November

Every Sunday
Sunday in the Park
Get fit and learn about the nature of the season when you join in the Nature Hikes at the Martin Park Nature Center. The center offers guided park tours and nature hikes every Sunday at 2:30pm. 5000 West Memorial Road. Reservations required. Fee: $2. Information: 405.755.0676 or okc.gov.

Through December 20
Holiday Pottery Sale
City Arts Center Holiday Pottery Sale is one of the most sought after pre-holiday sales in the Metro. There are one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones, friends or yourself! Items in the pottery sale usually include: ornaments, teapots, casserole dishes, sake sets, platters, vases and much more. 3000 General Pershing Blvd., OKC. Information: 405.951.0000 or www.cityartscenter.org.

Through December 28
Animal Families
Find the fun with animal families and explore some of the more unusual ways young animals grow up at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. There is a special focus on dinosaurs that adds to the fall exhibit, Hatching the Past: The Great Dinosaur Egg Hunt. 1:30pm. Sundays. Information: 405.325.4058 or www.snomnh.ou.edu.

Through January 19
Hatching the Past: The Great Dinosaur Egg Hunt
Visitors will have a chance to take an in-depth look at dinosaur eggs, nests and embryos at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. This remarkable exhibition offers visitors a chance to touch real dinosaur bones and reconstructed nests – one more than eight feet in diameter – dig for eggs, and experience hands-on exploration stations. Information: 405.325.4058 or www.snomnh.ou.edu.

Friday 14
Family Night Out: Natural Dyeing
Enjoy a fun night out with the family at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. Don’t worry about dinner and entertainment- it’s all included! Pizza and drinks served. You’ll learn to collect and prepare wild plants and then turn the plants into dye to make your own placemats or napkins. 6-8:30pm. Information: 405.325.4058 or www.snomnh.ou.edu.

Saturday 15
Parent’s Night Out
Treat yourself for the evening. Bring your kids, ages 6 weeks-12 years, to The Lighthouse for an evening of fun, games, swimming, movies and much more! For information & reservations call 405.751.3344.

Wednesday 19
Night at the Movies!
Join the Downtown Library for Wednesday Night at the Movies! Tonight's movie will be the film-noir classic "Where the Sidewalk Ends." All ages welcome, from 6-8pm. Information: 405.606.3876.

 Saturday 22 - December 31
Christmas In The Park
This annual event features a spectacular drive through holiday light displays in Yukon City Park, along Jim Watson Drive, Freedom Trail Playground and Chisholm Trail Park. FREE admission. Other activities include the Kris Kringle Karnival, sleigh rides, entertainment and refreshments. 6-8pm. Information: 405.350.8937 or www.ci.yukon.ok.us.

Saturday 22
Chill Your Cheeks 5K Fun Run & Walk
The ninth annual Run & Walk event is held in conjunction with the opening of Christmas in the Park. 5pm. Chisholm Trail Park, Yukon. Information: 405.350.8920 or www.ci.yukon.ok.us

Children Read to Dogs
Loveable dogs and their owners will help children ages 5 and up develop reading skills. So grab your favorite picture book and come to the Bethany Library for a special time of reading. The dogs particularly enjoy hearing one of the dog stories we will have, but you can bring your own book. All dogs and owners are trained and certified as dog therapy teams. 10:30-11:30pm. Information: 405.789.8363 ext 3.or www.metrolibrary.org.

Every Monday
Preschool Story Time
Join in the fun at the Edmond Library Story Time. There will be songs, fingerplays, puppets, hidden mysteries, occasional crafts and special stories for all children ages 3-6. 10-10:30am. Call 405.341.9282 or visit www.metrolibrary.org.

Every Tuesday
Lapsit Play and Story Time
You and your young child (2 and under) will enjoy a half hour of playtime with toys in our story time room at the Edmond Library. 9:30-10am. and 10:15-10:45am. Call 405.341.9282 or visit www.metrolibrary.org.

