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CONTENTS 4-9 12
12 Things to Do Downtown in December.
The OKC Philharmonic’s “Christmas Show” features Broadway star Max Von Essen and performer Mandy Jiran.
10 Lyric Theatre brings “A Christmas Carol” to its Plaza stage.
- Photo by KO Rinearson
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Canterbury Voices will present Handel’s “Messiah.” OKC Ballet brings “The Nutcracker” to life.
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The City of Edmond is bustling with holiday activity.
OCU’s American Spirit Dancers to perform “Home for the Holidays.”
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TREE LIGHTING
One of the year’s most anticipated annual events, the Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival will take place the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 29, from 5-7 p.m. The event serves as the kickoff to the holiday season, as Mayor David Holt lights the Christmas Tree with Santa Claus. The first Tree Lighting Festival took place in 2002 and has since grown to include a live band, food trucks, face painting and free visits with Santa. The festival will be held on the Third Base Plaza at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (2 S. Mickey Mantle Dr.), and is free and open to the public.
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Things to do Downtown For more information on these and other events, visit www.downtownindecember.com.
ICE SKATING
The Devon Ice Rink returns for its 9th season in the Myriad Botanical Gardens in 2019. Open seven days a week, the Devon Ice Rink hosts daily public skating, private parties, and special events all winter long. The ice rink will be open through Feb. 2. Regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 3-9 p.m.; Friday, 3-11p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. through 11 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. through 7 p.m.
12 Things to Do Downtown in December
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DOG DAY IN DECEMBER
Bring the pups and enjoy a pet-friendly Dog Day in December holiday-themed fundraiser on Thursday, Dec. 5, 5:30 p.m.-8- p.m. at Midtown Mutts Dog Park (407 W. Park Pl.), benefiting the Midtown Association. Dogs can take photos with Santa (printed on site) for a donation of $10 and enjoy complimentary “puppuccinos.” Goodie bags stuffed with dog treats, toys, and Midtown swag will be available for purchase. Each goodie bag will include a ticket to the “After Party at the Holiday Pop-Ups Shops” where guests will receive a beer ticket to The Big Friendly Beer Bus. A Dog Day in December is free and open to all ages, but beverages and photos with Santa will have a suggested donation. This event is sponsored by The Midtown Association.
FREE WATER TAXI RIDES
All aboard for an adventure cruise on a Bricktown Water Taxi! On designated evenings throughout November and 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. The narrated and holiday-themed Free Holiday Water Taxi Rides will begin at the main Water Taxi dock on canal level, below the entrance to Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse and Brickopolis. The tours will run on a continuous loop through Bricktown, turning around near the Residence Inn by Marriott (in Lower Bricktown), and returning to the loading dock. All of the canal’s holiday decorations will be visible on the tour. Each round trip is estimated to take 20-30 minutes.
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SANTA RUN
On Saturday, Dece. 14, 2019 guests will be prancing in the streets of downtown Oklahoma City in the 2019 SandRidge Santa Run. As part of Downtown in December, the SandRidge Santa Run includes a 5K race and a one-mile Fun Run. In-person registration opens Dec. 14 at 7:30 a.m. at SandRidge Energy, 123 Robert S. Kerr Ave. Both runs start and finish there. The 1-mile fun run begins at 9 a.m., followed by the 5K race at 9:30 a.m. Medals will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each 5K age group. Cash prizes awarded to the top three overall finishers. All registered 5K and 1-mile runners can participate in the costume contest following the races. Thefirst place costume contest winner will receive $150, second place will receive $100 and third place will receive $50.
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12 Things to Do Downtown in December
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LIFESHARE WINTERFEST AND SNOW TUBING The LifeShare WinterFest at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark opens on Friday, Nov. 29! Riding down the gigantic snow tubing slope is a thrill you won’t want to miss. From snow tubing to visiting Santa’s Workshop, plus sparkling holiday lighting and décor, this will be a holiday highlight that your family will remember for years to come! There’s something for the whole family, so bring everyone along for a ride in the snow, hot chocolate and a snack and a festive holiday atmosphere. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark is located at 2 S. Mickey Mantle Dr. in Bricktown.
