Let's make a tradition - Christmas lights!

I remember the first time I walked through a park of dazzling Christmas lights. If you can believe it, that experience took place the first time I visited Oklahoma, during the week of Thanksgiving 2000.

That week, my boyfriend (now husband) had driven us from our college campuses in frosty Colorado Springs down to his hometown of Tuttle, Oklahoma. He apologized for the gray, open landscape, worried an East Coaster such as myself would take offense to the lack of towering trees and tightly packed cities. He promised the Oklahoma countryside was lush and beautiful in the spring and even prettier in the summer, but all I could think was, “Gosh this sky is big.”

Well, I did get my first taste of Oklahoma beauty that weekend, just not in the way you would think. My husband, who had helped with the Chickasha Festival of Light as a youngster and knew this was my absolutely favorite time of year, took me to the display.

It was love at first sight. A home run for him, certainly.

Now, fourteen years, several cross-country moves, and two kids later, as Edmond residents we have enjoyed several of the light displays the metro area has to offer. The Yukon and Midwest City lights make my children’s eyes glow, just as mine glowed that frigid evening back in 2000. Going to view a Christmas light display has become a cherished family tradition, so here are some possibilities to get your own started.

Yukon’s Christmas in the Park (about 24 miles SW of Edmond)

Yukon's Christmas in the Park

What: Yukon’s Christmas in the Park, a three-mile driving tour offering 100 acres of lights spread through three interconnecting parks. Other ways to view the lights include a self-guided walking tour or the Santa Express Train from 6 to 10 pm (weather permitting). Admission is free, but donations are accepted (train tickets are $2).

When: Christmas in the Park will run from November 22 through New Year’s Eve. It is open 6 to 11 p.m. every night. 

Where: Christmas in the Park is located between Holly and Cornwell Street in Yukon. To alleviate traffic, visitors are encouraged to take exit 138 off of Interstate 40 to enter the attraction.

Why: “You can’t leave Christmas in the Park without a smile on your face,” says Dana Deckard, Executive Administrative Assistant of the City of Yukon. Find out more at www.cityofyukonok.gov .

Midwest City’s Holiday Lights Spectacular (about 22 miles SE of Edmond)

What: Midwest City’s Holiday Lights Spectacular offers a 1.5 mile tour with many animated light displays. Admission is free, and carriage rides are available at $7 per person.

When: The Holiday Lights Spectacular runs from November 20 through December 30. It will be open from 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Where: In Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, located in the heart of Midwest City. From I-40 or I -240, exit Douglas Boulevard North and follow the snowflakes heading west on S.E 15th to the entrance at Century Blvd.

Why: “Midwest City hosts the largest animated Holiday Lights Spectacular in the West,” says Leisa Haynes, special events and recreation assistant for Midwest City. “Elves are busy baking in the candy machine while fancy ponies dance around the carousel, poinsettias light up a holiday greeting, and Santa kicks a soccer ball.” In addition, the event has a 118-foot twirling Christmas tree. Find out more at www.midwestcityok.org.

Chickasha Festival of Light (about 55 miles SE of Edmond)

What: The Chickasha Festival of Light has been awing metro residents for 17 years, and its 43 acres of lights offers drive through or walk through touring with free admission. The event includes a bus tour ($3), carriage rides ($6 per person), and photos with Santa available for purchase. Food trucks will also be on site.

When: The Festival of Light will run from November 22 through December 31. It will be open 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Where: Located in Shannon Springs Park in Chickasha.

Why: “It’s gorgeous, fun, and always memorable, and you leave ready to come back for more,” says Festival of Light Board Member Jen Jantzen. Find out more at www.chickashafestivaloflight.com.

And that’s not all. If you want to stay a little closer to home, the lights downtown may not be quite as spectacular as the acres at these designated light displays, but they will no doubt dazzle your family too, so take a stroll through Bricktown or the Myriad Gardens and enjoy. Also, please note that the Kingfisher light display is closed this year due to bridge construction.

This is the season for light and joy, so make the most of it. There are many events to choose from, and the gift will be making a lasting and bright memory with those you love.