Find your ideal family photo op!
Our time with loved ones is as precious as ever these days and capturing those sweet moments on camera gives us invaluable mementos to hold onto for years to come. Many destinations around the state are embellished with festive décor and inviting guests to enjoy the magic of the season from a safe distance. The spots on this list are a few of our favorites that are perfect for snapping holiday photos that might even make it on next year’s Christmas card! Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments below.
Bricktown
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Bricktown Canal Lights
For many, a stroll down the illuminated Bricktown Canal is a holiday tradition. As you enjoy family fun at HeyDay Entertainment or a new release at Harkins Theatre, stop for a festive group photo with a colorful light display as your backdrop. The bustling downtown area will be twinkling from dusk to dawn through January 10. Don’t forget to stop at Charleston’s or Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse to warm up with a delicious meal.
The Artesian Hotel
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Classic Christmas at The Artesian
Step inside the lobby of The Artesian Hotel and you’ll quickly see why it’s made our list of holiday photo op spots. The luxurious decorations perfectly complement the already stunning interior and give visitors plenty of opportunities to snap a great photo. The Christmas cheer continues through activities like cozy carriage rides through downtown Sulphur, singalongs and virtual visits with Santa. At one of Oklahoma’s premier destinations, you’ll be hard pressed to find an enchanted holiday escape like the one you’ll find at The Artesian Hotel, Casino and Spa.
Holiday Pop-Up Shops in Midtown
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Holiday Pop-Up Shops
Midtown’s annual outdoor holiday market returns to bring you a rotating roster of local shops, a Christmas tree lot, hot chocolate trucks and plenty of holiday cheer. While the distinctive geometric domes are hibernating this year to ensure safe social distancing, the Holiday Pop-Up Shops still have unique gifts for everyone on your list and give you a great opportunity to support local businesses this season. As you enter the market, your eyes will be drawn to the beautiful 30-foot Midtown tree in its midst. Many visitors use this as a photo op, and it’s even better with a four-legged friend!
Automobile Alley
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Automobile Alley Light Display
Not only is Automobile Alley a fantastic go-to spot for finishing up your holiday shopping, it’s also dripping with photo ops as far as the eye can see. Retail shops and restaurants along Broadway Avenue are draped with more than 230,000 colorful LED lights that will be on display until January 10. The light displays are on from dusk to dawn and are always free and open to the public. Walking through this magical wonderland is a great way to feel the holiday spirit safely, especially when you add on a visit to Plenty Mercantile and Waters Edge Winery.
The Jones Assembly
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The Jones Assembly
If The Jones Assembly’s delicious winter menu hasn’t lured you in yet, perhaps the elegant holiday decorations will. As you enjoy a seasonal, made-from-scratch meal and signature cocktails, the ambiance created by cozy lights, garland and the massive evergreen tree is sure to have you feeling merry and bright. Take advantage of this photogenic spot for a sweet memory that’s Christmas card-ready. Located on Film Row, The Jones Assembly is just a few blocks away from many other Downtown in December events.
Myriad Botanical Gardens
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Myriad Botanical Gardens
In anticipation of continued social distancing and limited indoor gatherings, Myriad Botanical Gardens has made it a priority to transform its space into a place of peace and relaxation through January 4. Not only is the Crystal Bridge illuminated, the grounds are strung with colorful lights throughout as well. Mo’s Carousel will be open for select holiday hours as well as many special events to join, like Holiday Market on December 12 and 18. The decorated grounds of Myriad Botanical Gardens are free and open to the public. Displays will be accessible to the entire community during the day and evening.
The Skirvin Hilton
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The Skirvin Hilton (photo courtesy of @joesangweid)
Park Avenue Grill and the Red Piano Lounge, both located inside The Skirvin Hilton Hotel, are popular destinations for travelers and locals looking to enjoy the holiday season in Oklahoma City. The lavish interior, ambient lighting and elegant food and drink menus attract visitors from around the world to this idyllic Christmas haven in the heart of downtown. The giant tree in the middle of the grand lobby is adorned with classic decorations and offers a space to capture a sweet photo while you wait for your table to be ready.
Scissortail Park
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Downtown OKC’s urban oasis is bringing you an all-new light show, decorations, a holiday market, music, an early-bird New Year’s Eve celebration and much more through January 1. All festivities are designed to capture the holiday spirit and enjoy from a safe social distance. Want a photo with Santa? Bring the kiddos and pets out for a special visit on his socially distanced sleigh on December 12 (12-4 p.m.), 17 (5-8 p.m.) and 19 (12-4 p.m.). Don’t forget to stick around to skate at the Sky Rink Winter Wonderland!
We hope you get lots of great holiday pictures this season! What’s your go-to spot for capturing holiday photos? Drop a comment down below.
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Where do you go to take holiday photos?