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LITTLE WILLIE’S TRIPLE DOG DARE
The 8th annual Little Willie’s Triple Dog Dare is a stair climbing event open to people of all ages. Keeping in line with the “Little Willie’s” spirit, there’s even a Firefighters Division – racing in full gear of course! The event is set for Saturday, Dec. 7, beginning at 8 a.m. at Leadership Square, 211 N. Robinson Ave. This is a timed event by Enmotive. Athletes will start in a ‘time trial’ format with athletes being sent every 5 seconds. Little Willie loves Oklahoma City and is committed to giving back to his community, and proceeds will benefit The Homeless Alliance and Sunbeam Family Services.
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FREE WEEKEND STREETCAR RIDES Enjoy complimentary fares on the OKC Streetcars on the weekends beginning Nov. 29 through Jan. 5 in celebration of their one year anniversary. Learn more about OKC Streetcar at okcstreetcar.com.
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CANDY CANE CHRISTMAS
The American Banjo Museum welcomes you to an afternoon of holiday music, candy canes, refreshment and more on Sunday, Dec. 8. 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, there will be a visit from the North Pole as Santa Claus make an appearance! 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. Performance times are 1:30 p.m., Okie Dokies; and 2:30 p.m., Johnny Baier. For more information, visit AmericanBanjoMuseum.com.
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SHOPPING
The Holiday Pop-Up Shops are returning to Midtown in Downtown Oklahoma City for their 8th year in 2019! The Holiday Pop-Up Shops are open weekly, Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 29-Dec. 22. Visit over 30 Oklahoma-owned shops and an urban Christmas tree lot this holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Shops rotate weekly through a set of geodesic domes at NW 10th and Hudson, next to Bleu Garten (399 NW 10th St.). Entry is free, shopping is encouraged. Holly Jolly Shops at the Brick is a two-day event, Dec. 7-8, featuring amazing retailers’, food and fun on the concourse of the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Come enjoy holiday shopping in a festive atmosphere with hot, fresh kettle corn, ornament-making for kids and a facepainter. This open-air market is free and open to the public.
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LIGHTS ON BROADWAY
Cruise down historic Automobile Alley for the district’s holiday open house and the first day of this year’s stunning light display with the Fourth Annual Lights On Broadway event on Saturday, Nov. 23, 4–8 p.m. on Broadway Ave. between NW 4th & 10th Streets. Retail shops and restaurants will be featuring buzz-worthy holiday window displays in addition to family-friendly activities, special promotions, and giveaways. There will be complimentary carriage rides, visits with Santa, live artists and musicians, a free photo booth, a series of outdoor movies, hot cocoa, free s’mores, free face painting, a live brass band and more. Join us in discovering the Alley “in the new old-fashioned way”!
