Shop local at Downtown in December's newest event

Friday through Sunday, Dec. 7-9, OU Medicine will present the Winter Market in the Myriad Botanical Gardens - a new addition to this year's Downtown in December festivities. The weekend will offer an opportunity for holiday shoppers to visit the Great Lawn where there will be over 40 vendors selling local and handmade goods, including crafts, decor, jams, art and other specialty items. In addition to an abundance of holiday shopping opportunities, the Winter Market will feature food vendors, treats like hot cocoa and cider, and live outdoor musical entertainment.

So put on those mittens and scarves and join us for a weekend of family-friendly holiday fun, courtesy of OU Medicine. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

SandRidge hosts downtown's most unique 5k race

Jingle all the way through the streets of downtown Oklahoma City in the 2012 SandRidge Santa Run on Saturday, Dec. 8. As part of Downtown in December, the SandRidge Santa Run includes a 5K race, a one-mile Fun Run and a free Santa Claus Kid’s Dash, plus a warm-up with Rumble the Bison and the Thunder Girls. This year, proceeds raised by the SandRidge Santa Run will benefit The Mentoring Project.

All runners are invited to dress up in their most festive holiday costumes for the races. Registered 5k runners who dress up in holiday costumes may qualify for the costume contest. After the race, show off your costumes to the SandRidge Santa Run panel of judges, and the top three picks will win cash prizes. 

Register online before Nov. 30 to lock in your special discounted rate. More information is available at downtownindecember.com. 

Chesapeake Snow Tubing offers thrills to holiday adventure-seekers in Bricktown

Cruise down one of the country’s largest manmade snow tubing slopes at Chesapeake Energy’s Snow Tubing at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. This snowy adventure is one of the most popular events at Downtown in December, and this year, the slope is better than ever.

“Over the field we go” will have new meaning as riders slide from the ballpark’s upper deck all the way to the field on a hill of manmade snow. The snow tubes and snow are even provided in sunny weather, and for those seeking less of an adrenaline rush, a second, smaller slide will have children and moderate thrill seekers dashing through the snow.

Chesapeake Snow Tubing is open Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 24 – Dec. 16 and open daily between Dec. 20 and Jan. 5. Hours of operation vary day-to-day and admission is $10 for each 90-minute session. Session size is limited, but guests may book private parties in advance by calling (405) 218-1000. Session times, holiday hours and online ticket sales are available at DowntownInDecember.com.

Meet Prancer and Blitzen at Devon's Saturdays with Santa

This Saturday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., families will have the chance to meet two of Santa's favorite reindeer, Prancer and Blitzen, at the Devon Rotunda. As they make their way from the North Pole to Oklahoma City, they're taking detours in Antler, North Dakota and Holiday, Florida. You can track their progress on Devon's Saturdays with Santa Facebook page.

Other special guests from the North Pole, including Santa's elves, snowmen, and Mrs. Claus will also be at Devon's Saturdays with Santa on select weekends throughout the season to lead storytelling, help guests write letters to Santa, and create special holiday crafts. 

To find out what special activities are taking place each weekend, visit DowntownInDecember.com.

Water taxi rides are free during December

All aboard for an adventure cruise on a Bricktown Water Taxi! On designated evenings during December, all ages are welcome to enjoy a fun-filled float down the beautifully-adorned Bricktown canal free of charge, courtesy of the Downtown Business Improvement District. Guests can board the boats on Mickey Mantle Drive across from the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, just west of the third-base entrance.

Hours of Operation
Thursdays through Sundays, Dec. 1-31
6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Add some zip to this year’s holiday season

Head to the Oklahoma River to enjoy one of Downtown in December's newest holiday events. Santa’s Adventures on the Oklahoma River in the Boathouse District (725 S. Lincoln Blvd.) will feature the SandRidge Santa Zip, a 200-foot zipline, Polar Paddle, a kayak activity for kids ages 3-9, five large Holiday bounce inflatable toys, mechanical surfing machine, a candy cane rock climbing wall, and Rudolph’s Launch extreme air jumper!

