Tis the season to support local businesses

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Don’t get distracted by all the holiday hustle and bustle and miss your opportunity to attend the holiday events across the city. Experience the magic of the season in OKC, including festive events, outdoor attractions, performing arts, holiday shopping, family activities, and more. Perhaps best of all, the programming will keep you and your loved ones in the holiday spirit, while simultaneously supporting OKC’s local artisans, entrepreneurs and artists.

Visit the annual Lights on Broadway this Saturday, December 14 from 4-7 p.m., where various retailers and restaurants will feature specials and festive window displays. Enjoy family-friendly programming along Automobile Alley, including live music, photos with Santa Claus and more. It is a great opportunity to try out recently rebuilt infrastructure under the city’s “Better Streets, Safer City” initiative.

To wrap up your holiday shopping, support local businesses each weekend through December 20 at the Midtown Holiday Pop-Ups at 399 NW 10th Street. With a rotating list of local shops, this is a great opportunity to find gifts for even your pickiest loved ones. The pop-ups also feature live music, surprise visits from the North Pole and opportunities to buy your Christmas tree from the Bishop John Carroll tree lot.

If you are looking to make an impact with your holiday shopping visit Curbside Chronicle and Curbside Flowers. The shop employs individuals transitioning out of homelessness to sell unique gift wrap packages and gorgeous wreaths. The gift wrap is available at the Midtown Pop Ups and the wreaths are available in-store at 522 N. Classen Blvd, Suite 100, or online.

Support the local arts community by attending a performance of The Nutcracker, the holiday classic performed by the OKC Ballet. There are limited seats, so buy your tickets soon for performances on December 14, 15, and 19 through the 23.

Spend time with nature at Myriad and Bright at the Gardens to immerse yourself in beautiful lights and decorations throughout the gardens in the crystal bridge – great for especially chilly evenings. Or celebrate at ‘Tis the Season at Scissortail Park with holiday lights throughout the park, the OKC Community Chanukah Festival on December 29, and the Light the World Giving Machine open every day for participants to donate items to charities around the world.

Supporting local businesses and organizations, especially throughout the holidays, is critical for developing a well-rounded city and creating a thriving economic landscape for generations to enjoy.

Kenton Tsoodle is the president of the Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City.