Opening Night - A Free, Family-friendly Christmas Celebration

by Sarah Sutton

Council Road Church in Bethany is hosting its annual Opening Night Christmas Celebration on Sunday, December 1, beginning at 4 p.m. This is a multi-generational event for the entire community. Attractions are scheduled from 4-6 p.m. with a concert and service to begin at 6:15. Then attractions will again be open from 7:30-9 p.m.

Five of Oklahoma City’s favorite food trucks will be onsite at the Cube building, located across the street directly north of the main campus. Yard games such as corn hole and ladder ball will be set up for family fun. A fire pit and an outdoor stage with a live band will be available alongside a sitting area next to the food trucks. This is also where the loading area is located for the ride-along Christmas story. It will be a tractor-pulled trailer with Christmas carols and the story.

On the main campus next to the flag pole, you will find additional yard games such as human Jenga and Connect 4. There will also be food trucks located here, in addition to a petting zoo. Children will be able to feed the animals and have pictures taken.

You won’t want to miss the s’more pit located in the courtyard. Supplies for s’mores are free.

The puppet show will be inside the Chapel, where you will enjoy free popcorn. Look for signs that say “Sawdust Theatre.”

As you enter the Worship Center for the concert, you will find homemade baked goods at the Café, along with coffee and hot chocolate. Come find a seat inside and enjoy country-themed stage decorations as well as a live band, a welcome from Pastor Rick Thompson and Christmas hymns and carols.

A karaoke station will be available to video yourself singing Christmas songs in front of a backdrop. A photo booth will also be set up using a 1937 Ford pickup as the backdrop. Hand-painted murals will also be available for pictures in the foyer.

All activities are free for the entire family. See www.openingnightokc.com.