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LIGHT DISPLAYS
See the historic buildings of Automobile Alley, NW 4th St. to 10th St. on Broadway Avenue, in a whole new light during Automobile Alley’s Lights on Broadway. More than 180,000 colorful LED lights will cover the buildings along eight blocks of North Broadway and district side streets making for a magical holiday wonderland. Nov. 23 through Jan. 11, dusk to dawn. Free of charge and open to the public. The Bricktown Canal lights display will brighten your Bricktown experience from Nov. 29 through Jan. 11. As you stroll the canal, enjoy the dining and shopping along downtown OKC’s premier entertainment district under the gorgeous holiday lights. The light display is free to the public. Nichols Hills & NW OKC Community Magazine 9
‘A Christmas Carol’ tradition continues
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Oklahoma’s favorite holiday tradition, Lyric’s “A Christmas Carol” returns in its 2019 edition to Oklahoma City’s Plaza District featuring joyous music, dazzling costumes and an acclaimed Broadway actor reprising the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. Performances are Nov. 29 through Dec. 24 at Lyric’s Plaza Theatre, 1725 NW 16 St. Tickets are on sale now and start at just $25. “Charles Dickens’ story stands the test of time as the greatest holiday story in the modern English language,” said Michael Baron, Lyric’s producing artistic director and director of this production. “Lyric’s A Christmas Carol has become a holiday tradition, now in its ninth year. We know it’s an important story to the community and is often the first live theatrical experience for many children.” In Dickens’ timeless tale, three magical ghosts whisk the miserly Scrooge away on an unforgettable adventure of transformation and redemption. Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, The Fezziwigs and a host of unforgettable characters spring to life in Lyric’s spectacular production sparking the holiday spirit in audiences of all ages. Returning for his fourth holiday production with Lyric is Broadway’s Dirk Lumbard as Scrooge. The cast features many Lyric favorites, including Charlie Monnot as Bob Cratchit, Thomas E. Cunningham as Jacob Marley/Mr. Fezziwig/Old Joe, Mateja Govich as the Ghost of Christmas Present, Susan Riley as a solicitor, Matthew Alvin Brown as Topper, Lexi Windsor as Belle, Jennifer Teel as Mrs. Fred and Brenda Williams as
- Photo by KO Rinearson
Performances of Lyric’s “A Christmas Carol’ are Nov. 29 through Dec. 24 at Lyric’s Plaza Theatre, 1725 NW 16 St. Mrs. Dilber. The production also includes Andi Dema as Fred/Young Scrooge, Natalya Fisher as the Ghost of Christmas Past and Nakeisha McGee as Mrs. Cratchit. The annual production will feature two rotating casts of seven children each. The Holly cast includes Lexi Sendall (Martha), Caedmon Glossup (Tiny Tim), Jamaal Jackson (Peter), Gracie Boyd (Belinda/School Girl), Sydney Starr (Fan/Ensemble), Johnathon Lewis (Turkey Boy/Boy Scrooge) and Olivia Neumann (School Girl). The Ivy cast stars Delaney Horton (Martha), Corbin Albee (Tiny Tim), Joe Kelley (Peter/Boy Scrooge), Emma Poindexter (Belinda/School Girl), Estella Stevenson (Fan/Ensemble), Brody Offel (Turkey Boy/Ignorance/School Boy) and Serena Feng (School Girl).
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Lyric’s artistic team includes choreography by Ashley Wells, music direction by Brian T. Hamilton, lighting design by Weston Wilkerson, set design by Kimberly Powers, costume design by Jeffrey Meek, sound design by Brad Poarch and props design by Courtney Strong. Continuing an equally cherished holiday tradition, audiences are invited to contribute to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma following each performance. During the past seven years, Lyric Theatre patrons have donated over $150,000 to help feed thousands of Oklahomans in need. To purchase tickets to the production, or for more information, visit LyricTheatreOKC.org, or call Lyric’s Box Office at 524-9312.
