How Elk City's Christmas in the Park Lights Up the Season

23 October 2026

Ackley Park buzzes with activity as volunteers and local businesses join the Elk City Chamber of Commerce to prepare for the annual Christmas in the Park celebration. Over a million twinkling lights and dozens of festive displays transform the park into a winter wonderland. Every Friday and Saturday evening from 6 PM to 9 PM, between Thanksgiving weekend and New Year's Eve, families enjoy rides on the nostalgic Mistletoe Express, whirl on the Centennial Carousel, chug along on the Candy Cane Express Mini Train, and take evening tours in horse-drawn trolleys. Mrs. Claus makes special appearances, while visitors warm up with hot cocoa from local Scouts and marvel at the dazzling parade of lights overhead.

The Elk City Chamber of Commerce, dedicated to boosting community pride and supporting local businesses, orchestrates this cherished event. As the primary organizer, the Chamber views Christmas in the Park as the perfect showcase for Elk City's welcoming spirit.

A Growing Tradition

What began as a modest gathering in 1971 at the Old Town Museum has blossomed into Elk City's premier holiday attraction. Originally called Old-Fashioned Community Christmas, the event gradually expanded each year, drawing larger crowds eager to kick off the holiday season.

By the early 2000s, the celebration had outgrown its original location and moved to spacious Ackley Park. The new venue allowed for carnival rides, wagon tours, live entertainment, and visits with Santa - transforming a simple light display into a full-scale community festival. Attendance has grown steadily, with recent years attracting visitors from throughout the region.

The Secret to Success

The Elk City Chamber of Commerce recognized the event's potential to draw visitors who would also support local restaurants and shops. Their strategic investments and promotions helped Christmas in the Park become a regional destination.

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The Chamber partners with area businesses to provide rides, refreshments, and activities that create lasting memories. In return, these sponsors gain valuable exposure through event marketing. Social media fills with photos of wide-eyed children meeting Santa and multi-generational families creating new traditions.

Unlike drive-through light displays common elsewhere, Elk City's celebration centers around its picturesque urban park - complete with restrooms, food vendors, and plenty of space for community gatherings. This thoughtful approach creates a uniquely immersive holiday experience.

Thanks to these efforts, Christmas in the Park has become synonymous with holiday magic in Elk City. Visitors begin arriving in November, eager to claim their spot in lines that wind through the park. What began as a simple community gathering now stands as a testament to small-town charm and seasonal cheer.