in style with a variety of bands, entertainment, local food trucks, family activities and more. Burn off a few calories with the themed Finale 5K race and say farewell to the old year with a bang at the midnight fireworks extravaganza.