TÅxÜ|vtÇ fÑ|Ü|à WtÇvxÜá tÜx zÉ|Çz Á[ÉÅx yÉÜ à{x [ÉÄ|wtçáË Oklahoma City University’s American Spirit Dance Company, under the direction of Jo Rowan, presents “Home for the Holidays,” Dec. 5-8 at the Kirkpatrick Auditorium at OCU. Shows are at 8 p.m. Dec, 5-8, with 2 p.m. matinees on Dec. 7 and 8. Experience a holiday song and dance spectacular like no other with the American Spirit Dance Company! This year’s performance will feature some of our favorite things — Christmas magic, dynamic rhythms and explosive choreography bring Toy Soldiers to life while fast tapping feet and a very special guest, Tony the Pony, take you for an unforgettable sleigh ride. Our favorite dancing squirrel, Chip, is back to share some holiday cheer. Our Starettes treat you to brand new kicklines, while a breathtaking contemporary ballet features intricate partnering, and a swingin’ jive number makes you want to dance too! Plus, so much more — don’t miss this one-weekend-only Christmas extravaganza! “Home for the Holidays” has become a yearly tradition for families across the state, and beyond, as the vision of the company’s nationally recognized choreographers combines with the premier talent of the nation’s best dancers to create an experience fit for the lights of Broadway. Dancers in the American
Spirit Dance Company hail from OCU’s Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment, the nation’s premier musical theatre dance program that has been ranked as the No. 1 BFA Dance Program in the nation by OnStage. This destination collegiate program has alumni credits in more than 86 Broadway musicals and has produced 50 Radio City Rockettes and counting. No wonder Playbill ranked Oklahoma City University among this year’s Top 10 Most Represented Colleges on Broadway. “In our opinion, no other college in the country is doing a better job of preparing versatile dancers for this industry than the Ann Lacy School of American Dance & Entertainment at Oklahoma City University.” – OnStage Experience these bound for Broadway dancers while they are still performing in OKC. Tickets for the performances are $29 for reserved seats and may be purchased online at okcu.edu/tickets of by calling 208-5227. $18 tickets are available for groups of 8 or more. Tickets can also be purchased at the Edith Kinney Gaylord Center Performing Arts Ticket Office, 2501 N Blackwelder, Monday-Friday, Noon to 4 p.m. No infants are permitted. Lap seating is not allowed and no booster seats will be provided. It is recommended but not required that children be ages 6 and up. Grab your tickets before they are all gone! Nichols Hills & NW OKC Community Magazine 11
This year’s production of the OKC Philharmonic’s “Home for the Holidays” features celebrated Broadway performer Max Von Essen who received accolades for his performance in “American In Paris” among other Broadway performances.
Essen, Jiran join Philharmonic for show
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Kick off the holiday season with an exciting new production of the OKCPHIL’s “The Christmas Show,” featuring Tony-, Drama Desk- and Outer Critics Circle-nominated Broadway star, Max Von Essen and featured performer Mandy Jiran. Bring the whole family to enjoy heartwarming Christmas favorites including “Winter Wonderland,” “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Sleigh Ride,” plus sacred pieces like “I Wonder as I Wander” and “Angels We Have Heard on High,” presented with dazzling production quality and excellent musicianship that is sure to delight. The Pops Chorale, the Mistletoes Dancers and Santa all add to this fun, theatrical experience for this Chickasaw Nation Pops Series. Tickets are available for Thursday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday Dec. 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $19 with group discounts available for groups of 10 or more. Don’t miss this sleigh! Call 8425387 or go on line at www.okcphil.org/santa, or www.okcciviccenter.com. An original production created especially for the OKC Philharmonic by Music Director Emeritus and conductor Joel Levine and Director Lyn Cramer, is held in high regard by other music institutions nationally. This year’s production features celebrated Broadway performer Max Von Essen who received accolades for his performance in “American In Paris,” among
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other Broadway shows. These productions include “Falsettos,” the revival of “Evita,” “Les Miserables” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” He released his debut album “Call Me Old Fashioned in 2019.” Arrive early to enjoy the hand bell choir or carolers in the lobby, have your photo taken in front of the three-story Christmas tree, a free family photo with Santa or take a fun selfie with the Holly Jolly character cutouts. This event truly offers something special for each member of your family. This year’s Christmas Show is sure to bring your family together through smiles, laughter and moments of sacred reflection. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic has gained recognition as one of the nation’s premier regional orchestras. Tracing its roots to 1924, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic was formed in 1988 under the musical direction of Founder and Music Director Emeritus Joel Levine and began a new era with the passing of the baton to Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate in 2018. The Orchestra remains steadfast in its mission “to provide inspiration and joy for the community through orchestral music.” Through its consistent commitment to excellence, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic strives to enrich lives, expand cultural development, educate future generations, and provide audiences with diverse and inspirational performance experiences.
