Fly-In to Downtown in December in Oklahoma City
OK– When you think of Oklahoma City, you probably think of cowboys, cattle runs, and Western film stars, but did you know that Oklahoma City is a holiday destination? OKC has hosted Downtown in December every year since 2002. The festivities start in November and end in January. Visitors to the area can view a plethora of outdoor displays while shopping for the perfect Christmas gifts. Let’s take a look at where you can land your airplane and everything you and your family can do and see for the holidays in Oklahoma City.
Landing Your Airplane in OKC for a Christmas Holiday Vacation
If you’re flying your airplane into OKC, you’ll most likely want to land at Wiley Post Airport (PWA). Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) uses PWA as a reliever airport. However, it’s also the premier business and corporate aviation airport for the area. The airport can be found on the Dallas-Ft. Worth Sectional. PWA sits at an elevation of 1,299 feet above sea level. It has three runways. Runway 17L/35R is a generous 7,199 feet long and 150 feet wide, which works well for large business jets and smaller commercial airliners. Runway 17R/35L is paved and in good condition. At 5,002 feet long and 75 feet wide, it’s perfect for single and twin-engine piston-engine aircraft, as well as small business jets. Lastly, runway 13/31 is 4,214 feet long and 100 feet wide. PWA has a tower, and the tower can be reached on 126.9 and 306.9. The CTAF is 126.9. PWA ground can be contacted on 121.7, and OKC Approach and Departure can be contacted on 120.45. The airport has 100LL and Jet-A+. Pilots can tie their airplanes down on the tarmac or rent a hangar. The airport offers major airframe and powerplant maintenance, and it has high and low bottled and bulk oxygen. Rental cars are available at Atlantic Aviation FBO.
Christmas in Downtown OKC
Christmas in Downtown Oklahoma City is a sight to see, and it all starts with the tree-lighting ceremony on November 12. As the holiday season ramps up, visitors to downtown OKC can enjoy numerous holiday light displays, ice skating, Christmas shopping in the local boutiques, and plenty of Yuletide performances.
OKC Holiday Light Displays
Holidaygoers’ favorite Christmas light displays in downtown Oklahoma City include the Automobile Alley light tour and the canal light displays. Automobile Alley is a neighborhood in OKC that got its name from the numerous car dealerships that once lined Broadway Avenue. Today, the buildings’ new owners go all out when it comes to decorating for Christmas. Not to mention, you’ll still get to see the old neon dealership signs. Once you finish viewing all the lights on Broadway, take a trip to the canal. The canal offers a unique experience where visitors can view the holiday displays from the walkways or from the water. In fact, many patrons recommend taking a water taxi down the canal to get the best views of all the historic buildings and light displays.
Skating at the Devon Ice Rink
The Devon Ice Rink, located in the Myriad Botanical Gardens, is open until February 2, 2025. Admission is $9 for individuals who have their own ice skates and $14 for those who need to rent skates.
Boutique Christmas Shopping
Midtown will host several pop-up holiday shops weekly until December 22nd. The shops will be open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and rotate weekly. A few of the shops that are expected to appear include Preacher Pottery, Simpleton Goods, Heather Louise Jewelry, Local Lather, Barkeep Supply, Plant People, Shop Good, and Classic Charm Boutique.
In addition to the popup shops, patrons can also visit the local downtown businesses, including Ace’s Disc Golf Supply, the American Banjo Museum, B.C. Clark Jewelers, Bricktown Brewery, and the Bricktown Candy Company.
Yuletide Performances
Fantastic and unforgettable Yuletide performances will be held at the Lyric Theatre, Paycom Center, and the Civic Center Music Hall. At the Civic Center Music Hall, patrons can watch Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas and A Very Merry Pops. Lyric Theatre is showing A Christmas Carol, and Paycom Center will host the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Fantastic Dining Experiences
Oklahoma has plenty of restaurants to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. The city has steakhouses, BBQs, and even bars and breweries. If you’re looking for a good steakhouse, you might try Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse, Bob’s Steak and Chophouse, or McClintock Saloon and Chop House. If you’d prefer BBQ, you might check out Bedlam BBQ, Bog O’s Pork and Dreams, or Clark Crew BBQ. If you’re looking for a good bar or brewery, you might check out the Blok Bar, The Pump Bar, Fassler Hall, or Bricktown Brewery Downtown.
Historic and Fascinating Places to Stay in OKC
Downtown Christmas vacationers have three fantastic options if they want to stay in historic or unique properties, including the Colcord Hotel, the Skirvin Hilton, and the National Autograph Collection Hotel. The Concord Hotel was built in 1910 and has an on-site restaurant. The Skirvin Hilton has been in operation for more than 100 years. It has 225 rooms and plenty of amenities, including valet parking. The National Autograph Collection Hotel’s building was built in 1931 and features a mix of restaurants, retail shops, and private residences, as well as guest rooms.
If you’re looking for a unique holiday experience, you might want to check out the festivities in Oklahoma City. Fly your airplane into PWA, rent a car, and take in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Christmas.