Open Nov. 23 - Jan. 5, Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Special New Year’s Eve hours are 9 a.m. to midnight, Dec. 31. Cost is $10 (single zip line + all attractions) or $20 for an all-day pass (unlimited zip line + all attractions.)

Visit Santa's Adventures on the Oklahoma River tomorrow, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. to meet Harkins Theatres' own Fill-Up the cup. He'll be handing out special prizes to random guests, so if you see him, stop and say hi!

To learn more, visit downtownindecember.com.

The Devon Ice Rink is a hit!

It's no surprise that the Devon Ice Rink is one of Downtown in December's most popular attractions. As Downtown in December’s signature event, the ice rink is expected to attract more than 30,000 thrill-seeking skaters and will offer live entertainment and special guests on the weekends.

On Friday nights, a live DJ heats up the ice with popular and holiday musical favorites and will be taking your requests throughout the evening. Special guests and local radio personalities will join us on the ice as they broadcast live from the rink on Saturday nights. 

Admission is $10 per person and includes skate rental. Hours of operation vary, so visit DowntownInDecember.com for complete details.

Continental's Free Movie Mondays are filling up

Every Monday night at 7 p.m. throughout the Downtown in December season, Continental Resources will host Free Movie Mondays at Harkins Theatres in Bricktown. To attend the free screenings, guests must sign up online.

The registration links will be posted online a few days before each screening, so so keep checking DowntownInDecember.com to sign up for these upcoming movies:

Dec. 24  - Miracle on 34th Street
Dec. 31 - Home Alone

Give the gift you know can't fail... at BC Clark's Open House

The downtown BC Clark store (101 Park Ave.) invites you to their Open House event on Thursday, Dec. 6 from 4-7 p.m. Wine, champagne punch and light hors d'oeuvres will be provided, as well as opportunities to win fabulous door prizes. RSVP by Monday, Dec. 3 to Kay at 405.232.8806 or online at bcclark.com/rsvp. The event is free, and an optional donation of $5 per person will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Complimentary valet parking will be available at the entrance on Broadway Avenue.

Visit BC Clark during their extended holiday hours: Monday, Dec. 10 - Friday, Dec. 14 and Monday, Dec. 17 - Friday, Dec. 21, 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturdays and Christmas Eve, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m..

Who's who downtown

This week's Who's Who features Judd Fisher, owner of Bricktown's newest restaurant - Yucatan Taco Stand Tequila Bar and Grill. You'd be hard-pressed to find a business owner more passionate about the downtown community. Next time you're at Yucatan Taco Stand, don't forget to say hi to Judd! 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a native Oklahoman born in Kingfisher. My work took my wife and me to London in 2004 where we spent 4 years. In 2008, we found out our daughter Avery was on the way so we made plans to move back. Our son Larson entered the world in 2011. Sandwiched in between, I was introduced to Yucatan Taco Stand Tequila Bar and Grill. I ended up purchasing part of the Yucatan franchisor structure and eventually acquired the franchise rights for Oklahoma.

Recently, I concurrently renovated an early 1900’s commercial property while doing the same to our historic 1922 residential property. Needless to say, with my busy schedule, something had to give. To my wife’s dismay, it was our kitchen and master bedroom renovation! Thankfully, we are back on track and the world is once again spinning in the right direction.

There’s been a lot of hype about Yucatan Taco Stand opening in Bricktown. What makes Yucatan so cool?
It’s really a combination of factors. There is a viral component from the existing operations in Ft. Worth and Woodlands, Texas. The house margarita has been voted best in DFW, so that certainly helps. We have over 75 tequilas to try and tequila flights are a great way to sample $25 to $400 bottles of tequila without breaking the bank.

