OKLAHOMA CITY – It’s going to be a festive time this December in downtown Oklahoma City. The Myriad Botanical Gardens is ready to welcome thousands of revelers this holiday season to its fabulous array of events, classes, activities and attractions.
Here’s a peek at what’s on the books for December.
Daily
Ice skating at the Devon Ice Rink. Hours are Mon. – Thurs. 3-9 p.m.; Fri. 3 -11 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sun. 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Join us on Friday nights for Rock ‘n’ Skate with a live DJ from 6 – 9 p.m. Food and drink will be served outdoors at the rink throughout the season, or you can dine indoors at the new Park House restaurant, 7 days a week for lunch or dinner. Rates are $10 per person, all ages, which includes skates. The Devon Ice Rink welcomes private parties. Call (405) 708-6499 to schedule your event.
Daily (excluding Christmas Day)
Winter Shops at Myriad Gardens. Presented by Prodigal, LLC. Shop downtown this Holiday Season at the Winter Shops at Myriad Gardens presented by Prodigal LLC. Beautiful outdoor kiosk shops on the Great Lawn will feature an array of vendors offering the perfect gift for everyone on your shopping list. Stop by before or after skating at the Devon Ice Rink or visiting Devon’s popular Saturdays with Santa. Hours: Nov. 21 – Dec. 12: Thurs. 4-8 p.m.; Fri./Sat. 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sun. Noon – 8 p.m. Dec. 12 – Jan. 1: Mon. – Thurs. 4 – 8 p.m.; Fri./Sat. 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sun. Noon – 8 p.m.
Sunday evenings in December
6 – 9 p.m.
Holidays in the Crystal Bridge
Free to the public
Presented by OGE Energy Corp.
The beauty of the Crystal Bridge takes on a whole new glow at night. Come enjoy the balmy warmth of the tropics each Sunday evening in December at no cost.
Tuesday mornings in December
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Explore Painting!
(excluding Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve)
Lobby of the Crystal Bridge
$10 members; $12 non-members
Children LOVE to paint! In this series of classes your budding artist will explore painting with tempera and watercolor to create an imaginary garden, flowers up close, a beautiful butterfly, and a giant Christmas tree. Ages 3 and up.
Each Wednesday in December
10 a.m.
Reading Rainforest
Lobby of the Crystal Bridge
Free
Bring your youngster for story time each Wednesday at 10 a.m. Books are nature-themed and selected based on the season. Children can enjoy creating a small craft following the story. Take a tour of the Crystal Bridge or stroll through the children’s garden with your child afterward to explore the wonders of nature.
Thursday, December 5
6 – 8 p.m.
Members Only Holiday Party & Wreath Auction
Crystal Bridge South Lobby
Not a member yet? Joining is easy – just contact Melissa at mpepper@myriadgardens.org or 405.445.7080.
Saturday, December 7
10 a.m. – Noon
Light Up Your Holiday
Terrace Room, Karla Richards, KSR Designs (Owner)
$45 members; $50 non-members
Create a glowing table arrangement in all white. Fresh flowers and a candle will set the mood for your holiday dining. Preregistration required.
Wednesday, December 11
10 a.m. – Noon
Energy Enhancing Botanicals
Terrace Room,
$35 members; $40 non-members
Discover botanicals that will keep you feeling energized and renewed during the chilly winter months. In this hands-on workshop we will make bath salts, lip balm, and your choice of eucalyptus or peppermint scented soap. Make great hand-made gifts. Preregistration required.
Thursday, December 12
10 a.m. – Noon
Flowers up Close: Observational Drawing for Beginners
Water Plaza Room,
$15 members; $20 non-members
Capture the beauty of nature by learning observational skills and hand to eye coordination. This light-hearted class is perfect for beginners. Supplies provided. Preregistration required.
Friday, December 13
10 a.m. – Noon
DIY Gift Wrap and Pressed Flower Cards
Water Plaza Room,
$15 members; $20 non-members
Get into the holiday spirit in this creative DIY workshop. Explore printmaking methods, pressed flower collage, and paper marbling to create gift wrap and greeting cards that are beautifully unique. Preregistration required.
