Exploring Oklahoma: More than Lights—December Delights

Alaska isn’t the only state to enjoy 22 hours of light in a single 24-hour period. Drive through most Oklahoma cities in December and, judging by the amount of light given off by holiday displays, it might look like noon. There are many not-to-be-missed light displays but more active holiday activities abound. Take some time to explore Oklahoma’s other winter delights.

Experience Winter Outdoor Fun

If you like outdoor activities involving snow and ice, downtown Oklahoma City is the place for you. Start your adventure by grabbing a tube and hitting the slide at the AT&T Snow Tube slope. The gentle slide, constructed inside the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark, is appropriate for almost all ages. Enjoy the fun from 10am-10pm Friday-Sunday, December 1-December 17 and every day from December 20-January 1. Admission is $10 for each 90-minute session. Call 405-218-1000 for details.

One of my favorite December activities is an afternoon of ice skating at the Braum’s Ice Rink located across form the Civic Center at 201 N Walker. The rink is be open daily, including holidays, through January 1 from noon-10pm. Bring your own skates or rent a pair for $5. Since this venue is host to many live music performances, you might get lucky and have a choral accompaniment. Two hours of skating is $8 a person—be sure to treat yourself to a Braum’s Café hot cocoa before you leave. Call 405-274-1638 for details.

If you prefer to sit back and relax, take a free cruise on the Bricktown Water Taxi and view the Devon Holidays on the Canal displays. Rides are available Thursdays-Sundays (closed Christmas Eve) from 6-9:30pm. Cruises leave from the Oklahoman Christmas Tree on Mickey Mantle Drive near the Bricktown Ballpark.

For more information on the many holiday events downtown, click on the Downtown In December button at www.DowntownOKC.com.

Party with the Animals

The Oklahoma City Zoo invites you to help Deck The Zoo December 1-24. Bring a wildlife-edible ornament (think pine cone with peanut butter and birdseed) and get free admission to the zoo. Making the ornaments is a great cold afternoon family activity that will add to the zoo animals’ regular diets. Make a few for your own backyard and see who arrives to taste your treat.

Don’t miss Santa Delivers at the zoo, December 11 from 10:30-11:30am. Santa will walk through the zoo and deliver gifts to the animals in the children’s petting zoo. Admission is free that day, and Santa will be available for pictures with children. Through the month of December, the zoo extends free admission on Mondays. Call 405-424-3344 and follow the automated menu to special events.

The Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks will hold its second annual Fishmas Festival December 16. Bring an unwrapped gift for a child and receive $2 off your admission. Visit with Shipley, the aquarium mascot, who will be dressed as Santa, make ornaments, play games, eat goodies, and register for prizes. For ticket prices and more information, visit www.OKAquarium.org.

Historic Happenings

If you’re interested in what Christmas was like when Oklahoma became a state, take in the Fort Reno Christmas (El Reno) and Christmas at The Belvidere (Claremore). Fort Reno will be hosting its annual holiday event December 17 from 2-4pm. The story of the Christmas guns is told at 2pm—this is not a violent story; it promotes peace, but guns and cannons will be fired. Local re-enactors in period dress will tell stories and teach old-time songs in the chapel. Refreshments and visits with Santa are also on the agenda. For more information, visit www.FortReno.org and click on the calendar button.

In 1907, just before our statehood, the John Bayless mansion was completed in Claremore. Known as The Belvidere, the mansion has been completely restored and is furnished with period pieces. Through December 23, The Belvidere is filled with Christmas trees and Victorian decorations and the gift shop is stocked with Christmas items. Admission is by donation, and a guided tour is available ($2 for adults). The mansion is open from 10am-4pm Wednesday–Saturday. For more information, visit www.rchsl.org

Pam Washington is the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Central Oklahoma. She and her husband Mike have been married for six years and have traveled Oklahoma with their blended family of five children.