Wednesday 26
Free Day!
The Oklahoma City Zoo is offering FREE admission for all guests today. Thank you, taxpayers! Information: 405.425.0262 or www.okczoo.com.

Thursday 27
Happy Thanksgiving!

Turkey Trot Classic
This is the 8th annual Turkey Trot Classic Race and the theme this year is "Celebrating Our Families." Bring your "Family" out and join in some healthy fun and festivities on the south shore of Lake Hefner (63 rd & N. Portland). There will be events for all ages and abilities. 8am. Information: 405.840.1359.

Friday 28 - January 4
Downtown in December
Experience outdoor ice skating, picturesque water taxi excursions, a magical botanical garden, exhilarating snow tubing rides, twinkling lights, carolers, free trolley rides and more as downtown Oklahoma City transforms into a spectacular wintry paradise during the seventh annual “Downtown in December.” This month-long adventure offers memorable family-friendly holiday activities. Information: 888.652.4386 or www.downtownokc.com.

Friday 28
Lighting Ceremony
Everyone is invited to come and experience the excitement of the Christmas season when Mayor Mick Cornett lights the beautifully adorned Christmas tree at 5:30pm. The Oklahoman Christmas Tree officially begins Downtown Oklahoma City's month-long holiday celebration, Downtown in December. Information: 405.236.3640 or www.downtownokc.com.

Friday 28 - January 4
Devon Ice Rink
Ice skate in the shadow of Downtown Oklahoma City’s skyscrapers at the Devon Ice Rink. Rink hours are noon-10pm. daily. Cost to skate is $8, which includes skate rental and a two-hour session. Skating is just $5 for those who supply their own skates. The Civic Center is located at 201 N Walker. Information: 405.274.1638 or www.downtownokc.com.

Opens Friday 28
Snow Tubing at the Brick
Go extreme this winter, when you go Chesapeake Snow Tubing at the Brick, the nation’s largest manmade snow tubing slope. Feel the wind in your face as you cruise down the slope at thrilling speeds. You can’t beat the great family fun of snow tubing at the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark. Admission is $10.00 for each one and a half-hour session. Information: 405.218.1000 or www.downtownokc.com.

Christmas on the Farm
The Jupiter Christmas Express will take you and your family on a delightful trip around the Orr Family Farm to see the beautiful animated scenes. See Santa's workshop, Santa, Rudolph and eight reindeer taking off with the gifts from the workshop and much, much more! Information: 405.799.3276 or www.orrfamilyfarm.com.

Sunday 30 - December 28
OG & E Garden Lights
The Crystal Bridge will be open free from 6-9pm. each Sunday for special twilight viewings. A playful "Jungle Bells" theme, complete with lighted monkeys, colorful toucans and water-loving alligators will virtually come to life among the Crystal Bridge's lush, tropical vegetation. Myriad Botanical Gardens is located at Reno and Robinson in the heart of downtown OKC. Information: 405.297.3995 or www.myriadgardens.com.

December

Tuesday 2
Holiday Story Time for Preschoolers
Join Miss Alma at the Warr Acres Library for Christmas stories and crafts. For children ages 2 ½ to 5. All children must be accompanied by a parent. 10:30-11:15am. Please pre-register by calling 405.721.2616 or www.metrolibrary.org.

Wednesday 3 - Sunday 7
Saltimbanco
Saltimbanco is a Cirque du Soleil signature show inspired by the urban fabric of the metropolis and its colorful inhabitants. Decidedly baroque in its visual vocabulary, the show's eclectic cast of characters draws spectators into a fanciful, dreamlike world, an imaginary city where diversity is a cause for hope. 7:30pm. Information: 405.602.8700 or www.okfordcenter.com.

Wednesday 3 – Friday 19
Sugar Plum Fairy
Oklahoma Children’s Theatre presents Sugar Plum Fairy. It’s almost the Holiday season and the Sugar Plum Fairy has to prepare for her famous dance in the ballet the “The Nutcracker”…oh no… she can’t fit into her costume, she’s eaten too many of those delicious yummies sent to her by a secret admirer!  Who will she choose to take her place of honor on the grand stage and dance the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy? Information: 405.951.0011 or www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org.

