Norman events will jump-start your holiday
NORMAN — 'Tis the season when debates ensue over whether it’s too early to start playing Christmas music.
Whether you’re waiting until December or had the tree decorated the day after Halloween, the holidays are quickly approaching and, ready or not, Norman is kicking off its seasonal celebrations this month.
The Christmas in Lights parade on Main Street is the apex of Norman’s holiday cheer, and this year organizers are planning to light up downtown. For the first time in recent history, the parade will be held at night instead of the traditional 10 a.m. start time, according to the event website. The parade begins at 5 p.m. Dec. 9 starting at Norman High School and moving east on Main Street to Crawford Avenue.
Organizers hope the new time will encourage spectators to spend more time eating, drinking and shopping downtown before and after the parade and provide a dark backdrop for floats and decorations to light up the night, according to the website.
Longtime parade organizer Ed Copelin, who owns Kidoodles Toy Zone and other local businesses, will be the grand marshal during his final parade as a member of the organizing committee. Santa Claus will be at the parade alongside several bands, floats and horses.
And Normanites don’t have to wait until the parade to embrace the holiday spirit.
Downs Family Christmas Light Ministry
Norman’s largest residential Christmas lights display kicks off on Thanksgiving. Since 2008, the Downs Family has used more than 280,000 lights to decorate their home and yard at 2900 72nd Ave. SE. Synchronized music puts on a show that attracts thousands each year to the display where the family raises cash and food donations for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. During its nine-year stint, the family said they have raised about $277,625 and 681,965 pounds of food, which has provided more than one million meals for hungry Oklahomans.
Winterfest
The city will host its annual tree-lighting ceremony and Winterfest celebration from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 1 at Legacy Park. The event includes a gift-wrapping contest, inflatables, a photo booth with Santa, arts and crafts, music, and hot chocolate and cookies. For more information, go to normanfun.com.
Santa’s at Sooner Mall
Skip the line to see Santa at Sooner Mall. Visit the mall’s website, soonermall.com, to reserve your visit with the big guy or pop by for an ugly sweater party from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1 or a PJ party Dec. 8.
Library Holiday Open House
The Norman Public Library on Webster Avenue will host a SingAlong during its Holiday Open House from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 1. The free event includes music, crafts, refreshments, photo opportunities and a take-home, commemorative songbook that includes holiday activities and book lists. For more information, go to pioneer.libnet.info/ event/280852.
Holiday finance workshop
Learn about money management, homemade gifts and DIY decor at the Norman Public Library’s Money Saving Tips for a Stress Free Holiday event. The workshop will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the library’s Webster Avenue location. Registration is required. Go to pioneer.libnet.info/ event/386690 for more information.
'A Christmas Story, The Musical'
The Sooner Theatre’s holiday show brings theater students and community members together in December for eight performances of “A Christmas Story, The Musical.” Tickets are available for evening shows on Dec. 8, 9, 10, 15 and 16 and for matinees on Dec. 9, 16 and 17. Go to www.soonertheatre.org for tickets and information.
Santa’s Calling
Santa Claus is making house calls. Between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. (that’s 2 to 4 a.m. North Pole time) on Dec. 11 and 12. Mr. Claus will call the homes of local Kindergartners and firstand second-graders for a brief chat before Christmas. Parents can fill out an application on the city’s website at http://www.normanok.gov/content/ santas-calling. And don’t forget to keep an eye on your caller ID for a very special call from North Pole, Alaska.