Oklahoma City's Holiday Light Displays: From Bricktown to Botanical Myriad Gardens

Oklahoma City is the place that I call home, and during the holiday season, the city really lights up from top to bottom. All over the greater Oklahoma City area, nearly every house erects some sort of decoration, and all of Oklahoma seems to put on a smile to usher in the season.

Bricktown, in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City, is proving itself to be a flourishing tourist attraction, but also a favorite among Oklahomans. Bricktown, even after the holidays, is bursting with activity through the canals, restaurants, bars and buildings- nearly all of which are constructed in brilliant maroon bricks. The top attraction in Bricktown during this time of year is the Downtown in December festival featuring free rides in the canal's water boat from 6-9:30pm, Thursdays through Sundays. The colorful riverboat rides will continue until Dec. 23rd, but priced tours continue all year round.

Just east of Bricktown you can follow the signs to the Botanical Myriad Gardens. The Myriad blooms with exotic plants and florescent lights during the OG&E Garden Lights event. Walk across the Crystal Bridge overlooking the garden and watch the coy fish play in the refracting light below or gaze at the 17 some odd acres of garden flooded with beautiful ornaments and bulbed decorations. Normal admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children with an average dollar discount for seniors or students.

Probably the most widely enjoyed and money saving holiday activity in Oklahoma City is simply driving through higher end neighborhoods to check out the house lights. During the Christmas season there is an almost cheerful competition among neighbors to provide the most brilliant display possible. Last year one man completely coated a massive oak tree with blue bulbs until seeing any bark or indication of nature became impossible. This event may not be advertised, but is deeply ingrained in Oklahoma culture.

There are so many options for enjoying the holiday's here in America's heartland, and there's even more just outside Oklahoma City limits to enjoy. Also, since most of the best attractions are within a stone throw of one another, you can really stretch your legs and keep yourself amazed and inspired. I'd recommend driving to Bricktown and just taking a walk through the canals and streets. You don't need a map in Oklahoma City to find exactly what you're looking for.