Weekly Events Calendar December 16-22

Each week, Oklahoma Today staffers comb through their calendars to find a handful of great events happening across the state. Get out! See Oklahoma! And be sure to let us know what you find, either here or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @oklahomatoday.

Holiday Cookies and Trains is back for its second year at the Oklahoma State University Botanic Garden.

Tracks and Treats

Those seeking festive fun will find choo-choos, carols, and cookies in Stillwater. The Oklahoma State University Botanic Garden has all of your childhood desires covered with Holiday Cookies and Trains. The garden will be decked out with seasonal décor, with plenty of decadent snacks to go around. Also going around will be the G-scale musical train, which will add its familiar tune to the melodies playing throughout the evening. Cookies, hot cocoa, coffee, and a crackling campfire will make the night cozy no matter how hard Jack Frost tries nipping at your nose.December 17. Admission, Free. botanicgarden.okstate.edu

Gather Round

Chapman Adventure Playground is all aglow in preparation for Winter Wonderland at the Gathering Place. The Imaginaries will take to the Gather Round Stage on Wednesday night to kick off the season of festivities. Winter Wonderland features strolling carolers, festive treats, holiday drinks, nightly performances, and a very festive locomotive. Catch Santa posing for pictures by the fireplace, but keep an eye out for appearances by the Snow King and Queen, the Coca-Cola Bears, and the whole cast of Gathering Place characters. December 18-24. Admission, Free. (918) 779-1000 or gatheringplace.org

Ride OKC's Holiday Light Ride takes the elves off the shelves for a nighttime ride through Oklahoma City.

Angels We Have Heard on Bikes

Dash through the streets on a two-wheeled sleigh of sorts during Ride OKC’s annual Holiday Light Ride. Bike through the lights on Automobile Alley and in Heritage Hills as you listen to a slew of holiday classics. Katiebug’s legendary hot chocolate will keep cyclists toasty and local guides will make the trek an easy and enjoyable experience. Riders can also keep their hearts warm knowing that $5 of every ticket sold will benefit a local charity. The ride lasts roughly an hour and a half, but the merry sensation it imparts could last all season long. December 19.Tickets, $20. rideokc.com/special-edition-tours

Deli Full of Cheer

If you’re sick of hearing Kenny G Christmas ballads on every holiday errand—as if such a thing was possible—try out a lively mix of music and merchandise with the Deli’s Live Music & Pop-Up Shop with Carter Sampson and Ali Harter. Head to Norman’s beloved dive bar for some memorable tunes, dirty jokes, and breezy last-minute shopping. Carter and Ali will be singing originals and slinging a variety of handmade items, vintage apparel, music merch, and other goodies. Attendees are invited to shop throughout their set with no cover charge. Molly Gene and the Gasoline take the stage at 9 p.m. with a $5 cover. December 20. Admission, Free-$5. facebook.com

Enid’s Where the Heart Is

This winter, Enid is bringing a few special songbirds home for the holidays. A Hometown Christmas Concert will host a talented cast of Enid natives at the Chisholm Trail Expo Center. Leona Mitchell, a Grammy winner and former soprano with the Metropolitan Opera of New York, returns to her roots for a special holiday concert. Enid native Cathy Nulph will perform with the Bringing it Back Band and a special surprise hometown guest will give a performance. Hearty hors d’oeuvres and drinks are included with reserved floor seating, but Leona Mitchell’s memorable soprano is guaranteed to reach every seat in the house. December 21. Tickets, $25-$35. (866) 966-1777 or chisholmtrailexpo.com

Branch Out

We’re not totally sure how one is meant to celebrate the Winter Solstice, but tree costumes and a nighttime parade sounds fun regardless. Factory Obscura's March of the Trees invites anyone with a flair for mysticism and/or forestry to put on their best tree attire and join in a lighted march through Automobile Alley. Participants can craft any tree costume they wish, so long as it enables a spirit of personal growth and peace with one’s past. After the march, tree people are welcome to return to Factory for warm beverages, live music, and access to the entire Mix-Tape experience. Tree you there! December 21. Admission, Free-$15. factoryobscura.com

"Jesse and the Outlaw's Holiday Ho-Ho-Ho Hoedown" brings "Toy Story 2"'s breakout character to life in Elk City.

Island of Talented Toys

Elk City is cooking up a country-fried Christmas special the whole family will enjoy. Devon Dawson brings Jesse the Cowgirl to life, transporting the yodeling spitfire from Toy Story 2 to the live stage. Jesse and the Outlaw’s Holiday Ho-Ho-Ho Hoedown will light up the Pioneer Performing Arts Center with swingin’ holiday tunes and cowgirl camaraderie. The show is geared toward old and new fans of the Disney classic, because imagination has no expiration date. December 21. Tickets, $6. elkcityschools.com