Christmas In The Park opens November 23

Published on November 23, 2020

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2020

The holiday spirit will once again light up the Longview Lake Campground as Jackson County presents Christmas In The Park starting Wednesday, November 25.

The annual event is celebrating its 33rd year and features more than 500,000 holiday lights and 175 animated displays.

“Every year we add something new to the Christmas In The Park experience,” said Michele Newman, Jackson County Parks + Rec Director. “This year, we’ve added a 25 foot Santa at the BBQ grill, fitting for the BBQ Capitol of the World, and an expanded entrance tunnel experience, programmed to a sequence of dazzling colors and effects, to a spectacular 100 feet!” 

While there is no charge for this drive-thru event, voluntary exit donations are accepted with a portion of the proceeds divided among 39 local charities. Thanks to the generosity of Christmas in the Park patrons, Jackson County has been able to donate more than $1.2 million to more than 1,000 local charities, including the Fox 4 Love Fund, since the event’s inception. 

“Our Parks + Rec staff is second to none,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr., said. “The talent and expertise they have to design, create and install this massive display year after year is impressive. I can’t thank them enough for all the hard work in keeping the holiday season bright for families.”

Since opening in 1987, more than three million people have made the drive through Christmas in the Park a part of their annual holiday experience.

An additional two nights have been added to this year’s event which runs through Saturday, January 2, 2021 starting every evening at 5:30 p.m.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic Christmas In The Sky and all other Parks + Rec events were cancelled for the year. Christmas In The Park was not cancelled because families can enjoy the event from the comfort and safety of their own vehicles.