City of Norman Parks and Recreation Department prepares for holiday events across the City

Friday, December 10: Andrews Park Tree Lighting; Saturday, December 11: Ugly Sweater 5K and 1M Fun Run, Winterfest

From Santa sightings and tree lightings to a run and fireworks show, the Norman Parks and Recreation Department has a holiday event planned for anyone and everyone next weekend, December 10-11, 2021.

 

Annual Andrews Park Tree Lighting

Beginning at 5:30 pm. on Dec. 10, in partnership with the Pioneer Library System, this free event will start at the Andrews Park Amphitheater (201 W. Daws Street) with holiday music by local school groups and a visit from Santa, who will help light the tree. At 6 p.m., participants will carol from Andrews Park to the Norman Public Library Central (103 W. Acres) for hot cocoa, treats, crafts and photos with Santa.

 

Ugly Sweater 5K & 1M Fun Run; Winterfest

Gather your family, friends, and even your dog, and come dressed to Ruby Grant Park in your favorite ugly holiday sweater to run the timed 5k or participate in the 1-mile fun run! It all kicks off at 10 a.m. in Ruby Grant Park (3110 W. Franklin Road). The best ugly sweater award will be given in the following categories: Best Individual, Best Team or Family, and Best Dog. The 1-mile fun run/ dog fun run is free for all ages to participate in. Those interested in the 5K may visit https://runsignup.com/Race/OK/Norman/UglySweaterOffRoad5kand1MileFunRun to pay a $30 registration fee, which covers a long-sleeved t-shirt for the participant, a medal and a timing chip. Those who do not wish to be timed may pay a $22 registration fee, which includes a shirt and a medal. 

 

Winterfest

The highly anticipated Winterfest event at Legacy Park (1898 Legacy Park Drive) will wrap up a festive weekend and begins at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday evening. Join the Parks & Recreation Department as to celebrate the holidays with Santa, live music, hot drinks, adult beverages and yard games at this free event. Festivities include Jazz renditions of some of your favorite holiday songs from Nicole Van Every with Mary Sallee on the keyboard, Jonathan Nichol on saxophone, John Cole on bass, and Randy Coyne on drums. The evening will culminate with a fireworks show over Legacy Park at 7 p.m. Warm beverages will be provided by Beanstalk Coffee and Sno and will be complementary thanks to a sponsorship by Norman- based Orthodontics Exclusively. Vendors such as Psycho Taco food truck , 405 Brewing Co., Equity Brewing Company and Lazy Circles Brewing  will also be on site with food and adult beverages.

 

Santa Visits & Letters

The Parks & Recreation Department is also offering a couple of holiday programs for families who want to visit with Santa virtually or by snail mail. Want to tell Santa your Christmas list virtually? Join Zoom with Santa beginning December 11! There are several dates and times available to schedule your very own meeting with Santa! Use this link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/zoomsanta.

 

The Department elves have also installed mailboxes going directly to the North Pole at the Norman Recreation Centers and the Little Axe Community Center! Children fourth grade and younger are welcome to write letters to Santa and drop them at one of the locations between December 10 and 17. Each letter should include: first and last name, age, mailing address and Christmas wish list. Parents are encouraged to look over letters before dropping them off. Place the letter and a self-addressed, stamped envelope in Santa's mailbox. Make sure to include a return address so Santa can reply!

 

“Norman is a special place to be during this time of year and we are so excited to bring these events and initiatives to our community,” said Parks & Recreation Director Jason Olsen. “We’re looking forward to fellowship, fun and lots of holiday cheer!”

 

For more information, contact City of Norman Parks & Recreation at 405.366.5472.