The holiday season is upon us! Celebrate with our annual festivities and events. Join us as we kick off the holidays on Friday, Nov. 29 at the Mayor’s Holiday Lighting presented by Xfinity and Ent Credit Union, followed by the annual Christmas Carriage Parade presented by Xfinity on Saturday, Dec. 14. The Parker Ice Trail at Discovery Park will also open for the season on Nov. 29. Learn more about these events and activities below!
Mayor's Holiday Lighting
Join us as we turn on the Town of Parker's holiday lights for the season at the Mayor’s Holiday Lighting on Friday, Nov. 29 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at O’Brien Park!
The event will kick-off with a sing-along with the Mayor and the Parker Chorale to Silent Night. Next, the Mayor and Town Council will count down to the Town Tree and Grand Park Lighting, after which attendees can visit with holiday characters and take part in a fun scavenger hunt.
For full event details, visit www.ParkerOnline.org/MayorsHolidayLighting.
Parker Ice Trail at Discovery Park
The Parker Ice Trail at Discovery Park will kick off its season on Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 29 through Dec. 1, with special hours on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Parker Ice Trail meanders through Discovery Park, located next to Douglas County Libraries in Parker on Mainstreet and Pine Drive, and is reminiscent of a frozen river or canal. Skaters or spectators can stay warm next to one of the fire pits adjacent to the ice, or enjoy hot chocolate and other concessions while watching skaters pass by.
For additional information about the Parker Ice Trail at Discovery Park, visit www.ParkerRec.com/IceTrail or email aeaton@parkeronline.org.
Ice Trail Hours
- Monday through Thursday: 5 to 9 p.m.
- Friday: 5 to 10 p.m.
- Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Admissions and Rentals
- Children 10 and under: $6
- Adults: $8
- Skate Rental: $4
- 4-Visit Pass: $30 – can be used for any age and for multiple people; includes both admission and skate rental
- Group Rate (10 or more guests): $7.50/each, includes skate rental
Christmas Carriage Parade
Join us on Saturday, Dec. 14 in Downtown Parker for the Town’s annual Christmas Carriage Parade. This all-equestrian parade starts prancing down Mainstreet at noon. Come and experience the holiday feeling in the air while you watch dozens of horse-drawn carriages, wagons, surreys and stagecoaches from across Colorado. Event-goers also enjoy a holiday farmer's market.
For more information about this annual Parker holiday tradition, visit www.ParkerOnline.org/CarriageParade.
North Pole Pass Experience
New to the Parker Christmas Carriage Parade this year-a memorable experience for children ages 2 to 10! This pre-paid unique and exclusive pass will create a day of holiday memories for kids.
Those who purchase a North Pole Pass will be able to visit the petting zoo, skate at the Parker Ice Trail at Discovery Park, learn secrets of the North Pole from one of Santa’s elves, spend time creating holiday arts and crafts, refresh with milk and cookies and, most importantly, spend time with the big guy himself! With this pass, kids will not only be able to share their Christmas wish list with Santa and Mrs. Claus but will hear a story read by Jolly Old St. Nick himself. They will also walk away with an autographed storybook (by Santa, right in front of their eyes)! Parents and guardians, there will be time for informal pictures, so make sure to bring your cameras/phones.
For more information and to pre-purchase a North Pole Pass, visit www.ParkerOnline.org/CarriageParade.
NOTE: The Town-hosted photo opportunity with Santa that was offered for a small fee in previous years will now be a part of the new North Pole Pass experience. All passes must be pre-purchased and patrons will not be able to visit with Santa at the library without this pass.