Thursday 4
Territorial Christmas Celebration!
Come see the Victorian winter wonderland of days gone by as it comes to life at the Harn Homestead Museum. Tour the beautifully decorated historic buildings and grounds, take a winter hay ride around the property, enjoy holiday crafts and games, and get your photo taken with Santa. 5-8pm. Information: 405.235.4058 or www.harnhomestead.com.

Holiday Story Time
Enjoy stories, songs, a fun craft and holiday refreshments at the Bethany Library. Ages 3-6. 10-10:45am. Pre-register at the library Information Desk or call 405.789.8363 x 3.

Mayor's Tree Lighting
Kick-off the Holiday Season in downtown Edmond. Over 50,000 lights join the Mayor for the Tree Lighting ceremony. Live music, complimentary coffee and hot chocolate. Many more activities continue in downtown and at UCO. FREE 5:30-7pm. Information: 405.249.9391 or www.downtownedmondok.com.

Thursday 4 - Sunday 7
Dickens Weekend
Enjoy the Christmas spirit in Historic Downtown Edmond. Step back in time with holiday carolers, carriage rides, food vendors and merchants dressed in Dickens costumes. Do all of your shopping in Downtown Edmond as the merchants prepare for the Holidays. There will be a special visit from Santa each Saturday with an opportunity to have your picture take with him. Information: 405.249.9391 or www.downtownedmondok.com.

Journey to Bethlehem
Don’t miss this outdoor, interactive family experience. You will step into the Christmas story instead of just watching it or reading about it. The wooded area is filled with costumed characters that interact with your family, live animals, and realistic scenes. Absolutely FREE. 6-9pm. Guided tours leave every few minutes. Forest Hill Christian Church, 2121 N. MacArthur Blvd. Information: 405.495.0439 or www.fhcc.org.

Friday 5 - Sunday 21
The Jungle Book
This timeless children's classic returns to the Civic Center Music Hall as a magnificent new adventure for the entire family! Presented by the Oklahoma City Theatre Company. Information: 405.297.2264 or www.okcciviccenter.org.

A Christmas Carol
Back by popular demand this holiday tradition, presented by Oklahoma Children’s Theatre and co-produced with TheatreOCU, highlights all the scary, humorous and touching moments from the Dickens novel. Ebenezer Scrooge loves nothing but money, and thinks that Christmas, and the spirit of generosity attached to it, are a "humbug!" By the plays end, Scrooge is a changed man, having discovered the Christmas spirit that lives in us all. Information: 405.951.0011 or www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org.

Saturday 6
SandRidge Santa Run
Whether you run or walk, the entire family will enjoy some holiday fun and fitness. The SandRidge Santa Run includes a 5K run, a One-Mile Fun Run and a Santa Claus Kid’s Dash for tots, as well as cash prizes for best-costumed runners. Start/Finish at Leadership Square. The 5K run begins at 9am. Information & Registration: 405.235.3500 or www.downtownokc.com.

Holiday Workshop for Kids ~ Things That Are Cold
Join Amanda and her son Aiden for a fun-filled, sensory experience! You’ll begin by playing with ice cubes, letting them melt in your hands as you listen to a chilly winter tale. Then, you’ll visit the gallery to view cool works of art and return to the classroom to create a colorful painting together using chilled finger paints. Ages 15-36 months. 11-11:45am. Information: 405.236.3100 or www.okcmoa.com.

Old-Fashioned Ornament Making
Make a special ornament for your family tree or help decorate the old schoolhouse Christmas tree at the National Cowboy Museum from 10am-noon. Reservations requested, Call 405.478.2250 x 264 or www.nationalcowboymuseum.org.

Tuesday 9
A Night Before Christmas
The National Cowboy Museum’s turn-of-the-century western town, Prosperity Junction, comes alive with historical characters, a schoolhouse cakewalk and choirs singing traditional Christmas music from 6-9pm. Enjoy a special evening buffet at Dining on Persimmon Hill Restaurant from 5-8pm. Information: 405.478.2250 x 281 or www.nationalcowboymuseum.org.

