Edmond events to help mark start of festive holiday season

By Kimberly Burk

For Edmond Life and Leisure

The city of Edmond’s holiday lights display “is a place to make memories,” says Emily Harmon, marketing and special events coordinator for Edmond Parks and Recreation.

“Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll,” opens Nov. 21 and continues through Jan. 1 at Mitch Park, 1501 W. Covell. The lights are on from 5 to 10 p.m. nightly. The free walk-through experience features 38 lighted exhibit pieces on a onequarter mile accessible trail.

“Eleven departments and divisions in the city come together to make this happen,” Harmon said. “Many of the displays are larger than life, 8 or 10 feet tall.”

Merry Marketplace will join the event from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, and Saturday, Dec. 13, offering food trucks and shopping for unique holiday gifts including locally made goods, free face painting and crafts for kids and photos with Santa. For more information, go to edmondlights.com.

Also at Mitch Park is the Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink, with admission prices ranging from $10 to $14. The rink is open from 3 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Extended hours will be offered during holiday breaks and the rink will be open on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

“Winter’s Night” returns on Dec. 5 and Dec. 12

at Fire Station No. 5, 5300 E. Covell, and it’s an event that’s “slam-packed from start to finish” with visitors, said Edmond Fire Marshal Jesse Benne.

All families are welcome, and the free event is especially enjoyable for children 10 and under, Benne said.

The fire department’s children’s safety village is decorated in Christmas lights for the 6 to 9 p.m. event, with Santa greeting children on a decorated firetruck.

Santa’s Workshop activities will include pedal car rides for children ages 5 to 12, carnival games, face painting, Home Depot wooden toy builds, electrical safety training and letters to Santa.

Edmond firefighters will cook s’mores with the kids at the fire pits, and everyone gets free hot chocolate and a candy cane. The Hangry Halo Mini Donut Company food truck will be on site with winter menu items for sale.

Guests are also invited to bring an unwrapped gift to be donated to Integris Children’s at Baptist Medical Center. For more information, call (405) 216-7300 or email fireprevention@edmondok.gov.