Friday, December 13
6 – 9 p.m.
Date night!!
Terrace Room and Park House
$20 per member child; $25 per non-member child
The gorgeous Park House restaurant is open and you need to try it. We’ll even watch the kids. Bring your kids to the Terrace Room where we’ll entertain them with crafts, a kid-friendly dinner and a variety of fun, while you stroll over to the Park House for a nice meal. Reserve your table and register your children by calling 405.445.7080.
Saturday, December 14
11 a.m. – Noon
Self-Sustainable Living: A Lecture Series with Tim Tillman
Water Plaza Room
Free
Sunday, December 15
10:30 a.m.
Brunch with Santa
Park House Restaurant
$40 for adults, $30 for kids 12 and under
Bring the whole family to the Gardens for a special brunch with Santa, who will also be available for photos. Every child will receive a small gift from jolly old St. Nick. Preregistration required.
Sunday, December 15
Santa and Skating
(Members only – All ages)
4 – 6 p.m. Santa Meet & Greet in the Crystal Bridge
Tropical Conservatory;
4 – 8 p.m. 2-for-1 skate at the Devon Ice Rink
Not a member yet? Joining is easy – just contact Melissa at mpepper@myriadgardens.org or 405.445.7080.
Tuesday, December 17
8 p.m.
Full Moon Bicycle Ride
Bandshell
Suggested donation $5 per rider
Wear your best Santa outfit. We will ride through Heritage Hills and enjoy the Christmas lights.
Wednesday, December 18
10 a.m. – Noon
Holiday Fairy and Hobbit Gardens
Terrace Room, Kerry Rapp, Children’s Garden Manager
$20 members; $25 non-members
Use natural building materials to make miniature holiday homes for garden fairies, gnomes, and hobbits. All supplies provided. Preregistration required.
Thursday, December 19
10:30 a.m. – Noon
Pressed Flowers
Water Plaza Room,
$10 members; $12 non-members
Dainty and delicate pressed flowers can be used to create cards, bookmarks, and collage. Learn how to prepare your favorite flowers, construct a small flower press, and create a work of art using pre-pressed flowers. All ages welcome. Preregistration required.
Friday, December 20
10 a.m. – Noon
Gingerbread Houses
Terrace Room,
$25 members; $30 nonmembers
‘Tis the season to make, decorate and EAT a gingerbread house. Come to the Gardens and create your delicious, fragrant masterpiece. All supplies provided including gingerbread structure, frosting, candies for decorating and a little help if needed. Preregistration required.
Monday, December 23
10 a.m. – Noon
Natural Ornaments
Water Plaza Room,
$5 members; $7 non-members
Add a personal touch to your Christmas tree and home this season with ornaments and decorations made from natural materials. Bring the family for a morning of ornament-making fun. Enjoy holiday music and warm cocoa in this come and go workshop. Preregistration required.
Tuesday, December 31
7 – 11:30 p.m.
Opening Night
Crystal Bridge
Ring in the New Year at Opening Night – OKC’s favorite family-oriented New Year’s Eve celebration. Visit http://www.artscouncilokc.com for details.
The Myriad Botanical Gardens is one of Oklahoma City’s most beloved public spaces, offering its visitors a 17 acre natural escape in the very heart of downtown. A half-acre children’s garden, an off-leash dog park, restaurant space, splash fountains, and paths for walking and jogging provide guests young and old with a place to seek solitude with nature, or seek community and the company of others. Additionally, the Myriad Gardens offers a variety of horticultural education programs for adults and children.
The Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory’s unique design has earned attention and praise in the architectural community. It is 224 feet long, 70 feet in diameter, and is covered by 3,028 sections of translucent, double-layered acrylic panels. The Conservatory includes 13,000 square feet of plant display area in two distinct climates: the Tropical Wet Zone, which is at the south end and is watered daily; and the Tropical Dry Zone at the north end which receives water from April through September, followed by drought from November through March. Some 2,000 varieties of plants and a 35-foot waterfall round out the spectacular features of the Conservatory.
Visit http://www.myriadgardens.org, call 405.445.7080 or like us on Facebook to learn more.