Holiday Make and Take
Join in the fun at the Edmond Library from 10:30-11:30am. for the annual Make and Take crafts. You’ll make things to give as gifts, to decorate your home, and maybe even to eat. For ages 3-5 with parents. Please pre-register at the Information Desk or call 405.425.4412.

Saturday 13 – Sunday 21
The Nutcracker
Join the newly reformed Oklahoma City Ballet Company for this annual holiday treat. Using Tchaikovsky's beautiful score, "The Nutcracker" is a tradition that families in Oklahoma City have enjoyed for over 30 years. Audience members will delight in new choreography, new costumes and new surprises that will breathe life into this holiday favorite. Civic Center Music Hall. Information: 405.297.2264 or www.okcciviccenter.org.

Thursday 18
Sounds of the Season
Thirteenth annual holiday performance by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Orchestra. The event will feature Christmas favorites guaranteed to put everyone in a holiday spirit. Yukon Fine Arts Auditorium, 850 Yukon Avenue. 7:30pm. Information: 405.350.8937 or www.ci.yukon.ok.us.

Readers' Theatre: Acting Without Memorizing
Do you like to be in plays, but you don't want to memorize your part? Do you like to talk like other people or animals? Can you sound like a wizard, a king, a grumpy bear or a robot? Then Readers' Theatre might be just the thing for you! Try out this fun and easy way to develop your acting talents. Please pre-register by calling 341.9282, x 4 or stop by the Children's Desk at the Edmond Library. Ages 8-11. 3:45-4:45pm.

Friday 12
Music with Susan
Join Susan on the 2 nd and 4 th Friday of the month for musical fun and activities selected especially for children ages 2 & 3 from 10:15-10:45am. and ages 4 & 5 from 11-11:30am. at the Edmond Library. Pre-register at 405.341.9282 x 4.

Annual Cowboy Christmas Ball
The 14th anniversary of this yuletide dance features Murphey headlining an evening of entertainment for the entire family. Includes buffet and a visit from Santa at 7pm. Reservations required 405.478.2250 x 219 or www.nationalcowboymuseum.org.

Wednesday 17
Night at the Movies!
"Ho-Ho-Ho...It's Christmas Time! Join the Downtown Library for Wednesday Night at the Movies! Tonight's movie will be the Tim Burton’s film "The Nightmare Before Christmas." All ages welcome. 6-8pm. Information: 405.606.3876.

Saturday 20
Parents Night Out
Treat yourself for the evening. Bring your kids, ages 6 weeks-12 years, to The Lighthouse for an evening of fun, games, swimming, movies and much more! For information & reservations call 405.751.3344.

Sunday 21
Holiday Pop-Up Cards
Come to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and learn the techniques for making pop-up cards, while creating a stack of unique cards for the holiday that flip, twist and wiggle! Each student, ages 6-9 will make one or more cards using each method. 2-4pm. Information: 405.236.3100 or www.okcmoa.com.

Tuesday 23
Ornament Making
Families can explore their artistic side and make unique holiday ornaments together using a variety of materials, including felt, sequins, beads, buttons, and yarn. Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Ages 5-12. 1-3pm. Information: 405.236.3100 or www.okcmoa.com.

Wednesday 25
Merry Christmas!

Wednesday 31
Family Holiday Workshops – Party Hats
Let's learn about New Year celebrations and traditions and make fun party hats to wear for New Year's Eve! Activities are appropriate for ages 5-12. Pre-registration is required to participate. 1-3pm at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Information: 405.236.3100 or www.okcmoa.com.

Opening Night
Opening Night 2009 invites everyone to Downtown Oklahoma City on New Year’s Eve to celebrate with music, dancing, theatre and fireworks! All performances take place in a safe, family-friendly environment. Opening Night is from 7pm- midnight in venues throughout Downtown. Information: 405.270.4848 or www.artscouncilokc.com.

January