The ambiance is chic but not overtly uppity.  I think people are surprised when they first try our food because they are expecting food fare from a “taco shop” or “taco truck.” While we have tacos, burritos and nachos, we also offer specialty items like Plantain Crusted Mahi-Mahi, Brazilain Diablo Shrimp, Chilaquiles Con Pollo y Chorizo, and Paella De Venezuala. We’ve had several individuals either from the Yucatan region or who have lived in the area that have tried our food and commented it’s the best representation of the Yucatan they have experienced anywhere. 

Why did you choose to open your restaurant in Bricktown?
I have watched Bricktown grow from its infancy. It’s a known commodity at this point and the area around it is positioned to continue to grow. Downtown is thriving, a new convention center is in the pipeline and OKC finally has a growing and thriving urban residential population. While there are other bona-fide urban settings in OKC, there is something magical about the canal. I genuinely believe we have created the best patio environment in Bricktown. I can’t wait for warm weather. I think folks will find our patio to be THE place to hang out.

Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?
Being a husband and father is my ultimate joy. My children are 4 and 16 months so it’s a rewarding time to be with them as much as possible. As stressful and busy as the world is these days I find peace and happiness in the comfort of my family. Our weekends are spent exploring our new surroundings downtown, getting together with friends, and taking the kids to parks to play. Living downtown is great!

Two downtown museums open for free this weekend

Downtown in December's Free Museum Sundays invites guests to visit two downtown museums for free this weekend.  On Sunday, Dec. 9, from noon - 5 p.m., the American Banjo Museum and Red Earth Museum and Gallery will be open free of charge.

During those hours, Red Earth will also host a special open house event with an artist demonstration by basketmaker Peggy Brennan Sheriden. Complimentary parking will be available in the Santa Fe Parking Garage. 

Make your holiday memories at the historic Skirvin Hotel

Visit the historic Skirvin Hilton this season to see its magically-decorated lobby and enjoy many of their festive holiday events. Guests will have the opportunity to have breakfast with Santa at the Park Avenue Grill, holiday tea, a special holiday buffet on Christmas and much more.

For more information, visit downtownindecember.com or call the Skirvin Hilton at (405) 272-3040.

Thunder up!

Hey Thunder fans! Mark these dates on your calendar:

Friday, Nov. 30 - OKC Thunder vs. Utah Jazz, 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 7 - OKC Thunder vs. L.A. Lakers, 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 9 - OKC Thunder vs. Indiana Pacers, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 12 - OKC Thunder vs. New Orleans Hornets, 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 14 - OKC Thunder vs. Sacramento Kings, 7 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 17 - OKC Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 27 - OKC Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks, 7 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 31 - OKC Thunder vs. Phoenix Suns, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 2 - OKC Thunder vs. Brooklyn Nets, 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 4 - OKC Thunder vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 7 p.m.

Visit nba.com/thunder to view the full schedule.

Go support your OKC Barons

It's true... there's never been a better time to check out an OKC Barons game. Mark these home games on your calendar so you don't miss the action:

Tuesday, Dec. 11 - OKC Barons vs. Peoria Rivermen, 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 14 - OKC Barons vs. San Antonio Rampage, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 15 - OKC Barons vs. San Antonio Rampage, 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 21 - OKC Barons vs Texas Stars, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 22 - OKC Barons vs Texas Stars, 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 28 - OKC Barons vs. San Antonio Rampage, 7 p.m.

Visit okcbarons.com to view the full schedule.

December events at the OKC Downtown College

2nd Annual OKC Downtown College Holiday Reception & Spring Class Preview

On Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., OKC Downtown College will be present the 2nd annual free come-and-go holiday reception with pizza from Joey’s Pizzeria and door prizes. Find out about new classes that start in January and February, meet with instructors and get a chance to win a free language or fitness class. 

