In celebration of the Oklahoma City Streetcar’s one year anniversary and Downtown in December, people can enjoy complimentary fares on the streetcars on the weekends beginning November 22 through January 5, 2020. I partnered with EMBARK as Lessa Keller-Kenton guest hosts this episode using the streetcar to travel to several Downtown in December activities. Stops include the Midtown Holiday Pop-Up Shops, the Devon Ice Rink, the Myriad Gardens, Bricktown, the Water Taxi, and the Lights on Broadway in Automobile Alley.
Learn more about the OKC Streetcar route and other events EMBARK is doing this holiday season at okcstreetcar.com
While the episode focuses on regular activities you can do throughout December, in this article I’ve included limited time events below and their corresponding streetcar platform that you can partake in during the free streetcar weekends. Events are sorted by their first premiere date.
STREETCAR STOP: Library Platform
WHERE: OKC Civic Center Music Hall
201 North Walker Avenue, Oklahoma City
WHEN: December 5-7, 2019
Join the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Santa, the POPS Chorale and the Mistletoes with Broadway star Max von Essen in this musical theater style production sure to warm your heart, lift your spirits and create memories to last a lifetime. Don’t miss the tap-dancing Santas! Come early and take a free picture with Santa in front of the 30 foot Christmas Tree, while listening to the festive handbells in the lobby.
STREETCAR STOP: Century Center or Myriad Gardens Platform
WHERE: Myriad Botanical Gardens
301 West Reno Avenue, Oklahoma City
WHEN: December 7 – 8, 2019 from 10 am to 4 pm
Devon Energy has teamed up with Downtown in December and the Myriad Gardens to bring Saturdays with Santa to the Myriad Gardens for one magical weekend.
Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and several of his elves will be available for photos on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, from 10 am to 4 pm each day. Visits with Santa are available on a first-come, first-served basis and guests should register upon arrival and bring their own camera.
Devon’s Saturdays with Santa features a winter weekend spectacular that will include entertainment and events catered to everyone.
STREETCAR STOP: Ballpark Platform
WHERE: Bricktown Ballpark
2 South Mickey Mantle Drive, Oklahoma City
WHEN: December 7-8, 2019
Holly Jolly Shops at the Brick is a two-day event featuring some amazing retailers, food, and fun on the concourse of the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Come enjoy holiday shopping in a festive atmosphere! Hot, Fresh Kettle Corn, appearances by Elsa, The Grinch, Olaf, Buddy the Elf, and a visit from Santa Claus! There are no direct sales or multi-level marketing vendors at this event. Produced by Revolve Productions.
STREETCAR STOP: Bricktown Platform
WHERE: Santa Fe Train Depot
100 South E.K. Gaylord Boulevard in Oklahoma City
WHEN: December 7-8, 13-15, and 20-23, 2019
Put on your pajamas and step aboard a private streetcar for storytime with Mrs. Claus this holiday season.
Arrive early for a peek inside the historic Santa Fe Train Depot where you will enjoy milk, cookies, and photo opportunities. Then, Mrs. Claus and her elves escort you on a chartered streetcar for a VIP journey around the loop while she reads “The Polar Express” and “Santa Comes to Oklahoma City.”
Then arrive back to shop at the made-in-Oklahoma store, Scissortail Gifts, and receive a complimentary wooden Oklahoma-shaped ornament. A portion of sales from this tour helps wrap-up homelessness in Oklahoma City with a donation to the Homeless Alliance.
Offered most Friday, Saturday, and Sundays in December along with other select dates. This is a ticketed event and reservations are required. For more information, pricing, and tickets visit www.okctours.com
STREETCAR STOP: Bricktown Platform
WHERE: American Banjo Museum
9 East Sheridan Avenue, Oklahoma City
WHEN: December 8, 2019, from 1 pm to 4 pm
The American Banjo Museum welcomes you to an afternoon of holiday music, candy canes, refreshment, and more!
Join in and sing along with performances from the Okie Dokies and Johnny Baier, Executive Director of the American Banjo Museum performs holiday favorites! Plus, a visit from the North Pole as Santa Claus! Admission is FREE when you bring a new unwrapped toy to support the Red Andrews Christmas Dinner. Admission is free for children 15 and younger during the event
STREETCAR STOP: Ballpark Platform
WHERE: Bricktown Ballpark
2 South Mickey Mantle Drive, Oklahoma City
WHEN: Saturday, December 14, 2019, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Jump on the loop Saturday, December 14 to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Oklahoma City Streetcar! Step off at the Ballpark platform in Bricktown from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm to enjoy crafts, letters to Santa, music, and a special activity to benefit the Homeless Alliance of Oklahoma City.
Donate toothbrushes, chapstick, socks, gloves, hand warmers or a blanket to the Homeless Alliance and receive a complimentary Streetcar day pass to use in the future. Purchase the special edition wrapping paper from Curbside Chronicle as we help to wrap up homelessness.
STREETCAR STOP: Library Platform
WHERE: OKC Civic Center Music Hall
201 North Walker Avenue, Oklahoma City
WHEN: December 14-22, 2019
Celebrate the season with The Nutcracker. Tchaikovsky’s familiar score and Artistic Director Robert Mills’ delightful staging will fill the Civic Center in a warm glow as Clara and the Nutcracker Prince return to the delight of the young and the young at heart.
STREETCAR STOP: Transit Center Platform
WHERE: EMBARK Transit Center
421 NW 4th Street in Oklahoma City
WHEN: December 15, 2019, from Noon to 5 pm
The holidays are here, so let’s all celebrate together! Stop by the EMBARK Transit Center on Sunday, December 15 from Noon-5:00 p.m. for a visit with Santa and other holiday characters. Get engaged with making a holiday craft, writing a letter to Santa, and more. The fun is free to all! Throughout December you can also enjoy live music and other local entertainers adding holiday cheer at the EMBARK Transit Center!
STREETCAR STOP: North Hudson Platform
WHERE: Elk Valley Brewing
1210 North Hudson Avenue, Oklahoma City
WHEN: December 14, 2019
Celebrate the 1-year anniversary of the Oklahoma City Streetcar on December 14! Step aboard the streetcar and navigate to five restaurants along the loop to sip on tastings of Elk Valley beer paired with incredible delights from local restaurants. Get your passport stamped at each stop before disembarking at the Elk Valley Brewery for the anniversary party featuring festivities, food, and fun with music, fire pits, and a holiday movie marathon. Turn in your passport for a final pint of beer and a swag bag featuring an Elk Valley Brewery & Oklahoma City Streetcar commemorative glass. A portion of sales from this tour helps wrap-up homelessness in Oklahoma City with a donation to the Homeless Alliance.
- 4-hour VIP & streetcar experience
- Savor appetizers from five restaurants
- Sip on five tastings of Elk Valley beer and a pint of beer at anniversary party
- Elk Valley Brewery anniversary party
- Swag bag featuring an Elk Valley Brewery & OKC Streetcar commemorative glass
- 10% off Scissortail Gifts
- A portion of sales benefit the Homeless Alliance
- Complimentary Streetcar 5-Day Pass for Future Use
- Souvenir VIP Badge & Lanyard
- Adults, 21 or over valid ID required
This episode of Uncovering Oklahoma is brought to you by EMBARK – providing streetcar, ferry transit, bike share, and bus services in Oklahoma City and Norman. Their transportation options connect people with their community, while easing traffic congestion and improving air quality. Learn more at embarkok.com and then explore the city using public transportation. You can learn more about the OKC Streetcar route and other events EMBARK is doing this holiday season at okcstreetcar.com
