Christmas in the Park gearing up for 21st season

Published 8:31 am Monday, November 17, 2014

The 21st annual Christmas in the Park will be bigger and brighter than ever this season.

Christmas in the Park Committee President Col. Bob Miller said his group recently purchased $15,000 worth of lights to add to the more than 1 million lights already on display in Cassidy Park.

“The lights are particularly oriented toward the youth,” Miller said. “Like it says on the brochure people get when they come to Christmas in the Park, this is a well-loved family tradition.”

Miller said Christmas in the Park officially opens Nov. 27 on Thanksgiving and is open at designated weekends through Christmas evening.

“No vehicles, with the exception of vehicles in the Christmas Parade, will be allowed to go through from 6 to 7 p.m. (on Thanksgiving),” Miller said. “All other nights people can drive through from 6 to 7 p.m., and walk through from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.”

Miller said those who walk through the park will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus Thanksgiving night near the Indian and Pioneer museums.

Miller noted that Christmas in the Park will not be open on Sundays this year.

Admission to Christmas in the Park is $8 per car. It’s $4 for adults walking through and $1 for students.

Starting Monday, Dec. 15, Christmas in the Park will be open every night until Christmas night. The park will be open for viewing by car or by walk through on the weekends of Dec. 5-6 and Dec. 12-13.

Miller said a Yule Log will be burning every night the park is open, and a concession stand will be available to purchase hot chocolate, frito pies and other snacks.

In the event of rain, only cars will be allowed in the park.