This Tuesday Topics event will take place on the 4th Floor of the Downtown Library.  RSVP by 10:00 a.m. on Dec. 10 at 405.232.3382 or info@downtowncollege.com.  The Tuesday Topics Series is sponsored by OKC Downtown College, Allegiance Credit Union, Downtown OKC Incorporated, and the Norick Downtown Library.

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Presentation Skills Workshop for Professionals – “It’s All in the Delivery

David Williams, Director and Public Speaking Coach at the University of Oklahoma’s Business Communication Center, will facilitate a presentation skills class for business professionals on Thursday, Dec. 13 from 8:30 a.m. - noon on the 4th floor of the Downtown Library. In the class, participants will deliver two presentations that will be video recorded.  Participants will critique themselves and receive personalized feedback from the instructor. (View David's online bio.)

This class is offered through the Oklahoma City Community College Professional Development Institute. The course fee is $149. Pre-registration is required. Call 405.682.7855 for information.

Presale tickets for Bon Jovi tour available through Thurs. night

Bringing their signature brand of rock ‘n’ roll back to the people, Bon Jovi will hit the road in 2013 to fill stadiums and arenas worldwide with Bon Jovi Because We Can – The Tour. The Tour will stop at the Chesapeake Arena on Saturday, Mar. 16. 

The Tour will also debut brand new songs from new album What About Now, due out in Spring 2013, loading even more ammunition into the band’s huge arsenal of hits including “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Who Says You Can’t Go Home,” “It’s My Life,” and many more.

Presale tickets are available online through 10 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 6. The password for the presale is DAGGER. Regular online ticket sales begin Friday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. Visit ticketmaster.com for more info.

Cirque du Soliel's Dralion comes to OKC this month

Cirque du Soleil announced that the critically-acclaimed touring production Dralion will perform at the Cox Convention Center from Dec. 19-23 for seven performances only.  

Thrilling more than 8 million people worldwide since the show premiered in 1999, Dralion is the fusion of ancient Chinese circus traditions and the avant-garde style of Cirque du Soleil. The name Dralion (pronounced “Drah-lee-on”) is drawn from its two main symbols: the dragon, representing the East, and the lion, representing the West. Dralion derives much of its inspiration from Eastern philosophy with its perpetual quest for harmony between humankind and nature. The international cast features 52 world-class acrobats, gymnasts, musicians, singers and comedic characters. 

Tickets are available at www.cirquedusoleil.com/dralion or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Downtown trolleys to be retired

According to the City of OKC, the downtown trolleys are old, sickly and very cranky. The Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority (COTPA) has been working on developing a new vehicle and brand for this service.

The service area and route will remain the same at this time, but will be served by smaller, 29’ buses (about the same length as the trolley). They are much more comfortable, more accommodating for persons with disabilities and have a clean diesel engine (exhaust is as clean as CNG vehicles, similar to all of our buses since 2009). Look for this new vehicle coming mid-December!

Other downtown news

American cities to Millennials: Don't leave (USA Today)
The hot pursuit of young professionals has been at the core of American cities' urban revival for more than a decade. It worked. They came, they played, they stayed.

Downtown Oklahoma City Makes National Headlines (KOKH Fox 25)
Oklahoma City makes the front page of USA Today in an article about young professionals and downtown living. Nationally, there's a trend of people trading the suburbs for the city.

Construction begins on latest additions to Oklahoma City's Boathouse District (NewsOK)
Fresh trench marks the planned extension of the Bricktown Canal nearly all the way to the Oklahoma River, holes in the ground indicate the location of new riverside light posts, and a crane has begun erecting a massive new ropes course in the Boathouse District of Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City Council debates future of boulevard (NewsOK)
A debate on the future of the Oklahoma City Boulevard at Tuesday's council meeting showed that some council members still have concerns, but many consider the roadway's evolving design as evidence the city's public process is working.

Downtown Oklahoma City office market thriving (The Alliance)
The downtown Oklahoma City skyline is punctuated by the new, 50-story Devon Tower, but the city’s downtown resurgence has allowed the office space Devon Energy Corp. vacated to be re-occupied.

