Mayor David Holt will count down the Christmas tree lighting at Mickey Mantle Plaza on Thursday, Nov. 12, opening the 25th season of Downtown in December across Oklahoma City.

The free Tree Lighting Festival runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. outside Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and includes live music, photos with Santa, children's activities and food tastings from downtown restaurants, according to Oklahoma Gazette. Holt leads the countdown at 6 p.m. The tree will remain on display at the canal overlook across from the ballpark through New Year's Day, according to event organizers.

Devon Energy presents the overall series, which Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership produces. The Tree Lighting Festival is presented separately by Global Payments. More than 30 events and attractions fill the schedule from November through January, and many are free.

The series launched in 2002 and has since expanded into a season-long celebration spanning multiple downtown districts.

Marla Freeman, Devon Energy's community relations manager, said in a statement that the company is proud of its long-standing partnership with the festival and that the events reflect a shared commitment to bringing the community together.

What's on the calendar

Devon Ice Rink: The outdoor rink at Myriad Botanical Gardens opens Friday, Nov. 13, for its 15th season and stays open through Jan. 31, 2027. Skating is available seven days a week. Admission is $16 per person with skate rental or $11 with personal skates.

Santa Paws: Midtown's free holiday photo event for dogs and their owners returns Sunday, Nov. 22, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Midtown Sports Courts near the Midtown Mutts Dog Park.

Holiday Pop-Up Shops: Local retailers rotate through a four-weekend market at 399 NW 10th St. from Nov. 27 through Dec. 20. The market includes live music, seasonal treats, Santa visits and free admission.

Saints Santa Run: A 5K, 1-mile fun run, costume contest and free Kids' Dash for children 8 and younger take over Midtown on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to noon. The run starts at SSM Health St. Anthony, 535 NW 9th St.

Lights On Broadway: Automobile Alley lights up Saturday, Dec. 5, and Saturday, Dec. 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. with shopping, entertainment and free Santa visits. More than 900,000 LED lights will illuminate buildings along North Broadway and side streets throughout the season.

The Nutcracker: OKC Ballet returns to Civic Center Music Hall Dec. 11-21 with 12 performances choreographed by artistic director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye. A sensory-friendly performance is scheduled for Dec. 21.

Other events include the American Banjo Museum's Candy Cane Christmas, ArtAfloatOKC Caroling Cruises, Red Earth Treefest, Oklahoma City Philharmonic's A Very Merry Pops and SPARKLE at Scissortail Park.

Holiday light displays will brighten Bricktown, Automobile Alley, City Center, Deep Deuce and Midtown throughout the season. The OKC Streetcar offers free rides daily between downtown districts.

Upcoming dates

  • Thursday, Nov. 12: OKC Tree Lighting Festival, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Mickey Mantle Plaza
  • Friday, Nov. 13: Devon Ice Rink opens, Myriad Botanical Gardens
  • Sunday, Nov. 22: Santa Paws, 1-3 p.m., Midtown Sports Courts
  • Nov. 27 through Dec. 20: Holiday Pop-Up Shops (weekends), 399 NW 10th St.
  • Saturday, Dec. 5: Saints Santa Run, 9 a.m.-noon, Midtown; Lights On Broadway, 4-7 p.m., Automobile Alley
  • Dec. 11-21: OKC Ballet's The Nutcracker, Civic Center Music Hall