Deck the Downtown Brings Holiday Magic to Edmond Community

The Downtown Edmond Business Association hosted its annual Deck the Downtown celebration on Thursday evening, bringing families, students, and residents together to kick off the holiday season officially.

As the sun set in bright orange streaks across the sky, visitors gathered around fire pits to toast marshmallows, take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy the warm, neighborhood atmosphere on Broadway Street.

Children lined up for special activities, posed for pictures in front of the 20-foot Christmas tree, and walked between vendor tents. The event gathered hundreds of people, who described the night as “cozy,” “magical,” and “like a Christmas movie.”

For Stephanie Carel, executive director of Downtown Edmond, the celebration has become a meaningful tradition for the community.

“It is a time to gather and kick off the holiday season as a community,” Carel said.

“Many people have told us it feels like something straight out of a Hallmark movie and is an emotionally moving experience.”

Deck the Downtown is now in its third year, and Carel said organizers make adjustments each year to improve the event while keeping its intimate feel.

“This is our third year, and every year we make changes to create an even better moment for our community,” she said. “We don’t want to grow the event in size, but we do want to continue improving.”

Planning the celebration takes nearly a full year and involves a committee of local business owners and volunteers. “A lot of hard work goes into it, and it takes a year to plan and prepare,” Carel said.

“Business owners who are part of the Downtown Edmond Business Association are invited to participate, and we always welcome volunteers from the community.”

Several visitors said that they came not only for the lights and festivities, but also for the feeling of community that the event provides each year.

“It’s my first time here, and I didn’t expect it to feel this cozy,” said Sophie Nguyen, an international student. “It really does feel like a scene from a Christmas movie.”

“Events like this remind me why I love this community,” said Aly Walker, who has lived in Edmond for over two decades. “Everyone’s smiling, and it just feels peaceful.”

Hearing feedback from the community is one of Carel’s favorite parts of the night. “My favorite part is when people approach me and tell me how the event moved them and how beautiful they think it is,” she said.

This year’s celebration also featured an expanded event footprint, giving families more space to enjoy the activities. “We have a larger event footprint this year, so we’ll be able to host even more people,” Carel said.

As the celebration came to a close, families continued to take pictures under the beautifully lighted tree, and kids waved to Santa before heading home. For many Edmond residents, Deck the Downtown marked the start of a holiday season full of community, tradition, and a touch of magic.