Developers in Oklahoma City pay $4.4 million for Bricktown site planned for $75 million housing and retail complex (NewsOK)
Developers paid $4.4 million Wednesday for the north half of the former Stewart Metal Fabricators plant in east Bricktown as they move forward with a plan to build a $75 million mix of apartments, retail and a hotel.

Debate, second-guessing part of MAPS DNA in Oklahoma City (NewsOK)
The history of MAPS is filled with debates, second-guessing and plan revisions.

Other downtown events

Art Moves, Presented by Devon, various locations, ongoing

Dec. 6 - BC Clark open house

Dec. 7 - Meditation Made Simple, Downtown Library

Dec. 7-9 - OU Medicine presents Winter Market, Myriad Gardens

Dec. 7-9 & 14-16 - OKC Ballet's The Nutcracker, Civic Center

Dec. 8 - Devon's Saturdays with Santa, 10am-5pm, Devon Rotunda

Dec. 8 - SandRidge Santa Run, 9am, Leadership Square

Dec. 8 - Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Chesapeake Arena

Dec. 8 - Canterbury Youth Chorus, Myriad Gardens

Dec. 8 - Plenty Mercantile Grand Opening Celebration, 11am-5pm, 807 N. Broadway Ave.

Dec. 9 - Free Museum Sundays, 12-5pm, American Banjo Museum & Red Earth Museum and Gallery (with open house event)

Dec. 9 - Free Crystal Bridge Sundays, 6-9pm, Myriad Gardens

Dec. 9 - Canterbury Youth Chorus, Myriad Gardens

Dec. 9 - Meditation Made Simple, Downtown Library

Dec. 9-23 - Cirque du Soliel, Cox Convention Center

Dec. 10 - Continential's Free Movie Mondays - White Christmas, Harkins Theatres in Bricktown

Dec. 11 - OKC Barons vs. Peoria Rivermen

Dec. 11 - Canterbury Young Men's Chorus, St. Anthony Hospital

Dec. 11-15 - Myriad Gardens Pop-Up Shops (Session 3)

Dec. 14 - OKC Barons vs. San Antonio Rampage

Dec. 15 - Devon's Saturdays with Santa, 10am-5pm, Devon Rotunda

Dec. 15 -  OKC Barons vs. San Antonio Rampage, Car Giveaway/Holiday Celebration Night/Scarf Giveaway

Dec. 16 - Free Crystal Bridge Sundays, 6-9pm, Myriad Gardens

Dec. 16 - Free Museum Sundays, 12-5pm, Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum

Dec. 16 - Breakfast with Santa, Myriad Gardens

Dec. 17 - Continential's Free Movie Mondays - It's a Wonderful Life, Harkins Theatres in Bricktown

Dec. 17-24 - Myriad Gardens Pop-Up Shops (Session 4)

Dec. 21 - OKC Barons vs Texas Stars

Dec. 22 - Devon's Saturdays with Santa, 10am-5pm, Devon Rotunda

Dec. 22 - OKC Barons vs. Texas Stars, Car Giveaway/Post Game Player Autographs

Dec. 23 - Free Crystal Bridge Sundays, 6-9pm, Myriad Gardens

Dec. 31 - Continential's Free Movie Mondays - Home Alone, Harkins Theatres in Bricktown

Dec. 31 - New Year’s Eve/Barons Jersey Giveaway

Dec. 31 - Opening Night

Project180 Update

Don't frown at the construction downtown... let us show you how to get around!

Visit the Project180 website or check them out on Facebook and Twitter

Be informed and prepared for traffic changes downtown by joining the Project180 mailing list

Get the Project180 weekly map here

Check out the Downtown Traffic Advisory updates. This list provides a summary of downtown streets expected to be under construction for the next few weeks.

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Oklahoma City, OK 73102
405.235.3500

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