Yahoo Autos Holiday light displays brighten Oklahoma during the Christmas season
From the wild new Safari Lights at the Oklahoma City Zoo to the sparkling comeback of Christmas lights displays on Western Avenue and in Midwest City, several holiday light shows are illuminating the Sooner State this holiday season.
Here are some of the must-see seasonal light exhibitions glowing across Oklahoma this year:
OKC Zoo Safari Lights
When: Through Jan. 9.
Where: Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, 2000 Remington Place.
Information and tickets: okczoo.org.
The first holiday light event at the OKC Zoo since 1992, the Safari Lights will feature more than 50 themed light sculptures highlighting wildlife, aquatic animals, prehistoric creatures and more that can be viewed in an estimated half-hour driving tour. Online reservations are required.
After the drive-through experience, visitors can park and re-enter the zoo for an immersive walking tour of the entry plaza, including an original musical light performance designed by the Miranda Family Lights of Edmond (who have announced they won't be hosting their home light show this year).
Also, photos with Santa will be offered Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 25 in the zoo’s Canopy Restaurant.
Yukon’s Christmas in the Park
When: Through Dec. 31.
Where: City Park, Freedom Trail and Chisholm Trail Park, 2200 S Holly Ave., Yukon.
Information: www.yukonok.gov/ChristmasinthePark.
Billed as the state's largest drive-thru light display, the City of Yukon's setup boasts more than 5 million lights and 500 charming displays spread over three interconnected parks, where an ice skating rink and Santa Express Train add to the holiday spirit. Visitors also can walk through the free light show, where donations are welcome.
Downs Family Christmas Lights Ministry
When: 6 p.m. to midnight daily through Jan. 2.
Where: 2900 72 Ave. SE, Norman.
Information: www.downsfamilychristmas.com.
An Oklahoma residence once featured on the TV show “The Great Christmas Light Fight," the snazzy drive-up display synchronized to music is in its 15th season of bringing cheer. The ministry collects donations for the Regional Food Bank.
Purcell's Lights from the Heart
When: 5:30 to 10 p.m. daily through Dec. 31.
Where: Purcell City Lake, 1400 Chandler Rd.
Information: https://www.facebook.com/purcellslightsfromtheheart.
The two-mile drive-thru display features an array of sparkling vignettes, from toy soldiers and snowflakes to candy canes and Christmas penguins. Selfie opportunities are available with Santa on Saturdays in December until Christmas.
Chickasha Festival of Light
When: Daily through Dec. 31.
Where: Shannon Springs Park, 2400 S 9, Chickasha.
Information: https://chickashafestivaloflight.org.
Walk or drive through the famed 43-acre light display at Shannon Springs Park for free (donations accepted). Additional attractions include an ice skating rink, Ferris wheel, carriage rides and food trucks.
The nationally recognized lights display has become so popular that it has spun off this year a new downtown event, December at the Depot, that will include pop-up shop vendors, food trucks, Santa photos, amusement park-style rides for children and the 40-foot inflatable Chickasha Leg Lamp at the historic depot on Chickasha Avenue. Chickasha Public Schools will provide $2 per person shuttle rides from the depot to Shannon Springs Park.
Edmond Electric's Luminance
When: 5 to 10 p.m. daily through Jan. 2.
Where: Mitch Park, 1501 W Covell Rd., Edmond.
Information and tickets: https://edmondlights.com.
Stroll through 30 3D lighted displays adjacent to the Edmond Ice Rink at this fourth annual display.
Muskogee's Garden of Lights
When: Daily through Jan. 1.
Where: Honor Heights Park, 1400 Honor Heights Drive, Muskogee.
Information: https://www.muskogeeonline.org/departments/parks_and_recreation.
Drive through and view 130 acres of trees, bushes and water areas decorated for the season, including the park's famed azalea bushes illuminated to simulate their spring blossoming. Admission is $5 a car and $10 per bus or passenger van, with free admission on Mondays.
Union Station Illumination
When: 6 to 11 p.m. daily through Jan. 6.
Where: Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7.
Information: scissortailpark.org.
The free synchronized holiday music and lighting experience will brighten the historic Union Station. The Lighting Celebration to launch the attraction is set for 6:30 p.m. Nov. 26, and the park has several festive events planned through the season.
Rhema Christmas Lights
When: 5:30 to 11:30 p.m. daily through Jan. 2.
Where: Rhema Bible Church campus, 1025 W Kenosha, Broken Arrow.
Information: https://www.rhemalights.org.
Now in its 40th year, nearly 3 million lights adorn the 110-acre campus, where people can walk or drive through for free (donations appreciated). Carriage rides also are available.
Automobile Alley Lights
When: Starting Nov. 20.
Where: Broadway Avenue between NW 4 and 10.
Information: https://www.automobilealley.org.
The historic downtown OKC district dazzles this time of year, with more than 230,000 kaleidoscopic LED lights curtaining the buildings along 10 blocks of North Broadway and the side streets.
Muskogee's Castle Christmas
When: 5:30 to 10 p.m. daily through Dec. 31.
Where: Castle of Muskogee, 3400 W Fern Mountain Rd., Muskogee.
Information: www.okcastle.com.
Drive through the Castleton Village, featuring thousands of colorful lights, for free (donations accepted) or pay to take a camel, train or hayride. Shop at the castle merchants and partake of seasonal fare at Rudolph's Cafe.
Midwest City's Holiday Lights Spectacular
When: Dec. 1-25.
Where: Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, 8700 E Reno Ave., Midwest City.
Information: https://www.midwestcityok.org/parksrec/page/holiday-lights-spectacular.
The long-running drive-thru lights spectacle was canceled in 2020 after an ice storm significantly damaged the displays. Started in 1995, it has grown into one of the largest animated light displays in a five-state region, with more than 100 glowing, moving vignettes. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
The Walk the Lights fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 1 offers a chance to see the spectacle on foot while listening to Christmas carolers. Admission is $5 per person, with children 5 and younger admitted free.
'Winter on Western'
When: Dec. 3-Jan. 1.
Where: Western Avenue between NW 63 and Grand Boulevard.
Information: https://www.facebook.com/winteronwestern.
A private foundation is reviving the local favorite display of dazzling light-wrapped trees founded and later discontinued by Chesapeake Energy.
Kringle's Christmas Land
When: Starting Dec. 3.
Where: 12520 S Date Place, Jenks.
Information: www.facebook.com/KringlesChristmasLand.
Ben Sumner’s stunning display of vintage mechanized holiday decorations earned him $50,000 last year on the ABC series “The Great Christmas Light Fight.” He will debut this year's display from 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 3.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Holiday light displays brighten Oklahoma during the Christmas season