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Canterbury Patrons invited to sing along to ‘Hallelujah’
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Canterbury Voices will perform “Messiah,” George Frideric Handel’s most beloved choral work at 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Civic Center Music Hall. The concert will feature Canterbury’s choir of over 160 community singers from across the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, accompanied by an orchestra of 62 musicians from the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. The grandiose orchestral arrangement of “Messiah” by Sir Eugene Goossens will be used for this concert. Audiences in attendance will also enjoy a “Hallelujah Chorus” singalong at the end of the concert and a
holiday reception in the lobby with cookies and a chance to meet Santa Claus. “This performance of ‘Messiah’ is a step back into the Romantic sound that was common in the middle of the 20th century,” said Artistic Director and conductor of this concert, Dr. Randi Von Ellefson. “This edition features the familiar vocal music of Handel but is supported and surrounded by an orchestra that sounds much like those of the 19th Century. Our audiences will hear glorious harmonies, crashes from the cymbals, bass lines reinforced by tuba and contrabassoon, and the rich ringing of two harps in this grand presentation.” Because the piece does not end with its most well-known selection -
the “Hallelujah Chorus,” Canterbury is giving patrons the chance to join the choir and orchestra in a sing-along of the classic at the conclusion of the concert. Sheet music will be provided to all patrons courtesy of Canterbury. After the concert, patrons can enjoy a complimentary Holiday Cookie Reception hosted by the volunteer singers of Canterbury’s adult chorus in the Civic Center lobby. Mr. and Mrs. Claus and his elves will be on hand to meet any children in attendance. Prior to the concert, singers from Canterbury Youth Voices’ Moore Apprentice Choir, under the direction of Susan Pendergraft, will perform carols in the lobby of the theater. Tickets start at $18, and can be purchased by visiting CanterburyOKC. com, or calling 232-7464.
UtÄÄxà wtÇvxá g{x aâàvÜtv~xÜË WxvA DG@EE Following the success of Michael Pink’s “Dracula,” Oklahoma City Ballet’s holiday tradition, “The Nutcracker” returns to the stage at the Civic Center Music Hall, Dec. 14-22. This beloved holiday classic, choreographed by Artistic Director Robert Mills, remains true to the original libretto that premiered in 1892 at the Marinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic will perform Tchaikovsky’s famous scores live at each performance. “The Waltz of the Snowflakes’ is magical for me, even after so many performances,” said Jo Lynne Jones, John Kilpatrick executive director of the Oklahoma City Ballet. “I love seeing the stage filled by the corps de ballet, the snow falling, the beautiful costumes and of course, the Tchaikovsky music. It’s all quite spell-binding!” Oklahoma City Ballet opened in 1963 as Oklahoma City Civic Ballet. “The Nutcracker,” Mills said, was one of the first productions it ever put on and it has had a presence in the city ever since. “It’s an enormous production,” said Artistic Director 14 Nichols Hills & NW OKC Community Magazine
Robert Mills. “There’s a lot of moving parts. There’s a lot of big pieces of scenery, a lot of beautiful costumes. It’s quite an undertaking.” Single tickets for “The Nutcracker” may be purchased online at okcballet.org or by phone at 848-8637. Tickets are $20-75 and vary for students, seniors, and military. For more information on “The Nutcracker” or Oklahoma City Ballet’s 2019/20 season, contact Communications Manager Kalie Fry at 778-8914 or kalie@okcballet.org. Adding to the festivities, Nutcracker Tea will be held Dec. 21, 4- 6 p.m., in the Civic Center’s Meinders Hall of Mirrors. There’ll be sweets and treats, crafts and activities, photographs with dancers, a special performance and a chance for sponsors to meet all the friends from the Kingdom of Sweets.
