By Kelli Nesbitt, Parks & Recreation Marketing Coordinator
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park!
College Station’s Christmas in the Park began in 1984 when a local family funded a couple of light panels. Nearly four decades later, the collection has become a holiday mainstay, with more than one million colorful lights.
The lights will shine nightly from 6-11 p.m., from Thanksgiving Day through New Year’s Day. As you stroll or drive through the park, tune in to Willy 97.7 FM for Christmas music provided by Bryan Broadcasting. Admission is free, and parking is available within the park.
Behind the scenes, our Parks and Recreation crew spends about eight weeks transforming the park into a lighted winter wonderland while managing daily operations. They work through heat, cold, and rain to ensure a festive glow when the lights switch on Thanksgiving Day.
The centerpiece is the Tower of Power, a 90-foot Christmas tree with 14,000 lights. Drive through 60 strands of lights along Santa’s Lane, walk among 36 snowflakes in Snowflake Forest, take photos in front of the 36-foot lighted paddleboat, and explore the back trail tunnel.
Don’t forget to bring your wish list for Santa. Letters can be dropped in the North Pole Mailbox outside the Central Park Office. Drop them off by Christmas Eve to ensure delivery.
The only night the park is closed to vehicles is Dec. 6 as we prepare for the Christmas in the Park event. The drive-thru closes at 7 a.m. to keep everyone safe during setup for Santa visits, hayrides, and treats like cookies and hot cocoa.
Experience Christmas in the Park under colorful lights and create memories with your family.
Visit cstx.gov/Christmas for more information or call 979-764-3486.
About the Blogger
Kelli Nesbitt has served the Parks & Recreation Department for 19 years, including 12 years as marketing coordinator. She also served 1.5 years as the marketing and community engagement specialist for the City of Bryan from 2023-25. A Bryan native, Nesbitt earned a bachelor’s degree in health & kinesiology from Sam Houston State.
If you liked this post, share it with the buttons below!
