The arrival of a chill in the air and the twinkle of lights on Parker homes can mean only one thing: The holiday season has arrived, and this year, community events are back in full swing.
Whether it’s ice skating in Discovery Park, taking a stroll in the festive downtown area or bringing the kids to see Santa, Parker residents have an abundance of options for getting out of the house for something fun this season.
“After another challenging year, our hope is that Parker’s holiday activities will offer a sense of normalcy and allow our community to joyfully kick off the holiday season here in Parker,” said town spokesperson Elise Penington.
The town puts a priority on hosting low-cost events like these for residents to help them connect with the community, Penington said.
“We believe that providing community events and activities, such as our holiday offerings, play a big role in keeping Parker’s hometown feeling alive and well,” she said.
Here’s a list of some of the holiday events in the town:
• Nov. 26: Mayor’s Holiday Lighting, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at O’Brien Park
The event will include a sing-along and a countdown to the lighting of the town tree and the park, according to the town. There will be walk-around entertainment such as ice sculptures, food vendors and performances from local choirs.
• Nov. 26: The Parker Ice Trail at Discovery Park opens for the season
Admission for the ice trail is $6 for 10 and younger, $8 for 11 and older with $4 skate rentals. The ice trail features three nearby fire pits, hot chocolate sales and other concessions. More details are available at www.Parkerrec.com/1954.
• Nov. 27-28: Hometown Holidays experience, downtown
There will be activities and music throughout the weekend, both during day and night, according to the town. There will be a toy soldier, Santa’s elf, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and various booths and vendors. Residents can also purchase a “North Pole Pass” for $25 per child for residents and $30 for non-residents for their children ages 3 to 10 for the weekend. These passes will include a petting zoo visit, milk and cookies, an ice trail skating pass and a Santa visit. More information and tickets are available at www.parkeronline.org/2327.
• Nov. 27: Christmas in Killarney at the PACE Center (www.parkerarts.org)
• Nov. 28: Swing into Christmas with the Beverly Belles at the PACE Center (www.parkerarts.org)
• Dec. 3-5: A Classic Parker Holiday at the PACE Center (www.parkerarts.org)
• Dec. 4: Family Discovery Series: Sounds of the Season at the PACE Center (www.parkerarts.org)
• Dec. 9-18: The Nutcracker of Parker at the PACE Center (www.parkerarts.org)
• Dec. 12: Milk and Cookies with Santa at 12:45 or 1:45 p.m at the Parker Fieldhouse. Cost is $15 for residents and $18 for nonresidents (register at www.ParkerRec.com/milkandcookies).