The holidays are bustling with fun in Edmond! Nov. 10 Turkey Shoot Doubles 2019 - Disc Golf Tournament Arcadia Lake, 9000 E. 2nd St. One day, two rounds, bring your own partner. Registration fee is due when checking in the day of the tournament. 9 a.m. For more information: 216-7470 Nov. 15-Jan. 5 Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink Mitch Park, 1501 W. Covell Hours vary Nov. 27-30, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve. For more information: 9238345 Nov. 23-Jan. 5 Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll Mitch Park, 1501 W. Covell Luminance is the new walk-thru holiday light display that will be open to the public in Mitch Park during the months of November and December. Residents and visitors will get to experience a one-of-a-kind holiday lighting event that will for sure get you in the holiday spirit. With Edmond being the premier city to have 3D lighted displays, you are sure to see something you've never seen. Time: 5-10 p.m. For more information: www. edmondlights.com Nov. 25-26 Thanksgiving Holiday Art Camp Fine Arts Institute, 27 E. Edwards Join us for a fun Thanksgiving Holiday camp creating all things artsy with your favorite Art in Schools teachers. Children will rotate between four classes to create multiple holiday themed art projects. Come one day or both days and enjoy all new projects each day. Don't forget to bring lunch! K-5th Grades Time: 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information: 340-4481
Nov. 28 2019 Edmond Turkey Trot Downtown Edmond Join us on Thanksgiving morning for the 2019 Edmond Turkey Trot!! Race through the 5K Run or breeze through the 1 Mile Wobble. Strollers and friendly pets on a leash are welcome and the best Turkey Trot costume will receive a delicious Prize. All proceeds benefit Turning Point Ministries. 8-10 a.m. For more information: 590-8665 December Christmas in Downtown Edmond Downtown Edmond Shop Edmond and experience the wonder of the season each Saturday until Christmas with free carriage rides, visits with Santa, holiday lights and more. For more information: downtownedmondok.com Dec. 5-8 and Dec. 12-14 “There's No Business Like Snow Business” UCO Jazz Lab, 100 E. 5th St. “There's No Business Like Snow Business!” is an evening of holiday music that originated in some of your favorite musicals! Sure to get you in the holiday spirit, come join in on a festivityfilled evening of your favorite holiday tunes performed by some of Central's finest Musical Theatre vocalists. Reservations strongly recommended. For more information: 405-9742100 Dec. 6-8 Boys Ranch Town Drive-Thru Christmas Pageant
Boys Ranch Town, 5100 E. 33rd St. Join us for the annual Boys Ranch Town Drive-Thru Christmas Pageant! This is a free event. Load up the whole family and see residents, staff and live animals depict the story of Jesus' birth. Come celebrate with us! For more information: 341-3606 Dec. 7 Very Merry Art Workshop Fine Arts Institute, 27 E. Edwards Join us for a VERY MERRY Saturday creating holiday art with your favorite Art in Schools teachers. Buddy the Elf and his friends will be at FAI with fun surprises and spreading Christmas cheer. Children will rotate between four classes to create multiple holiday themed art projects, with a special surprise visit from Santa. Pizza lunch is included. K-5th Grades For more information: 340-4481 Dec. 7 Holiday Hop Rodkey House Event and Education Annex, 410 S Littler Free event featuring holiday activities at the Rodkey House Event & Education Annex, the Edmond Historical Society & Museum, and the 1889 Territorial Schoolhouse. For more information: 340-0078 Dec. 7 Ugly Sweater 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run Mitch Park, 1501 W. Covell Run starts at 5 p.m. Begin the holiday season in your favorite ugly sweater as we partner with the Mitch Park Y to bring you this fun run through Luminance in Mitch Park. Donations are requested for the Y's Military Welcome Center in Will Rogers Airport. These donations will be given to service members to enjoy on their flights home to their families for the holidays. For more information: 359-4630
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