Christmas lights to see around OKC

Editor's note: this post was originally written Dec. 7, 2018, but we've noticed it's getting a lot of traffic this year so we have verified and updated some info. Happy Christmas light viewing!

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year folks. The weather is cold, hot chocolate is flowing, and I think I saw Rudolph doing some practice runs a few days ago. This time of year two things become much bigger than any other time of the year; Mariah Carey and Christmas lights. In fact, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” jumped back in the top 100 just a few days ago. You know where to find the music though, so, here are the best light displays in the OKC area.

• The Midwest City light show at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park is great! There are 100 dazzling displays of lights including an 11-story Christmas tree that has nearly 9,000 twinkling bulbs. The trail through the park is about 1.5 miles. You can take a horse-drawn carriage ride or simply stretch your legs and walk the park. It will warm your heart during such a cold time of the year. (Editor's note: this event was held on Dec. 1 in 2021).
• The Myriad Gardens have an entire month full of festivities lined up for the holiday season. The Devon Ice Rink will be open, there are Saturdays with Santa, you can learn how to curl, and, of course, there are Christmas lights. (Editor's note: the Devon Ice Rink has reopened for 2021, many other Downtown in December events are happening in the area See downtownindecember.com for more details.) 
• The Chickasha light display just might be the best of all. I have gone to this show multiple times, and I am never ever disappointed. The park is completely covered in lights. Nearly every tree is covered. There is an amazing bridge and a ton of displays that will put you in the holiday spirit. (Editor's note: The light display will be on until December 31, 2021, be sure to drive out to see the 172-ft Christmas tree that can be seen for miles. They also have a newly added ice skating rink!)
• Automobile Alley just between N.W. 4th and N.W. 10th off of Broadway has a spectacular show. Known as “Lights on Broadway,” the district has several buildings draped in lights that would make anyone stop and gaze for a few extra moments. The lights are up from the day after Thanksgiving to New Years, and the best part is that you experience them while doing some local Christmas shopping and dining along Automobile Alley and 9th Street.
• Yukon might have the biggest display in terms of size. They have three connecting parks that consist of Yukon’s Chisholm Trail, Freedom Trail and city parks. These combine to make up 100 acres where you will find a 50 foot Christmas tree. This display has so much to offer. (Editor's Note: Admission is free and Santa makes appearances every Friday and Saturday evening)
• Edmond has a brand-new light display called Luminance. Held at Mitch Park, the lights are lit every night in December from 5 to 10 p.m. (Editor's Note: This year's event will be held November 20, 2021 – January 2, 2022.)
• The Bricktown Canal might be the most unique of all of these options. The businesses and buildings are lined with vibrant colorful lights. Slowly travel down the canal as you take in the beauty of the scenery around you. They are dependent on weather so make sure and watch the forecast! (Editor's note: This year, every Friday in December, all ages are welcome to attend the showtimes available at 6pm and 7pm. Each round trip along the canal is estimated to take 45 minutes.)
• (Editor's note: Chisholm Creek is offering a lighting display to enjoy for free with the second annual Festival of the Trees. The "forest" of local business decorated Christmas trees is open until January 1)

One of the can’t-miss sights and experiences of OKC is the beautiful Christmas tree in Bricktown. These are just the seven that we here at the Chamber recommend, but there are other places where you can see great lists.

There is no shortage of lights this Christmas, or Mariah Carey this year, which means you have no excuse not to be in the holiday spirit!