Christmas in the Park scheduled for evening of Dec. 1

MURPHY (November 28, 2022) One of Murphy’s most beloved special events, Christmas in the Park powered by Coserv, returns to City Hall on Thursday, Dec. 1. The traditional event serves to bring community residents together to welcome the Christmas season. Along with title sponsor Coserv, additional sponsorship is provided by Credit Union of Texas, Robertson Orthodontics, and Signa.

The festival’s unique mini-parade, this year bearing the theme of Winter Wonderland, opens the festivities at 5:30 p.m. The event is free to attend.

“The special evening is jam-packed with lots of fun things to do and experience, and it all starts with the parade,” says Ashley Hudson, Murphy Special Events Coordinator.

As usual, the mini-parade starts at the Fire Station and follows the sidewalk that skirts around the pond. Individual and group walkers, wagons, bicycles, golf carts, ATVs, and other small motorized or non-motorized vehicles will be on display, many with twinkling lights and other adornments, including community leaders as special guest riders. Awards for “Best In Show” and “Most Creative” will be announced at the conclusion of the parade.

The parade’s conclusion also triggers the start of the annual festival, with the lighting of the community Christmas tree. Mayor Scott Bradley will lead the countdown and flip the switch with the help of Santa Claus at about 5:45 p.m. At 6 p.m., the McMillen Dazzlers and Cheerleaders will kick off the evening’s entertainment.

In addition to the tree lighting, the event will feature free hot chocolate and a s’mores station, craft vendors, live reindeer, and each family gets one photo with Santa. A variety of food vendors including Big D Kettle Corn and The Chatter Box will sell delicious dinner items. New this year is the Snow Zone featuring artificial snow and a human snow globe.

“Creative craft vendors will be selling fun items that make perfect holiday gifts for family, friends, and loved ones,” said Hudson. Free wrapping will be offered by members of The Corridor.

Murphy firefighters will be accepting new, unwrapped toys for their annual drive to benefit the Collin County Advocacy Center. Also, attendees will have an opportunity to write Letters to Santa, Cards to Vets, and Letters to Nursing Homes. 

Pets are welcome and plentiful parking is available around City Hall and PSA Murphy.